I HAVE debated long with myself whether I would
own this book to be the work of a woman.
now with great reluctance.
Thinking that the writing, if known to proceed
from the pen of a woman, would not have its due
weight, but would be better received, and have
more influence as coming from a man, I at first
intended to affix only mye and initials
to the title page, believing it of no consequence to
the reader to know to which sex the writer belonged.
But, as I do not wish to try to cast a shadow of
disguise over my words, and also, as one chapter
touches upon the vexed question of woman's right
to an equal position in the world, which has hitherto
not been granted her, I would not have these views
accorded more credit than they deserve, or aided
forward in any manner, by endeavoring to make
them appear to emanate from one of the other sex,
who would be unbiassed on the subject. I desire