PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS 121 



either in the organs of internal secretion or in the general Sex-differ- 

 metabolism. It appears to me, however, that to dispute organs^ 

 quantitative differences is to risk a reputation for logical internal 



71 . . secretion. 



inference ; while to deny the possibility of qualitative 

 differences is merely an indication of ignorance of actual 

 facts, for differences have already been demonstrated in 

 regard to the structural appearances associated with 

 pregnancy — an essentially feminine function. It is, of 

 course, reasonable to suppose that the qualitative and 

 quantitative differences will vary in degree according to 

 the proportions of dominant or recessive femininity. 



The instability of metabolism, actual or latent, which instability of 



, . , . , • i * . . .i metabolism 



is seen m women, is obviously the causal factor m the i n wom en. 

 frequency with which they suffer from disorders of the 

 hormonopoietic organs most concerned — the thyroid and 

 the ovaries. We may look upon the pituitary, suprarenal 

 cortex and pineal body in women as more or less recessive 

 in function, except during pregnancy when large quanti- 

 ties of calcium salts are required for the foetus. This 

 special masculine function of calcium retention is 

 demanded at that time in the interests of the foetus 

 rather than in those of the mother herself. 



We have, then, in the organs of internal secretion 

 structures in which quantitative and qualitative changes 

 influence metabolism towards masculinity or femininity 

 as the case may be. In this connexion it is interesting 

 and instructive to note that changes similar to those 

 mentioned as occurring in the pituitary and suprarenals 

 in pregnancy, which produce calcium retention for the 

 benefit of the foetus without producing masculinity in the 

 mother, may in the non-pregnant woman produce 

 masculinity in her ; and, included in secondary char- 

 acteristics of masculinity so produced is a metamorphosis 

 towards masculinity in the mental processes, as we shall 

 see later. 



There can, therefore, be no doubt that there is a sex- 

 psychology, which is related to the dominant physical 

 characteristics and functions of the individual ; and it 

 only remains for us to consider the traits of mind which, 



