528 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



child. Here is the key to the origin of much of the 

 sexual precocitj^ and depravity which curse humanity. 

 Sensuality is born in the souls of a large share of the 

 rising generation. "\\'liat wonder that prostitution 

 flourishes in spite of Christianity and civil law? 



It is scarcely necessary to say that all medical 

 testimony concurs in forbidding indulgence during ges- 

 tation. The same reasons require its interdiction 

 during the nursing period. The fact that fecundation 

 would be impossible during pregnancy, and that during 

 this period the female, normally, has no sexual desire, 

 are other powerful arguments in favor of perfect con- 

 tinence at this time. 



We quote the following from a work on health by 

 Dr. J. R. Black: 



^^ Coition during pregnancy is one of the ways in 

 which the predisposition is laid for that terrible dis- 

 ease in children, epilepsy. The natural excitement of 

 the nervous system in the mother by such a cause 

 cannot operate otherwise than by inflicting injury upon 

 the tender germ in the womb. This germ, it must be 

 remembered, derives every quality it possesses from 

 the parents, as well as every particle of matter of 

 which it is composed. The old notion of anything like 

 spontaneity in the development of the qualities of a 

 new being, is at variance with all the latest facts and 

 inductions concerning reproduction. And so is that 

 of a creative fiat. The smallest organic cell, as well 

 as the most complicated organism, in form and qual- 

 ity, is wholly dependent upon the laws of derivation. 



''These laws are competent to explain, however 

 subtle the ultimate process may be, the great diversi- 

 ties of human organization and character. Impres- 

 sions from without, the emotions, conduct, and play of 



