Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-08-05
Concernind Books.


These two volumes which have been
added to the State and Lithgow libra
ries are of unusual scientific interest,
and show the authors deep and wide
research-the logical result Of ply
sician's Investigations beyond the
realm of materia medica and physical
effects, into the great moving principles
of life which are not only formative,
but which dominate and determine the
progress of the individual and the race.
In Sex Equality, DR.. Densmore shows
through methods of study, familiarity
with the works Of the worlds greatest
thinkers and scientists. Enthusiastically
revealing his own keen powers of OBJ
servation, generalization, and phllo-
sophie conclusion. This book is not
written in obscure, technical language
but presents strictly scientific premises
in popular form to the general reader
THE aim of the work" says the pre-
face, "is to investigate from the stand
point of science, woman's true place in
nature as compared with mans; to
point out those traits and character
istics in which men are superior, and
again those in which women are supe-
rior, and to trace the causes of these
differences" The central thought OF
the book is the affirmation that it is
Glass distinctions, inequalities of hui
man birth, unfavorable conditions TO"
development, restricted freedom, un-
fair requirements, are considered in re-
lation to the general progressive ten
denotes of nature, and the duty of the
individual to bring about conditions
which will soonest actualize equality.
is strongly urged. The subjects OF
structural variation due to habits and
environment, heredity, modification.
of characteristics, trans
mission of individual traits, primary
causes, permanent variations, and their
influence in sex differentiation are
ably discussed, as are the relative
theories of Darwin Weismann. Geddes.
Herting, Ward and the foremost natur-
alists of the times; and DR.. Densmore
seems to demonstrate irrefutably that
conditions and environment cause and
control variations and development"
ferences, masculine and feminine are
the result of environment and heredity,
and are not constitutional, fundamental
differences between male and female.
That the so-called masculine and fem-
nine traits are simply human traits,
and that through
increased progression and
necessary favorable influences both
sexes will be correspondingly elevated
and refined, each evolving better physi-
cal and mental powers. greater even
ness of ability, which shall lead to the
higher liberty, usefulness and happi-
ness of each. There is no superiority
of sex! Man and woman are equal;
they must rise! Each are
equal factors in the evolution of the
present civilization, and only by a truer
liberation, by a broader justice to each
will the future evolve better proper
tons and the world be transformed
scales of eternal justice hang even so
is sex equality an all-pervading law
inherent in humanity and a sublime
truth which the enlightened mind is
destined to attain. This book is a very
contribution to subject
which the ablest minds of nations are
1t is impossible to give in
this brief review anything like an ade-
quate idea Of the scope of Sex Equality
or the books breadth of interest. EN-
bryonic conditions, secondary charac-
ter, physical and social evolution are
justly estimated concerning their gen.
eral effect upon the habits and attain
ments of the race. THE inequalities
from which women suffer constitute no
argument in favor of the assumption
that such inequalities are natural or
Unaffected tribute is
payed to womans' genius, and her flu
from equal relation
ship to mans in her own development
and influential effect in the great work
Of the worlds philosophically for
seen and prophetically affirmed.
The Arcana of Nature (Tuttle) is a
most remarkable example of psyche
logic condition seldom manifested.
greatly misunderstood but of exceed
ing value
DIR. Densmore has ably edited this
reprint. by series of essays upon the
greatest psychologists of history, Baron
Swedenborg, DrAndrew Jackson Davis,
Hudson Tuttle. Cora Richmond, and w.
J. Colville. He presents facts that are
indisputable, but which too long have
been Swept aside NV hipofry nraina;oa