Sex efficiency through exercises : special physical culture for women / by Th. H. van de Velde ; [photos, by E. Steinemann].

PREFACE In order to give readers a clue to the title of this book and an indication of its contents in order that my proffered explanations and suggestions may be received in the spirit which inspires them—let me outline, in advance, the main theme of these pages, although that is also dealt with and summarised in various passages throughout the book itself. For I lay great emphasis on this book which forms an essential part of the work to which my life is dedicated, namely, the spread of knowledge and insight into the sphere of conjugal relationships and the increase of human Iiappiness thereby, with special stress on medical and physiological aspects which have, hitherto, been ignored or despised by the majority. And this book contains a greater amount of work than any of my earlier publications. It aims at providing a guide for women and those who help them (whether as doctors, midwives, nurses and gymnastic instructresses) in the full evolution and utilisation of the feminine sexual capacities and faculties. These capacities and faculties are generally quite inadequate in practice ; they should include both appropriately active participation in the act of sexual congress and appropriate voluntary muscular action which assists the act of birth. At present, women generally suffer both of these great genital experi- ences passively and to their great disadvantage, they do not know how to regulate and modulate by sharing them; for to do so requires a muscular mastery and harmony which is very rare. So this mastery and harmony of muscular action must be taught to women. With this purpose in view, I have worked out a complete system of pelvic gymnastics in consultation and co-operation with the gymnastic instructress, Mrs. Lisa Mar, of Baden Baden, to whom I express my sincere thanks for her help, which was as efficient as it was indefatigable. This system is described