Owen's Moral Physiology; or, A Brief and Plain Treatise on the Population Question

by Robert Dale Owen

However various and contradictory the different theories of generation, almost all physiologists are agreed, that the entrance of the sperm itself (or of some volatile particles proceeding from it) into the uterus, must precede conception. This it was that probably first suggested the possibility of preventing conception at will.

The Author informs us, that among the modes of preventing conception which may have prevailed in various countries, that which has been adopted and practiced by the cultivated classes, on the continent of Europe, by the French, the Italians, and to some extent by the Spaniards and Germans, consists in a complete withdrawal, on the part of the man, immediately previous to emission. This is undoubtedly effectual where it can be done, but as our author remarks, that he can readily imagine, that there are men who, in part from temperament, but much more from their continued habits of unrestrained indulgence, may have so little command over their passions as to find difficulty in practising it, and some there may be who will declare it to be impossible. If there be any to whom it is impossible, Mr. Owen tells us, that he is convinced that the number is exceedingly small. In this, however, the Editor thinks the Author is in error.

Numerous facts have come to the Editor’s knowledge which have demonstrated the impracticability of this check, and have convinced him that the number who are physically incapable of profiting by the Author’s recommendation, is much greater than he imagined. It is not unusual to see men, in a fit of anger, lose all self-control. Why, then, should we suppose them capable at all times of exercising restraint over the strongest passion of our nature? Mankind are endued with different degrees of passion. Some never loose that perfect command of their feelings which enables them to profit by the Author’s suggestions, while others differently constituted cannot practice the same forbearance.

The Editor knows many affectionate husbands and kind fathers who would most gladly practice the check before mentioned had they the ability to do it.

It is but recent that the father of a very large family, consulted the Editor on this subject, and in the course of conversation, he stated that he had read Mr. Owen’s book, and had endeavoured to adopt the course recommended by him, but found himself totally unable. Several others have mentioned the same fact. The Author tells us that the practice is attended with but trifling diminution of physical enjoyment; but however trifling it may be to some, it is not so to all, for however great their sense of duty, or however weighty the risk of incurring sacred responsibilities, they are unable to exercise the necessary restraint.

It is a commendable virtue in those who have the ability to practice it, but for such as cannot or will not, and such as are regardless of consequences, it is of the utmost moment to the mother that the power of control should be placed in the right hands. How frequently do we hear the mothers say, I have all the family I want, and am determined to have no more children if I can prevent it; but alas: she has not the power, when the partner of her bosom loses the self-control of his passions. She who bears the burden and suffers the affliction, should be able to protect herself and the fault is her own if she does not.

Mr. Owen was aware of the strong objection which would be urged against the practicability of the preventive recommended by him, for in speaking of it, he remarks, that it places the power in the hands of the man, and not in those of the woman—she who is the sufferer is not secured against the culpable carelessness, or perhaps the deliberate selfishness of him, who goes free and unblamed whatever may happen.

To obviate this defect, spoken of by the Author, and to provide a remedy for the suffering mother by placing it in her own hands, is the object of the Editor of the present edition of Mr. Owen’s work. The science of medicine and surgery is indebted to galvanism for some of its most important remedial agents. Physiological facts of great utility to the medical profession, have through its agency been demonstrated, and physicians have been enabled to turn the electrical influence to many useful purposes, in the treatment of diseases, and in furnishing a remedy for functional derangements. It is capable of exercising a powerful influence over the nervous system, and in the hands of the physician, is a most potent remedy.

The discovery which has enabled us to obtain such control over uterine action or seminal influence, as to prevent conception,[^[28]] was effected through its aid.

In the present state of society, a great number of persons are compelled to make an appearance and to live in a style, which consumes all their incomes, leaving nothing, or next to nothing, as a provision for their children. To such persons a great number of children, is a never failing source of discomfort and apprehension; of a state of bodily, mental, and pecuniary vexation and suffering, from which there is no escape. This state of things pervades, to a very great extent, that respectable class of society called genteel. To those whose incomes depend on some particular exertion, which cannot be remitted, these distressing circumstances are, from various causes, greatly increased. To those who constitute the great mass of the community, whose daily bread is alone procured by daily labour, a large family is almost always the cause of ruin, both of parents and children: reducing the parents to cheerless, hopeless, and irremediable poverty; depriving the children of those physical, moral, and mental helps which are necessary to enable them to live in comfort, and turning them out at an early age to prey upon the world, or to become the world’s prey.