Available from: UVM Electronic text Archive
URL: http://etext.uvm.edu
Prepared for the University of Vermont Electronic Text Archive.
Scanner: Visioneer 6100 (36 bit, 600x1200). Text OCR by Visioneer.
Quote marks retained as data. All "M" and "N" dashes converted to two hyphens or one hyphen, respectively. All unambiguous end-of-line hyphens have been removed, and the trailing part of a word has been joined to the preceding line. Some text realigned to left for purposes of readability, at discretion of editors.
I am quite delighted to receive yours of May 22nd. I have not heard from any of those present at the meeting at the high school here in Burlington when I spoke last fall.
As to the best book for you to draw upon in your work with your girls, I find myself in difficulties. There are plenty of books but hitherto I have had no occasion to recommend just the right readings for high school girls, although I have some pretty definite ideas as to what they ought to be. I talked the matter over with the assistant director, Miss Anderson, and we agreed that the following would be a good schedule to use.
First, a simple but pretty complete book on physiology that would give fully the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system. Martin's "Human Body" in its latest edition covers the ground just right for college students, and the more intelligent of your high school girls could have no trouble understanding it. I am going to try to locate something suitable for the younger girls and the less keen ones of more advanced years.
Second, the psychology or emotional relations of sexual life should be set forth very frankly and simply without beating about the bush nor emphasizing the erotic side. The best book in this field is "Sex and Marriage" by Dr. and Mrs. Groves, published by Lippincott. That is intended for those about to be married or for young married people, but in your hands it would give you a very excellent basis for some talks. The way in which it handles the delicate adjustments, both physiological and emotional, we think is very good indeed.
Third, the social implications. The way in which proper and improper sex habits build or tear down the social fabric of the family and the state. Unfortunately, I am unable to give you any reference here. Somebody will make a real contribution by writing a good book from this angle. "Men, Women and God" is the title of a book which has been very useful amongst high school and college students. A. H. Gray is the author. Some people think that this handles the matter in somewhat too sentimental a fashion, but personally I rather approve of it. Popenoe's "Conservation of the Family", while moderately conservative in its handling of the matter, is a very suggestive and useful book form the point of view of the family as the unit of social structure. The various things that harm and help wholesome family life are well handled by Dr. Popenoe.
If you have any trouble in getting hold of these books let me know. We will see what we can do for you here. I believe that Mrs. Locke at the Community House might be glad to cooperate with you to the extent of buying these books for her confidential shelf.
Publication Restrictions:
The images and text on this web site are solely for education and research
uses. With the exception of government documents, images and texts may not
be used in digital or print form by organizations or commercial
enterprises except with written permission of the copyright holder or the
repository of origin. The materials may be used in digital or print form
with appropriate source citation in unpublished reports, classroom
instruction, research, community forums, and other non-profit
activities.
Permission required for reproduction.
Vermont Public Records
Central Services Division
Route 2, Middlesex
Drawer 33
Montpelier, VT 05633