Bed and Board
The Natural Philosophy of Love. By Remy e Gourmont. (Spearman, 16s.) CERTAIN books seem predestined to be remain- dered. Remy de Gourmont's Physique de l'Arnoor (first published in 1904) belongs to this category, The novice will find its terminology over-technical and its content dated : the more advanced reader will already be in possession of most of the in' formation which it provides.
Nevertheless, it is interesting both on its .own level and in the light which it throws on the intel- lectual processes of the author. De Gourmont's declared intention is that of 'giving man's sexual life its place in the one plan of universal sexuality. To this end he examines the life cycle (and its implications) of a great number of creatures. In the main he concentrates on those instances 10 which life appears at its most transitory, and nature at its most violent and indifferent. Ti ephemeron is born in the evening, copulates and dies without seeing the rising sun. The silk moths 'shake their wings for an instant at birth, couple and die.' The female palingenia 'is fecundated before even getting rid of her nymph's corset, she dies with her eyes still shut, at once mother and infant in swaddling clothes.' He lingers delightedly over the decapitation of the copulating male pro" ing mantis by the female 'who is devouring him at both ends, getting from her spouse simultaneously the pleasures ac mensa ac thoro both bed and
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for the good of the species, should he not be eaten?, The good of the species! Perhaps in 1904 the Phrase sounded less ominous than today. In any ease, de Gourmont hastens with all too familiar zeal to apply similar criteria to his fellow creatures and their institutions. Nature does not favour Itanlogamy and man is incapable of it. Since -C‘ ivilised man is vowed to the couple' polygamy has regretfully to be rejected. The natural solution, therefore, is marriage plus some form of legalised cOncubinage. Even less appealing are the conclu- sions he draws from the slave-making propensities of red ants. 'White humanity also, at one point in Its history, found itself faced with a like oppor- 111°4, but less prudent than the red ant, let it pass rom sentimentalism, thus betraying its destiny.' It „Is no surprise that such views appeal to Ezra Pound, His contribution (made some thirty years 813) comprises-a vivid translation, a flamboyant Introduction and, to a dissertation on instinct, a 'ootnote of unparalleled silliness. A. E. ELLIS
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