BY
JAMES WEIR, JR., M. D.
AUTHOR OF THE DAWN OF REASON, ANIMAL INTELLIGENCE, ETC.
THIRD EDITION
REVISED AND ENLARGED WITH ADDITIONAL NOTES.
CHICAGO
CHICAGO MEDICAL BOOK CO.
1905
Copyrighted August, 1897,
By
James Weir, Jr., M. D.
Copyrighted March, 1905,
By
James Weir, Jr., M. D.
The author of this monograph has been incited to its publication by thecommendations of three of the most eminent critics and editors ofmagazines in the United States, to whom it was submitted in manuscript.In this essay, he discusses his subject from a physio-psychicalstandpoint, and believes that he has kept intact the canons ofscientific investigation, observation, and discussion.
“Waveland,” June 8, 1897.
In preparing The Psychical Correlation of Religious Emotion and SexualDesire for its second edition, the author has incorporated in it aconsiderable amount of additional evidence in support of his theory. Hehas carefully verified all references; he has endeavored to eliminateall unnecessary material; and, finally, he has changed the style of thework by dividing it into three parts, thus greatly simplifying the text.He feels under many obligations to his critics, both to those whothought his little book worthy of commendation, and to those who deemedhis premises and conclusions erroneous. He feels grateful to the former,because they have caused him to believe that he has added somewhat tothe literature of science; he thanks the latter, because in pointing outthat which they considered untrue, they have forced him to a new andmore searching study of the questions involved, thereby[4]strengthening his belief in the truthfulness of his conclusions.
To the second edition of The Psychical Correlation of Religious Emotionand Sexual Desire, the author has seen fit to add certain other essays.In preparing these essays for publication, he has borrowed freely fromhis published papers, therefore, he desires to thank the publishers ofthe New York Medical Record, Century Magazine, Denver Medical Times,Charlotte Monthly and American Naturalist for granting him permission touse such of his published material (belonging to them) as he saw fit.
The author asks the indulgence of the reader for certain repetitions inthe text. These have not been occasioned by any lack of data, but occursimply because he believes that an argument is rendered stronger andmore convincing by the frequent use of the same data whenever andwherever it is possible to use them. When this plan is followed, thereader, so the author believes, becomes familiar with the author‘sline of thought, and is, consequently, better able to comprehend andappreciate his meaning.
Finally, the author has been led to the publication of these essays by afirm belief in the truthfulness of the propositions advanced therein. Hemay not live to see these propositions accepted, yet he believes that,in the future, perhaps, in worthier and more able hands, they will be soweightily and forcibly elaborated and advanced that their verity will beuniversally acknowledged.
“Waveland,” Sep