It often happens that the genital sense is exalted, because it is the

only one, or nearly so, which continues. This is frequently seen in

idiots, and in those affected with dementia. The imbeciles, if left to

themselves, “says Esquirol,” sometimes at the period of puberty become

affected with onanism, nymphomania, or hysteria. Idiots also often

indulge in the most unrestrained masturbation. This can readily be

imagined: these individuals are in a measure isolated by the debility

or weakness of their senses and intelligence. As they receive no

external impressions, those which are inherent, exercise unlimited

power. The internal senses are then much more regarded, because they

speak alone. That which is in others only a desire, becomes in idiots

a want: hence there are many who seem to live, merely to eat, drink,

and indulge in licentiousness. When speaking of the effects of onanism

on the mental faculties, we have shown that the venereal sense becomes

heightened, as these other faculties are weakened. This fact may be

remarked, whatever may have been the cause of derangement: for many

individuals become affected with onanistic satyriasis, because they are

imbecile or idiotic. Finally, idiocy may be the effect and cause of

onanism. Sometimes the disease appears first, sometimes the habit--but

as soon as they exist they strive continually to increase, and we are

unable to say which of the two exercises the stronger influence on the

other.

Our remarks on idiocy are equally applicable to cretinism, which is a

variety of this affection. The cretins, though small, goitrous, hideous

and imbecile, are extremely salacious, and this feeling is allayed by

intercourse between them, or by onanism. A remarkable fact which has

been observed twice, once in a cretin and once in an idiot, may throw

some light on the organic causes of the inverse progress followed by

the external and internal senses in this kind of patients: it is the

_hypertrophy of the ganglionnary nervous system_. One of these cases

is recorded by M. Schiffner. He found, on the cadaver of a cretin,

that the ganglions of the great sympathetic nerve, situated along the

vertebral column, were unusually large. The sympathetic nerve of the

left side, on a level with the 6th vertebra presented a ganglion the

size of a hen’s egg. Before this case of Schiffner, in 1819, Cayre

also, in a thesis on idiotism, had mentioned the excessive development

of the ganglionnary system, in one born an idiot. The cervical

ganglions were three times their usual size; those of the thorax were

larger than in the healthy state, and this was the case also with the

semilunar ganglions.

We have seen that individuals appear much more lascivious, as they

become more stupid and insensible; venereal sensuality often developes

itself under very different circumstances. It may be only an episode,

and sometimes it is an effect of the general susceptibility. A person

is lascivious, because he is alive to vivid impressions; because the

genital organs, like the rest of the economy, are easily excited,

and their excitement is vividly felt. This disposition occurs often

in hypochondriac and hysterical people; that is, in individuals who

are so susceptible as to be habitually sick. They are easily excited,

and have nocturnal pollutions from the slightest cause. The genital

organs, also like the others, may become affected by an irritation

which is seated at a greater or less distance from them; for instance,

in the stomach, lungs, skin, &c. Those persons who are affected with

cutaneous diseases, which cause itching, are generally extremely

lascivious. Symptoms similar to priapism and satyriasis, appear in

numerous diseases. Nervous or flatulent colics have often been known

to produce a similar effect. A woman observed in 1833, at Hotel Dieu,

in the ward of Bouillaud, and whose case is reported by Donne, (Revue

Med., June, 1833,) presented a phenomena, which, notwithstanding its

strangeness, is explained by what we have said. She was thirty years

old, of a strong constitution, and hysterical. After an attack of acute

rheumatism affecting the wrist, her hand became exquisitely sensible,

and the slightest friction upon it, procured for the patient all the

sensations arising from coition. This aberration of the sensibility

disappeared with the last traces of the rheumatic inflammation, and

the part regained its natural state. A highly respectable man, Dr.

Mirambeau, communicated to us the case of a child who procured similar

sensations by pulling his umbilicus. His health suffered so much

in consequence of this singular habit, that coercive measures were

employed to check it. We must remark, however, that notwithstanding the

sensations mentioned, this patient presented no erection nor any other

phenomena in the genital organs, similar to those of the act of venery.

_Of the things which may produce venereal excitement, and of the modes

of preservation which are connected with them._ These things are all

those which are capable of increasing the sensibility in general

and particularly that of the organs of venery: the means are, the

influences which may be used to act in a contrary direction.

The venereal desire may develope itself at all seasons. The most

favorable to its appearance, however, is spring. This fact was well

known to the ancients: but it did not rest on a scientific foundation

till recently. The confirmation of this fact is owing to the

statistical labors of Villermé in France and of Quetelet and Smits in

Belgium.

Villermé proposed to establish, from the register of births, the

periods of the year when conceptions occur most frequently. He arranged

the months in the following order. May, June, April, July, February,

March, December, January, August, November, September, October.

Hence the three months when there are the most conceptions are April

May and June, and those in which there are the fewest are September,

October, and November. Hence it is in spring, at that period of the

year when vegetation sprouts forth and when the trees are covered with

foliage, when most animals seek their mates, that pregnancy is most

common: while in autumn, that season in which vegetable life is as it

were extinguished, is also the period when the human race labors least

at reproduction. The results obtained by Quetelet and Smits, conform

entirely with the above. It now remains to know whether the difference

between spring and autumn arises from there being less procreative

exertion or whether conception or impregnation at that time are more

easy.

To resolve this question Villermé consulted the criminal calendar to

ascertain at what period of the year there were the most attempts

at rape: and he found that it was the same as that when the most

conceptions occur, that is in the spring. The same result was obtained

by Quetelet and Smits. May not these crimes be more common in the

spring because then men have more opportunity of being guilty, as

at that time females may be found alone and loosely clothed, in the

woods and distant places? But these same circumstances exist in the

months of August and September, and yet the respective number of

these crimes diminishes in these two months. Nor can this greater

number of pregnancies be attributed to the fact that more marriages

are contracted at one period of the year than at another, for the

_maximum_ and _minimum_ of births can be referred in every country and

at all times, with but few limitations to the same periods, while the

_maximum_ and _minimum_ of marriages in different countries present

great and numerous differences. We may then consider it as determined

that man is subject to a certain extent to a kind of _periodical heat_,

which returns every year in the spring.

It is not the heat of weather which produces this phenomenon, for if

this were the case, it would appear in July and August rather than

in April and May: but it is _the return of early warmth_. Perhaps

this phenomenon also arises from influences now unknown, which would

contribute in early spring to the vernal resurrection of organized

beings. The slight variations in the period of heat in men, in

different climates, confirms what has been said as to the action of

spring. Villermé having compared the different parts of France, of

Europe and even of the two hemispheres, found that the maximum of

conceptions is, like this season, more precocious in warm than in cold

climates. There is then a period of the year when man is more disposed

to indulge in these excesses and when his desires should be more

carefully controlled. We have already seen that Wichmann regards the

spring as a cause why diurnal pollutions are more active and frequent;

the same may be said of nymphomania. In a female whose history has

already been given and who was affected with this disease, the period

of the greatest degree of salacity extended from the beginning to the

end of this season.

There is another observation which at first seems only of a moderate

degree of importance but which may present practical deductions of

great interest. Villermé has found that the maximum and minimum of

conceptions are much less marked in the cities than in the country, and

still less so in the large cities. This fact confirms our remarks on

the influence of seasons, for it shows that this influence is less, the

more individuals are exposed to it. It shows too how far the salacity

of men may be influenced by his mode of living. This remark has long

been made in regard to animals: the period of rutting ceases to be

marked periodically when they pass from a savage to a domestic state.

We have now to learn in what manner a retired life acts on the venereal

sense. Another observation of M. Villermé seems to us to throw light on

this topic.

The law of _maximum_ and _minimum_, which has just been treated of,

presents a remarkable exception which is seen in cold countries as

Sweden, Finland, St. Petersburgh, &c. In these countries, exceptions

occur most frequently in the months of December and January, in short

in winter. Different causes have been supposed to account for this

exception: there is but one however, which will explain it well--that

is the manner in which the inhabitants of these countries are clothed

during the cold season. By means of dress and warmth they then create

an artificial climate by which they are enabled to resist the rigor

of that in which they dwell. The whole body is enveloped in numerous

thick and warm garments, which fit accurately, envelope it exactly

and preserve for the body its natural temperature: placing these

individuals in a position analogous to that of vegetables which are

hastened in their growth by manure. Farther they preserve in their

dwellings a degree of temperature which would be insupportable in a

temperate climate. In fact if the inhabitants of the polar regions

should keep civil registers of births, their examination would

doubtless demonstrate that in these rude climates, the fine season is

not that of amours. It is well known that puberty in these countries

is more precocious, as is the case under the tropics. Thus the Samoid

women menstruate at the age of 11 years and are often mothers at 12.

(Klingstadt, _Memoire sur les Samoides_, pp. 41. & 43.) This is not to

be wondered at when we consider that they live in subterranean caves,

where there is a stifling heat produced by throwing water on redhot

stones. Dwellings then in cold countries may be considered as hot

houses which act on man as they do on vegetables.

These facts established, let us consider their consequences; do they

not prove, that an artificial climate may develope the venereal sense

prematurely or too vividly? That on the coming of winter a young man

ought not to be clothed too warm? That too many quilts should not be

put on the bed at night? That the cold should be braved? That we should

forbid too long a continuance in warm rooms? These principles are

deduced naturally from observations on the seasons. It is unnecessary

to say, that these rules, good as they are, are more particularly

applicable to those who are suspected or convicted of masturbation.

In our preceding remarks we have paid regard only to the temperate

zones of the two hemispheres, that is, to those countries where there

are four distinct seasons nearly equal in length. But if we approach

the equinoctial line, those regions of the globe where the year is

divided into a very long summer and a very short winter, the influence

of seasons is effaced by that of _climate_. We shall not repeat in

this place all that has been said in regard to the precocity of the

inhabitants of warm countries, their ardor in love, the excesses to

which they are addicted, the rapidity with which they grow old; all

these facts are well known. But we will make a remark which seems

to us important: if the habitual and long continued action of solar

heat, hastens the appearances of the venereal sense, and gives it so

much power, why will not the continued action of any other heat, for

instance of clothing, dwellings, baths, &c., produce a similar result?

It seems to us that the admission of the first fact necessarily implies

the other. Thus whether we regard the influence of seasons exerted

around us, or that of climates which are far distant, we always arrive

at the conclusion that by a delicate education, and by taking care to

preserve children from the slightest cold, we hasten the excitement

of their sensual feelings, to which they are more liable to become

victims. Hence in prescribing a change of scene for a young man

addicted to onanism, we should be careful not to expose him to hot

climates.

Are there any emanations which have the power of deadening the

venereal sense? From a case already mentioned, and which we owe to M.

Villermé, we might suspect that emanations from stagnant waters have

this effect: but it is probable that if procreation is less active in

marshy countries during the most unhealthy seasons, it is because the

number of sick is greater. It is well known that notwithstanding all

emanations, the venereal sense may be very precocious, and may lead

whole communities to indulge in excesses: we might cite as instances

the inhabitants of the marshy parts of the Landes of Bordeaux, and the

Solognese.

The power which certain odors have of exciting to desire is by no

means doubtful, at least so far as animals are concerned. Most of the

mammalia at the period of rutting, exhale certain emanations which

serve to inform the male at a distance of the presence of a female and

to excite in him the desire of copulation. Even in the insect kingdom

some facts exist which cannot be accounted for except on the principle

of odorous effluvia. Thus if we shut up in a perfectly close box a

female bombyx, we shall soon see males flying around it, who cannot be

guided there by the sense of sight. Does any thing similar occur in

the human family? Many authors assert the affirmative. “Odors,” says

Cabanis, “act powerfully on the nervous system: they incite it to all

pleasurable sensations: they communicate to it this slight disturbance

which seems to be inseparable from it, and this because they exercise

a special influence on the organs which are the seat of the most vivid

pleasure granted us by nature. In infancy, the influence of smell is

but slight: in old age, it is feeble: it is most active at the period

of youth which is that of love.” (_Rapports du phys. an morale de

l’homme_, vol. I, p. 222.) Among many nations even in remote antiquity,

voluptuous females excited their visitors to desire by the cosmetic

use of different perfumes, particularly by musk. This substance has

been said to be capable of producing even nocturnal pollutions. (_Luc.

Lebrœchus, Hist. Moschi_, ch. 24, p. 153.) On the other hand, we read

that Henry IV. thought that the natural odor of the sexual parts was

more powerful than any cosmetics. Notwithstanding these testimonials

and many others of a similar character, which might be adduced, we

believe that in our species, where the sense of smell has so little

influence compared to what it has in animals, that odors have but a

slight effect in exciting to sexual pleasures. We think it prudent

however to forbid the abuse of cosmetics in young people.

Irritation of the skin, particularly in the neighborhood of the sexual

parts, may act on them as we have seen, and produce venereal desires.

Debauched libertines have frequently sought pleasure in this, and

have sometimes lashed themselves with thongs, or other instruments

of torture. In the time of Nero, the art of invigorating the virile

powers with green nettles was known and practised. Many authors have

stated details on this topic which may be found in the treatise of

Melbourne, (_De flagrorum usu in re venerea_, Lugd. Batav. 1643,[2])

and an article by Virey. (_Dict. des Sc. Med._, art. _Flagellation_.)

The pleasures of flagellation, however, also have their limits: it

has therefore been prescribed to deaden carnal desires, as well as to

excite them. More than one saint has flagellated himself with this

hope. In order that it should be efficacious, it should be used with

severity.

It can easily be imagined that this remedy may have a very different

effect from that proposed. Castigation, and also the denuding of the

body, which is necessary, often have an effect on children, indicated

by the erection of the penis. Young persons sometimes desire this

punishment. The sensations caused by it have been so strong, as to

be followed by an immediate emission. How many children have become

addicted to onanism, in consequence of this imprudent punishment!

how often has the fatal habit of onanism been encouraged by it!

These consequences have been pointed out by many authors. Pic de

la Mirandole, Rhodoginus, &c., have related instances of it. The

following is from Serrurier. “One of my school-fellows,” says he,

“found an indescribable pleasure in being whipped: he took every

occasion to provoke the master, who never pardoned an offender, but

had him scourged, by individuals to whom this duty was committed. This

same school-fellow declared that he was sorry when the punishment was

ended, because then the pollution was not complete. What has been

the consequence of this horrid discovery. The unhappy person became

addicted to onanism. Reduced to the lowest stage of consumption, in

consequence of the habitual loss of semen, his death presents us a

picture of depravity, and an instance of the danger to which one is

exposed by this fatal passion.” Castigation is much more to be dreaded

when practised by one of an opposite sex from that of the patient. Even

young children notice this difference. Rousseau, describing the effect

produced on him by being punished by Mademoiselle Lambercier, says,

he was then eight years old, “For a long time she confined herself to

threats, and the threat of punishment seemed very dreadful to me; but

after it was performed, I found it less terrible than I expected; so

much so, that it required all my natural sweetness to prevent me from

seeking a return of the punishment, by averting it: for I found in

the pain, and even in the shame, a mixture of sensuality which had

left rather a desire, than a fear to be punished by the same hand.

The same punishment from the hand of her brother would doubtless have

been less agreeable.” Rousseau having exposed himself a second time to

punishment, it was seen _by a certain sign_, that this chastisement

did not produce the desired effect: he therefore escaped afterward.

Thanks to his temperament, Rousseau did not contract, at that dangerous

period, a habit which would have extinguished, at their source, those

admirable faculties which were afterward developed.

The importance of separating the sexes in schools can be seen from the

preceding remarks: this is done in many institutions, and should be

practised in all. The rod, too, should also be excluded from families,

and physicians should explain to families the double danger of a loss

of modesty, and of exciting the senses.

Certain articles of clothing may excite the skin, cause an itching,

and thus produce effects similar to those of flagellation. Haircloth

and sackcloth, with which some orders of monks are now clothed, have

contributed, it is said, together with the mode of life to that

reputation for incontinence possessed by some orders of friars. A want

of cleanliness has also had the same effect. Be this true or not, it

is wise to avoid the use of flannels next the skin, particularly in

young patients, and around the pelvis. Hence woollen pantaloons should

always be lined. The importance of keeping the sexual organs clean, has

already been pointed out; the same remarks apply to the whole body.

This cleanliness must be maintained by lotions and baths. The former

ought generally to be cold: this rule is seldom contra-indicated. As

to baths, we would remark that hot baths ought seldom to be prescribed

for onanists and for young persons generally, because of the excitement

which they cause. Tepid baths should also be used with care, as they

render one susceptible and delicate. Cold baths ought always then to be

preferred, when the season and health of the patients permit. There are

other rules to be mentioned hereafter.

The venereal appetite may be much modified by food and drinks. This

passion and the excesses with which it is attended may be connected

with the diet used. Hence when we attempt to cure a young person of

onanism a good selection of food and drink is very essential. It is

therefore important to state the dietetic conditions by which the

venereal appetite is excited or depressed.

_Sine cerere et Baccho friget Venus_ is an old proverb, which however

is too obsolete. Generally speaking abundance of good food is more

favorable to venereal desires than a contrary mode of diet. This may

be seen on a large scale by comparing years of plenty with those of

scarcity. We can then remark how injurious periods of public distress

are to the procreative power. This has long been observed, but has

now been demonstrated beyond a doubt, by the patient researches of

Villermé. He has ascertained from several statistical tables of

population in France, that at the period of the revolution when

the duty was removed from wine, salt, &c., when the laborers found

themselves unusually prosperous, when they indulged in feasts and

celebrations, in short, lived better, the number of births evidently

increased. Eleven tables were examined by Villermé, and to this

remark--he found but one exception. On the contrary, when the diet

of the people is poor and insufficient, the number of conceptions

diminishes and never resumes its level till abundance is restored. It

would even seem that after the period of scarcity has passed away, it

still continues to exercise an extraordinary degree of energy.

These facts were very manifest after the bad harvest of 1816: the

number of conceptions, proportionally speaking was less, from November

1816 to September 1817, especially during the months of April, May,

June, and July, than in other years. (_Ann. d’hyg. publ., Jun. 1834._)

Similar observations have been made in animals: it is remarked that the

period of heat supervenes when they are best fed, and that generally

they are much more productive when they are domesticated than when in

a wild state, where they are often liable to long fasts. Hence there

is reason for prescribing fasting to deaden carnal passions. Villermé

has remarked that in all those catholic countries of which he has seen

statistics, Lent, as it is now observed, and particularly as it was

formerly kept, seems to exercise an unfavorable influence on generation.

The facts which have been mentioned may be explained in several ways:

first by the action of plenty and scarcity on the health of the public.

Probably in times of scarcity, a state of things is observed analogous

to what is seen in marshy countries during the reign of epidemics.

The action of abundance on the power of procreation may be explained

also by the direct influence of the labor of digestion on the organs

where the venereal sense is located. It is known that amorous desires

are often developed directly after taking food. Nocturnal pollutions

sometimes occur directly after lying down. Serrurier speaks of a

maniac who had seminal emissions on taking food after long abstinence.

(_Dict. des Sc. Med._, vol. xliv. p. 116.) Farther the effect alluded

to may be produced as is readily imagined, more easily and forcibly

when the excitement attending the labor of digestion is excessive when

for instance, the repast has been great, composed of many exciting and

stimulant articles of food and of good wine or with a small quantity of

alcoholic drinks. Those individuals who are subject to pollution, feel

the direct influence of these circumstances.

Beside the immediate effect mentioned, a warm and analeptic diet by

giving the body an increase of excitement and force, may render amorous

desires more frequent and vivid. Thus the habitual free use of meats,

game, pork, ragouts, spices, heavy wines, liquors, coffee, &c., must

be considered as an indirect cause of venereal excesses, particularly

if the persons who live on this regimen do not counteract its effects

by active exercise. The use of vegetables, especially those which are

not very nutritious, have contrary effects. This remark must not be

considered too obsolete. A debilitating diet and excessive salacity

sometimes coexist: The Landes of Gironde are a striking instance of

this; their diet is very miserable; they live on vegetable soups made

with rancid lard; broths of meal, of coarse bread, and water, pure or

acidulated at most with vinegar, &c. Hence they are extremely thin, are

dark and sallow, and have an appearance of unhealthiness: this however

does not prevent their indulgence in love, to which they are extremely

addicted.

Different articles of food have been mentioned as contributing more

than any others to excite the genital powers. Among them are found

_fishes_. It would seem that this quality has long been attributed

to them; this opinion however has not been received by moderns with

much credit until it was admitted doubtingly by Montesquieu. (_Del

l’esprit des lois_, Book xxiii. ch. 15.) Many authors have admitted

this to be fact on the authority of this great man, and then instead

of investigating whether it was true or not have attempted to assign

the reasons for it. Thus the prolifick virtue of fish has been said

to depend on the aromatics and other condiments with which they are

prepared; on their seasoning: on the phosphorus contained in their

flesh and more particularly in their milt: and by this fact, that

populations on the sea-coast live almost exclusively on fish. This has

been carried still farther: the parts of fishes which furnish the most

of the seminal material have been determined: and this property has

been ascribed to the milt, either because the semen is here secreted,

or on account of the phosphorus which Fourcroy and Vauquelin have

discovered in it. Some fishes however are thought to induce venereal

passions more than others.

We have attempted to find the origin of this opinion in regard to

fish but without success. In fact it has not the support of popular

notoriety which arises insensibly from daily observation. Thus

Benoislon has proved directly by statistical facts that fecundity

is not greater among the inhabitants of maritime coasts than among

those who live in other places. (_Bulletin de Férussac_, Jan., 1827.)

Villermé has noticed that in Greenland and among the Esquimaux, who

live principally on fish, on sea-calves, that is, aliments, containing

these oily parts, which are regarded as so prolific, women have rarely

more than two or three children during their life. Besides if fish has

the property ascribed to it, why is it that during Lent, that period

of the year when this form of food is most used, the procreative

power should be most inactive; a fact which is proved from documents

collected in almost every country by the laborious investigations of

Villermé. (_Annales d’hygiene publ._, Jan. 1831.) Hence it is extremely

improbable that fish possesses this property, which it is important to

establish in order not to discard from the regimen of youth, an article

of diet which being both nutritious and slightly stimulating, is well

adapted to prevent genital excitement or to subdue it.

Many other articles of food beside fish have been regarded as

aphrodisiac. Many insect eating reptiles, a bird called torcol and

numerous insects of which it is useless to speak. Eggs have also been

regarded as having the same property, and also truffles, mushrooms,

artichokes, celery, cocoa and all its preparations, onions and

condiments as ginger, pepper, and vanilla, and finally certain fruits

as strawberries, apricots, peaches, pineapples, &c.

Among the articles which we have named there are certainly some which

being heating and exciting, may cause desire although containing

nothing more specific than a great many substances which are esteemed

as antiaphrodisiac, because being cooling and soothing they may

produce the opposite effect. Among these latter, we find milk, which,

according to Ste. Marie, generally contributes less to form the semen

than most other articles of food. Among these also we may mention fresh

vegetables and particularly the sorrel, purslain, lettuce, endive,

cucumber, mushroom, melons, &c. To these may be added the flesh of

young animals, chicken, lamb, veal, &c., and also cooling drinks,

as orgeat, lemonade, &c. The regimen best adapted for appeasing all

carnal desires consists as we have seen in an antiphlogistic diet which

is composed of those fluids or solids which when introduced into the

stomach are digested and assimilated with the slightest possible degree

of excitement and heat. This regimen is that which should be prescribed

to those patients who possess a certain degree of vigor and wish to

protect themselves against urgent and dangerous desires.

Different medicines have also been prescribed for the same purpose:

many of them act in the same manner as the articles of food we have

mentioned: of this character are tisans of marshmallows, violets,

barley, emulsions, water distilled from lettuce, purslain, &c.:

of a similar character are iced drinks, ice given internally, and

even prepared ices. To calm the excitement of the genital organs

drugs having a positive influence on the nervous system are also

administered. Thus camphor given alone or in combination with nitre

has often been prescribed for this purpose. The special action of this

article on the urinary passages, leads to the belief that in some

cases it may be useful. Primrose and St. Basil have boasted of the

internal use of cicuta for moderating too ardent desires. Opium and its

preparations have been prescribed for the same purpose. The use of this

article by the Orientals and its effects upon them render us rather

suspicious of it; there may be cases however in which it is useful.

Belladonna deserves more confidence. Dr. Powell, in the London medical

magazine for April, 1824, relates the case of a young girl 27 years

old, who for more than three years experienced twice a month and even

more frequently violent attacks of a libidinous hysteria: her cure was

attributed to a potion composed in part of the tincture of belladonna,

which was used to such an extent as to produce dilatation of the

pupils. The results obtained by Chaussier, and by many others, from

applying belladonna to the neck of the uterus either to combat rigidity

in labor or to alleviate puerperal convulsions, lead us to think that

medicine may prove efficacious in satyriasis and nymphomania. Thridace

also may be tried in these cases, and Angelot has related a case of

spermatorrhœa supervening in consequence of excesses at the table which

was cured by this remedy. Distilled cherry-tree water also might be

added which Louyer Villermay indicates as useful in nymphomania.

Boracic acid, formerly termed the sedative salts of Homberg, has also

been recommended to subdue amorous passions. This is true likewise of

nitre, which, under this name, or that of Sal Prunelle and mineral

crystal, has been much esteemed as an antiaphrodisiac. The use of this

remedy according to Baldassar cured the man, who demanded so earnestly

the removal of his testes, and whose case has already been mentioned:

this salt was used because Prevatius, a physician at Pavia, having

administered it to a man for an affection of the bladder rendered him

impotent. The hemp and the willow have also been recommended: Etmuller

believes particularly in the action of this latter; and recommends the

extract of its leaves, and the sap obtained from its young branches in

spring. (_Trait du bon choix des medicamens_, 1710. Lyons.)

But among all drugs, those which are the longest known, and which were

most esteemed, are the _agnus castus_ or _vitex_, and the _nenuphar_.

Human credulity is severely taxed, to believe what has been said

as to the virtues of these articles. The Greek women, according to

Dioscorides, slept during the festivals of Ceres, on the leaves of

the agnus castus to preserve their chastity. Arnaud de Villeneuve

states that an infallible mode of preserving the breast from all

men’s attempts, is to carry a knife, the handle of which is made of

this wood. Even now its leaves and seeds are used both externally

and internally in monasteries to support more easily the rigors of

celibacy. At present, however, no one believes in its virtues. The

same is true of the nenuphar. Its reputation, as soothing the genital

organs, belongs to the early periods of sciences. It is mentioned in

Dioscorides and Galen, and its history is as fabulous as that of the

agnus-castus. The list of antiaphrodisiacs would terminate here, if

Montegre had not mentioned a tree called mairkonsia, which grew in the

East Indies, and which was used by some fakirs to render themselves

impotent. Every day those children, who are designed to be fakirs,

swallow a small roll of its leaves: the dose is gradually increased,

and at the age of twenty-five, the effect is irrevocably produced. This

tree is yet to be known by scientific men. (_Dict. des Se. Med._, _Art.

Continence_.)

Besides those articles which act as stimulants on the genital organs

specially, these latter are excited by whatever tends to increase

the sensibility in general. A great degree of susceptibility, and a

moderate development of the venereal sense, may co-exist, and are often

found combined: but this only proves that the genital apparatus may

escape certain influences, and not respond to the excitements which

are impressed on it. Thus, whatever _tends_ to develop, or to diminish

the sensibility of a subject, must be considered not as necessarily

modifying that of the genital organs, but as having the power to modify

it, and as exercising this power in many cases.

Now if we consider that the abuses of the genital organs arise most

generally, because the sensibility of these organs has been excited

too soon, or too vividly, we can imagine that a very great degree of

susceptibility may predispose to these abuses, and, that consequently,

to prevent and repress them, we must attend to every thing which favors

the development of the genital organs. The power of sensation, like

that of thought and action, is in many respects just what it is formed.

The _education_, that is, the cultivation of these three faculties, may

then give the senses a precocious language, and become indirectly a

principle of excess. It may also, when properly directed, be a powerful

means of preventing any excess. Let us see then how education acts, and

how it is directed.

It is only by exercise that the faculties are cultivated. It would

be very wrong, however, to suppose that each one of them has an

individual existence, and by use may be developed separately, and

independent of the others. The human faculties seem to have a certain

extent of power in common, which they divide in such a manner that one

cannot increase except at the expense of the others. An individual

who possesses excessive sensibility, rarely enjoys a great degree of

muscular vigor. Those men who are noted for muscular strength, are

seldom distinguished for the brilliancy of their intellect. Education

then acts in two ways: directly, by developing the faculties which it

exercises, and indirectly, by opposing the progress of those which it

neglects. What it gives to one, it takes from another: it is both a

positive, and a negative power. As to the modes of directing it, they

act by regulating the use of the three faculties during the period

of life when they are forming. This is not the place to say how far

education should be carried, so that, in a physical, intellectual, and

moral point of view, it should be good: we seek only to determine what

it ought to be, in order that a too vivid, or too precocious a facility

to receive impressions, may not become the causes of venereal excesses.

It is not among the working classes, that those subject to hysteria and

hypochondria, are most numerous. The fatigue of body, when constant,

dulls the senses. On the other hand, whatever enervates, renders one

susceptible to excesses. These facts, which are generally known, and

are confirmed by daily observation, ought to show the influence of

exercise and rest on the venereal passion. Onanism is arrested in those

children, much more readily, who are extremely active and always in

exercise, than in those who are sedentary. The period of puberty, this

emancipation of the genital organs, is later, by two or three years,

in those individuals who take just enough of repose to rest them from

fatigue, than in those who take exercise simply because wearied of

repose. Other things being equal, the adult who depends upon his daily

labor for his bread, thinks less of sexual pleasures than the idler.

Helvetius (_de l’homme sect._ 10, _note_ 4,) attributes the lascivious

tastes of the Asiatics to their idleness, and the indifference of

the Canadians to the pleasures of love, to the fatigues experienced

by hunting and fishing. Villermé has attempted to show by statistics

the influence of great labor on conceptions, but has not accomplished

it. He, however, is disposed to regard the influence of fatigue on

the sexual feelings, as the cause of the enormous difference said

to have been observed in the Antilles, between the fecundity of the

black slaves, and that of the whites. He remembers to have read, that

in 1798, at St. Domingo, three marriages of blacks produced only two

children, while each union between whites produced three children.

It may be seen from the preceding remarks to what extent exercise is

useful to young children. Unfortunately, the intellectual and moral

necessities of our age cause physical education to be sacrificed in

many respects. How many desires must necessarily be cherished, by

confining the physical activity of young people, chained down as it

were, hour after hour. How many men of mind have protested against the

brief period of recreation allowed in our schools. Mr. Taillefer has

done this in an excellent work published in 1824, on the improvement to

be introduced in schools. This is true, also, of Pavet de Courtailles

and Simon, (_Hygiene des Colleges, and Hygiene de la jeunesse_,) and

in America by Dr. A. Brigham, of Hartford, whose work entitled, _The

Influence of Mental Cultivation upon Health_, is full of judicious

precept and sound logic. Gymnastic exercises, which are now beginning

to be generally used in boys’ schools, and to be adopted in some

seminaries for young ladies, compensate in some measure for their

enervating education. Simon (of Metz) asserts that masturbation,

formerly so destructive in the Orphan Asylum at Berne, has been

expelled from it by introducing exercises. He adds, too, that this

scourge has also disappeared from the schools of Switzerland, since

mutual instruction was introduced, which, as is well known, obliges

children to change their position frequently.

A very active life may remedy a too great degree of lasciviousness.

Hunting, particularly, has been recommended for this purpose. ‘Diana

has been regarded as the enemy of Love,’ says Rousseau, “and the

allegory is just: the languor of love only comes from sweet repose.

Violent exercise extinguishes the tender emotions.” Rullier has known

hunting to produce in a man forty years old, who was passionately

addicted to it, a true anaphrodisia, which disappeared when the patient

adopted, in accordance with the advice of his physician, another mode

of life. Some exercises, however, produce a contrary effect, viz.:

those which excite the genital organs directly. Riding in a carriage,

especially if it jolts much, and still further riding on horseback,

may act in this manner. This effect was known to the ancient authors.

Aristotle speaks of it. All those accustomed to riding know that the

motions of the horse often produce an erection, and sometimes an

involuntary emission of semen. A similar occurrence may take place from

riding in a carriage. Serrurier has known this to happen in himself.

The sitting posture, when long continued, excites the genital organs.

Simon thinks so; because this attitude, by the pain and obstruction

which it causes to the circulation, brings the blood to the lower parts

of the trunk, and keeps it there: hence, it exposes the young man to

excitement of the genital organs, and to engorgements of the spermatic

cord: even hemorrhoids appear in those who ride and sit much. This

author concludes by condemning the custom, in schools, of keeping the

students sitting the greater part of the day. He thinks that the number

of hours spent in school should be less, and that the students should

study as many of their lessons as possible, in the erect posture. He

recommends, also, that the seats should be so constructed as not to

generate much heat, as do those which are stuffed.

The action of intellectual labor is extremely analogous to that of

muscular exertion. Persons whose minds are much occupied, who are

devoted to their studies, are generally but slightly sensual in their

feelings. There are some literary men who thus have become prematurely

impotent. On the other hand, individuals whose minds are naturally dull

and heavy, the imbeciles and idiots, are frequently remarkable for

their extreme salacity. The cultivation of the intellect then is not in

itself a predisposing cause of venereal abuses, but it may become so

indirectly, either by the physical inaction which it demands, or by the

nature of the ideas it excites. We have spoken of the former, and will

now consider the latter.

The moral influences, that is, those which are impressed on the senses

through the medium of the intellect, often predispose young patients

to the abuses of which we are treating. The action of these influences

is direct: it is by the impressions which they develop, that they may

give to the senses the power of holding a language, and of exercising

a precocious influence. They are particularly to be dreaded when they

address the instinct of propagation, and excite it before the organized

system is perfectly developed. The moral education also, that education

which consists in keeping from the young certain impressions, does not

act until their time has come, and must be considered as one of the

most efficacious modes of preventing the premature abuse of venereal

pleasures.

Notions of love may, when acquired too soon, excite in the soul a

sensation which is first vague, then more precise, and which only

requires an opportunity to become a fatal passion. Thus the reading

of romances, and books which always interest the soul in love scenes

which are painted in bright colors, ought to be strictly forbidden to

young people. The same is true of theatrical representations. Here love

is in a measure materialized: we see the persons who are animated by

this passion: they express themselves in a manner to make one really

think they feel it: they attempt by every kind of coquetry to deceive

and delude the public, and even to excite desires. Art lends her aid

to eloquence and gesture to move the heart, and the fear of failing to

enlist the feelings, often induces the actor to overstep the bounds

of nature, and then he represents libertinism, not love. Conceive of

the effect which this must produce upon one who is uninitiated, who

is thus, as it were, introduced into a new world: the venereal sense

becomes excited sooner than it ought to be, and desires demand to be

satisfied before the body has attained its strength, and consequently

before legitimate pleasures are practicable or allowable.

Balls, parties, and assemblies, all opportunities of seeing the world

in its gayest and most attractive attire, are dangerous to youth.

Generally speaking, the habitual intercourse of the two sexes ought

to be avoided as much as possible. In a report made to the Industrial

Society of Malhouse, as to the number of hours which children ought

to labor daily, the evening labor which brings the different sexes

together in the workshops, is mentioned as a great source of trouble.

One advantage of schools is, that the different sexes are kept

distinct. In families, and we do not except those which are models of

morality, the opportunities of intercourse between boys and girls are

too frequent. Certain emotions, of an obscure character at first, are

felt: curiosity is excited, and soon the secret of solitary indulgence

is found. Young persons may also, under their paternal roof, acquire

dangerous notions in regard to the material differences between the

sexes, and other facts which are the consequence of them. “I do not

see,” says Rousseau, “but one mode of preserving in children their

innocence; which is, that all those around should respect and love it.”

Unfortunately, the smallness of dwelling houses in cities, and other

necessities, particularly that of watching their offspring obliges

parents to keep their children near them, and their curiosity being

always on the alert, often leads them to unfortunate discoveries. Abbe

Chappe has stated the manner in which the Samoides live in their huts,

as an active cause of libertinism. These individuals do not use beds,

but lie, almost naked, on straw and on benches. The children witness

much that should be concealed from them; become loose in their morals,

and hence they have to be married early to prevent excesses. (_Travels

in Siberia, Vol. 1._) If accidental observations in the most moral

families may be attended with the results just mentioned, what must be

the consequence of constant depraved manners; their empire is so great

at this age when the mind is unexperienced, and is always ready to

adopt the impressions of the moment. In pity then to youth, let every

magistrate prevent the publicity of immodesty and vice; do not let

prostitution be sanctioned by the law: for when our sons and daughters

are liable to find out in an instant what we have so carefully

concealed from them, the responsibility should rest not simply on those

unfortunate beings who follow such a course of life, but also on the

part of those who having the power to prevent it, close their eyes, and

permit, or even authorize it.

_Rules relating to the direct and special causes of onanism._ The habit

of onanism may have three origins: it may be, 1st, that the individual

discovers it spontaneously; 2d, that the vice may be taught him; 3d,

that being unable to satisfy his desires for coition, he seeks a

resource in onanism.

We have already seen that an unusual irritation of the genito-urinary

mucous membrane may develop venereal excitement capable of causing

satyriasis and nymphomania. This irritation may also act in another

manner. The itching it occasions may cause the hands to be carried to

the genital organs; unknown sensations are produced, and masturbation

is accidentally discovered. We see by this how necessary it is in young

patients to protect these parts from all sources of itching. Sometimes,

too, a knowledge of this vice comes from accident. Hence children at

an early age should be taught habits of modesty; all handling of the

genital organs should be prohibited. Children should not be allowed to

keep their hands in their pockets. Neither should they be left alone

long: the necessity of observing, which is so vivid at their age,

is exercised on themselves, when they find nothing else to interest

them, and they sometimes make dangerous observations. It is in bed

particularly that this evil is most liable to happen; hence they should

be taken from their beds as soon as they awake, and the hour of rest

should not long precede that of sleep. Many children have been led to

onanism by their efforts to resist the wish to urinate. The pressure

exercised on the penis by pressing the thighs firmly against each

other, has excited sensations which they have attempted to re-produce.

We mention this cause of onanism as being much more common than is

generally supposed.

There is another cause, which is much more rare, but which deserves to

be known: domestic animals, as cats and dogs, have sometimes licked the

sexual parts of young children, particularly girls, and have excited

a sense which ought to sleep. Hufeland publishes a remarkable case of

this character in support of some peculiar views on venereal disease,

and adds that Ruggieri some years before, published in the medical

journals, a case where, by the licking of a dog, ulcers of a bad

character were developed in the genitals of two old maids. (_Bibliot.

Med._, May, 1821, p. 250.)

Most frequently, however, the habit of onanism arises from direct

provocation, from instruction. Sometimes this provocation can be

attributed only to imprudence. Thus nurses sometimes titillate the

genital organs in children to stop their cries. We have already stated,

from Biett, the instance of a young girl who had thus contracted

this bad habit, and who was cured by the amputation of the clitoris:

this case arose probably only from ignorance. Sometimes, however,

servants teach their masters’ children from wilfulness. One should be

particularly careful of female servants, as it is to them that young

children are generally entrusted. Male domestics are generally to be

feared, only for those young persons who are near the age of puberty.

The wish to please their young master, often induces them to give the

most disgusting lessons. Most frequently, however, these lessons come

from their associates, the older boys teaching those who are younger.

If among young patients onanism is practised for itself, it is

afterward only an apology for the want of more legitimate enjoyments.

Celibacy, in adults, is with some few exceptions the only cause of

onanism. This practice, and others still more revolting, are common

among monastic orders, as the consequence and punishment of vows made

contrary to the laws of nature. Polygamy, the quasi celibacy to which

the females of many countries submit, also causes great derangements

in the system. A kind of consumption has been described to which the

Turkish women are subject, and which can be traced to no other cause.

(_Journal de Med., Vol._ 44, p. 539.) It is in prisons, however, where

there is no moral feeling, that this vice is most prevalent. Villermé

remarks, that the amount of this vice in prisons, is almost incredible.

Young and old abandon themselves to it so freely, that the physicians

of the prisons of the department of the Seine, attribute the frequency

of pulmonary consumption, of cramps in the stomach, muscular debility,

weakness of sight, and of the intellectual faculties, to this cause

alone. This physician considers onanism as one of the causes of the

excessive mortality existing in the depots of mendicity. (_Dict. des

Sc. Med._, _art. Prison_.)

Sailors also often abandon themselves during their long voyages to

this vice. Many adults, and particularly females, seek in solitary

indulgence a compensation for the restraints imposed on them by

laws and customs. Even animals indulge. Montegre has published some

interesting details on this subject. (_Dict. des Sc. Med._, _art.

Continence_.)

We have said that onanism is performed so easily that it is much more

to be feared than sexual intercourse. If then the physician has to

choose between the two, he ought not to hesitate. In human things

we cannot always choose between an injury and a benefit. Sometimes

the selection is between a greater and a lesser evil. We may then

without detriment to physical and moral laws, counsel the young man

who indulges in onanism, to gratify his feelings in a less dangerous

manner. This also was Rousseau’s opinion. He says, in his Emile, “If

a tyrant must conquer you, I would prefer to yield you to that from

which you can be released most easily: and you can be weaned from

females more readily than from yourself.” The physician in these cases

should recommend marriage.

This advice, too, is sanctioned by experience. Many young men after

indulging in sexual intercourse, have commenced onanism; despising the

latter, after exercising the former. “We have known a father,” say

Fournier and Begin, “who finding his son disobeyed his advice, married

him, and with success.” The same remedy has often been tried, and with

good effect. A single coition has often sufficed to appease excessive

ardor in females, and we could state several cases of nymphomania which

have been thus immediately cured. Pregnancy also has been followed by

the same results: this fact was known to the ancients and is mentioned

in a work ascribed to Hippocrates. Panarolus, Matthew de Grado, and

others, have related cases of females affected with nymphomania, who

are never calm except during pregnancy. The following fact, observed by

Esquirol, shows the influence of coition and pregnancy on the genital

system. “A strong and healthy girl, of good family, nineteen years

old, became affected with hysteria, with violent and almost constant

convulsions. After a long and ineffectual course of medical treatment,

this young woman disappeared from her father’s house, and all inquiries

for her were in vain. After a few months, Esquirol, passing in the

evening through a noted and dissipated quarter of Paris, was stopped by

a female, whom he recognised to be his patient. On inquiring what she

was doing, she answered, “Getting well.” For eighteen months this girl

was a prostitute of the lowest order. She miscarried twice, and finally

returned to her father’s house perfectly well. This woman is now

married, a mother, and extremely circumspect in her conduct.” (_Dict.

des Sc. Med._, _art. Continence_.)

§ 2. SECOND INDICATION. TO RESIST THE DESIRE OF ONANISM.

When a desire can be satisfied, and is not, it is because the will is

enchained, or this is distracted by circumstances more powerful than

desire. Thus then it is possible to inspire an individual with certain

fears, or by distracting his thoughts to make his will resist his

desires.

The fear of God and his ministers may have great influence over the

minds of many, and preserve strict continence. The fear of confession

has often, to our knowledge, produced a denial of desire in young

persons. At the present day, however, this latter influence cannot be

depended on much, and confessors, by their imprudent questions, have

often excited curiosity in hearts yet innocent.

The fear of transgressing the rules of modesty taught in youth,

restrains some individuals. Others abstain because they fear the

correction and reproaches of a father, and think on the shame with

which they would be covered were their secret known. Chastisement has

sometimes had the effect of rendering the guilty ones very circumspect.

But of all fears, that which has produced the most effect on onanists,

is the fear of disease and death.

Onanists rarely believe what is told them by parents and others, as to

the dangers of their course, but place more credit on what they read

in books; and of these, Tissot is the only one which possesses much

reputation. It has been much read, and although attended with great

good effects, it has not always been useful. Many think its statements

exaggerated, and therefore injurious. We have known it to fail entirely

of its desired purpose, and to cause deplorable effects. On the whole,

however, it has done much good, which it would be unjust not to

acknowledge. At the same time, we must say, that a knowledge of the

reproaches against Tissot, and the desire to avoid them, have had no

influence over a word of the present treatise. In composing it we have

been actuated by a desire to tell the truth, and have more than once

remarked that we must not judge of the common effects of onanism by the

cases which have been published, as those only which are very severe,

appear in print. We have also said that the most common effects of

onanism consist rather in certain vitiations of temperament, than in

diseases having a precise form, and a distinct place in the systems

of nosology. We have also shown how rapidly the health is generally

restored when indulgence in onanism ceases. But this was done not to

exercise any influence over the minds of those who might read the book,

but simply to do justice to the truth.

The word of a physician may frequently however produce a change in

the patient; more frequently than the reading of a book. He should

not hesitate to speak boldly, for if it be requisite he can afterward

modify his opinion. The effect of an opinion as follows, “In three

months you will be a dead man” is often very great. The onanist

trembles and becomes pale: his heart beats quickly, his strength fails.

Do not regret it, it is not by encouragement that you will save him

from himself. Add however that in a few months he will be a well man,

provided he will renounce his bad habits. These words of hope will

console him and encourage him to resist his evil desires. Frequently

however the impression caused by this language is soon effaced. In this

case another remedy must be sought for. The language and tone of the

physician too should vary according to the person addressed; but he

should always present the certainty of death if the vice is continued,

and that of relief if it be arrested.

Sometimes the onanist leaves his old habit very gradually, a course

which is recommended by Swediaur. This course may be pursued for two

reasons: the first is that it is more easy to quit this habit by

degrees than to break it off violently: the second that it is not

always prudent to leave off habits suddenly even if they are bad.

Persons have sometimes been blinded by being taken from their dungeons

too suddenly.

When a young man however finds himself unable to resist the force of

his desires notwithstanding the perusal of books and the advice of

his physician, there is still one resource, which is the sight of

an onanist dying. Approach and look at him: he was recently healthy

and his prospects bright. He indulged in onanism: see what he is now;

friends and physicians remonstrated with him but in vain; he would

listen to nothing, he believed nothing. Now however he believes, but

it is too late, for in a few days his earthly career will be closed.

If terror does not affect him who witnesses this doleful picture you

cannot produce it. A surgeon named Bertrand aware of the power of this

mode of instruction constructed in wax two figures which represented

onanists of both sexes. These figures were exhibited to those suspected

of indulging in onanism and produced it is said very beneficient

effects.

The ancients and we will cite Avicenna, and Paul of Egina, recommend

that we should attempt to excite in the minds of those addicted to this

vice an interest about external objects. _Distraction_ is then a mode

which may be usefully recommended to those onanists over whom their

desires have not much power. Travelling, study, recreation, in fact

every thing which can give the mind a strong and new direction, should

be recommended, and may have the effect of distracting the onanist from

his bad habit.

§ 3. THIRD INDICATION. REMOVE FROM THOSE WHO HAVE THE WISH TO

MASTURBATE THE POWER OF DOING SO.

Masturbation is possible only under the two following conditions: first

there must be an opportunity to indulge in secret; next there must

be a possibility of indulging. Hence by frustrating these conditions

we can prevent onanism, the wishes of the onanist to the contrary

notwithstanding.

The opportunities for onanism are all embraced under one term,

_isolation_. It is necessary for the onanist to be alone. Hence

watchfulness, that precaution which makes the young man constantly

observes, which exposes him every moment to detection and consequently

to shame, to reproaches and to punishment for his fault, is a powerful

means of preventing it.

Watchfulness should be particularly practised over young people, when

they are undressed, in bed, in the bath or in the privy. Hence the

young patient should undress, go to bed and rise under your inspection.

If this be not sufficient, he should share your bed. This measure is

frequently the only way to prevent onanism. In large boarding schools

there should be no private rooms: the sleeping chambers should be

extensive, and a lamp, which would give sufficient light to assist your

watchfulness, but not enough to prevent sleep, should burn in it all

night. The masters and those who have charge of the pupils ought to

examine in silence at different hours and the most perfect quiet should

exist in the apartment. Here too the hours of retirement and of rising

should be calculated according to the ages, so that the suspected or

guilty might never go to bed except to sleep. Be watchful of those who

stay long in privies: those however with ample accommodations are not

so dangerous as those which are single. In some schools the doors of

the privies are open at the top, so that an adult can look into them.

Need we add that persons who are suspected should be watched in the

bath.

Onanism is executed with the hand and thighs on the sexual parts or

by rubbing these parts against external bodies. Different modes have

been proposed to obviate and prevent these. The most simple of all is

to oblige the children to keep their hands out of bed. This plan when

it can be observed is often sufficient, particularly in boys. Besides

this we knew of only one remedy, the purpose of what can be concealed,

viz., the application of a cold cataplasm to the sexual parts, a plan

we have recommended several times. Pavet de Courtielle proposes the use

of a chemise reaching below the feet and which is drawn together at the

bottom: this remedy may be efficacious. The remedies which remain to

be treated of are essentially coercive: hence the chance of success is

smaller the older and stronger the patients are.

The hands may be tied to keep them from the sexual organs, and the feet

also may be tied so as to keep the thighs separated. The child too may

be placed in a straight waistcoat fastened behind, which may force the

arms to rest on the chest. Different apparatus has been contrived also

to keep the thighs asunder. One is composed of thick pieces of cork

which are attached to the inside of the thighs. Drawers opening behind

are sometimes used: these serve to imprison the lower part of the trunk.

A kind of truss is sometimes used to preserve the sexual parts from

external contact. The principal piece of this is of metal, either

silver or tin: for females its form is triangular, and for boys

it represents a sort of mould, in which the penis and scrotum may

be placed: the bandage is kept in place by springs, like those of

herniary bandages. To add to the security of this apparatus it is

sometimes applied to a dress which opens only behind. In young and

feeble children these means are exceedingly efficacious, as experience

has proved. The art of the onanist has even sometimes evaded these

bandages. The following case occurred in the practice of Reveille

Pariset; a little girl 7 years old, whose health failed every day

having been detected in onanism, her mother instead of reproaching her,

gave her to understand that it was the custom to apply a bandage to

girls of her age. This bandage was fitted very accurately and attained

the purpose desired; the health of the child being rapidly established.

Soon however the symptoms reappeared and more violently than before.

The bandage was examined and it was found to be undisturbed. She

however was watched and it was found that she used a quill for the

purposes of onanism, which she slipped in under the bandage. After

this, the mother stayed with her daughter all the time, and by her

vigilance the child was saved.

These mechanical bandages have other inconveniences which limit their

use. First they cannot be employed in boarding schools as they become

the subject of remark; and then they keep up in the genital organs

a constant heat, irritation and moisture. The edges of the principal

piece also may cause deep excoriations. For all this, however they are

often useful and ought not to be neglected.

CHAPTER II.

OF THE MODE OF REPAIRING THE INJURIES ARISING FROM VENEREAL EXCESSES.

In therapeutics we proceed in two ways; sometimes tracing the symptoms

to their cause, we attempt to destroy this cause in the organ in which

it is situated, and sometimes we attend only to symptoms. The same plan

is applicable to the abuses of the genital organs, which as we have

already seen forms a real disease.

The most efficient way to arrest the evil caused by these abuses, is

to stop them. When this is done, order is established very rapidly.

Hence the preservative means are in our view better than any remedial

measures. Often however, when these excesses have been frequently

repeated and long continued, the genital organs continue without

provocation the work which was commenced by onanism. Thus _involuntary

pollutions_ keep up and increase a degree of exhaustion and other

complaints which would otherwise disappear. In this case the treatment

to be followed is to arrest the pollutions. These generally result, as

we have said, from an inflammation of the seminal passages analogous

to that existing in the urethra in blenorrhœa. This fact has lately

been demonstrated anatomically by Lallemand and M. Davila. Hence the

treatment of involuntary spermatorrhœa resembles in many respects that

of chronic catarrh. The following are the principal remedies to be

employed.

First must be placed cold applications to the genital organs; of these

pure water and ice are more generally and successfully employed. In

using these, Coelius Aurelian employed sponges. Wichmann wet cloths,

and Ste. Marie, who preferred ice, used a bladder. Cold washes and

affusions to the part and cold douches to the perineum, and hipbaths

and seabaths have also been used. Lallemand who repudiates enemata too

hot or warm thinks that those which are cold may be useful. Sulphurous

baths have likewise been employed by Lallemand, in the manner described

in his work in diseases of the genito-urinary organs. Davila in his

thesis relates instances cured in this mode, and also the case of a

young man who was cured of a diurnal pollution by introducing into the

urethra a sound, which was retained there as long as the patient could

bear it. Lallemand entertains the same opinion, and has also employed

acupuncture and he says with success. He has known patients who after

the application of needles between the posterior parts of the bursœ and

the anus, have passed three or four months without pollutions.

Some practitioners have succeeded by directing their remedies to the

cerebellum and the spinal marrow.

Many medicines have been administered internally for losses of semen.

Those most in repute are the preparations of iron and quinine,

either separately or together. Ferruginous waters, particularly

those of Spa, and the oxides of iron, have often been used. Wichmann

recommends several glasses of Spa water every morning combined with

some preparation of cinchona: Serrurier has related a case showing

the efficacy of this treatment. Lallemand thinks that cinchona and

generally all remedies which contain tannin, only benefit temporarily.

Many authors also disapprove of the use of astringents and tonics in

spermatorrhœa, attributing to them among other inconveniences, that of

causing constipation.

Many narcotic substances have also been used. We have related a case

where thridace has succeeded. Belladonna also might be useful. In a

patient mentioned by Serrurier, opium seems to have exasperated the

complaint. Davila however thinks that opiates have been prescribed with

success: but he dreads the constipation which they generally cause.

Other remedies as the mineral acids, phosphoric lemonade, lime water,

some preparations of lead, magnesia, ipecac, &c. have been used. Might

not advantage be derived from the use of balsam copaiva and pulverized

cubebs in some cases of spermatorrhœa.

We have already made some remarks on regimen, when speaking of the mode

of avoiding or calming the venereal sense, and our rules for restoring

individuals exhausted by onanism, will be stated hereafter.

The object of the treatment stated is to remedy the disease, caused

by the loss of semen. A mode has been proposed by Wender to prevent

this physically; this consists in the compression of the canal of the

urethra: it is accomplished by means of a pair of forceps made of

flexible wood, six to seven inches long, and from twelve to eighteen

lines thick. This forceps is used by passing the penis between its two

branches, one being above, and the other below; the two extremities

are then tied with a cord. In this manner the penis is compressed and

slightly confined; which is sufficient, says Wender, to remove all

voluptuous sensation from this part, and to arrest the pollution. He

has given the details of a case obtained by these means, and by the

proper administration of tonics.

Wender’s forceps may have several inconveniences, and may frequently

fail of the proposed end. But has it not been too much ridiculed, and

is it not susceptible of improvement? Serrurier thinks that the idea

may be turned to advantage, and Reveillé Pariset assures us that he has

used it twice in cases of pollution, and with success. (_Revue. Med._,

_April_, 1828, p. 94.)

Having mentioned the course to pursue in order to reach the seat of the

disease, that is, the voluntary and involuntary pollutions, let us now

speak of their effects. One of two things must happen; either these

pollutions pursue their work, or finally the economy becomes insensible

to their action. The first supposition is that least favorable to

success: the physician prescribes for effects while the cause continues

to act; he _doctors_, as it is called, for symptoms; and it is the

same as if one should attempt to cure gastritis or pleuritis, without

attending to the pleura or stomach. This, however, is no reason for

abstaining completely from treatment. We may also sometimes retard the

progress of the disease, or calm any painful and disquieting symptom.

The physician has a much better prospect of success, when there is no

longer a habit to destroy the health, and when no pollutions occur.

We shall not attempt in this place to give the treatment proper for

the different diseases which may be produced by onanism. Myelitis,

dementia, amaurosis, epilepsy, &c., &c., whether caused by onanism or

not, require special remedies, which are stated in works which treat of

these affections. We would remark, however, that when these diseases

are caused by onanism, it is perfectly futile for the physician to

attempt to treat the disease, unless the habit of self pollution be

arrested. In this place we will only mention that consumption, that

exhaustion, in fact, that deterioration, which we have described in the

third chapter of our first part.

Onanistic deterioration presents two very distinct phenomena: 1st,

the consumption of the strength; 2d, the excitement of the senses.

Thus, then, to restore the strength without increasing, and even, if

possible, to diminish the general disposition to receive impressions,

are the two indications to be fulfilled.

But before commencing, it is well to remember that this cannot be done

in a few days. A disease which is gradual in its appearance is removed

in the same manner. The physician who would attempt to hurry it by

employing active remedies, would soon exhaust the system.

The best mode of reparation is found in diet: the body must be

recruited by food, and inasmuch as only those things are nutritious

which are digested, the first rule to be observed is, that all the

conditions of good digestion are properly observed. Inasmuch as these

conditions present nothing special in respect to onanists, we shall

be very brief, referring to our previous remarks on this subject. It

must first be considered, that in patients accustomed to onanism the

digestive functions are always deranged, or are liable to be so.

The slightest error in diet may aggravate this state considerably;

which is, in itself, an evil, and may add to the trouble of cure.

Hence, if the rules of a good regimen should always be vigorously

observed, this necessity is still more imperious when patients indulge

in onanism.

Every article of food which is difficult to digest should be forbidden,

and among articles which can be digested, those should be selected

which contain the most nourishment, and are the least exciting. Thus

condiments, which are but slightly nutritious, and are very exciting,

ought never to be used, unless they are indispensably necessary to

digestion, and then only in very small quantities. Milk is very

nutritious, and does not excite; it should therefore be preferred

by all those who are exhausted. If cow’s milk be found difficult of

digestion, asses’ milk and that of woman has been recommended. But if

this article be difficult of digestion, it should be prohibited, for

then it is injurious. The flesh of young animals, particularly veal

and poultry, is good; but beef and mutton is still better, for they

contain more nutritious matter in a smaller compass. These articles,

when roasted or broiled, are better than when boiled. Fresh fish is

generally a suitable article of food: we allude to those kinds which

are easily digested, as shad, perch, &c. Soups, especially those of

beef, turtle, and the different broths, should always, in order to be

digested, be mingled with solid articles of food, and should even take

their place, if these latter cannot be digested.

Farinaceous substances, and especially bread, rice, potatoe, &c., are

very suitable, because they are nutritious, and but slightly stimulant;

but they are often bad to digest.

The rule _little and often_, is the rule to follow, in regard to the

division of food. The patient has always taken too much food: if he

feels perfectly satisfied, or if he experiences any inconvenience

after it, the quantity of nourishment should be so regulated that

nothing of this kind could occur. The meals should be taken frequently,

only because they are small. We prefer to give broth warm, or more

frequently still, cold, by spoonfuls, and have seen a benefit from it.

Drinks are not very nutritious, and generally stimulate much. Those

which are given to strengthen, only do so for a few moments. They

excite, and do not nourish. If the patient takes them to quench

thirst, he should take as little as possible, for they also must be

digested. In this respect wines may be useful. To choose among them,

the experience of the patient must be consulted. A general rule governs

the use of drinks at meals, viz.: to attain the proposed end with the

smallest quantity of drink. Very dry wines, liquors, coffee, tea, &c.,

ought not to be permitted, unless absolutely necessary to digestion.

The use of Selzer water, and particularly of Spa water, may be very

advantageous. Very cold drinks are often the only ones suitable to the

stomach.

Medicines have often been administered, either to strengthen the

system, or to re-establish the digestive powers. Of these, the most

useful are preparations of iron, quinine, and bitters. It is possible

to improve the digestive organs with these drugs, and also with others;

but this is not the place to give the treatment of diseases which are

marked by difficulty of digestion. I know that some tonics may be used

with great advantage, especially if they are given in such doses as to

have no direct and immediate effect, particularly if their local action

on the stomach and intestines be not too powerful.

Very cold baths, like every remedy capable of having an intense effect,

should be forbidden to patients exhausted by onanism. But if the baths

are simply cold, and particularly if they are taken in running water,

or in the sea, they may strengthen the constitution. Dry, or aromatic

frictions on the limbs, or along the vertebral column, are useful. The

exercise should be moderate exercise, for too much fatigue exhausts

the strength, instead of increasing it, and might excite or hasten the

development of one of the diseases produced by onanism. A pure and dry

air, like that breathed in hilly countries, may also have a favorable

influence on the economy generally, or on digestion.

APPENDIX.

The preceding pages may seem to many of our readers more particularly

adapted to France; and it may be presumed that onanism is not so

frequent in America. This however is a mistake: an able writer in that

valuable periodical, the Boston Med. and Surg. Journal, when treating

on the subject remarks as follows:--

“The pernicious and debasing practice of MASTURBATION is a more common

and extensive evil with youth of both sexes, than is usually supposed.

The influence of this habit upon both mind and body, severe as it has

been considered, and greatly as it has been deprecated, is altogether

more prejudicial than the public, and, as is believed, even the medical

profession, are aware.

“A great number of the evils which come upon the young at and after the

age of puberty, arise from _masturbation_, persisted in, so as to waste

the vital energies and enervate the physical and mental powers of man.

Not less does it sap the foundation of moral principles, and blast the

first budding of manly and honorable feelings which were exhibiting

themselves in the opening character of the young.

“Many of the weaknesses commonly attributed to growth and the changes

in the habit by the important transformation from adolescence to

manhood, are justly referable to this practice.

“This change requires all the energy of the system, greatly increased

as it is at this period of life, which if undisturbed will bring about

a vigorous and healthy condition of both the mental and physical powers.

“If masturbation be commenced at this period, it cannot fail to

interrupt essentially this important process; and if continued, will

inevitably impress imbecility on the constitution, not less apparent in

the body than the mind, preventing, as it will not fail to do, the full

development of the powers of both.

“The individual becomes feeble, is unable to labor with accustomed

vigor, or to apply his mind to study; his step is tardy and weak, he is

dull, irresolute, engages in his sports with less energy than usual,

and avoids social intercourse; when at rest he instinctively assumes

a lolling or recumbent posture, and if at labor or at his games takes

every opportunity to lie down or sit in a bent and curved position.

The cause of these infirmities is _often_ unknown to the subject of

them, and _more generally_ to the friends; and to labor, or study, or

growth, is attributed all the evils which arise from the practice of

this secret vice, which if persisted in will hardly fail to result in

irremediable disease or hopeless idiocy. The natural consequence of

indulgence in this, as in most other vices, is an increased propensity

to them. This is particularly true of masturbation. In my intercourse

with this unfortunate class of individuals, I have found a large

proportion of them wholly ignorant of the causes of their complaints,

and if not too far gone the abandonment of the habit has, after awhile,

removed all the symptoms and resulted in confirmed health.

“One young man, now under my care, was first arrested in his career

by reading the chapters on the subject in the Young Man’s Guide. For

many months, he has totally abstained from the practice, and yet he

is feeble, depressed, irresolute, and unable to fix his attention to

any subject, or to pursue any active employment. But he is steadily

convalescing, and will doubtless recover.

“If the symptoms above enumerated do not lead in any way to a

discontinuance of the habit, other symptoms more formidable, and more

difficult of cure, will present themselves. The back becomes lame and

weak, the limbs tremble, the digestion is disturbed, and costiveness

or diarrhœa, or an alternation of them, take place. The head becomes

painful--the heart palpitates--the respiration is easily hurried--the

mind is depressed and gloomy--the temper becomes irritable--the sleep

disturbed, and is attended by lascivious dreams, and not unfrequently

nocturnal pollutions. With these symptoms the pulse becomes small, the

extremities cold and damp; the countenance is downcast, the eye without

natural lustre; shamefacedness is apparent, as if the unfortunate

victim was conscious of his degraded condition.

“The stomach often rejects food, and is affected with acidity, and

loathing; the nervous system becomes highly irritable; neuralgia, tabes

dorsalis, pulmonary consumption, or fatal marasmus, terminate the

suffering, or else insanity and deplorable idiocy are the fatal result.

Long before such an event, the mind is enfeebled, the memory impaired,

and the power of fixing the attention wholly lost. These are symptoms

which should awaken our attention to the danger of the case, and which

should induce us to sound the alarm, and if possible arrest the victim

from the inevitable consequences of persisting in the habit.

“In females, leucorrhœa is often induced by masturbation, and I doubt

not incontinence of urine, stranguary, prolapsus uteri, disease of the

clitoris, and many other diseases, both local and general, which have

been attributed to other causes.

“It is often difficult to obtain information on the subject of

masturbation. Where it is suspected by the physician, the friends are

wholly ignorant on the subject, and the individual, suffering, is not

ready to acknowledge a practice which he is conscious is filthy in the

extreme, although he may have had no suspicions of its deleterious

influence upon his health.

“It is not sufficient that we know the consequences of masturbation,

for these are often irremediable disease; we ought to know the symptoms

of its commencement, of the incipient stages of those diseases which

result from it, as well as the influence which the moderate practice of

it will have upon the physical and mental stamina of the man--for it is

not too much to say that the practice cannot be followed by either sex,

even in a moderate way, without injury, especially by the young.

“Nature designs that this drain upon the system should be reserved

to mature age, and even then that it be made but sparingly. Sturdy

manhood, in all its vigor, loses its energy and bends under the too

frequent expenditure of this important secretion; and no age or

condition will protect a man from the danger of unlimited indulgence,

legally and naturally exercised.

“In the young, however, its influence is much more seriously felt; and

even those who have indulged so cautiously as not to break down the

health or the mind, cannot know how much their physical energy, mental

vigor, or moral purity, have been affected by the indulgence.

“_Nothing short of total abstinence can save those who have become

the victims of it._ In this indulgence, no half way course will ever

subdue the disease, or remove the effect of the habit from the system.

Total abstinence is the only remedy. If the constitution is not

fatally impaired--if organic disease has not taken place, this remedy

will prove effectual, and must be adopted, especially in all cases in

which the effects are visible, or the consequences cannot fail to be

ultimately fatal.

“This means of cure may be seconded by others, which may be found

necessary to remove the effects upon the physical system. Suffice

it to remark here, that total abstinence, in an aggravated form of

masturbation, is not easily effected. Slight irritation will produce

an expenditure of the secretion quite involuntary, and spontaneous

emissions and nocturnal pollution may for a long time prolong the

danger, and prevent that renovation of the powers which would

otherwise be the result of the good resolution of the victim of the

habit.

“No cause is more influential in producing insanity, and, in a special

manner, perpetuating the disease, than masturbation. The records of the

institutions give an appalling catalogue of cases attributed to this

cause; and yet such records do not show nearly all the cases which are

justly ascribable to it. For it is so obscure, and so secret in its

operation, that the friends in almost all cases are wholly ignorant of

it. It is in a few cases only, where the practice of the vice becomes

shamefully notorious, that friends are willing to allow its agency

in the production of any disease, particularly insanity; and yet no

cause operates more directly upon the mind and the feeling. The mental

energies are prostrated by the habit in innumerable cases, long before

the delusions of insanity appear. Indeed there are many cases, in

which insanity does not intervene between the incipient stages of that

mental and physical imbecility, which comes early upon the victim of

masturbation, and the most deplorable and hopeless idiocy, in which it

frequently results.

“This is perhaps peculiar to this cause of idiocy. I know of no other

which does not produce the ravings and illusions of insanity, or the

gloomy musings, agitations and alarms of melancholy, before the mind is

lost in idiotism. But the victim of masturbation passes from one degree

of imbecility to another, till all the powers of the system, mental,

physical and moral, are blotted out forever!

“This is not, however, always the case. In some individuals there is

all the raving of the most furious mania, or the deep and cruel torture

of hapless melancholy, before the mind is obliterated and the energies

of the system forever prostrated.

“There are other circumstances attending the insanity from

masturbation, which render this the most distressing form of mental

disease. I allude to the difficulty of breaking up the habit while

laboring under this malady. When insanity is once produced by it, it

is nearly hopeless, because the cause of disease is redoubled and

generally perpetuated. The libidinous desires are greatly increased,

and the influence of self restraint cannot be brought sufficiently

into action to prevent the constant, daily, and I might say almost

hourly recurrence of the practice. Thus the cause is perpetuated; and

in spite of every effort, the disease increases, the powers of body

and mind fail together, and are lost in the most deplorable, hopeless,

disgusting fatuity! And yet the practice is not abandoned. All the

remaining energies of animal life seem to be concentrated in these

organs, and all the remaining power of gratification left is in the

exercise of this no longer secret, but loathsome and beastly habit.

“Those cases of insanity arising from other known causes, in which

masturbation is a symptom, are rendered more hopeless by this

circumstance. It is a counteracting influence to all the means of cure

employed, either moral or medicinal, and coinciding as it does with

whatever other causes may have had an agency in producing disease,

renders the case almost hopeless. Of the number of the insane that

have come under the observation of the writer (and that number is not

small,) few, very few have recovered, who have been in the habit of

this evil practice; and still fewer, I might say almost none, have

recovered, in which insanity or idiocy has followed the train of

symptoms enumerated in a former paper, indicating the presence of the

habit, and its debilitating influence upon the minds and bodies of the

young.

“Most of the cases of insanity from this cause commence early in life;

even confirmed and hopeless idiocy has been the melancholy consequence,

before the victim had reached his twentieth year.

“Of eighty males, insane, that have come under the observation of the

writer, and who have been particularly examined and watched, with

reference to ascertaining the proportion that practised masturbation,

something more than a quarter were found to practise it; and in about

10 per cent., a large proportion of which are idiotic, the disease is

supposed to have arisen from this cause.

“Would it be believed, if it should be said that the proportion will

not vary essentially in the other sex? On a former occasion I observed

that the absolute abandonment of the practice, even in those whose

minds were unaffected by insanity, was not always easily effected.

If no _voluntary_ practice is continued, the habit may be so far

established, and the susceptibility to the complaint be so great,

that slight irritation will produce it, and that often for a long

time after the danger is fully appreciated, and the victory over the

propensity achieved so far as cautiously avoiding known and intentional

indulgence. Nocturnal pollution and involuntary emissions come from

slight causes and trifling irritation, but perpetuate for a long time

all the train of unhappy influences that have been heretofore detailed.

The unfortunate subject of this detestable vice, whose mental energy

is unimpaired, and whose moral feelings are susceptible of impression,

can be persuaded to abandon it, if the danger is set before him in its

true light; but hundreds can bear me testimony that the effects of

it are long felt, and the involuntary excitement produced by dreams,

lascivious companions, warm beds, and improper intercourse with corrupt

society, has for a long time after had its influence in retarding

complete recovery to health. With the insane we can have no such hopes,

and no such prospects of cure. They will rarely form resolutions on

the subject, and still more rarely adhere to them. Reason, the balance

wheel of the mind, being denied them, they are obnoxious to the

influence of all the propensities in a high degree.

“After the practice of masturbation, as a voluntary habit, is entirely

suspended, long and persevering efforts will be required to remove

the effects from the system, and restore it to vigor and soundness.

The individual himself must exercise great self-denial, and resolve

to persevere with the means and overcome all obstacles that may be

in his way, however formidable and difficult. The regimen to be

adopted must be strictly adhered to on all occasions. As the inebriate

would probably never conquer his appetite for alcoholic drink if he

indulged once a month only--so in this habit, the occasional indulgence

will thwart the whole plan of cure. The diet should be simple and

nutritious; the exercise should be moderate and gentle; indulgence

in bed should not be allowed, and the individual should always sleep

alone. A mattress is better than a soft bed. He should rise immediately

upon waking, and never retire till the disposition to sleep comes

strongly upon him. The cold bath is a valuable remedy; a sea bath is

better, and the shower bath often superior to either.

“Narcotics, if there is a high degree of irritability in the system,

are valuable remedies, of which conium, belladonna, hyoscyamus, nux

vomica, and opium, may be used under different circumstances, combined

or singly, according to the effects. Blisters and issues on the pudenda

or perineum, promise well, and the different preparations of bark and

iron, and other mineral tonics, should be used till all the effects of

the habit are removed, till the propensity is fully conquered, and the

constitution is restored to health and vigor.”

Among the cases which occurred in the practice of this gentleman, are

the following:--

“A respectable young gentleman, of one of the learned professions,

was out of health for a long period; his head and eyes suffered

exceedingly, and he was in a state little short of insanity. He

placed himself under the care of one of the most eminent men in the

metropolis, and followed his prescriptions a year, but without benefit.

He then called upon another, who asked him whether he was addicted to

masturbation, to which he answered in the affirmative. The advice given

him was principally to abstain from the indulgence, and his health

gradually improved, and is now re-established.

“B. D., aged 20, had had ill health for a year or more; he was pale,

feeble, nervous--lost his resolution--had no appetite--took to his

bed most of the time, and became dull, almost speechless, and wholly

abstracted and melancholy. His brother was his physician; but not

ascertaining the cause of his symptoms, he gained no advantage over

the disease, and the unhappy young man was constantly losing strength

and flesh. After a while he came under the care of the writer. He

was in the most miserable condition conceivable; emaciated, feeble,

pallid--had night sweats, diarrhœa, or costiveness, total loathing

of all food; his heart beat, his head was painful, and he felt no

desire, and would make no effort, to live. Suspecting masturbation, I

found, upon strict inquiry and watching, that my suspicions were well

founded. I pointed out the danger of the practice, assured him that it

was the cause of all his sufferings, and that he might be restored to

usefulness and health again if he would strictly adhere to the course

prescribed for him. He took bark and iron alternately for a long time,

pursued a course of gentle exercise and invigorating diet, and gave up

at once the vicious indulgence. After a long time he wholly recovered,

and is now a healthy and valuable citizen.

“P. W., aged 27, called for advice in the summer of 1834, having had

ill health for some eighteen months or two years. He complained of

confusion of the head and pain in the eyes, indigestion, palpitation of

the heart, and difficulty of respiration. His sleep was disturbed, his

temper irritable, and he felt dissatisfied with himself, and greatly

inclined to gloom and melancholy. He complained of listlessness and

indisposition to any bodily efforts, and of inability to fix his mind

upon any subject, or give his attention to any business. His hands

were cold, countenance pale and dejected, pulse frequent, and his

whole system in a state of great irritation. It was ascertained that

for two or three years he had been in the daily habit of masturbation.

For eight or nine months last past, he has discontinued it; he is,

however, occasionally subject to nocturnal emission, which has thus

far interfered with his recovery; but he is better, and under the use

of tonic remedies, exercise and generous diet, feels confident of

recovery, having regained his spirits and appetite.

“H. F., aged 20, was for a long time in the habit of masturbation.

He was for years confined to the house, and much of the time to his

bed. By long indulgence the habit had become irresistible, and the

consequences truly deplorable. His mind was as fickle and capricious

as that of an infant, and his health was wholly prostrated. For five

or six years he was the most wretched being imaginable. Nocturnal

pollutions, spontaneous emission, and all the evils resulting from

unrestrained indulgence, were presented in this truly unhappy young

man. He had been apprized of the danger which the continued practice

would bring upon him, and was sensible that all his trials had their

origin in this vice; and yet the propensity had become so strong that

he could not resist it, and if he did, the consequences had become

such that little benefit was derived from his good resolution. In his

intercourse with his friends he was covered with shame and confusion,

and seemed to feel conscious that every individual that he met with

knew, as well as himself, the height and the depth of his degradation.

In this condition, in a fit of desperation, he attempted to emasculate

himself, but succeeded in removing one testicle only. After he

recovered from the dangerous wound which he inflicted, he began to get

better, and after two years he recovered his health and spirits. He has

since, at the age of 45, _married_ a very clever woman, and they live

in peace and harmony.

H. ----, a young man 20 years of age, had been feeble and dejected

for two years. He was pale, torpid, irresolute, and shamefaced in the

extreme--so much so, that I could not catch his eye during a sitting of

an hour. He complained of his head, of short breathing and palpitation

of the heart, and of extreme debility. His extremities were cold

and damp, his muscular system remarkably flabby, and his snail-like

motions evinced great loss of muscular strength. His father, who

accompanied the young man, said that he had consulted many physicians

without benefit. The moment that he came into my room I was strongly

impressed that he was the victim of this solitary vice. I questioned

him sometime without ascertaining the cause of disease. His father

was wholly ignorant, and the physicians had not suspected it, or

inquired concerning it. I requested a private interview--told him the

danger of such habits, the importance of ascertaining the true cause of

disease, and my suspicions that he was in this habit, and that if so,

he would soon fall a victim to its influence. He then acknowledged that

he was in the daily practice of masturbation, and had been for three

years--that he often also had spontaneous emission, &c. He had never

suspected that it had any influence upon his health.

“The symptoms which follow masturbation, viz. nocturnal pollution and

spontaneous emission, often continue after the victim of the vice is

made sensible of the danger of voluntary indulgence. These require

distinct and separate consideration. In some cases they become very

obstinate; and in spite of every effort, continue to make such a waste

of vital energies as to prevent a recovery of the health--and the

new form of disease continuing, the same fatal results follow which

take place from a continuance of the habit. The local irritability

of the organs of generation often become so great, that the ordinary

evacuations of the bowels and the bladder produce an emission; and

even lascivious ideas, riding on horseback, or other equally slight

irritation, has the same effect. Such cases require the utmost care, to

afford any chance of recovery.

“In addition to the common remedies prescribed for the effects of

masturbation--as bark, iron, silver, the cold bath and shower bath,

&c., which are valuable remedies for this local, as well as for the

general debility attending the habit--other remedies, of a more

stimulating character, and that have a more direct local effect upon

these organs, are also indicated. Of these, tincture of lytta, bals.

copaiva, and nitrate of silver, may be named. The strong tinct. of

lytta, (made of pulv. lytta, 10 oz. alcohol, lbj.) may be taken in

doses of from 10 to 20 drops, increasing, so as to produce a slight

irritation of the urethra, and continued in such doses as will keep

up this effect without occasioning actual pain. The dose should be

repeated three or four times a day, generally. The very best effects

often result from the use of this remedy.

“Balsam of copaiva, if the urethra is irritable, may be a valuable

remedy. Nitrate of silver is also both useful as a general remedy, and

as having some local action on these organs. From one to four grains

may be taken daily, combined with a little opium, to prevent irritation

of the stomach and bowels.

“In leucorrhœa, which too frequently arises from this cause, these

remedies promise much; and when prescribed in efficient doses, often

effect a cure, whatever may have been the cause of the disease. It is

not too much to say, that no one cause more frequently affects the

health of females, and lays the foundation of fatal disease, than

severe and long continued leucorrhœa; and yet, if attended to early,

it is easily cured. It ought, however, even if slight, never to be

neglected.”

Many cases similar in character to those already stated, and confirming

the foregoing observations, have been transmitted to us by Dr. A.

Sidney Doane, and Prof. J. W. Francis, both of New York. Our limits,

however, forbid their insertion.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] The injection into the rectum of a strong decoction of pomegranate

root will destroy these ascarides. These injections should be repeated

noon and night, and in five or six days the end is attained. Should

these animals be found in the vagina, the same decoction should be used.

[2] This learned work is dedicated to the Bishop of Lubeck, and has

this motto:--

“Delicias pariunt veneri audelia flagra

Dum nocet, illa juvat: dum juvet, ecce nocet.”

[Transcriber’s Note:

Renumbered sections to match “Table of Contents”, reformatted section

headers for consistency.

Page 50, Changed “CHAPTER II” to read “CHAPTER III”.

Page 133, Changed unattested word “prepatialis” to read “praeputialis”.

Page 200, Changed two instances of unattested word “crysorchides” to

read “cryptorchides”.]