Transmission; or, Variation of Character Through the Mother

"Transmission; or, Variation of Character Through the Mother" by Georgiana Bruce Kirby is a late 19th-century exploration into the powerful role mothers play in shaping their children's character, arguing that a pregnant woman's physical and emotional experiences deeply influence the traits of her offspring; maternal health, emotional balance, and social influences during pregnancy come under examination, illustrating how a mother's well-being, or lack thereof, such as overwork or marital disharmony, can lead to various physical and mental differences in her children; motherhood stands as a turning point, according to Kirby, which determines the fate of future generations, from education to moral standing and the impact of society.