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.