which make a direct attack upon licentiousness, and cut away another cause of prostitution. Again, the abolition of unjust laws and the establishment of _moral_ legislation form another series of effort, and a vital attack upon the roots of prostitution. Always remember that the laws of a country possess a really terrible responsibility through the way in which they influence the rising generation. Inequality between the sexes in the law of divorce, tolerance of seduction of minors, the attempt to check sexual disease by the inspection of vicious women, whilst equally vicious men are untouched--all these striking examples of the unjust and immoral attitude of legislation will serve to show how law may become a powerful agent in producing prostitution through its direct attitude towards licentiousness. Now, every encouragement afforded by those engaged in rescue work to fundamental efforts to check licentiousness, either through subscription of money, through expressed sympathy, or through active work, is also aid to rescue work, because such fundamental efforts attack the causes of prostitution. Having thus stated distinctly the aspect under which rescue work must always be regarded--as a precious outgrowth of Christian charity, but not as a fundamental reform--I will speak more fully on those points upon which my opinion has been particularly asked for--viz., the question of venereal disease as affecting individuals and posterity, and the effect of late legislation on prostitution. This subject of venereal disease is a very painful one to the non-professional mind, and I would not bring it before an ordinary audience. But this is an assembly of experienced women dealing directly with the vicious classes of society. I think such persons are bound to inform themselves on this subject. It is needed to their effective work, and I consider it an honourable duty to furnish what necessary medical knowledge I can. Venereal diseases, syphilis, gonorrhœa, are all names distinctively used for the diseases of vice, which exist in various forms. All forms of these diseases are injurious to the health of the diseased individuals. All forms also are injurious to the health of the partner in sexual intercourse. But only one form of such disease is transmissible to offspring. I shall not enter upon the question of the extent to which these diseases endanger the health of the community. My long public and private medical observation leads me entirely to concur in the opinion of Sir John Simon (formerly Medical Officer of the Privy Council), as to the exaggerated statements that have been made respecting the extent of these diseases. I fully recognise, however, the very grave character of venereal disease, and as a hygienist I consider that _any_ danger from such a cause should be checked.