The Children’s Reading Olcott Fingerposts to Children’s Reading Field How to Tell Stories to Children Bryant How to Teach Reading Clark Special Method in Primary Reading McMurray Special Method in the English Classics McMurray Books and Libraries Lowell Books and Culture Mabie Biblical Masterpieces Moulton Readings in Folklore Skinner History and Literature Rice Childhood in Literature and Art Scudder Little Folks’ Lyrics Sherman Counsel upon the Reading of Books Van Dyke Kindergarten Stories and Morning Talks Wiltse CHAPTER XV AGENCIES FOR SEX-INSTRUCTION The importance of educating the young in the physiology and hygiene of sex is no longer doubted. The widespread ignorance and misinformation among boys concerning the human sexual function is proof of the necessity of substituting therefor normal, accurate knowledge which will conduce to hygienic and eugenic betterment. However much one may close his eyes to the fact, it is nevertheless true that many children acquire distorted information about matters of sex at a very early age--much earlier than the average parent ever suspects. Among boys, misinformation on sex matters is the rule and correct information the exception. The necessity for scientific knowledge on the subject is based on (1) the preservation of individual sex health, (2) the improvement of the progeny; (3) the relief of boys from the mental disquietude caused by certain normal manifestations of adolescence; (4) his rescue from the clutches of quack “medical specialists”; (5) the suppression or control of venereal diseases; (6) the abatement of false modesty which prevents sane discussion among adults of a question so important to humanity, to pave the way for sex-education backed by an enlightened and coöperating public opinion, without which a general dissemination of knowledge covering the dangers to health and morals resulting from wrong sex habits is impossible. There is an ever-present disposition to ring down the curtain of taboo on the discussion of sex. A subject which so vitally affects the health and morals of both the individual and the community should warrant such discreet discussion and thoughtful consideration as will best conserve these vital fundamentals of life. The former antipathy to any reference to the subject is now being slowly superseded by a nobler and purer sentiment which invites the formation of plans and methods designed to obviate the grave physical and moral dangers attendant on ignorance and misinformation. A healthier public opinion and enlightened conscience will clear the way for the instruction not only of the young but of adults concerning the sacred processes of human reproduction.