ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author begins with some biological facts essential to the understanding of various stages of development. At a very early stage of development an incurable condition can be picked up—and the mother can then have the choice of terminating a pregnancy if that is her wish. In the first half of the nineteenth century it was thought that the fetus was deaf and dumb, but in fact the inner ear is completely developed soon after mid-pregnancy, and at birth a child's hearing is very good. Muscles within the orbit are present very early in pregnancy, and the eyes of the fetus move during sleep and when he changes position. The fetus, particularly during the last three months of pregnancy, has the same sleep patterns as the mother. The fetus certainly knows about pleasure and pain, which is the basis of a great deal of learning, particularly of the kind imposed on a reluctant student.
