OF NATURAL HISTORY. 2% 



In eunuchs, no fuch alteration of voice is to be obferved ; for their 

 voice, though fhrill and piercing, can never produce a low or deep 

 note. At this period, too, that diftinguilhing charaderiftic of man, 

 the beard, begins to appear, together with other external and inter- 

 nal changes, wrhich it is unneceflary to relate. But eunuchs are to- 

 tally deftitute of beards. Thefe two fa£ts indicate a connexion 

 which merits the attention of philofophers. 



With regard to the female fex, they are by no means exempted 

 from conftitutional changes when they arrive at the age of puberty. 

 The alteration in the tone of their voice, if it does happen, is hard- 

 ly perceptible. Neither are their faces deformed by a beaid, which, 

 according to our prefent ideas, would have a dlfgufting efTed. Ac 

 this period, however, their mammae fwell, and a periodical evacua- 

 tion takes place, which produces wonderful revolutions in their con- 

 ftitution and affedions. In both fexes, the mental changes are not 

 lefs remarkable than the corporeal. The powers of the mind expand, 

 the force of genius is felt, and very different objeds folicit attention: 

 Inftead of puerile amufements, ambition, a warm and unaffeded 

 friendlhip, a generofity and unfufpicious demeanour, both in words 

 and adions, are the almoft univerfal charaderiflics of this period of 

 human life. I mention it with pleafure, that, as far as my obferva- 

 tion extends, in youth, unlefs they are corrupted by example, by 

 negled, or by other caufes, all men are honeft, friendly, generous, 

 and humane. If this remark be true. Nature is fully exculpated. 

 But, when a young man enters into the bufinefs of life, his candour 

 and ingenuoufnefs foon meet with a fhock. This is the painful re- 

 verfe. Inftead of liberality and integrity of condud, he has to en- 

 counter with felfifhnefs, chicane, and too often with dired villany. 

 This unhappy difcovery turns his thoughts into a different current, 

 contrads the noble opennefs of his heart, renders him fufpicious and 

 guarded, and, if he fhall chance to retain his integrity, he is obliged 

 t Li to 



