“1. That in the last four years there are more cases of syphilis.
“2. That, in consequence of the increased facilities for communication, the disease has spread to the small towns and villages.
“3. That it has been introduced more frequently into private families.
“4. That the character of the disease is more obstinate, thereby operating severely on the constitution and on future generations.
“5. That, since the abolition of the toleration system, unnatural crimes have been much more frequently met with.”
As to the influence on public morals, he contends that the abolition has produced the most injurious consequences, particularly alluding to the desecration of matrimony. He says:
“It is common for persons of vicious habits to arrange a marriage, for the purpose of enabling them to avoid the police interference. This marriage bond is broken when convenient, and other marriages are formed: sometimes two couples will mutually exchange, and go through the ceremony.”
He also made inquiries as to illegitimacy, and publishes some voluminous tables on the subject. From them we condense a
Comparative Statement Of The Legitimate And Illegitimate Births
In Berlin From January 1, 1838, To March 31, 1849.
| Years. | Births. | Ratio of illegitimate to legitimate Births. | ||
| Legitimate. | Illegitimate. | Total. | ||
| 1838 | 8,587 | 1196 | 9,783 | 1 in 7·2 |
| 1839 | 7,820 | 1412 | 9,232 | 1 in 5·5 |
| 1840 | 9,019 | 1487 | 10,506 | 1 in 6· |
| 1841 | 9,024 | 1557 | 10,581 | 1 in 5·7 |
| 1842 | 10,269 | 1928 | 12,177 | 1 in 5·3 |
| 1843 | 10,370 | 1969 | 12,339 | 1 in 5·2 |
| 1844 | 10,958 | 2000 | 12,958 | 1 in 5·4 |
| 1845 | 11,402 | 2138 | 13,540 | 1 in 5·3 |
| 1846 | 11,717 | 2140 | 13,857 | 1 in 5·4 |
| 1847 | 11,294 | 2204 | 13,498 | 1 in 5·1 |
| 1848 | 12,113 | 2303 | 14,416 | 1 in 5·2 |
| 3 mos. of 1849 | 3,278 | 646 | 3,921 | 1 in 5·1 |