Swediaur, who was acquainted with and approved of Wichmann’s work,

admits, in addition to the diurnal pollution described by this latter,

and which he considers as arising either from relaxation or from

irritation of the testicles and seminal passages--he admits, we say, a

blenorrhœa of the prostate gland, the characters of which, as stated by

him, are precisely similar to those of diurnal pollution. Blenorrhœa of

the prostate gland (says he) is a morbid discharge of the mucus from

this gland, sometimes mingled with the fluid of the seminal vesicles.

It occurs particularly during the day, and without venereal desire.

This disease is soon followed with general debility or weakness: this

exhaustion is attended with emaciation of the body, and is followed

by death, if the patient delays consulting a well-educated physician,

as is too often the case; or if the proper remedies are not used in

time. He admits, also, that the discharge from the prostate gland does

not occur in some individuals, except when they go to stool; and that

hardened feces, in passing through the rectum, press the prostate

gland more firmly. The discharge is clear mucus, and of a particularly

nauseous odor. Cullerier describes two kinds of spermatorrhœa: one

with loss of semen and of the prostate fluid; the other, produced by

constipation. He remarks--Persons who are habitually costive often see

a few drops of semen ooze from the penis, while they are at stool.

We have been consulted several times for cases of this kind. Some

regard it as resulting from a relaxation, a debility of the genital

organs: they imagine that their genital powers are lost, and that their

procreative power is lost. Others attribute it to old blenorrhœas,

which have _struck in_, as it is said. All, generally, are terrified

at the effect; and quacks have often profited by its existence, to

persuade patients that they were affected with an inveterate venereal

disease, and thus to dispose of their remedies. This effect arises, as

every one knows, from the pressure of the feces in the rectum on the

seminal vesicles, and may be removed by removing the constipation.

This was the state of science, when Lallemand devoted himself to the

study of the diseases of the urinary passages, and enriched it with

many important remarks. As, in acute inflammations of the urethra,

the irritation sometimes extends, following the course of the seminal

passages to the testicles; so, in retentions of urine, produced by

chronic inflammation of the prostatic portion of the urethra, the

irritation extends more or less to the seminal vesicles and testicles,

producing in the former normal contractions, and in the latter an

excessive secretion, whence would result a spermatic flux. In patients

thus affected, the ejaculation is very sudden: nocturnal pollutions

are frequent--or, rather, the semen is expelled during the emission

of urine, and of the feces. It is also more liquid, less odorous, and

in short less elaborated than usual. In many patients, the venereal

desires are nearly extinct; the erections are feeble, imperfect, or

even impossible. This spermatorrhœa has general effects, analogous to

those which have been attributed to other pollutions: the patients

become timid, idle, indifferent to all which is not connected with

their disease; all the functions of the economy languish, and are

deranged; and, finally, both body and mind are degraded.

Lallemand has known all the phenomena which we have described to

disappear, on curing the retention of urine--or, rather, the disease

of the urethra which caused it--and relates cases of this character.

Do not the remarks of this practitioner, compared with our remarks on

convulsive spermatorrhœa, and particularly on the different states

which the semen may present in this affection--do they not establish

clearly, that in many, perhaps in most cases of spermatorrhœa, there is

not relaxation, weakness of the seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts,

but irritation or inflammation of these parts?

It would, then, seem well established, that the semen may be discharged

without pleasure, without erection, and without ejaculation; and that

this discharge may give rise to accidents analogous to those observed

after all free discharges of this fluid, arising from any cause

whatever. This fact, however, has been contested by different authors.

Boerhaave says positively, that he has never known the semen to escape

spontaneously, without solicitation; and that when such a case has

been suspected, the fluid discharged was not probably semen; and that,

farther, if this kind of spermatorrhœa exists, it must be very rare.

Swammerdam, Hunter, and Haller, have expressed a similar opinion: the

latter admits that a discharge may take place from the penis, under the

circumstances mentioned above; he thinks, also, that this discharge

comes from the prostate gland and seminal vesicles. But the fluid

which escapes is only the mucus secreted by these parts--it is not

semen; and unless opinions had been made up from wrong evidence, wrong

consequences, it would not have been attributed to it. At present, the

opinion that all cases of spermatorrhœa are only blenorrhœas, is still

very prevalent. Descamps, physician at Castilliones, having brought

before the Medical Society, in 1821, two cases of spermatorrhœa, the

consequences of masturbation; Chantourelle, who was the reporter,

raised some doubts, which the society seemed to admit, as to the nature

of the discharge, thinking it was mucous, rather than spermatic. We,

however, are disposed to think, that when the subject of diurnal

pollution is better understood, it will be observed more frequently,

and then its existence will not be denied. It is with the hope of

contributing to this result, that we have dwelt so long on the subject.

If the imperceptible loss of semen may be followed by all the symptoms

which are referred to it, it is evident that those authors who have

advanced that the emission of semen should be counted as nothing in

the influence of the act of venery, and that the nervous disturbance

which attends it is the only cause of its consequences--those authors,

we say, who assert this, have advanced too positive an opinion, and

are consequently mistaken. The same may be said of those who ascribe

the danger of venereal excesses simply to the discharge of urine. It

is well ascertained, that those individuals who have carried the act

of onanism to such an extent as to procure enjoyment without losing

semen, have finally became diseased, and their constitution has been

impaired. Instances of this might be cited. Fournier and Begin mention

that of a young man, who, at the moment of ejaculation, compressed the

remote parts of the urethra, so that not a drop of semen was lost.

The fatigue, however, following efforts of this kind was very great,

notwithstanding these exertions. Finally, the strength diminished, and

the person wasted away as much as if the semen had been discharged.

(_Dict. des Sc. Med._, Art. _Masturbation_.)

There is frequently some derangement in the functions of the testicles,

in those who have lost the genital sense, where the penis is no

longer capable of erection, or who are affected by one or other of

the pollutions mentioned by us. But these organs may be affected more

evidently. In many onanists, these parts are extremely tender, or

more or less vivid pains are felt, which extend along the cord. These

symptoms sometimes assume an evidently neuralgic character; and it

may readily be imagined, that, in individuals affected with wandering

pains, excesses in venery may fix them in these parts. This has been

remarked in gout. Hallé and M. Guilbert observed, in a middle-aged

man addicted to excesses of this character, a severe pain in the

left testicle, unattended by swelling, which extended to the whole

surface of this organ: this pain followed an attack of articular

gout. Irritation of the testicles sometimes constitutes an attack of

orchitis--that is, an inflammation, which, among other consequences,

may be attended with the loss of these parts. Brodie has published two

cases of this character. The first was that of a young man, thirty

years old, who entered St. George’s Hospital in 1805, affected with

pains in the left testicle. This testicle was soft, flabby, and one

third smaller than that of the opposite side. The patient had never

received a blow on this part, nor had he been affected with blenorrhœa;

but he admitted, that for five years he had been addicted to onanism,

and that a day seldom passed without his indulgence. Before wasting

away, the testicle had been the seat of a swelling, which had been

preceded by severe pains. These pains had continued to be felt, and

the disease was attended with such a degree of moral depression,

that the countenance of the patient assumed a sombre and melancholy

character. This young man was treated by various remedies, but he left

the hospital uncured. The other patient, on applying to Mr. Brodie, in

1820, was thirty-one years old. Here the two testicles were wasted, and

the patient was impotent. This man stated that his intercourse with

females began when he was fourteen years old; that he had indulged

excessively for many years; that, when twenty years old, in consequence

of external violence, he was affected with severe inflammation of the

testicles; that this inflammation had been completely cured; and that

the wasting of the testicles had commenced some time afterward. In

three years, the testicles had shrunk to their present size. (_London

Med. and Phys. Journal_, October, 1826.)

According to Morgagni, the too frequent return of venereal ideas will

produce varicocele and hydrocele. Some authors, also, place venereal

excesses among the causes of the first of these two diseases, and also

of circosele. We have seen several cases of varicose dilatation of the

spermatic cord and testicle in onanists. This fact is also confirmed

by Breschet, in his memoir read at the Academy of Sciences, Jan. 13th,

1834. He thinks that circosele and varicocele are by no means diseases

of adult and old age, but that they are seen most frequently in young

men. These affections seem to him to be caused most particularly by

venereal excesses. He adds, that the varicose tumors of the bursæ,

and the organs they contain, are not only very troublesome, causing

severe pain in the cord, but that in some patients they cause extreme

melancholy.

One consequence of onanism, which has been omitted by Deslandes, may

be stated here. We allude to the smallness of the genital organs. In

several severe cases of onanism, which have fallen under the notice

of Dr. A. Sidney Doane, of New-York, this important feature has

been observed. The same fact has been remarked by Professor John W.

Francis, of New-York; Professor Otto, of Germany; and by other eminent

pathologists.

Excesses in masturbation and coition, _in females_, cause affection of

the several organs much more frequently than in males. By too frequent

titillation, the clitoris may become enormously large. This cause (says

Bouillaud) may determine schirrous engorgement, or even a cancerous

degenerescence of this organ. The most frequent alteration, however,

of the genital organs of the female, which may be thus produced, is

an inflammation of the membrane which lines the vulva and vagina.

This inflammation is constantly indicated by a more or less abundant

leucorrhœal discharge, and often by swelling, redness, and pain.

When this discharge continues, which is often the case, it occasions

in young females symptoms analogous to those of diurnal pollution.

The complexion loses its color, and becomes yellowish; the eyes are

constantly suffused, and the countenance is sad; the patients are

feeble and careless; they generally experience gnawing sensations in

the epigastric region; and, thinking that these are occasioned by

hunger, are constantly eating. Sometimes, the appetite is voracious,

and the digestive powers are preserved; but these are commonly soon

altered. Severe and constant pains are often felt in the back and

epigastrium; the body wastes; and a short, dry, and frequent cough,

renders the patient, parents, and sometimes the physician, anxious

as to the state of the chest. Add to these symptoms those already

described, when speaking of the general effects of masturbation, and

you have the state most frequently presented by girls addicted to this

habit.

As females have no testicles, nor organs which, like the testicles in

the male, serve to prepare and excrete the semen, they cannot have

seminal pollutions: they, however, like men, are subject to voluptuous

dreams, and then there may be a secretion, analogous to that which

exists in them at the moment of the act of venery. May a too frequent

return of this symptom have any influence on the health? The only

remarks on the subject, to our knowledge, are to be found in Swediaur.

He says, when speaking of diurnal pollution--I have seen, although much

more rarely, similar diseases in the other sex. I have under treatment,

at this moment, a female, twenty-eight years old, who, since her

miscarriage, a year and a half ago, suffers from frequent involuntary

nocturnal pollutions, excited by libidinous dreams, and attended with

all the symptoms of the tabes dorsalis, described by Hippocrates, as a

disease of the male. Even the lungs begin to feel this disease. She,

however, has been cured.

Inflammation of the external organs of generation, and the fluor albus,

resulting from it, is most generally, at least in young girls who have

not arrived at puberty, a consequence of onanism. We are convinced,

too, that if it were possible to arrive at the facts, we should find

that the cause of fluor albus in adults was either recent or former

abuses. Whenever we have addressed females on the subject, to ascertain

this fact, our conjectures have been verified. This has frequently been

the case with servant girls. We have seen several, who were so weakened

by fluor albus, and the irritation of the sexual parts, that they have

been obliged to quit their situations, being unable to do their duty.

We will even say, that the most sincere of these girls have given me

such information as to their habits, that we suspect most of this class

of onanism.

Besides, all authors who have spoken of leucorrhœa and blenorrhœa in

females, have mentioned excesses in masturbation and coition as among

their most frequent causes. It would be easy to adduce general evidence

and special cases in support of this proposition; but this would be

useless.

For the same reasons, we may state, that diseases of the uterus may

very frequently be determined by these excesses, and more particularly

by those of coition. Daily observation proves that acute and chronic

inflammations of the body and neck of the uterus frequently appear in

those females who have indulged in premature enjoyments.

We have attended, for more than ten years, a lady affected with chronic

metritis, arising from this cause. This lady had began to masturbate

before she was eleven years old. She soon became affected with fluor

albus, from which she has never been free since. When eighteen years

old, she married a vigorous man, and then became addicted to another

kind of excess. She now experienced constant pains in the loins, lower

part of the belly, and in the groins: she was also troubled with a

disagreeable feeling of fatigue in the upper part of the thighs, and

experienced as it were a weight, as if something was constantly trying

to escape from the sexual parts. The neck of the uterus, instead of

retaining its usual situation, proved on examination to be almost

at the external orifice of the vagina. Our advice, as to moderation

and abstinence, was but imperfectly followed: she was so addicted to

onanism, that, although she indulged lawfully, and was the mother

of several children, she continued in this habit. It may readily be

imagined that she did not derive much benefit from my advice: in fact,

the symptoms mentioned above, and many others, still continue. Similar

cases are related by other authors, and have fallen under the notice of

almost every practitioner.

In this case, there was evidently _prolapsus uteri_, or a falling

of the womb: the neck of the uterus was almost at the vulva. This

displacement, which is the usual consequence of inflammations of

the body of the uterus, very often results, like it, from venereal

excesses. This fact has been noticed by all writers on this subject.

Schirrous and cancerous affections of the neck of the uterus, also,

arise from this cause. Cullerier remarks, that uterine affections

in females are loo frequently the sad and cruel consequence of

solitary manœuvres. Richerand, after stating that premature or too

frequent indulgence is a cause of cancer of the uterus, says, that of

forty-seven females affected with this disease, eleven had indulged

with males before the period of puberty, seven at this period, and

most of them were barren. He adds, that those public girls who escape

venereal disease generally die of cancer of the uterus. Bayle and Cayol

have attempted to verify this assertion, by examining numerous cases,

but they have obtained no marked result; which is not surprising,

considering the number of causes, which, especially in hospitals,

render such investigations useless. The influence of excessive

indulgence, in producing such a disease, is very great. A short time

since, we were called to a lady, who had a slight syphilitic ulceration

of the neck of the uterus. She, however, still admitted the embraces

of her husband, although they were painful, and were followed by a

discharge of blood. The parenchyma of the neck, around the ulceration,

was gradually engorged: it became schirrous, then cancerous, and

the patient finally died. Probably, coition had great influence in

developing this disease. Such a thing might happen frequently; for

Ricord has shown, that superficial ulcerations of the neck of the

uterus are frequent. The cancers which affect these parts, in public

women, are, probably, often produced in this manner.

In the lady whose case has been mentioned, the act of coition produced

a discharge of blood from the vulva. We have seen cases of a similar

character, where the neck of the uterus presented no evidence of

organic alteration to the touch. Females in whom this occurs should,

however, be very careful in their pleasures, as this slight accident

indicates a bad state of the system, and one which should be

mistrusted. Sometimes, blood appears on return of coition, when females

have not indulged for a long time. Rondelon cites an instance of this.

It occurred in a lady from whom her husband had been absent for three

years: at the end of this period, he returned. The frequency of coition

the first night caused excessive uterine hemorrhage. A similar accident

may result from this act, and a fortiori from its abuse, during or

just before the menstrual period. Very serious hemorrhages have often

occurred in consequence of excessive copulations. Tissot states--In

1746, a girl, twenty-three years old, submitted to the embraces of six

Spanish dragoons, at a house near the gates of Montpelier. She died

the next day, from excessive hemorrhage of the uterus. A similar case

has been related by Virey. We know (said he) that a public woman, who

submitted in one night to twenty-one soldiers, the next day died, with

hemorrhage of the uterus. This was a dark, thin woman, in the flower

of her age. (_Dict. des Sc. Med._, vol. xiv., p. 339.) Onanism causes

in young women, and even in children, a discharge of blood from the

vulva. This fact was mentioned by Duges. The blood lost is then never

abundant, and the occurrence is by no means serious.

The irritation produced or kept up by too frequent coition, is very

often the cause of sterility. Even as, generally speaking, an inflamed

surface refuses to absorb substances applied to it, so irritation of

the uterus and vagina renders them unfit for impregnation. Thus, then,

libertinism, instead of adding, as we might think, to the chances of

fecundation, acts in a contrary manner. Marc remarks, that two hundred

public girls do not produce more than two or three children annually.

Farther: it seems well ascertained, that if these girls resume a

regular life, they again become fruitful. The English, wishing to

people Botany Bay, transported there a large number of public women.

Those who were sterile in their own country proved fruitful, when

subjected to the rigid laws of marriage. Is it not notorious, too, that

among the public girls, those who bear children are not those most

frequently liable to become mothers? De Chanes, physician at Macon, has

established, by statistical researches, that but few conceptions take

place in the early months of marriage--that is, when the congress of

the sexes is most frequent, and causes the most irritation. Villermé

has ascertained the same to be true in the early days, and even the

early weeks, after marriage. Hence, this learned physician regards

the fecundity of copulations as being inversely as their frequency.

It may, then, be stated as a fact, that females may become barren, in

consequence of venereal abuses.

These abuses are not only injurious, as opposing reproduction, but

they also injure, by causing a deterioration of the human family.

Marc asserts, that the few children born of prostitutes rarely have

the strength and health of those born in lawful wedlock; and that the

mortality of the former is fifty per cent greater than of the latter.

Too early marriages are attended with results similar to those arising

from libertinism. Aristotle mentioned this fact. Delafontaine, first

surgeon of the last king of Poland, attributes the extreme physical

debility of the Polish Jews to these premature marriages. Marc

says--It is proved, that the physical strength of the child depends,

in the main, on the mother, rather than on the father; and this is

confirmed, too, by referring to domestic animals. The height of the

pony depends on the mare, rather than on the stallion. Mules, too,

furnish a striking proof of this. The eggs of pullets, whatever may be

the size of the cock, are much smaller than those of hens. Farther: it

is well known, that females who become mothers before attaining their

strength, generally give birth to small children, which are raised with

difficulty.

We have seen in a former page, that men had recourse to artificial

means to procure a semblance of coition. Accidents of a similar

character have happened to girls; and they have been obliged to call

in surgeons to their assistance. There are numerous instances, where

foreign bodies have been introduced into the vagina, and particularly

into the urethra, and could not be withdrawn. We shall mention some

of them. Pamard has reported that of a girl, thirty-one years old,

who used an ivory whistle, three inches and a half long, and five

lines round in its centre. This she introduced, not into the vagina,

but into the urethra. One day, it entered so far, that she could not

remove it. After many efforts, it was withdrawn, with polypus forceps.

Another girl, seventeen years old, was less fortunate. She was in the

habit of introducing a large piece of wood into the urethra. This

instrument having entered very deeply, fell into the bladder. Faure

was called, and was obliged to cut for it, to extract it. Rigal was

obliged to do the same, to relieve a young girl, twenty years old, who

used a wooden needle-case in masturbating. Needles and pins have often

escaped into these passages. Morgagni asserts that it is by no means

unfrequent in Italy for the lascivious girls to introduce into the

urethra the golden pins worn in their hair, and that they sometimes

fall into the bladder. This they conceal for a long time; but they

are finally obliged, through pain, to confess their fault. Moinichien

mentions a Venetian girl, whom Molinetti relieved of a golden needle,

which had slipped from the hand into this organ. In 1751, Lachese,

(according to Morand’s report,) was called to a girl twenty years old,

who had introduced into the urethra a toothpick, which she had lost;

and after two months, it was extracted. A happy circumstance favored

Lamotte in a similar case. An old maid had introduced into the bladder

a very large pin. Having sounded several times very patiently and

attentively, Lamotte finally felt the pin distinctly. He sounded for

the fourth time, when, by accident, it became engaged in the sound.

Wishing to withdraw it, and finding some resistance, he introduced his

finger into the vagina, and ascertained whence it proceeded. By skilful

manipulation, he now succeeded in withdrawing it. These symptoms

usually happen only in those who are imprudent, and who introduce

into the urethra an instrument designed for an adjacent passage. The

vagina is so short and large, that foreign bodies seldom remain in

it. For such a thing to take place, certain conditions are requisite,

which are not very common. This, however, is possible; and many cases

of it are recorded. The following is mentioned by Dupuytren. A female

consulted him for some derangement in the vulvo-uterine passage. On

examination, a foreign body was felt, the nature of which could not at

first be determined. The patient refused to give any information on the

subject: by examining, however, it was found that the body presented a

large opening or deep cavity. The tumefied walls of the vagina covering

the edges of the kind of vessel, prevented its disengagement. After

much effort, however, the body was removed; and it proved to be a

pomatum-pot, which had been introduced by its base. (_Additions à la

Med. Operat., de Sabatier_; vol. iv., p. 96.)

PART SECOND.

RULES OF PRESERVATION AND TREATMENT RELATIVE TO VENEREAL EXCESSES.

There are two indications, which embrace every thing relating to

venereal excesses. The first is, to prevent the bad effects; the

second, to remedy them. To _preserve_, to _recruit_, is what these

excesses require. Hence, some of the remedial measures must be

hygienic, and others therapeutic. To these, we shall devote two

chapters of this second part.

CHAPTER I.

PRESERVATIVE MEANS RELATIVE TO VENEREAL EXCESSES.

The preservative rules which relate to venereal excesses present

fundamental differences, as to the success and facility of their

application, according as reference is made to the act of masturbation

or coition. Let us point out these differences.

Coition is an act, the mode and purport of which, considered in a

scientific point of view, are legitimate; and which, consequently,

is lawful, so long as the constitution and health are unimpaired.

Hence, it should not be prohibited, except when abused--that is,

when indulged in too often, or under circumstances which render it

injurious. Except in these cases, it may be permitted, or even advised.

When it is forbidden, the advice is generally understood, as it is

commonly addressed to adults, children having neither the power nor

the opportunity to indulge in coition. This advice may be easily

followed, as the individual who indulges in coition to excess, may

find it absolutely impossible to indulge: in fact, means to satisfy

his taste can only be found by the concurrence of another. Hence, it

is only necessary to shun this concurrence, to render this kind of

excess impossible. To address one’s self to the reason of an adult--or,

rather, of a young man--and to create for him, if he cannot create

for himself, obstacles to sexual relations, these are the only two

preservative indications which abuses of coition require. We have

discharged the first, or have stated the mode of fulfilling it, by

mentioning the bad consequences attending these abuses, and by making

known the circumstances which render the act of venery injurious to

those addicted to it. Hence, we shall not return to the subject. The

second indication can find no place in a book, and consequently will

not detain us. Our remedies, then, as to preservation, will apply

exclusively to onanism. In a subsequent page, when we are treating of

the restorative remedies, the distinction here laid down between this

habit and coition will disappear; and we can then treat of all venereal

excesses conjointly.

Although coition, if confined within certain limits, and under certain

circumstances, may not be forbidden, this is not the case with

masturbation. This latter indulgence has nothing legitimate in it;

and nothing respectable--nothing which can palliate the veto of the

physician. We are aware that onanism is not always necessarily followed

by any inconvenience or danger; but, practically, this distinction

disappears. But onanism, without regard to the mode, its frequence, or

the individuals or circumstances under which it occurs, may always be

considered an abuse, and, consequently, be earnestly proscribed.

This view of the subject rests on two facts: one is fundamental,

and applies to all individuals, without distinction of age, sex,

or constitution; the other relates only to those who are addicted

to onanism, before they are perfectly formed and constituted. The

first of these motives is founded on this, that when this practice

is not actually bad, it may constantly be suspected of becoming so.

When onanism once commences, it is difficult to say how far it will

extend. The taste for it, and the facility of indulging in it at night,

and often in the day, cause this habit to be in a measure indulged

in without limits. It becomes so soon imperious, and the despotism

it exercises is so absolute, that we ought always to attempt its

prevention. It should be regarded as a scourge, and be treated as

such, without waiting for the bad effects which may result from it.

This course is still more necessary, when children, young patients,

and individuals who have not attained their growth, are interested.

When maturity arrives, the evil is possible; before it happens, it

is probable, and often certain. Farther: our remarks on precocious

enjoyments prevent our recurring to the subject.

Before speaking of the preservative means, a question presents itself.

How can it be told when these means may be used? or, in other words,

what are the signs which indicate that an individual is an onanist, or

may become so? The suspicion may extend very far: in fact, every age is

exposed to it, as onanism is possible from early life to old age: it,

however, belongs to the age before puberty. A great many young girls

and boys masturbate: hence, this maybe suspected of every one. This

habit is less frequent, but it is far from being rare. The precautions

to prevent onanism, and constant vigilance, should then be exercised

constantly towards children and young people--in fact, towards all who

are not of mature age. This rule is an important one; and cannot be

neglected, without exposing one to danger and to deep regrets.

It would be desirable to ascertain the existence of onanism before its

effects appear; but this is seldom the case. There is in children a

kind of instinct which leads them to conceal this manœuvre, although

they have not learned that it is an illicit act. The art with which

they elude vigilance is often inconceivable. Watch where the child

goes. Have an eye to him who seeks solitude--who remains a long time

alone, and who cannot give a good account of himself. Be watchful

about the periods of lying down and of rising. At this time, the

onanist may be detected in the act. His hands are never out of bed,

and his face is often hidden under the bed-clothes. Soon after lying

down, he appears sound asleep: this circumstance, which always causes

distrust in the experienced man, is one of those which contribute the

most to inspire the parents with a feeling of security. The affectation

of sleep in the young person may serve to detect him. When approached,

he is frequently found red, and covered with sweat, although neither

the temperature of the chamber, the weight of bed-clothes, nor any

other cause, can explain this state: at the same time, the respiration

is more hurried, the pulse is fuller, harder, and more frequent; the

veins are larger, and the heat is greater, than usual; in fine, there

is that kind of fever, of general turgescence, which usually attends

the act of venery.

When the young person is disturbed suddenly, his hands, if he has not

had time to remove them, will be found on or near the genital organs.

The penis, also, may be found in a state of erection; or you may even

find marks of recent pollution, which might be known by the peculiar

odor arising from the semen, and which comes from the soiled fingers.

Have an eye to those young persons, whose hands, when in bed, or during

sleep, are in the position described: they are onanists, or will

become so. The same is true in those who frequently have erections

of the penis. This erection, and this attitude, are certainly not

positive signs of onanism; but they are the probable, or precursory

signs of it: they should not, then, be neglected. The stains of semen,

on the bed-clothes or dress, may also increase suspicion. When the

patients are very young, they are not very evident, the fluid which

they emit not having the characters of real semen: the traces which

it leaves, however, are too remarkable, not to cause suspicion as to

their origin. In those who have attained the age of puberty, there

would be nothing equivocal: the only question then would be, that they

might be produced by involuntary pollution. On this topic, we would

remark, that this pollution seldom occurs before the age of fifteen or

sixteen years, and is seldom frequent before twenty. When involuntary

discharges of semen are frequent in young persons, you may be assured

that they are the indirect results of onanism: hence, there is reason

to regard stains of semen as positive proofs of onanism, when the

patients have not attained the age of puberty; and as more probable

signs of this habit, when older, if these stains be frequent.

A loss of color, or an earthy tint of the countenance--a violet

appearance of the eyelids--a languid expression of face--an air

of fatigue and _nonchalance_, when the patient rises from bed--a

difficulty in getting up--are all signs which may lead to the discovery

of this pernicious habit. Here we might trace the physical state

produced by onanism, if this had not already been done. Unfortunately,

it is consumption which sounds the alarm; and this disease must be

advanced, too, before the parents seek the cause. Sometimes, the true

cause is overlooked, and all remedies are directed to an imaginary one.

We will admit, however, that it is not always easy to refer the wasting

caused by masturbation to its real origin. A young man, although not

addicted to onanism, may lose his strength, grow thin, and present,

both morally and physically, the characters belonging to this habit:

this effect is often produced by intestinal worms, by dentition,

puberty, by a too rapid growth of the body, &c.; and likewise by some

chronic diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, lungs, heart, &c.

Hence, we should not be too quick to attribute to masturbation a state

which may be produced by other causes. The practitioner who would

pronounce too precipitately that a patient indulged in onanism, would

commit an error which might be serious in more than one respect.

When a young patient presents signs of consumption, there is cause

to suspect that onanism is the cause of it; and modes may be used to

ascertain whether this be the case. Sometimes, the patient is watched,

as has already been stated. Sometimes, we attempt to discover if

any other cause has produced consumption; and when this cause is not

found, the existence of onanism is supposed. The patient, for instance,

presents all the symptoms of exhaustion, and these increase. We inquire

if this state may not result from a want of nourishment, or from

improper food--from hard work--from long watching--from melancholy,

&c.; if it may not be caused by a disease about which the patient is

silent, or by one of those maladies which produce effects similar to

those of masturbation. Now, if the gradual sinkings of the patient

cannot be explained by any of these causes; if he is weak, pale, thin,

&c.; if, notwithstanding abundant and nutritious diet, a moderate

degree of labor, the absence of all chagrin, &c.; if he presents no

sign of disease--or, rather, if the first symptoms of diseases which

he would present are not manifested until after the appearance of

those of consumption; farther, if these diseases are too slight to

have caused this state; if they cannot explain the numerous and varied

symptoms observed, and particularly the countenance, the character of

which is so significant, that it alone often reveals onanism: then we

may consider, if not as certain, at least as very probable, that the

patient is a victim to this habit, and we must act accordingly.

But, of all the proofs, it is most important to obtain an avowal of

the habit from the patient. First, it removes all doubt; then it

renders the action of the physician more frank, and consequently more

efficacious. He is no longer fearful of wounding his feelings--of

compromising his character, by showing a wrongly founded suspicion;

of awaking the attention of the young patient to a subject of which

he was ignorant, or of teaching it to him. Advice, remonstrances,

punishments, and all the moral remedies, are now easily applicable; and

if therapeutic or coercive measures are called for, the patient can no

longer deny their utility, and reject their use. Finally, an avowal

places the physician, parents, instructors--in short, all who have

authority over the patient--in a position to proceed directly to their

aim, and thereby attain it.

An avowal never takes place spontaneously: to obtain it is difficult.

With males, one need not be so particular; but we must be careful with

females. On this topic, no positive advice can be given: much must

be left to the _tact_ of the practitioner. We will only add, that we

have more than once simply given advice; and we could see, from the

manner in which it was received, that our conjectures were right. The

physician, however, should always attempt to acquire the confidence

of the onanist, to place him at his ease. They have no frankness when

a person is stern, or when a moral lecture is expected. The physician

should confine himself to his profession. In his eye, onanism should

be regarded as a cause of disease--as a cause similar to an excess

of labor, bad regimen--in fact, like any influence which might prove

injurious to the health. If he should moralize, he would probably be

debarred from that confidence which would enable him to give advice,

and prescribe the resources of the art.

Masturbation is often overlooked, because it is thought that the hand

is a necessary agent in producing it: this is far from being the

case; as it may be indulged in, by both sexes, without the aid of the

hands. When this is suspected, it is soon discovered, by the manners,

face, and silence of the onanist: there is something unusual in the

appearance of the patient, which is readily observed; and generally,

also, the thighs are crossed, or, at least, are pressed closely

together.

To prevent the development of the habit, and, when it is developed,

to arrest it, are the two indications prescribed by hygeia. These two

indications may be embraced in one--that of _preventing_ the occurrence

of onanism. If, for instance, you have before you the case of two

individuals, one of whom is not addicted to onanism, while the other

may be, you should _prevent_ one from continuing, and the other from

commencing it. In the two cases, the means used have the same tendency;

only when you wish to prevent the habit commenced, you have need of

more efforts than in the first case, where it does not exist. These

means are, then, preventive--essentially preventive; for, whatever may

be their mode of action, they all tend to prevent the act. Although

the prevention of onanism, and the arrest of the habit, are apparently

different, yet we shall state the mode of attaining this double result,

to avoid repetitions.

In masturbation, we must consider three things--the desire, the will,

and the power. Onanism is not possible, where these three conditions

do not exist: there is no wish without desire; and the latter is often

completely mastered by the former, and both present no result, if there

be no possibility of indulging. Hence, to prevent masturbation, and to

arrest it, the desire, the wish, the power to indulge, must not exist.

These are, as it has been seen, three distinct indications. It is

sufficient to attain one of them. It is easily seen, that by appeasing

the desire, the will is aided; and the obstacles opposed would be more

efficacious, the less vivid the desire, and the weaker the will. It is,

therefore, sufficiently understood, that the three indications we have

mentioned, although very distinct, require each of them special means,

the attainment of one of which renders that of the others useless,

while they all can and may be pursued conjointly.

§ 1. FIRST INDICATION. TO PREVENT THE OCCURRENCE OF THE DESIRE TO

MASTURBATE, TO PREVENT ITS RETURN, AND TO ABRIDGE ITS POWER.

The desire of masturbation is very distinct from venereal desires,

which may be felt without experiencing the other. This desire is

special: it is that of onanism, and no other. The influences, also--the

result of which is more or less proximate, and which is to excite the

genital sense--are only the _indirect_ and _predisposing_ causes of

onanism. The direct and efficient causes are those which lead to the

indulgence of it, and the preferring of it to coition. Consequently,

two indications relate to the desire of masturbation: one consists in

preventing the exaltation of the venereal sense, or in appeasing it;

and the second, in preventing or destroying the special causes of

the desire of onanism. We proceed to study these two indications in

succession.

1. _Rules relative to the general or indirect causes of onanism._--The

genital sense, and, consequently, the venereal desires, may be felt too

vividly and too early, in consequence of different circumstances, which

may be divided into two groups. Some belong to the human body, and

consist in certain innate acquired arrangements of the organization,

in consequence of which the venereal sense presents more or less

susceptibility. Others consist in different influences, as education,

food, climate, kind of life, &c.; which may act on the sensibility in

general, and particularly on that of the genital system. We will begin

with the rules connected with the former.

_Of the innate or acquired causes of venereal excitement, and of the

rules of preservation connected with them._--Some individuals seem, as

it were, marked by their organization, to become victims of venereal

excesses. In them, the genital sense is excited, and exercises great

power, long before the usual period of its manifestation. In others,

on the contrary, this sense is not excited until late: in fact, it is

so slight, that even this excitement may be doubted. In the present

state of the science, these differences can by no means be accounted

for. In many cases, however the great development of certain organs,

the increase of their vitality or their diseased state exercise

considerable influence on the strength and precocity of the venereal

sense.

Gall, and the phrenologists of his school, place amativeness in the

cerebellum. They consider this organ as the legislator of the sexual

parts, the seat of physical love; and assert that the differences in

the mass and vitality of this portion of the brain, correspond exactly

to the differences of the intensity of the genital desires. We will

proceed to mention the different facts on which these physiologists

formed their opinion.

Comparative anatomy furnishes them with no argument worthy of mention:

in fine, facts contradictory to Gall’s opinion may be derived from

numerous classes of animals who have been deprived of their cerebellum,

and yet have exercised the act of reproduction. This opinion applies

only to man, and the mammalia resembling him. The relation between

the development of the cerebellum and that of the genital organs, has

furnished a more plausible reason: it has been adduced as an argument,

that, in the encephalon, the fibres of the cerebellum are the last to

appear distinctly; and this organ is not perfect, till from the age of

eighteen to twenty-six years. A remark of Sœmmering, also, has been

adduced, to show that the cerebellum, at the period of puberty, is to

the cerebrum as one to five, while in infancy it is only as one to

seven.

We have already seen that the genital sense is more powerful in males

than in females. But it is said positively, that the cerebellum is

commonly smaller in females than in males.

Phrenologists have also sought to establish a reciprocity of action

between the genital organs and the cerebellum, by means of the results

of castration, and also the influence which the development of the

cerebellum may have on the testicles. Castration, (say they,) while it

opposes the development of the sense of venery, prevents the cerebellum

from gaining the size it would otherwise have attained. Observe, too,

how much broader the neck in the bull is, than in the ox. They have

also advanced, that if castration occurs only at a period when the

cerebellum acquires its development, the genital sense may survive this

operation; that, in some cases, it may reduce this organ to a state

approximating atrophy; that the removal of one testicle from an animal,

whatever may be its species, may produce atrophy, or some alteration

in the lobe of the cerebellum, on the side opposite to the testicle

removed. They have added, that the alteration of the cerebellum had

caused a wasting of the testicles; and that, in the cases where one

of the lobes only was disorganized, the testicle of the opposite side

was alone affected. According to Gall and his disciples, the size of

the cerebellum is discerned externally by the size and breadth of

the nucha. They remark, that this part of the skull is generally more

convex in males than in females--in entire animals, than in those

who have been castrated--in early life, and in those individuals who

are distinguished for their salacity, more than in those who are not

susceptible to the pleasures of love. Larrey pointed out to Gall a

soldier, whose antipathy to females amounted to mania: the sight of a

female caused in him violent convulsions, and almost fury. Spurzheim

saw a similar instance in England. Now, in both of these individuals,

the cerebellum was but slightly developed. The portraits of Newton,

Charles XII., and Kant, according to Gall, by the narrowness of the

neck, show that the organ of which we were speaking was but slightly

developed in these great men, who history states had but little relish

for venereal pleasures. Dispositions diametrically opposite, on the

contrary, co-exist with an enlarged volume of the brain. The following

is related by Gall:--

“A highly intellectual lady was affected from infancy with very

passionate desires; and her careful education alone saved her from

those excesses to which she was exposed by her violent temperament.

When arrived at a more advanced age, she was left to herself. She

attempted every mode to satisfy her burning passions; but enjoyment

seemed only to irritate her. She was frequently almost in a state of

mania. In despair, she left her house, quitted the city, and took

refuge with her mother, in a desolate country, where the want of

exciting objects, and the utmost severity, and the cares of gardening,

prevented the evil. After a time, she returned again to a large city,

was again threatened with relapse, and took refuge a second time with

her mother. On returning, she came to see me at Paris, and complained

to me in great despair. ‘On every side, I see images of luxury--in

every place--at table, and even in my sleep, the demon pursues me. I

shall either be mad, or die.’

“I told her briefly the natural history of the instinct of propagation.

I called her attention to the form of her neck. Although her head was

very large, yet the diameter of the nucha exceeded the distance from

ear to ear. She formed an idea of the cause of her state. I advised her

to visit her mother again; to vary her occupations, so as to diminish

the activity of her cerebellum; to apply leeches to the nucha, to

diminish the irritation of this organ; to avoid all stimulating meats

and drinks, &c. &c.

“I have seen at Paris,” says the same author, “a boy, five years old,

who seemed sixteen, in respect to his corporeal strength. His genital

organs were perfectly developed; his beard was strong; his voice was

rough and hoarse: in short, he presented all the signs of virility.”

Dr. Gall was struck, also, with the development of the cerebellum in a

boy ten years old, who had been detained in a house of correction at

Leipzick, for having violated a young girl. He had also seen at Paris

a young mulatto, less than three years old, who was remarkable in the

same respect. He made advances, not only to young girls, but to women,

and urged them to consent to his desires. His sexual organs, with the

exception of long-continued erections, exhibited nothing remarkable.

As he was surrounded by girls who indulged him, he died of consumption

before he was five years old. His cerebellum was unusually developed;

the rest of the head was of the common size. Gall has related other

instances of the kind.

A case published by Dr. Chauffard, of Avignon, deserves to be stated

here. This physician accompanied the prefect in 1823, in his tour to

the departments, to examine those young men who wished to be discharged

from military service. A stout farmer, with coarse beard and hair, and

disagreeable odor, was undressed, being, as it was said, affected with

a disease which he dared not name. It was at the close of December; the

season was cold, and the room very chilly. No sooner was he undressed,

than the penis began to swell. He was confused--he blushed--he turned

his back to the assistants. He could not avoid the priapism; nor,

finally, an emission of semen, which took place without a sensible

diminution in the size of this organ. This man was ignorant and stupid,

but he answered questions correctly. He said he was always tormented

by continual erections, often followed by seminal emissions. He even

admitted that he was accustomed to solicit them. His neck was short;

broad, and thick; the posterior portion of the occipital bone presented

a very marked slope: finally, the cerebellar portion of the cranium

was very prominent, and much developed. This man was reformed. (_Jour.

univ. des Sc. Med._, December, 1828.) We have also observed a very

remarkable development of the posterior part of the skull, in a boy

eight years old, who was addicted to masturbation for several years,

and whose penis was almost constantly in a state of erection. This

prominence so elongated the antero posterior diameter of the cranium,

that the mother found it difficult to fit caps to his head.

One of Gall’s most distinguished pupils, Dr. Voisin, has tested

phrenology, in a visit recently made to the convict galley, at Toulon.

Renaud, the Director, informed of the scientific purpose of the

visit of this physician, allowed him to examine the cerebral organs

of 350 thieves, forgers, or homicides; among whom he had designedly

distributed 22 other convicts, condemned for rape, requesting M. Voisin

to discover them from this number, by examining the posterior part of

the head. This gentleman picked out 22, 13 of whom only were condemned

for violence. Thus, then, he had selected nine who were not guilty of

this crime; and, on the contrary, had allowed to escape him nine who

had been committed. Now, the nine wrongly selected were libertines,

whom the Director admitted required to be constantly watched; and

the nine, on the contrary, whom he had not detected, were guilty

by accident, or when intoxicated: with them, libertinism was only

accidental, and not organic.

A few experimental proofs have been invoked, in support of Gall’s

opinions of the cerebellum. We will cite a remark made by Serres, as

to those bulls killed by striking them on the back of the neck. “The

penis, in those where the cerebellum was injured, oscillated very

evidently during the experiment.” The same gentleman observed a very

marked erection in a young horse, who was killed by plunging a knife

into the cerebellum. Segalas has produced the same effect in Guinea

pigs, by pushing a stylet into this organ.

The principal proofs, however, have been drawn from the action of the

diseased cerebellum on the genital apparatus. Thus, the erection of

the penis in those who die by hanging, has been attributed, by Gall,

to the affection of the cerebellum in this kind of death. Cruvelhier

has contested this explanation. He thinks it may be explained by the

stasis of the venous blood. “Respiration,” says he, “is retarded, in

consequence of the medulla oblongata; and hence results a semi-asphyxic

state, favorable to erection. In hanging, there may be an affection of

the cervical part of the medulla; and priapism has been observed more

than once in lesions of this part.” Phrenologists have also shown, that

this symptom often follows the application of a blister or seton to the

neck. Another fact, to show the connection of the cerebellum with the

genital apparatus, is that of a soldier, whose generative powers had

disappeared, after the fleshy scalp of the occiput had been removed

by the blow of a sabre. We doubt whether similar cases to this, which

was observed by Larry, have often occurred; although Dr. Bischoff has

advanced, that wounds of the back of the head, and blows on this part,

have often been followed by inflammation of the genitals.

Peculiar excitement of these organs has more than once attended a

disease of the cerebellum. We have already mentioned this fact; and

the cases stated were selected as those where the affection of the

cerebellum might be considered as produced by venereal excesses. In

those now to be mentioned, the genital excitement is, or seems to be,

the consequence of this affection.

Erection of the penis, with or without pollutions, has several

times been noticed as a symptom of apoplexy of the cerebellum. This

phenomenon may have been observed in some cases of this affection

which we have cited. Serres was the first one to call attention to

this phenomenon, in his Memoir on Apoplexy of the Cerebellum, inserted

in the Journal of Experimental Physiology; the principal facts of which

have been adduced in his work on the comparative anatomy of the brain.

One fact is, that of a man, forty-six years old, who died with violent

apoplexy of the cerebellum, during which satyriasis and ejaculation

appeared, with swelling of all the genital organs. Similar cases,

which it is unnecessary to state here, might be added. One of them was

observed by Falret. “The priapism was presented to my observation with

a very remarkable circumstance. The patient had been affected with

apoplexy, and presented a complete paralysis of the left side of the

body. Different nervous symptoms indicated that there was also great

irritation of the encephalon or its membranes. This man, although

half frantic, made amorous proposals to the female who attended him,

and presented a semi-erection of the penis: this part, instead of

being straight, presented a concavity, which looked towards the side

not paralyzed. I regret that I could not examine the cadaver of this

individual. The affection of the genital organs, in apoplexies of the

cerebellum, might probably have been noticed in many cases, if it had

been sought after.” It has not been noted, in any of the cases analyzed

by Andral. Cruvelhier, also, has never noticed priapism, in a case of

apoplexy of the cerebellum which he has seen; but he adds, that he

would not dare to say that it has never existed--at least, temporarily.

In fact, it may easily escape observation.

Hydrocephalic patients often show a great passion for venereal

indulgences. Gall, in noticing this remark, observes, that of all

the parts of the encephalon, this is the least changed in these

individuals. Chauffard has seen a hydrocephalic patient, fourteen

to fifteen years old, with an enormous head, who was addicted to

masturbation, and spoke of the pleasures he derived from it.

An acute or chronic irritation of the cerebellum, or of its envelopes,

may cause venereal symptoms more than the alterations just mentioned.

In a cadaver, brought from the hospital Bicetre to the amphitheatre,

where the penis and testes were considerably swelled, the whole of the

cerebellum was inflamed. One of the most interesting facts of this

kind was reported by Chauffard. It was that of a man, fifty-three

years old, of pleasant manners and mild character, who, in falling,

struck his head against the bed-post. The inferior occipital region

became inflamed; and subsequently, the habits of the patient were much

changed: he became affected with satyriasis, and was so salacious,

that he persecuted his wife and daughter, and all the females around

him. This man, hitherto pious and modest, gradually became affected

with the most violent erotic delirium, and finally committed the most

indecent acts. During the next three months, this state increased;

but, at the same time, his strength and intelligence failed. Finally,

one day, after a violent fit of anger, occasioned by the refusal of

his wife to listen to him, he became convulsed. The pain left the back

part of the head, and affected the top of it. The left side of the

body now began to be paralyzed; and the satyriasis was replaced by

religious delirium, with constant mumbling of prayers. The patient died

eight days afterward. According to Chauffard, at first, there was an

affection of the cerebellum. When the state of the patient was changed,

the organ of veneration was affected: this organ corresponds to the

central posterior and superior part of the frontal bone, where the

patient finally felt severe pain.

Was not the cerebellum, also, affected, in the following case reported

by Sainte Marie:--“A merchant of Lyons, an educated and honorable man,

seemed to be cured of an inveterate venereal affection, for which

he had undergone a course of treatment with mercury. He, however,

complained of restlessness, heat in the throat, _pains in the occiput

and nucha_, and frequent erections. In 1812, after domestic troubles,

he became affected with furious delirium. This state lasted three days,

and terminated in priapism; during which, the patient had fourteen

emissions in a few hours. This singular crisis resulted in a perfect

calm: extreme debility, however, remained, which soon yielded to

tonics and analeptics. Two years and a half afterward, this disease

reappeared, under the influence of these same causes, and with similar

symptoms. The termination was the same. There was a slight return of

it after two years; but, this time, the patient escaped with slight

erections, without much loss of semen.”

Facts of a similar character have induced several authors to attribute

satyriasis and nymphomania exclusively to an innate or accidental

state of the cerebellum. “The material condition of satyriasis,” says

Voisin, “resides in the encephalon; and in all cases, the deranged

manifestation of it depends on the nature and preponderating power of

the cerebellum, or on those moral and intellectual causes which have

favored the development of this organ--or, rather, on the external

circumstances which at the moment of disease have brought it violently

into action.” On the other hand, the localization of physical love in

the cerebellum has been violently contested by excellent observers,

particularly by Flourens and Bouillaud, who consider as the special

function of this organ its presidence over locomotion. Bouillaud,

particularly, has attempted to establish, by analyzing the observations

of Gall and Serres, that they are not so conclusive as these authors

asserted, and that they may be interpreted differently. Chauffard

thinks that Gall has gone too far, and that his remark, that physical

love and erections should not be attributed to the presence of the

semen and the irritation which it causes, should be qualified by using

the term _exclusively_. We also think, that, thus altered, Gall’s

remark would be more just. The cerebellum has certainly a powerful

action on salacity; but we shall see that each part of the genital

apparatus exercises one equally great; and that, consequently, the

organic principle of the state of rutting, and of venereal excesses,

cannot be sought for solely in the encephalon.

In consequence of Gall’s opinions, many authors, among whom we will

mention Chauffard, Voisin, and Londe, have thought it necessary, in

order to subdue too great a degree of amativeness, to make applications

directly to the cerebellum. Some attempts have seemed to justify

this view of the subject. Sainte Marie says, that a physician of

Lyons has cured inveterate nocturnal pollutions, by applying ice to

the occiput and nucha before going to bed. A man, thirty years old,

had three or four seminal emissions every night, which Lallemand had

tried in vain to cure, by cauterizing the ejaculatory canals. Gensoult

applied leeches and ice to the nucha: the pollutions were arrested,

as if by magic. Serres, who reports this case, adds, that, since the

publication of his memoir on cerebellar apoplexy, he has seen two cases

of apoplexy, where erections appeared during the paroxysms. Both were

cured by applying leeches and emollient cataplasms to the nucha. Might

not narcotics be applied, endermically, near the cerebellum, to subdue

the onanistic satyriasis? Might not belladonna, opium, &c., introduced

in this manner, be used with advantage? Might not, also, the hair of

the head be kept short, especially behind, and rest on a pillow of

hair, instead of feathers? Setons and blisters, also, should be applied

to the neck, in onanists, only with the utmost care; and they should

be removed as soon as they are considered indispensable. Besides the

irritation caused near the cerebellum, the influence of the cantharides

is to be guarded against.

We have already stated, that there is a reciprocity of action between

different organs: if there be one which exercises a marked influence

on the other, the latter will in turn affect the former. This may be

proved by the cerebellum, which sometimes becomes diseased after abuses

of the genital organs, and sometimes communicates to these organs the

over-excitement which is accidentally seated in it: the spinal marrow,

also, confirms the fact.

Willis, who, before Gall, had sought to localize in the nervous centres

the faculty of reproduction, had designated the spinal marrow as the

organ of this faculty. Numerous observations, and many experiments,

have lately given some credit to this opinion. Segalas, who produced

erections of the penis in Guinea pigs, by introducing a stylet into

the cerebellum, caused ejaculations by pushing this instrument into

the spinal column, near the lumbar region. Serres repeated this last

experiment, and the result was similar: he therefore concluded that the

lower part of the spinal marrow acts on the secretory and excreting

seminal apparatus, as the cerebellum acts on the genital sense. We

shall see, also, that this opinion is too positive, as the lesions of

the medulla exert a marked action on erection of the penis and the

venereal sense, besides the influence on the ejaculation attributed to

it by Serres.

A case, reported by Lenhossek, seems to establish, that compression and

atrophy of the spinal marrow may oppose the development of the genital

organs. This patient was twenty-four years old: he was thin, wasted,

and his height was that of an individual twelve years of age. Neither

his face nor genital system presented the characters of puberty. This

individual died suddenly; and it was found, that in consequence of a

malformation of the first and second cervical vertebræ, the diameter of

the occipital foramen was contracted one half. The medulla oblongata

had been compressed in this part, and its development was impeded.

Might not the singular disease, observed by Larrey in Egypt, and

afterward in Paris, be referred to an affection of the spinal marrow?

Here the testicles gradually wasted; the patient lost the power of

feeling venereal sensations, and also that of erections; the lower

extremities shrunk away, and tottered; the face was discolored; the

digestive powers and intellectual faculties were deranged. Does not

this coincidence, of a considerable weakening of the lower extremities

and the wasting of the testicles, indicate that this latter has been

the consequence of an affection of the spinal marrow?

Dupuytren long since established the fact, that priapism was caused

by a lesion of this organ. Numerous instances of this are found in

Olivier’s work on the spinal marrow: they prove, that every part of

the medulla, but particularly the cervical portion, when injured, may

cause an erection of the penis. Potain, Renauldin, and Hedelhofer, have

stated similar facts. This last author saw a man who fell upon his

sacrum, and instantly had an emission. Professor Fages was in the habit

of mentioning the following case in his lectures:--“An aid-de-camp of

General Dumourier was affected with complete paralysis of the lower

extremities, in consequence of a fall from his horse. This paralysis

was attended with a great degree of priapism, which encumbered him

very much, and caused retentions of urine, which were treated by the

most active refrigerants. Going through Montpelier, on his way to

Balaruc, he rested several days at the military hospital, where it

became expedient to sound him. In order to do this, it was necessary

to uncover the whole body, to expose it for some time to the cold air,

and to apply to it cold water; and, even then, the sound had to be used

promptly, otherwise erections would soon have supervened, merely by

touching the penis, and by the presence of the sound in the urethra.

The baths of Balaruc almost cured the paralysis; and as motion returned

to the lower extremities, the priapism disappeared.”

Do not these facts show that the spinal marrow has a marked influence

on the genital organs. We have already mentioned the opinion of Sainte

Marie, who regards involuntary pollutions as sometimes the cause and

sometimes the result of affections of the spinal marrow. May not an

original or accidental state of this organ be, in some subjects,

the indirect cause of venereal excesses? Remark the influence of a

recumbent position, in producing voluptuous dreams and emissions of

semen. Does not this singular effect depend on the heat of the spinal

marrow caused by this position? This is possible, particularly if you

consider the advantages derived in involuntary pollution, priapism,

and satyriasis, from douches of cold water along the vertebral

column, particularly on the lumbar and sacral regions, and also from

the application of ice to these parts. Sainte Marie has sometimes

arrested the spasm of the genital organs by frictions on the sacrum

with bladders full of ice. We think, then, there are cases where these

remedies may be used successfully to combat the habit of masturbation.

Narcotic frictions and endermic applications may be made along the

vertebral column, as we have said, when speaking of the cerebellum. In

vigorous patients, leeches and cups may be applied to the loins. We

will not allude here to the remedy recommended by many old authors, of

a sheet of lead to the kidneys, for this cannot produce the refrigerant

effect expected from it.

The organic conditions of venereal desire are confined neither to the

cerebellum nor spinal marrow: they may exist, also, in all parts of the

genital system, as we shall demonstrate.

A considerable part of this system is formed of a tissue termed the

_erectile_, on account of its power of swelling, hardening, and

becoming erected. It constitutes the whole of the cavernous bodies--the

glans, which is the loose extremity of these bodies--the spongy part of

the urethra--the clitoris--and a considerable portion of the vulva and

vagina. The part taken by this tissue in the work of generation, would

indicate that it is affected in amatory desires, and that its state

must exercise some influence upon them; which is demonstrated by the

facts we shall mention.

There is no vice in the human species without its representative in

some class of animals. Thus, the inclination to theft, to destroy,

&c., are found in some species existing to a great degree. So, too,

with luxuriousness. There is a class of apes--the dog-faced--which

represent it. It is impossible to form an idea of the lasciviousness

of these animals, which is manifested at sight not only of a female

of their own class, but at that of a woman: they show by their looks,

gesture, and voice, that they are excited. They are extremely jealous

at sight of a man. They indulge in coition to great excess; and if

this be impossible, they abuse themselves. How does their organization

differ from that of other animals?--in the cerebellum?--in the spinal

marrow? No: but according to Desmoulins, by the enormous mass of

erectile tissue which they have. This tissue abounds not only around

the sexual organs, but is found in the haunches and pubis. In the face,

it is not confined as in us to the lips, but it covers the face, and

there presents a brilliancy of color which exceeds that of the vulva

and glans in our species. It should be remembered that the kunocephali

do not exhibit this lasciviousness until puberty, when this tissue is

developed, and assumes its brilliant colors.

Here, then, are animals, in whom the erectile tissue evidently performs

the part attributed by phrenologists exclusively to the cerebellum.

Why may not the same thing exist in our species? Are not the penis

and clitoris, generally speaking, much larger in those who have a

marked propensity for the pleasures of love? Is not their erection the

most constant sign of the activity of the venereal sense? Is not the

erectile tissue developed at puberty, at the same time with this sense,

and does it not collapse in old age? Finally, does not the genital

sense exist at its highest degree in the glans--the clitoris--that is,

in the organs formed entirely of this tissue?

There is, then, reason to seek the principle of masturbation in this

tissue, and to this remedies should be applied. This is done in a

vigorous and healthy patient by blood-letting, and by applying leeches

or cups around the sexual parts. Lotions and cold applications to these

parts, and cold hip-baths, act in the same manner; and as they do

not contribute to the exhaustion, they are employed more frequently.

Sainte Marie recommends that the genital organs of individuals affected

with spermatorrhœa should be covered with bladders of pounded ice,

which should be removed as often as it melts. This remedy seems more

efficacious and convenient than the application of wet sponges or

linens to the parts. It might also be used in those onanists who will

consent to it. The same indication is fulfilled by forbidding children

to be washed in warm water, and by causing them to use hard cushions

to sit on; and likewise, by keeping the pelvis lightly covered, and the

clothes large enough to allow the air to circulate freely around the

genital organs. The cold injections, in girls, may also be somewhat

useful. There is also another remedy which is applicable to parts

formed of erectile tissue, and which we shall mention--viz., their

removal.

Some nations are accustomed to practise upon their female children

a kind of circumcision, which consists in cutting off several parts

of the vulva. This custom is very ancient, and exists particularly

in Egypt, Ethiopia, around the Persian Gulf, and in several parts of

central Africa. What portions of the vulva are cut off? Many authors

think that these are the nympbæ, clitoris, and even the hymen. In fact,

Niebuhr has given a colored plate of the sexual organs of an Egyptian

girl, eighteen years old, drawn by the painter Baurenfiend, the

original of which is in the library at Gottingen, in which the parts

just named seem to have been extirpated. Sonnini, who has examined two

young Egyptian girls, one of whom had been circumcised for two years,

while the operation was performed on the other in his presence, states,

contrary to Niebuhr’s opinion, that this operation has reference to

the interior of the vulva, and is confined to the excision of a thick,

flabby, and fleshy excrescence, covered with skin, which in several

African races rises above the commissure of the external labia; the

length of this was only six lines, in the two girls observed by him,

but it may be four inches long, at the age of twenty-five years. As the

opinion of Niebuhr agrees with that of all authors who have lived in

these countries, the facts observed by Sonnini are exceptions, rather

than the rule. Hence, it appears, that in many nations it is the custom

to remove from the females a considerable portion of the erectile

tissue, which is found around their sexual organs.

What is the origin of this singular custom? Is it to remove in infancy,

from the vulva of the girls, certain prominences which, at a later

period, might prove inconvenient? Has this custom been established

with a view to cleanliness? May it not be, to take away the power of

self-abuse? Whatever may be the reason of its existence, its effect is

to deaden the venereal sense, by removing a portion of the surfaces

in which it is situated. This seems positively established, by the

testimony of Niebuhr, and many others.

If this be so, may not the removal of the internal labia and of the

preputial portion of the clitoris--especially if these parts are

large--be attempted, in order to avoid a more extreme thing, which

we shall mention directly. Might not this removal blunt, if it did

not deaden, the propensity to solitary enjoyments, and render the

other remedies employed more efficient? Although we have but little

confidence in this operation, yet, when we consider that a superficial

cauterization of the nymphæ and clitoris has cured nymphomania, as

will be stated hereafter, we can conceive that the excision of the

internal labia may in some ca«es present a chance of success. Farther:

this operation is not very painful--is easily performed--and cannot,

even under the least favorable circumstances, be attended with any

inconvenience, except that of being useless. It certainly would not be

practised generally if it caused severe pains, or was followed by bad

consequences. In Africa, it is performed by the females of Said, who

use a razor. And it should be remembered, too, that it is not children

who submit to this operation; but girls eight or ten years old, as may

be seen in the travels of Niebuhr and Sonnini.

The exquisite sensibility of the clitoris, and the size it commonly

presents in lascivious females--that which it acquires in those who

masturbate, or who are affected with nymphomania--have led to the

opinion, that voluptuous desires are situated exclusively in this

organ, and that its removal will extinguish them. Levret was, we

believe, the first who conceived the idea of curing nymphomania by this

operation. Dubois performed it on a young girl, who was so addicted

to onanism, that she was almost in the last stages of marasmus. Aware

of the danger of her situation, and yet too weak, or too much under

the control of voluptuousness, she could not resist. In vain were her

hands and limbs tied: she rubbed herself against the bed, and thus

procured excessive discharges. Her parents applied to Dubois, who

proposed amputation of the clitoris. This was assented to. The organ

was removed by one stroke of the knife: the hemorrhage was arrested by

the actual cautery, and the girl recovered her health and strength.

Richerand, who has reported this case, considers the operation

performed on this young girl as the most efficient remedy in such a

case. If the idea of cauterizing the vessels is disagreeable to the

patients, the vessels of the clitoris might be tied, as are those of

the penis after amputation. (_Nosog. Chirurg._, second edition, 1808;

vol. iv., p. 326.)

The following, which is similar to the preceding, but more remarkable

in some respects, was published in the Journal of Surgery, by Graefe:--

“The subject of this case was born in 1807, and grew very well, till

the age of fourteen months, when she became ill: for eight days, she

was affected alternately with constipation, diarrhœa, and vomiting. She

remained sick till she was two years old, and did not walk till she was

four. She, however, never learned to talk, and exhibited symptoms of

idiocy. This idiocy resisted the most varied treatment, progressively

increased, and the patient was finally reduced to a state below the

brute. She swallowed her feces, and passed hour after hour in a corner,

her tongue lolling from her mouth.

“The most experienced physicians considered her case as hopeless. A

physician at Berlin undertook to cure her. She was now fourteen years

old. He remarked first in her a strong inclination to onanism: she

indulged in this practice night and day. In this, there was a curative

indication, which the physician embraced immediately. It seemed evident

to him that masturbation prevented the development of the intellectual

faculties. Hence, she was prevented from sitting down; and the head

was cauterized, to obtain revulsion by the pain. The wound from this

operation did not suppurate till after six weeks. Cold effusions were

applied to the wound, and a solution of antimony was injected into it.

These remedies were followed by a slight degree of amendment. Douches

and emetics were then used, but in vain. Finally, when the patient was

fifteen years old, her physician resolved to extirpate the clitoris.

The operation was performed June 20, 1822, by Professor Graefe, of

Berlin. The wound soon cicatrized; and the good effects of the process

exceeded all expectations. The disposition to onanism was removed; the

mind became expanded; and the education of the patient commenced. In

three years, she could talk, read, write, and even play a few tunes

on the piano--to be sure, rather imperfectly; but still she might be

regarded as being in the way of recovering from her long and cruel

disease.”

The details of this case are not sufficient to establish whether

idiocy was the cause or effect of onanism. We may conclude, however,

from the result, that it was at least in great part the consequence of

this habit. It, however, was necessary to put a stop to the onanism

before the idiocy disappeared. Farther, this case shows the extent

of the restorative power of nature, when it is no longer impeded by

masturbation. It also shows, by the good effects arising from removing

the clitoris, that it would be wrong to think, as several authors, and

particularly Voisin, have asserted, that nymphomania always depended

on an affection of the cerebellum. Powerful and the most energetic

revulsives had been applied to this latter organ, but unsuccessfully.

It was not the first time the remedies had been used. Villeneuve long

since recommended the application of caustics to the legs, and of cups

around the genital organs, with extensive scarifications, to appease

venereal desires.

The two following facts were communicated by Biett. The first is that

of a lady, thirty-five years old, who became affected with nymphomania,

after long absence from her husband. After many unsuccessful efforts

to cure this disease, extirpation of the clitoris was decided upon.

The operation was not easy, and there was considerable hemorrhage,

requiring the application of ligatures. In a few weeks, the patient

recovered.

The success of this operation induced Biett to advise a similar one in

the following case:--

“Mademoiselle C***, ten years old, of strong constitution and good

muscular developments, had been addicted to onanism since she was two

years old. She was taught it by her nurse, who remarked that she was

quieted, when crying, by titillating the clitoris, in which she was

soon imitated by the patient. The habit finally caused great moral

and physical degeneration. At first, the cause of her wasting away

was unknown; but when it was discovered, the parents tried every mode

to break her of it. Their vigilance was in vain--she still continued

it. Her mind remained unaffected, but not so with her physical

constitution. Mechanical means were now employed: the apparatus of

Lafont was applied, but without success; and there was danger of her

becoming idiotic. Her parents, after long hesitation, decided to have

the clitoris removed. The operation was performed June 26, 1831, with

perfect success. The patient became restored, and her voluptuous

feelings disappeared.”

Many have scruples in regard to this operation. They ask whether

it is right to nip the enjoyments of love in the bud, &c. These

considerations seem to me only to impose circumspection in respect to

the operation, and to show that the operation never should be employed

until all other remedies have been tried. But when life is to be saved,

or the mind is to be preserved, then we ought not to hesitate. We then

do, as in amputating a limb--we sacrifice a part for the whole. Nor is

it demonstrated, that the venereal sense is for ever extinguished, by

removing the clitoris. This organ is not the exclusive seat of venereal

sensations, as we have already seen, and shall see again. Hence, it may

be feared, for this reason, that the operation may not be successful.

In fact, only the prominent part of the clitoris is cut off: a large

portion of the cavernous bodies remains. If the operation is performed

before puberty, perhaps by developing their tissue, this feeling may

extend at this period of life: but, even then, if these chances of

reparation did not exist--if it were certain to destroy all sexual

desires--still this operation ought to be performed; as, without these

feelings of love, a female may become a good mother, and a devoted wife.

Our remarks on the cerebellum, spinal marrow, and erectile tissue,

may apply to all parts of the genital apparatus; as each part may be

a direct cause of venereal excitement, and consequently an indirect

cause of venereal excesses. This is certainly true of the mucous

membrane, which lines the genito-urinary passages. Every one knows

that acute inflammation of the interior of the urethra often causes

painful erections, and which may attend a deformity of the penis; and

hence the term _chordee_ is applied to these blenorrhœas. We have seen,

when speaking of diurnal pollution, that chronic inflammations of this

canal may be followed by losses of semen. The presence of a stone in

the bladder usually causes an itching and tickling at the end of the

penis, which has sometimes been the beginning of bad habits. If, after

excesses of the table, coition is indulged in to excess, it is because

the abuse of wine and liquors stimulates the mucous membranes, and

particularly those of which we are speaking--excites their action,

and new desires arise. Is it not on the special character possessed

by cantharides, of inflaming the urinary passages, that the violent

satyriasis caused by this remedy depends?

The phenomena we have mentioned are seen much more frequently in

females than in males, as the mucous membrane of the genital organs is

much more extensive and more exposed to the action of external agents

in the former. We have known several cases of nymphomania to be caused

by herpetic affections, which were seated within the vulva. Biett knew

a case of it in a female, sixty years old, affected with prurigo of

this part. Trousseau has known similar cases. Hence, the irritations

of the vulva, attended with itching, have been considered by many

authors among the causes of onanism. Eczema, when it has extended to

the vulvo-vaginal mucous membrane, has been known to induce this habit

violently in females. Ascarides, which have escaped from the anus, have

often caused violent itching, and afterward a venereal excitement,

which was followed by the same result. Beck has known these worms to

produce nymphomania in a female seventy years old. Bitter injections

into the vagina were followed by the evacuation of a great number of

these animals, and by the cessation of the symptoms.

The remarks of many authors on the salacity of individuals afflicted

with herpetic eruptions must apply particularly to those who are

afflicted with pruriginous diseases of the skin around or near the

genital organs. The excitement then extends to these organs, and awakes

in them the sense of venery; a similar result may attend irritation of

the inner surface of the rectum. Wichmann thinks, and a case published

by St. Marie confirms the opinion, that simply the presence of

ascarides in this instance may cause discharges of semen. Hemorrhoidal

irritation has sometimes produced them. Thus Wichmann relates the case

of an individual, in whom hemorrhoids caused an obstinate diarrhœa

during the day, and frequent pollutions at night. Nymphomania has been

produced by drastic enemata, and particularly by those made of gratiola.

It is not uncommon to see symptoms of inflammation appear at the same

time or successively in different mucous membranes. The membrane lining

the genital organs is not more exempt from this, than others. The heat

which patients feel in the genital parts, the redness and swelling

which are there developed, are generally the only symptoms which then

become known to the physician. But there is another, the excitement

of the venereal sense, which often escapes him; either because the

patients are too young to explain it, or because a natural feeling

prompts them to conceal it. Hence this symptom is frequently unnoticed,

except in rare cases, where it exists to a great degree, and presents

characters analogous to those of satyriasis and nymphomania. Dr.

Desportes was we believe the first one to point out a certain relation

between venereal excitement and different catarrhal affections among

which he has particularly mentioned the aphthous inflammation of the

pharynx termed by Guersent _angina pultacea_. M. Desportes has known

attacks of at least eight cases of this angina to be preceded by a

vivid excitement of the reproductive system, an excitement which is

sometimes manifested by an irritation, which although not exactly

the venereal appetite, is analogous to it, and causes in the patient

an evident feeling of distrust, inquietude, and chagrin. As this

phenomenon has presented itself as a precursory symptom in at least one

half of the cases of angina pultacea observed by him, he regards it

as an index of the imminent invasion of this disease. He also thinks

and with reason, that this phenomenon may, in young patients, become a

cause of masturbation, and even in some cases, may pervert momentarily

the ideas and sentiments, so as to impel individuals to the commission

of acts reputed criminal or culpable. This opinion of Desportes is

supported by eight facts. The most remarkable is that of a lady seventy

years old, in whom the angina pultacea, was preceded for about a month

with vivid and frequent venereal desires: they became so irresistible,

that notwithstanding her religious opinions, she forgot herself so far

as to relieve her ardor by onanism.

Desportes has attempted to explain this singular feeling, by the

connexion of the nerves of the neck with certain parts of the

encephalon, the commencement of the spinal marrow. He might, we think,

have explained this more naturally, by observing that the genital

excitement, instead of appearing simultaneously with the affection of

the pharynx, disappeared simply from the appearance of the latter.

Thus, in one of these patients, a man of fifty years old, whose habits

were chaste, and who was suddenly affected with unusual venereal

desires and priapism, these symptoms ceased, when after twenty days,

an angina appeared; which was followed by an eczema which affected

the hairy scalp, and the parts behind the ears. In another of the

cases reported by Desportes, the genital excitement which appeared

during convalescence from pleuro pneumonia, was suddenly replaced by

an inflammatory irritation of the digestive passages, and particularly

of the inner membrane of the mouth. Is it not evident that the

irritation was transmitted in these cases from one membrane to another.

If, however, Desportes has erred in the manner in which the genital

excitement is produced, he deserves credit for pointing out a symptom

which merits the attention of practitioners.

The irritation of the internal integuments of the genital parts, is not

only, as this physician has thought, a precursory sign of that of the

pharynx. It may show itself during the continuance of an inflammation

of any other portion of the mucous membranes, or it may even follow

this inflammation. Dr. Mirambeau has communicated to me two cases which

confirm this fact. The first is that of a boy who was affected after a

chill, with a very obstinate gastroenteritis. This disease was nearly

terminated, when the mucous surface of the penis became the seat of a

very severe irritation, which was soon attended with satyriasis. Things

came to such a pass that his hands were obliged to be tied to keep him

from those manipulations which he had never indulged in before. The

subject of the second case was a girl nine years old, who presented the

same circumstances as in the preceding case. She also was obliged to be

tied. This fit continued in these two cases, from ten to twelve days.

Hence irritation of the mucous membrane which lines the genito urinary

passages may alone cause venereal excitement, and consequently onanism,

independent of any affection of the nervous centres. This fact is

highly essential on account of the important indications which may

be deduced from it. Aware of the possibility of its existence, the

physician will be more attentive to discover this irritation; he will

find it more frequently and may in a degree prevent a fatal habit: he

will also carefully remove every cause of irritation from the mucous

integument of the genital parts and discuss as promptly as possible

the inflammations which may be developed there. The mode of doing

this is by attending to the following rules. To keep the sexual parts

perfectly clean by repeated ablutions: to forbid all excesses of the

table, and the use of such food and drinks as tend to render the urine

more irritating, and the genito urinary mucous surface more irritable;

hence to discard the use of wine, liquors, coffee, tea, spices,

beer, particularly that made strong with hops: to allay irritations

of the interior of the rectum, around the anus or those affecting

the integuments around the genital organs. When children complain of

itching around the anus, you must ascertain whether this be not caused

by ascarides which is easily done by inspecting the parts and the

feces: no means should be spared to get rid of these worms when they

exist:[1] and finally the most efficient remedies should be used to

cure the itching of the genitals as soon as this affection commences.

Ozanam communicated to the academy of medicine August 12, 1828, a

very acute case of nymphomania which had resisted antispasmodics,

narcotics, cold baths, &c.; and which was finally cured by applying to

the internal labia and clitoris a solution of four grains of nitrate

of silver in an ounce of water. There was a marked inflammation of

the parts to which this was applied. (_Rev. Med._, _Sept. 1828._) In

1833, we employed successfully another remedy, for a lady thirty-four

years old and subject to nervous affections. She experienced a

feeling of heat and irritation in the vulva and vagina which caused

her excessive trouble. Solutions and injections of an infusion of

the wild cherry-tree, produced no relief. The introduction into the

vagina of a pledget of lint moistened with a solution of the extract of

belladonna, (one grain to the ounce,) had a better effect. Different

symptoms indicated the absorption of this drug into the system and the

irritation disappeared. But it returned a few days after, and we then

advised the application of ice within the vagina which relieved her,

and finally brought about a permanent cure.

The irritation of the uterus in this lady might have had more or

less influence in producing these distressing symptoms. Venereal

desires, and nymphomania may in fact also depend upon the state of

this organ. The excitement preceding and attending the period of

menstruation, renders females much more lascivious. This phenomenon

is much more marked in the small number of animals who menstruate: it

always coexists in them with the period of rutting. This remarkable

fact, which has long been known, of asses and monkeys, has lately

been ascertained to exist in the roussettes by Carnot and Lesson, and

in the genette by Cuvier. Farther inflammations and diseases of the

uterus have often been observed in those affected with nymphomania.

Helwiel relates the history of a lady, who, after being for a long time

indifferent to conjugal pleasures, became extremely salacious. She died

some time afterward, and on opening the dead body, fibrous tumours were

found in the tissue of the uterus, and hydaleds in the ovaries. Calmeil

found in a monomaniac, who was most furiously addicted to onanism, and

who had a perfect hymen, that the os tincæ and a part of the neck of

the uterus were of a violet colour, and were softened and ulcerated.

This author observes that generally, when deranged females imagine

themselves pregnant, or that they have been violated, are finally known

to think of their genital organs, there is commonly some lesion of the

uterus. (_Dict. des Sc. Med._, _art. Alienes_.) In the cases which

have been mentioned, the affection of the uterus was not so much the

cause as the result of the excesses which had been committed, but this

cannot be said of those cases where Lisfranc has seen cauterization

of the neck of the uterus to be followed in the genital organs with a

kind of erethism which is attended with void desires. Is not this an

experimental proof, that an irritation of the uterus may produce an

exaltation of the venereal sense.

This excitement from congenital or accidental dispositions, may

affect the ovaries; to prove this we have only to consider that

their development exactly follows that of the venereal sense: that

at forty-five years they begin to diminish in size, and finally they

disappear: their removal or destruction too is always attended with the

extinction of venereal desires. The respective size of the veins and

arteries of the ovaries has been mentioned by some authors as a cause

of salacity: the amorous ardor of animals, say they, is much greater,

when the veins of the ovaries are smaller and fewer than the arteries.

Haller found that the last-named vessels were very much developed in a

female whose temperament was extremely amorous. Different alterations

in the ovaries have been found in those affected with nymphomania.

Bosset, Blancard, Vesalius, Riolan, Mangel, Dimmerbroede, Riviere,

Lieutaud &c. have observed cases of this. De Blegnay states that one

of the girls confined at the Salpetrière, and who had been affected

several times with furor uterinus, was once seized so violently

that it was necessary to tie her. This unfortunate girl perished by

suffocation, while struggling to extricate herself. On opening the dead

body the left ovary and Fallopian tube were found much diseased.

The removal of the ovaries has been performed successfully to appease

excessive uterine ardor; a swineherd, irritated by the conduct of his

daughter, extirpated these organs and thus extinguished her passions.

The ovaries however have been extirpated several times on account of

disease. The operation has been performed on several women and with

success by Dr. Sacchi of Italy, and Dr. D. L. Rogers of New York. The

usual effects in those who are fortunate enough to survive, are a

wasting of the mammæ and a perfect indifference to the act of venery

(_Bulletin therapeutique_, vol. iv., p. 313.)

We need not make many remarks on the effects of castration in the male

to show the influence of the testes on the development and vivacity

of lascivious desires. We know that it has been asserted that these

desires may remain after the loss of these organs. In support of this

opinion have been quoted Galen, Juvenal, Brantome and many other

authors, particularly Franck, who states that four eunuchs in a city

had so many intrigues with females, that the police were obliged to

interfere. (_Dict. des Sc. Med._, vol. iv. p. 269.) But these facts

only prove that eunuchs may indulge in pretended coition and that they

preserve some sparks of the fire which is generally seated in the

testicles. Most authors have attributed the action of these organs

in the sense of venery, to the fluid secreted by them, to the semen.

They say that this fluid awakes this sense either by the qualities it

assumes, when accumulating in the testicles or seminal vesicles, or

because it is carried by absorption to all parts of the body. This

opinion is certainly much too positive: but in the present state of

science, can we, as do many authors, assert that it has no foundation?

The qualities of the semen may certainly vary much, as may be proved by

the presence or absence of the spermatic animalculæ. It is entertained

for instance, that these animalculæ do not appear before puberty, and

that they are not to be found in old age, that they disappear during

sickness, and that in many animals, in most birds for instance, they

occur only during the season of mating (_Dumas_, _Dict. class. d’hist.

nat._, _art. generation_.) The venereal sense becomes imperious, when

the individual secretes real semen, and this sense may be felt in

old men, after semen is no longer formed. The fulness of the seminal

vesicles cannot be absolutely necessary for venereal desires, because

these organs do not exist in birds, in many cold-blooded animals and

in some of the mammalia. Are these persons in whom the testicles,

instead of descending into the bursæ as usual about the seventh mouth

of fetal life, remain in the abdomen, are these persons, who are termed

cryptorchides more addicted than others to sensual pleasures? This has

been asserted by many authors, and particularly by Monro and Hunter.

They certainly are not less so. Poliniere has related a case of a

person of this character 17 years old whom he saw at Brest in 1812, and

who indulged most immoderately in venereal pleasures contrary to the

advice of his physicians. Death soon put an end to his career.

The sensuality attributed to the cryptorchides has been explained

by the greater degree of heat experienced in the testicles, when

they remain in the abdomen. Be this as it may, the excitement of

these organs probably exalts the sense of venery. When the state of

excitement is very marked, they swell and become more sensible: these

symptoms however are much more marked in animals during the period of

rutting, than in our species. Accidental irritations of the testicles

have sometimes also caused an unusual excitement of the sense of

venery. Moreau attended for a long time a man advanced in age, who

consulted him particularly for pollutions attended with amatory dreams.

These symptoms which were very distressing constantly occurred,

whenever the fibrous membrane of the testicles was affected with

chronic rheumatism.

From our remarks, we can conceive that extirpation of the testicles

would be a powerful remedy, in fact the most efficient of all remedies,

to quell lascivious desires, and to put an end to venereal excesses.

Hence individuals have been known to sacrifice these organs, and thus

to rid them«elves of a salacity which rendered them unhappy. Baldassar

relates the history of a man on whom he tried every remedy, and

finally found nothing better than fasting and prayers. “Not recovering

under these remedies,” says this author, “he wished the operation of

castration to be performed, but I thought it inexpedient. The patient

however pressed me very earnestly, and sought to win over to his

views by presents those who opposed his wishes. He even promised me an

ambling poney of remarkable beauty, if I would consent to perform it.”

Reduced to despair some individuals have even castrated themselves.

Origen, it is well known, mutilated himself, in order to extinguish

the warmth of his temperament. This operation has been performed by

surgeons and with happy results. A surgeon of Bernstadt was less

fortunate: he removed the testes of a man 73 years old, in consequence

of the unusual desires he experienced. The operation was not attended

with the expected result. (Sprengel, _Hist. de la med._, _vol. ix_.)

Hence this remedy is not infallible. We will add that it is far from

being without danger, particularly in those individuals who are already

exhausted by excesses. Farther, the operation is not confined, as in

amputation of the clitoris, to the extinction of the venereal sense: it

takes away the procreating power, and causes that moral and physical

deterioration which is seen in eunuchs, even when they have lost their

testicles after puberty. These therefore are reasons why this operation

should not be performed; an operation which is disapproved of by most

authors. We will except however Simon, who advises as a last resource

in those affected with onanism to press upon or tie the vas deferens

or the spermatic artery; for it is better, said he, that the patient

should live a eunuch, than that he should inevitably perish. (_Hygiene

de la jeunesse_, p. 174.) Some practical conclusions may be drawn

from the facts we have mentioned. Thus in some patients, cold lotions

or applications of ice to the scrotum, and of leeches around it, may

be used with advantage. Young patients also should have these parts

clothed lightly.

Diseases affecting various parts by their action on the organs

mentioned, that is on the cerebellum, spinal marrow and the genital

system, may cause a kind of a state of rutting and thus become the

occasion of venereal excesses. For instance an unusual venereal

excitement is sometimes a forerunner of an attack of gout, which may

be explained by considering that the invasion of the local symptoms of

this disease, is usually preceded by the irritation of several mucous

membranes. Does not the salacity which all authors have mentioned

as being peculiar to phthisical persons depend on the part which

the genito-urinary membrane takes in the general excitement of the

mucous membranes which is so common in the tuberculous affection of

the lungs? Pathological anatomy has thrown no light on the subject.

Of forty patients affected with phthisis, where the prostate gland,

seminal vesicles, and vasa deferentia were carefully examined by Louis,

three only presented an alteration of these parts; this consisted in

the deposition of a quantity of tuberculous matter in the prostate

gland: in one of them this matter was found in the seminal vesicles

and vasa deferentia. (_Recherches anatopath. sur la phthisie_, 1825,

p. 132.) Louis says nothing in regard to the amatory passions of these

individuals.

The affection of the genito-urinary mucous membrane, accounts also

for the venereal sensations which many authors have mentioned as a

symptom of the elephantiasis of the Greeks, otherwise termed lepra

tubercularis. The frequency of this symptom was so remarkable, that

the ancients confounded elephantiasis with satyriasis. Sonnini saw at

Cana, in the island of Candia, a great many individuals of both sexes,

affected with this kind of leprosy. They were confined according to

custom, in barracks without the walls of the city, and there they

indulged in the most unbridled licentiousness. Even the old men were

very lascivious. He gives an instance of a leper who, on the night of

his death, indulged his desires. Niebuhr speaks of another leper who

carried away by his ardor, imparted his disease to a woman of Bagdad,

who was admitted with him into the lazaretto of that city. Vidal

and Joannis assert that they have seen this _libido_ in those Greek

sailors affected with elephantiasis. After these proofs, it required

some boldness to deny the possibility of this symptom, which to us

seems easily explained. Consider the nature of elephantiasis: while

it affects the skin, it extends to the mucous membranes, where we

find tubercles, ulcerations, softenings, &c. Why should the membrane,

lining the genito-urinary passages, be exempt from these alterations?

Is it not then probable that this membrane was diseased in some way

or other, in those individuals affected with libido? We can easily

imagine, too, that as these alterations cannot be constant in lepra

tubercularis, the symptom of which we are speaking must often be

deficient, which explains why different authors who have observed cases

of elephantiasis, particularly Alibert, Rayer and Cazenave, have not

met with it. An affection of the genital organs may produce results

completely opposite to libido: it may arrest the development of the

genital organs when it appears before puberty. The individuals then

present the marked characters of eunuchs, which has been observed by

Adams, (Obs. on morbid poisons.) and probably Pallas, who asserts that

the Tartans affected with elephantiasis, are averse to the pleasures of

love. Farther, in lepra tubercularis, the sexual parts are often, and

according to Alibert, most generally affected; this would necessarily

extinguish all venereal desires. This probably was the case in the

patient mentioned by Cazenave, in whom the testicles, glands and

prepuce were found converted into a lardaceous tissue; and where, too,

the corpora cavernosa were destitute of blood, and presented an evident

hypertrophy of their septa.