the most strenuous measures, is morally impossible; but whenever it exists this temperament is an idiosyncrasy, real or acquired, most frequently the latter, and is as amenable to proper treatment as any other morbid condition. We do not wish to be understood as advocating celibacy or per- petual continence — all that we have said elsewhere should exonerate us from such a suspicion — but what we insist upon is this : that the pretended dangers of continence are purely imaginary; that in the state of marriage there are periods when protracted continence is absolutely necessary, and that these periods are salutary no less for the husband than for the wife. From these propositions which, we think, are sufficiently established, there results the impor- tant conclusion that under no circumstances can valid pre- texts be devised for resorting to vicious practices, whether as regards the marriage bed or the establishment of illicit relations.
We have not thought it necessary to touch upon the effect of continence upon the female organism, because it is scarcely admitted as a question. Too many instances are within knowledge of all to render any defence of the proposition necessary, that the state of continence is positively innocuous for women. The dangers of this con- dition, so feelingly portrayed by certain medical writers, have been proven not to exist.
The influence of maternal impressions, during preg- nancy, upon the physical and mental peculiarities of chil- dren is a question which science has long held in disdain. Unable to explain the phenomenon, medical men have obstinately refused to entertain its existence. Popular prejudice, however, has accorded to it a faith and credulity impossible to destroy. For our part, we are disposed to occupy a middle-ground between the vulgar notions on the
