The relative influence of the sexes considered, in reference to propagation, as well in man as in the lower ranks of animals.

  • Wright, John (d. 1852)
Date:
1842
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The relative influence of the sexes considered, in reference to propagation, as well in man as in the lower ranks of animals. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    to me a most formidable stumbling-block, on a point of vital importance, until reconciled with the con- struction which experience, at length, enabled me to provide. After toiling long and fruitlessly, in retirement, I resolved to depend mainly on the op- portunities which medical practice should afford, for noting the peculiarities of individual tempera- ment,— the mode and degree in which such pecu- liarities influence the sexes towards each other,— and the effects produced upon the moral and phy- sical condition of their offspring. At the same time, I undertook a series of experiments, in the breeding of cattle, pigs, fowls, and rabbits, with a view to learn how close an analogy subsists, between man and other animals, in the immediate, and ultimate, tendencies of the reproductive passion. This part of my engagement, I need hardly remark, had a special reference to the improvement of whatever breeds I should adopt: and, perhaps, I cannot con- fer a greater service on those who may, hereafter, be disposed to emulate the task, than by presenting them with a cursory outline of my procedure. The result will be seen to justify a remark addressed to me awhile ago, by a very great and good man,* that if a gentleman, turning his attention to farming * The Right Honourable Earl Spencer.