PREFACE 



THE author of this work offers no apology for 

 presenting it to the reading public, since the 

 wide prevalence of the evils which it exposes 

 is sufficient warrant for its publication. The subjects 

 with which it deals are of vital consequence to the 

 human race; and it is of the utmost importance that 

 every effort should be made to dispel the gross igno- 

 rance which almost universally prevails, by the wide 

 diffusion, in a proper manner, of information of the 

 character contained in this volume. 



This book has been written, not for parents only, 

 nor for any single class of persons, but for all who 

 are capable of understanding and appreciating it. The 

 prime object in calling attention to the increasing 

 prevalence of sexual excesses of ail kinds, and the ter- 

 rible results which inevitably follow the violation of 

 sexual law, is to protect the innocent, enlighten the 

 ignorant, and hold up a high standard for clean and 

 wholesome living. 



In order to make more clear and comprehensible the 

 teachings of nature respecting the laws regulating the 

 sexual function, and the evils resulting from their vio- 

 lation, it has seemed necessary to preface the practical 

 part of the subject by a concise description of the anat- 

 omy and physiology of reproduction. In this portion 

 of the work, especial pains has been taken to avoid 

 anything like indelicacy of expression, yet it has not 

 been deemed advisable to sacrifice perspicuity of ideas 

 to prudish notions of modesty. It is hoped that the 

 reader will bear in mind that the language of science 



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