THE LAW OF HUMAN INCREASE. 41 



Malthus and Doubleday published their works, that is, the principles 

 of the science in many of their most practical applications. In fact, it 

 may safely be said that some of these principles, as far as their appli- 

 cation is concerned, are still in their infancy. One of the most inter- 

 esting and important of these applications will be found, we believe, 

 in establishing a general law of human increase. 



After many years of study, observation, and reflection, we have been 

 led to believe that there is such a law, and propose to submit some of 

 the facts and arguments upon which this belief is based. As the sub- 

 ject is so vast and complicated, a large volume would be required to 

 discuss it properly ; we can present here only a few points or heads of 

 topics, by way of argument and illustration. In order to present a 

 clear and connected view in a short paper, few quotations or refer- 

 ences will be given. 



What, then, is the briefest definition that can be given of this 

 law ? It consists in the 'perfectionism of structure and harmony of 

 function/ or, in other words, that every organ in the body should 

 be perfect in its structure, and that each should perform its legitimate 

 function in harmony with all others. Though this perfect physical 

 organization is nowhere to be found in nature, we can readily con- 

 ceive of such a standard, and that there may be all manner of approxi- 

 mations toward it. The nearer this standard is reached, the more 

 completely the law of propagation will be carried out. Such a basis 

 harmonizes with the great fundamental or general laws of Nature, as 

 we find that they are all based upon the highest or most perfect devel- 

 opment of her works. Any other basis or lower standard would reflect 

 upon the Creator of all things, and interfere with the harmony and 

 order which exist in Nature's operations. Thus, in reference to every 

 organ in the human body, there is such a thing as a normal, perfect 

 structure, and, wherever this exists, they constitute a perfect model or 

 standard for the whole system. All diseases interfere at once with 

 the operations of this law, especially those that are considered heredi- 

 tary. This class of diseases changes with each generation, and some- 

 times becomes so intensified that they impair the vitality and strength 

 of the system to such an extent as to prevent propagation. There is 

 a class of diseases or weaknesses, described under the head of " ste- 

 rility," " barrenness," and " impotence," from which strong evidence 

 may be deduced in proof of a general law of increase. 



There is a law in physiology, favorable to this theory, described by 

 Dr. Carpenter thus : " There is a certain antagonism between the 

 nutritive and reproductive functions, the one being exercised at the 

 expense of the other. The reproductive apparatus derives the mate- 

 rials of its operations through the nutritive system and its functions. 

 If, therefore, it is in a state of excessive activity, it will necessarily 

 draw off from the individual fabric some portion of aliment destined 

 for its maintenance. It may be universally observed that, when the 



