University of Virginia Library

PREFACE TO NEW EDITION.

SINCE the preceding paragraphs were written, nearly one hundred thousand copies of this work have been placed in the hands of interested readers in various parts of the United States. One large edition has followed another with such rapidity that the copper plates from which it was printed have become considerably worn, and for some time both author and publisher have been anxious to put the work in a more satisfactory form. Within the last few months, the author has been enabled to carefully revise the book, and make it ready for the new edition. All who have been previously acquainted with the work, will recognize a very great improvement over previous editions. The book has been entirely reset in beautiful, clear, and legible type; the page has been increased in size; the somewhat antiquated border has been dispensed with; many portions have been rewritten, and a large amount of new matter added, including not only additions to nearly every subject treated, but several entirely new chapters, which it is believed will greatly enhance the value of the work.

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Both the author and the publisher desire to express to the great reading public their sincere thanks for the generous support which has been accorded their efforts in behalf of popular education upon a subject so universally ignored and tabooed. The wall of prejudice, which in the early years of the introduction of the work, threatened to present a serious obstacle to its usefulness, has been gradually broken down, and there is evidence among the more intelligent class of people of an increasing sentiment favoring the frank and open consideration of the subjects presented in this work.

The author also desires to express his thanks, and his feeling of deep obligation to the hundreds of clergymen, physicians, philanthropists, and other noble-minded men and women who have faithfully seconded his efforts to forestall vice by tearing off the flimsy gauze of secrecy, under which it has so long sought to hide its hideous deformities. Tens of thousands of noble youth of both sexes have, through the kindly and unselfish aid of enlightened clergymen, physicians, and teachers, been reached, who otherwise would have come to years of maturity with the same ignorance of natural laws, and the same false conceptions which have for ages been the most powerful allies of vice and crime.

The work in its present form is presented to a discriminating public with the sincere desire that its usefulness may be still further increased, and that it may continue to receive the encouragement and support so generously accorded in the past.