728 



OF REPRODUCTION. 



generally attained until the age of 25 years. At about the age of 50, both Male and Female 

 undergo a diminution of their stature, which continues during the latter part of life. 



b. The proportional Weight of the two sexes at different periods, corresponds pretty 

 closely with their height. Starting from birth, the predominance then exhibited by the Male 

 gradually increases during the first few years ; but towards the period of puberty, the pro- 

 portional weight of the Female increases; and at the age of 12 years, there is no difference 

 between the two sexes in this respect. The weight of the Male, however, then increases 

 much more rapidly than that of the Female, especially between the ages of 15 and 2U 

 years ; after the latter period, there is no considerable increase on the side of the Male, 

 though his maximum is not attained until the age of 40; and there is an absolute diminu- 

 tion on the part of the Female, whose weight remains less during nearly the whole period of 

 child-bearing. After the termination of the parturient period, the weight of the Female again 

 undergoes an increase, and its maximum is attained about 50. In old age, the weight of 

 both sexes undergoes a diminution in nearly the same degree. The average Weights of _the 

 Male and Female, that have attained their full development, are twenty times those of the 

 new-born Infant of the two sexes respectively. The Height, on the other hand, is about 85- 

 times as much. 



Fig. 290. 



70 13 



952. The chief differences in the Constitution of the two sexes manifest 

 themselves during the period, when the Generative function of each is in the 

 greatest vigour. Many of these distinctions have been already alluded to ; 

 but there are others of too great importance to be overlooked ; and these 

 chiefly relate to the Nervous System and its functions. There is no obvious 

 structural difference in the Nervous System of the two sexes (putting aside 

 the local peculiarities of its distribution to the organs of generation) ; save the 

 inferior size of the Cerebral Hemispheres in the Female. This difference, 

 which is not observed in other parts of the Encephalon, is readily accounted 

 for on the principles formerly stated ; when we compare the physical charac- 

 ter of Woman, with that of Man. For there can be no doubt that putting 

 aside the exceptional cases which now and then occur the intellectual pow- 

 ers of Woman are inferior to those of Man. Although her perceptive facul- 

 ties are more acute, her capability of sustained mental exertion is much less ; 

 and though her views are often peculiarly distinguished by clearness and deci- 

 sion, they are generally deficient in that comprehensiveness which is neces- 

 sary for their stability. With less of the volitional powers than Man pos- 

 sesses, she has the emotional and instinctive in a much stronger degree. The 

 emotions therefore predominate; and more frequently become the leading 



