BIOLOGIC TEACHING OF SEX 



Toward the close of the course in special physiology, a few 

 round table discussions are held, in which the young women 

 earnestly take part, relating what they have seen in the school 

 room among young children, and how they themselves were in- 

 structed in sex, and what they consider the proper attitude of 

 lovers, married people, parents, and children. As much time as 

 possible throughout the course is given to private personal con- 

 ferences and weekly reports of readings are carefully inspected. 



Following the lessons on human development, one hour an 

 informal, social one is spent studying the copies of some of the 

 more famous masterpieces which express the mother idea in 

 art. We call this "Madonna Day." I mention it only to show 

 that all the weight of good science, good sense, and good 

 art as well as personal influence, is thrown on the side of the 

 Tightness and duty of marriage and parenthood. The fear lest 

 such a course turn our young women away from marriage is 

 probably wholly unfounded. Its direct teaching would, I believe, 

 do exactly the opposite. 



It is almost too early to speak of the specific results of the 

 course since it has been given only three years, and only 250 

 women have had its teaching. Perhaps the increase in the size 

 of the class from year to year indicates the need that is felt 

 for such work, and the way in which the course has been re- 

 ceived. The first year 52 reported for credit and 23 as regular 

 visitors ; the second year 72 asked for credit ; and last year three 

 section were formed for the 127 who enrolled regularly. The 

 average age of the class members is 23*/2 years. Most of the 

 young women have gone out to teach. A few have married. 

 Many write me of what they are doing to instruct mothers and 

 children. Some have established parents' meetings, and all from 

 whom I have recently heard some 100 say that they are still 

 glad of their training in sex physiology, and are finding constant 

 use for it in the school and society, and have profited by it in the 

 practice of better personal hygiene and saner social relations. 

 They claim they are better guardians of children than they 

 would otherwise be. It seems incontrovertable that a wide- 

 spread understanding of biologic laws must be instrumental in 

 the removal of many of the causes which produce infant mortal- 

 ity, and that it is bound to create a more healthful attitude toward 

 marriage and parenthood, which means a deeper civic sense, a 

 wider world consciousness, and a truer race pride in a word, 

 healthier, happier children. 



