Sex and Education, 1874

Bringing together eminent women educators, activists, and authors, Sex and Education is a take-down of Dr. E. H. Charles Clarke’s book Sex in Education. In arguing that education caused female hysteria, sterility, and other physical disabilities, Dr. Clarke drew the anger and disdain of educated women throughout America. “Despite Dr. Clarke’s prominent position in this community,” Julia Ward Howe explains in the book’s introduction,” we do not feel compelled to regard him as the supreme authority on the subjects of which he treats.” The present volume was, however, compiled by writers who are authorities -- educated women whose very existence undercuts Clarke’s position. “Most of the writers are experience in the office of tuition, and in the observation of its effects. All of them have had occasion to form their own theories of what is desirable for the improvement of the condition of women. The facts and experience of their lives have led them far from Dr. Clarke’s conclusions.” Opening with essays from Howe, Elizabeth Phelps, and Mrs. Horace Mann, the collection concludes with a series of testimonials from renowned universities including Vassar, Oberlin, Michigan, and Antioch.