The author, world renowned for his monumental research which preceded the development of the original contraceptive agent, makes readily available the basic facts relative to fertility control in higher animals. He also delineates clearly the inadequacies of certain investigative aspects, proposes questions to which answers are not presently available, and pinpoints precise areas needing immediate and exhaustive study.
Following a short introductory background, the basic principles of the reproductive processes in male and female mammals are considered. Since much of the data presented derives from experimental work of the last decade, the reader would do well to review this material carefully, for it may conflict with ancient medical school teaching.
The next major section, "Animal Studies," presents pertinent facets of the following subjects: (1) spermatogenesis and characteristics of seminal fluid, (2) ovulation, (3) fertilization, (4) ova development, (5) blastocyst development and implantation, and (6) biological activities of steroidal compounds on