DEVELOPMENT OF THE EMBRYO. 



1017 



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 



Fig. 278. 



3 70 7J 20 Z5 30 JO 50 6'0 10 



Diagram representing the Comparative Heights and Weights of the Male and Female at different Ages. 



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

 times those of the new-born Infants of the two sexes respectively. The Heights, on the 

 other hand, are about 3^ times as great. 



1020. 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 vigor. 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 pecu- 

 liarities 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 prin- 

 ciples formerly stated ( 782, 783), when we compare the psychical character 

 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 powers of Woman 

 are inferior to those of Man. Although her perceptive faculties are more acute, 

 her capability of sustained mental exertion is much less ; and though her views 

 are often peculiarly distinguished by clearness and decision, they are generally 

 deficient in that comprehensiveness which is necessary for their stability. With 

 less of the volitional powers than Man possesses, she has the emotional and 

 instinctive in a much stronger degree. The emotions, therefore, predominate; 

 and more frequently become the leading springs of action, than they are in Man. 

 By their direct influence upon the bodily frame, they produce changes in the 

 organic functions, which far surpass in degree anything of the same kind that 

 we ordinarily witness in Man; and they thus not unfrequently occasion 

 symptoms of an anomalous kind, which are very perplexing to the Medical 

 practitioner, though very interesting to the Physiological observer. But they 

 also act as powerful motives to the Will; and, when strongly called forth, pro- 

 duce a degree of vigor and determination, which is very surprising to those who 



