SEX-EDUCATION 157 



have especially shown, there may be a high 

 culture of continence, and this of wide 

 applicability; despite all that may be said of 

 its limitations or its failures. 



CHAPTER VIII 



PROS AND CONS OF SEX-EDUCATION 



Tfa control of life Objections to sex-instruction In favmir 

 of sex-instruction The general character of sex instincts 

 in man Instruction by parents Instruction in school 

 Modes of instruction Cautions Education and sex. 



THE CONTROL OF LIFE. The idea of the 

 biological control of life, which had its first 

 theoretical basis in Darwinism, found epoch- 

 making illustration in the achievements of 

 Pasteur. He showed that the days of folded 

 hands and resignation are over; it is Man's 

 prerogative to use science so that he may enter 

 more and more fully into possession of his 

 kingdom. Pasteur and his successors men 

 like Lister and Koch, Bruce and Ross have 

 given object-lessons on a grand scale, illus- 

 trating the truth of Comte's great saying : 

 '' Knowledge is foresight, and foresight is 

 power." 



As a practical corollary, believing that 

 science is for the control as well as the illumina- 

 tion of life, believing that forewarned is fore- 

 armed, we give definite instruction to young 

 people in regard to health and disease, foods 

 and poisons, exercise and rest, and so on. 

 As the results are well known to be useful, the 

 question rises : Why should we not apply the 



