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to observe that it is the duty of every lecturer on physiology, on obstetric and on legal medicine, to describe it according to the ancient and modern conclusions; because it materially influences population, morals, public health, disease, mortality; as well as personal reputatation, property, legitimacy, and even life, together with a vast number of other questions, hereafter enumerated.

The illustrious and indefatigable Haller propounded the axiom before describing the physiology of generation:- "There are no secrets in physiology;" and our immortal Harvey and Hunters, and all their eminent successors, were of the same opinion.

Moral and legal authors in all ages adopted it. On a recent and memorable occasion, that astute and enlightened judge, Lord Denman, declared, in his judicial capacity, that the subject was most important when described and expounded by medical authority. This is also the opinion of every rational individual, who has arrived at the adult age, unless the mock-modest and pharasaical.

These facts are mentioned, to reconcile the prudish and the ignorant to the consideration of a subject, highly conducive to the preservation of the health of parents and offspring, to the improvement of morals and population, and to the correction of numerous evils inflicted on society in all countries. Whether the author has succeeded in the task he has undertaken, after several years' research and study, remains for the public to determine; but of this he is convinced, that his motives and endeavours are well intended, and solely guided by the mens conscia recti.

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