The Relations of the Sexes (Duffey)

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," says Hosea, in prophetic language; for to this day the generations of the world are perishing for lack of knowledge. The world is only just beginning to realize that the sins of ignorance are punished with equal severity with those of knowledge and intent. In most matters which pertain to human life it is now commendable to seek for knowledge, and the anxious inquirer after truth is regarded with respect and deference. But, in matters pertaining to the most important instincts of human life,-the sexual instincts, with their functions,—ignorance has long been regarded as innocence, and lack of interest for purity of character.

The writer of this book disputes these points. She seeks to show how an enlightened understanding is alone able to cope with problems which our complicated social systems force upon us. She begins at the very foundation of her subject, and treats of the natural law of sex. She next takes up the various forms and phases of social life, dating back from earliest history, and traces them down to the present; noting the various evidences of growth of man's moral nature, and the consequent improvement of these social systems.

She deals separately and unsparingly with polygamy and free love, pointing out the falseness of the foundations upon which they rest. She then attacks prostitution, treating of its history and evils, its causes and its remedies. This subject is elaborated not only from a high moral standpoint, but also from a scientific and a practical one; it being shown why all efforts to suppress the evil in the past have been failures, and in what manner alone success may be attained.

The subject of marriage is next handled in a plain yet delicate manner, and truths are told which have never before found their way into any book. Husbands and wives cannot read this book without obtaining higher ideas of the institution of marriage, and of the sacredness of their duties and obligations in it.

The last chapter is addressed not only to parents, but to those to whom parenthood is yet a thing of the future; showing how all are bound to make the most and best of their own lives, with especial reference to the traits which they are certain to bequeath to their children.

The volume is a novelty in literature, being a work on the relations of the sexes in all their phases, both beneficial and harmful, written from the standpoint of a thoughtful, earnest woman, whose single idea has been to benefit humanity.