He, however, refused to do so, on the ground that tastes may change, and that he did not see the necessity of excluding from the world women who might some time or other return to it, and become useful members of society.

"Nunneries," he added, "assail the very roots of population.
It is impossible to calculate the loss which a nation sustains in having ten thousand women shut up in cloisters.

War does but little mischief; for the number of males is at least one-twenty-fifth greater than that of females.

Women may, if they please, be allowed to make perpetual vows at fifty years of age; for then their task is fulfilled." Napoleon once said to Madame Campan, "The old systems of education were good for nothing; what do young women stand in need of, to be well brought up in France ?"--"Of mothers," answered Madame Campan.

"It is well said," replied Napoleon.