Human Physiology. 



She has only to signify her wish to have it perfectly respected 

 by the most powerful and savage of beasts. Among the more 

 natural and instinctive races of men, also, this great law of 

 nature is respected ; and it is only among very artificial or per- 

 verted races that sexual union takes place during pregnancy, when 

 every atom of the strength of the mother is needed for her 

 child, or during lactation, when she needs all her force for its 

 proper nourishment, and not for mere sensual gratification with- 

 out regard to the natural uses of the generative function. In 

 this respect, also, man differs from, and some races of men at 

 least, have fallen far below the standard of healthy and in- 

 stinctive animal life. 



It is probably true that domestic animals, and animals kept 

 in confinement, and in unnatural conditions as to food and 

 exercise, may in some cases suffer from some degree of disorder 

 or perversion of this function, but the law is as above stated. 



It follows that sexual union can only normally take place at 

 the period when conception is possible. In the human species 

 germs are matured in the ovaries of the female every month, 

 and thrown off at the menstrual period. As a rule, conception 

 may take place from sexual union from six days before the 

 beginning, to ten days after the cessation of the menstrual eva- 

 cuation. During pregnancy and lactation, the production of 

 germs, and the corresponding evacuation, are suspended ; or 

 occur unnaturally, and in consequence of some hurtful excite- 

 ment. During these periods no woman is naturally fit for 

 amative excitement or indulgence, and, for her own sake and 

 the sake of her child, should never be subjected to it; and 

 every man who truly loves his wife and his children, will most 

 carefully protect them from the excitement, nervous exhaustion, 

 and serious injury which come from such useless and merely 

 sensual intercourse. It often causes abortion and miscarriage. 

 It stamps sensuality upon the nature of the child. It is a 

 drain upon the life of father, mother, and child. A large 



