If we are not in a position to control the processes of Nature, we can nevertheless exercise over them a more or less effective influence, so as to obtain such results as are possible.
Whatsoever the question may be that we propose to discuss, it is sometimes very difficult to reach any answer. And yet, when experience and diligence have helped us over the difficulties, we succeed at last in reaching the answer desired. The difficulties assume much less formidable shapes when an individual is satisfied with shaking his head and regarding the whole affair with mistrust. In that way the inexperienced and lazy are at once able to launch their views without further trouble. They believe or they disbelieve; and they like to have their say. Any one can in this way easily win himself a place amongst those who have written on a topic. The man who desires to obtain a lasting place takes on his shoulders heavier responsibilities.
This book contains but a portion of the vast and wide-reaching literature dealing with the subject in hand. That literature extends back to the date of man’s earliest intellectual labors. The observations that have been recorded by others are here followed by methods of investigation, and by considerations which may serve to elucidate the facts. In conclusion, a section has been dedicated to the methods which I recommend for the artificial influencing of sex. Some particular experiments are subjoined.
May my little book, then, go out into the world and make known my views, which are founded exclusively upon facts.
[CHAPTER I]
In sexually differentiated individuals, the difference of sex is already apparent in the embryonal state of existence, not only in the exterior form, but also in the interior cellular rudiments which subsequently form the genital organs. In both, the earliest forms are of such a nature that, up to a certain period, it is impossible for investigations conducted with the means at present at our disposal to discover any distinction. Soon, however, after this, in such organisms as have a distinction of sex, elementary male and female forms of the organs of reproduction can be recognized developing themselves in the embryo out of the substratum of formative elements. Some of these remain in a rudimentary condition; others attain to complete development.
These processes take place at a relatively early period. They do not seem to make their first appearance, as phenomena of vitality, in the course of the life-development of the cells of the ovum. But it is not improbable that, from the very outset, the ovule has a capacity to transfer (during the process of segmentation) to a corresponding cell-substance (out of which the generative organs will be subsequently developed) the force contained in the ovule, so that the cell-substance may afterwards take up the office of providing for the preservation of the species. The cells of the ovum derive this power from the protoplasma of the ovum, and retain it in a rudimentary form for one sex, whilst for the other they possess it in full measure. This energy is contained in the ovule itself in an unknown condition. In it lies the basis of the formation and development of the future sex. In close connection with this property of the ovule, lies another faculty, included in the ovule, namely, that the other different elements proceeding from the cell-body of the ovum, starting from the protoplasma of the ovum, are endowed with certain vital peculiarities, according as they belong to the future male, or female, organisms.