Searchlights on Health: The Science of EugenicsJefferis, B. G. (Benjamin Grant)
Philosophy
Searchlights on Health: The Science of Eugenics
Jefferis, B. G. (Benjamin Grant)
Eugenics; Hygiene; Marriage; Medicine, Popular; Sexual ethics
1. To have offspring is not to be regarded as a luxury, but as a
great primary necessity of health and happiness, of which every
fully-developed man and woman should have a fair share, while it
cannot be denied that the ignorance of the necessity of sexual
intercourse to the health and virtue of both man and woman is the most
fundamental error in medical and moral philosophy.
2. In a state of pure nature, where man would have his sexual
instincts under full and natural restraint, there would be little,
if any, licentiousness, and children would be the result of natural
desire, and not the accidents of lust.
3. This is an age of sensuality; unnatural passions cultivated and
indulged. Young people in the course of their engagement often sow
the seed of serious excesses. This habit of embracing, sitting on the
lover's lap, leaning on his breast, long and uninterrupted periods of
secluded companionship, have become so common that it is amazing how
a young lady can safely arrive at the wedding day. While this conduct
may safely terminate with the wedding day, yet it cultivates the
tendency which often results in excessive indulgencies after the
honey-moon is over.
4. SEPARATE BEDS.--Many writers have vigorously championed as a reform
the practice of separate beds for husband and wife. While we would not
recommend such separation, it is no doubt very much better for both
husband and wife, in case the wife is pregnant. Where people are
reasonably temperate, no such ordinary precautions as separate
sleeping places may be necessary. But in case of pregnancy it will
add rest to the mother and add vigor to the unborn child. Sleeping
together, however, is natural and cultivates true affection, and it
is physiologically true that in very cold weather life is prolonged by
husband and wife sleeping together.
5. THE AUTHORITY OF THE WIFE.--Let the wife judge whether she desires
a separate couch or not. She has the superior right to control her own
person. In such diseases as consumption, or other severe or lingering
diseases, separate beds should always be insisted upon.
6. THE TIME FOR INDULGENCE.--The health of the generative functions
depends upon exercise, just the same as any other vital organ.
Intercourse should be absolutely avoided just before or after meals,
or just after mental excitement or physical exercise. No wife should
indulge her husband when he is under the influence of alcoholic
stimulants, for idiocy and other serious maladies are liable to be
visited upon the offspring.
7. RESTRAINT DURING PREGNANCY.--There is no question but what moderate
indulgence during the first few months of pregnancy does not result
in serious harm; but people who excessively satisfy their ill-governed
passions are liable to pay a serious penalty.
8. MISCARRIAGE.--If a woman is liable to abortion or miscarriage,
absolute abstinence is the only remedy. No sexual indulgence during
pregnancy can be safely tolerated.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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