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102 PROBLEMS CONFRONTING RUSSIA
birth-rate need now no longer exist, since medical science
has discovered the means to bring about safer and altogether
painless birth by the use of scopalamine morphine, generally
known as " Twilight Sleep."
" Twilight Sleep " has already been applied in innumerable
cases, and it was quite lately asserted in the Press that
doctors are becoming more and more convinced of its value.
It has, however, to meet the objection of those who believe
that suffering in child-bearing has been ordained by the
special will of God. This standpoint is tantamount to an
admission that medical science interferes with the Divine
order of things. There was a time when theology was the
only faculty which was recognised, the study of medicine
being placed on the same footing as witchcraft and sorcery.
Accordingly, all schemes for alleviating the ills and sicknesses
of humanity were regarded from a fatalistic point of view
as working against the purpose of Providence. The use of
anaesthetics and surgical operations, intended to counteract
pain, were considered to be impious and contrary to the
intention of the Creator. This blight of religious
superstition on the intellect, thwarting scientific progress, has lifted
during the present age, now that people are more and more
anxious to pierce the gloom of ignorance appertaining to the
darkness of mediaeval times.
Without wishing to impugn the authority of the author
of Genesis, it is clear that this document has no value in
its literal interpretation. In the first place it cannot be
regarded as a scientific discourse, setting forth how women
should bring children into the world. It is but an attempt
at an explanation of the primary conditions of human
existence portrayed upon a religious background. The
author wrote at a time when the use of anaesthetics was
unknown ; he, therefore, formed the conclusion that it was
necessary that a woman should suffer pain in child-bearing.
Further, he described that the work of man should be done
by the sweat of his brow. He did not know the future of
the forthcoming machine which spares working humanity
much sweating. Civilisation and progress have changed
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