Maturity. 183 



growth and sex development may go on together, 

 the body becoming stronger and richer in all power 

 because of the stimulus it gets from the developing 

 generative centres. 



To produce the best results to the forming body 

 this mighty creative force must not be allowed 

 individual expression. Its power must be ex- 

 pended in the general work of strengthening and 

 building up desirable tissue. The time has not 

 come for an expression of its own peculiar power. 

 While growth continues, its work is preparatory, it 

 assists in forming first a fine body, and later, when 

 this important end has been achieved, may perform 

 its own special function to the advantage of future 

 generations. 



If the vitality be drawn away from bone and 

 muscle by too early exercise of the reproductive 

 power, the loss can never be made good. The 

 creature will fail to attain the proper size and will 

 also fail in vigor and power. 



Parentage is the dowry of the perfect adult 

 life, and its existence in the undeveloped creature 

 entails loss of vigor and all kinds of power, not 

 only upon the parent, but also upon the offspring. 



There is not enough power to allow of bodily 

 development and great reproductive use at the 

 same time. One must exist at the expense of the 

 other. After the body gets its perfect growth, 

 there is time enough left for the exercise of that 

 other important function of life. 



