CHAPTER V

HUMAN FECUNDITY 88

(1) We have to ask whether human fecundity has changed and what

the effect of certain customs is upon fecundity. (2) It is not

to factors influencing the male (3) but to factors influencing

the female that we have to look. (4) The length of the mature

period increases with good conditions; (5) the interval between

births has decreased in mankind, (6) while the number at a birth

has probably increased (7) owing to good conditions. (8) That

human fecundity has increased is supported by other evidence,

(9) including the number of children, and (10) was held by

Darwin and others. (11) Polygamy has had no influence, but

lactation, age at marriage, early intercourse, and development

of fat adversely affect fecundity. (12) Calculations of possible

increase.

The population problem · 第 5 / 32 章