“The ‘Sekai-no-Nihon’ reviews at some length Mr. Fukuzawa’s series of articles entitled ‘Shin Onna-Daigaku,’ which have now appeared in book form. We give in a brief form the gist of the reviewer’s remarks. Mr. Fukuzawa’s object in writing so much on the subject of women’s position in modern times is to endeavor to create a new standard for women. Hitherto the teaching of Kaibara Ekiken’s ‘Onna Daigaku’ has been accepted in all quarters. According to it woman occupies a subordinate position, and must on no account assert her independence or claim equality with man. While showing the untenableness of all such theories, Mr. Fukuzawa does not rush to an opposite extreme. He defines woman’s position in a remarkably common-sense way. He would not have women attempt to imitate men. They have their own spheres and should keep to them. When discussing the education of girls he insists on the necessity of making a special point of giving them a thorough drilling in household duties. They should have a knowledge of cooking; they should be taught how to make the most of money, how to manage servants, &c. Next to these things he attaches great importance to their being instructed in the laws of health. Among other subjects botany is to be recommended as specially suited to the female mind. He further argues that women should be taught Economy and Law. He thinks that a knowledge of these subjects will tend to develop their general intelligence, and save them from becoming the creatures of emotion. In olden times a woman carried a dagger in her girdle to be used as a last resource. In modern times a thoroughly enlightened mind will be her best protection against the dangers to which she is exposed. With the tendency to conceit which is said to be engendered by the kind of education recommended, Mr. Fukuzawa deals in his treatise, arguing that this tendency can be rendered harmless by instruction in the kind of demeanor that best becomes a woman.... Marriage according to the old methods Mr. Fukuzawa condemns, and the practice of having the father-in-law or mother-in-law living with the married couple should, he thinks, be discontinued. Marriage should be regarded in a serious light, and the duties and responsibilities it involves should be duly considered. Mothers should take pleasure in instructing their children, and should know enough to gain their respect. The whole system recommended is based on Western life and thought. This new Gospel for woman preached by a man who has spent his whole life in advocating reform, as one of his last messages to the nation, is, says the ‘Sekai-no-Nihon,’ very striking and likely to effect great good.”[126]