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This book really gives what its sub-title promises, 'New insight into the sex life of human beings and animals'. The author has arrived at some new and far-reaching ideas as the result of observations carried out for many years. His explanations have not been biassed by any prevailing theories, and he advances his views in opposition to those found in the special literature on the subject which he has closely studied. Many of his explanations of a teleological nature, for example the reason he gives for the appearance of albinos, can only be proved after further discussion and investigation. Most of his conclusions, however, are evident from the material he brings forward.
There is a great deal in this book of interest to us, especially the insight into the mental life of animals that is obtained from an understanding of their sexual biology; and the fact that their habits of life are conditioned by their sexual life much more than has hitherto been supposed. His descriptions are tinged with humour, and the joy that he takes in living nature is communicated to the reader. Sexuality is described without prudery and quite openly. Many ideas are in accord with psycho-analytical views. For instance, Zell constantly emphasises and makes use of the principle that the habits and mental life of domestic animals can be correctly explained only if a study is made of the conditions of life of these animals in their original and wild state, or at least of a species closely related to them. Moreover, Zell explains in an original manner peculiarities in human beings from comparison