FECUNDATION. 339 



Certainly, the description we have just quoted is suffi- 

 ciently graphic, and the mechanism of the penetration of 

 spermatozoids into the uterus, if this be the action of the 

 cervix during an orgasm, seems simple enough ; but it can- 

 not explain fecundation, when it occurs, as it undoubtedly 

 may, without orgasm. In physiological literature, we find 

 numerous allusions to a suction force exerted by the uterus 

 during coitus, but this is most frequently stated as of pos- 

 sible or probable occurrence, without being sustained by any 

 positive observations. 1 Still, as early as 1846, we find a di- 

 rect observation, recorded by Litzmann, as follows : 



After quoting remarks of a similar nature, made by 

 Bond, Yallisneri, Dionis, Haller, and Giinther, Litzmann 

 states : " I myself lately had the opportunity, in an internal 

 exploration of a young and very erethistic female, of observ- 

 ing that suddenly the uterus assumed a more perpendicular 

 position, was drawn more deeply into the pelvis, the lips of 

 the os uteri immediately became separated, the os became 

 rounded, softer and accessible to the finger, and immediately 

 the highest sexual excitement was betrayed by the respira- 

 tion and voice." 2 



In considering the mechanism of the penetration of sper- 

 matozoids into the uterus, it is also necessary to take into ac- 

 count the secretions, particularly of the mucous glands at the 



1 Pouchet (Theorie positive de Vovulation spontanee et de la fecondation, Paris, 

 1847, p. 387), in treating of the question of penetration of spermatozoids in con- 

 nection with a " convulsive spasm " of the internal organs during intercourse, 

 makes the following statement : 



" According to my view, the spasm in question, by energetically contracting 

 the uterus and the tubes during intercourse, tends to diminish the capacity and 

 abolish the cavity of these organs, so that, during this action, the contained mu- 

 cus is totally expelled. But, when the spasm ceases, the uterus and the tubes 

 dilating give again to their cavity the ordinary capacity, and then, by simple hy- 

 drostatic laws, the seminal fluid discharged into the vagina is in part drawn into 

 the uterus ; it then enters its cavity in greater or less abundance, and finally ex- 

 tends into the canals which lead from it." 



2 LITZMANN, Schwangerschaft, in WAGNER, Handworterbuch der Physiologic^ 

 Braunschweig, 1846, Bd. Hi., Erste Abtheilung, S. 53. 



