As far back in time as
ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Greek civilizations, mankind wondered
how to choose the sex of a child before its birth. Countless myths,
folk remedies and magical potions were offered as solutions. Even in
recent times authorities still advise couple to change time and frequency
of intercourse, delay or promote orgasm, douche, or even alter diets
to cause the conception of either a male or female infant. For most
of this century scientists know that sperm carrying an X chromosome
determines a female and one carrying a Y chromosome determines a male.
however, the 1970 discover that a male of Y chromosome bearing sperm
could be stained with a dye finally allowed researchers to scientifically
study sex selection procedures. Subsequently many methods of the separation
of X from Y chromosome sperm were tested. Physicians then began
checking to see if these "enriched" fractions of sperm truly selected
for the desired sex.
History of Gender
Selection: