It is but recent that the father of a very large family, consulted the Editor on this subject, and in the course of conversation, he stated that he had read Mr. Owen’s book, and had endeavoured to adopt the course recommended by him, but found himself totally unable. Several others have mentioned the same fact. The Author tells us that the practice is attended with but trifling diminution of physical enjoyment; but however trifling it may be to some, it is not so to all, for however great their sense of duty, or however weighty the risk of incurring sacred responsibilities, they are unable to exercise the necessary restraint. It is a commendable virtue in those who have the ability to practice it, but for such as cannot or will not, and such as are regardless of consequences, it is of the utmost moment to the mother that the power of control should be placed in the right hands. How frequently do we hear the mothers say, I have all the family I want, and am determined to have no more children if I can prevent it; but alas: she has not the power, when the partner of her bosom loses the self-control of his passions. She who bears the burden and suffers the affliction, should be able to protect herself and the fault is her own if she does not. Mr. Owen was aware of the strong objection which would be urged against the practicability of the preventive recommended by him, for in speaking of it, he remarks, that it places the power in the hands of the man, and not in those of the woman—she who is the sufferer is not secured against the culpable carelessness, or perhaps the deliberate selfishness of him, who goes free and unblamed whatever may happen. To obviate this defect, spoken of by the Author, and to provide a remedy for the suffering mother by placing it in her own hands, is the object of the Editor of the present edition of Mr. Owen’s work. The science of medicine and surgery is indebted to galvanism for some of its most important remedial agents. Physiological facts of great utility to the medical profession, have through its agency been demonstrated, and physicians have been enabled to turn the electrical influence to many useful purposes, in the treatment of diseases, and in furnishing a remedy for functional derangements. It is capable of exercising a powerful influence over the nervous system, and in the hands of the physician, is a most potent remedy. The discovery which has enabled us to obtain such control over uterine action or seminal influence, as to prevent conception,[28] was effected through its aid.