Page:The Evolution of Modesty.djvu/17

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CONTEXTS.

The Evolution of Modesty.

I.

The Definition of Modesty — The Significance of Modesty — Difficulties in the Way of Its Analysis — The Varying Phenomena of Modesty Among Different Peoples and in Different Ages 1

II.

Modesty an Agglomeration of Fears — Children in Relation to Mod- esty — Modesty in Animals — The Attitude of the Medicean Venus — The Sexual Factor of Modesty Based on Sexual period- icity and on the Primitive Phenomena of Courtship — The Neces- sity of Seclusion in Primitive Sexual Intercourse — The Meaning of Coquetry — The Sexual Charm of Modesty — Modesty as an Expression of Feminine Erotic Impulse — The Fear of Causing Disgust as a Factor of Modesty — The Modesty of Savages in Regard to Eating in the Presence of Others — The Sacro-Pubic Region as a Focus of Disgust — The Idea of Ceremonial Unclean- liness — The Custom of Veiling the Face — Ornaments and Cloth- ing — Modesty Becomes Concentrated in the Garment — The Economic Factor in Modesty — The Contribution of Civilization to Modesty — The Elaboration of Social Ritual 36

III.

The Blush the Sanction of Modesty — The Phenomena of Blushing — Influences Which Modify the Aptitude to Blush — Darkness, Concealment of the Face, Etc 72

IV.

Summary of the Factors of Modesty — The Future of Modesty —

Modesty an Essential Element of Love 80

The Phenomena of Sexual Periodicity.

I.

The Various Physiological and Psychological Rhythms — Menstru- ation — The Alleged Influence of the Moon — Frequent Suppres- sion of Menstruation among Primitive Races — Mittelschmerz — Possible Tendency to a Future Intermenstrual Cycle — Men- struation among Animals — Menstruating Monkeys and Apes — What is Menstruation — Its Primary Cause Still Obscure — The Relation of Menstruation to Ovulation — The Occasional Absence of Menstruation in Health — The Relation of Menstru-

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