A Treatise on the Diseases Produced By Onanism, Masturbation, Self-Pollution, and Other Excesses.

by L. Deslandes

§ 1. FIRST INDICATION. TO PREVENT THE OCCURRENCE OF THE DESIRE TO MASTURBATE, TO PREVENT ITS RETURN, AND TO ABRIDGE ITS POWER.

The desire of masturbation is very distinct from venereal desires, which may be felt without experiencing the other. This desire is special: it is that of onanism, and no other. The influences, also—the result of which is more or less proximate, and which is to excite the genital sense—are only the indirect and predisposing causes of onanism. The direct and efficient causes are those which lead to the indulgence of it, and the preferring of it to coition. Consequently, two indications relate to the desire of masturbation: one consists in preventing the exaltation of the venereal sense, or in appeasing it; and the second, in preventing or destroying the special causes of the desire of onanism. We proceed to study these two indications in succession.

1. Rules relative to the general or indirect causes of onanism.—The genital sense, and, consequently, the venereal desires, may be felt too vividly and too early, in consequence of different circumstances, which may be divided into two groups. Some belong to the human body, and consist in certain innate acquired arrangements of the organization, in consequence of which the venereal sense presents more or less susceptibility. Others consist in different influences, as education, food, climate, kind of life, &c.; which may act on the sensibility in general, and particularly on that of the genital system. We will begin with the rules connected with the former.

Of the innate or acquired causes of venereal excitement, and of the rules of preservation connected with them.—Some individuals seem, as it were, marked by their organization, to become victims of venereal excesses. In them, the genital sense is excited, and exercises great power, long before the usual period of its manifestation. In others, on the contrary, this sense is not excited until late: in fact, it is so slight, that even this excitement may be doubted. In the present state of the science, these differences can by no means be accounted for. In many cases, however the great development of certain organs, the increase of their vitality or their diseased state exercise considerable influence on the strength and precocity of the venereal sense.

Gall, and the phrenologists of his school, place amativeness in the cerebellum. They consider this organ as the legislator of the sexual parts, the seat of physical love; and assert that the differences in the mass and vitality of this portion of the brain, correspond exactly to the differences of the intensity of the genital desires. We will proceed to mention the different facts on which these physiologists formed their opinion.

Comparative anatomy furnishes them with no argument worthy of mention: in fine, facts contradictory to Gall’s opinion may be derived from numerous classes of animals who have been deprived of their cerebellum, and yet have exercised the act of reproduction. This opinion applies only to man, and the mammalia resembling him. The relation between the development of the cerebellum and that of the genital organs, has furnished a more plausible reason: it has been adduced as an argument, that, in the encephalon, the fibres of the cerebellum are the last to appear distinctly; and this organ is not perfect, till from the age of eighteen to twenty-six years. A remark of Sœmmering, also, has been adduced, to show that the cerebellum, at the period of puberty, is to the cerebrum as one to five, while in infancy it is only as one to seven.

We have already seen that the genital sense is more powerful in males than in females. But it is said positively, that the cerebellum is commonly smaller in females than in males.

Phrenologists have also sought to establish a reciprocity of action between the genital organs and the cerebellum, by means of the results of castration, and also the influence which the development of the cerebellum may have on the testicles. Castration, (say they,) while it opposes the development of the sense of venery, prevents the cerebellum from gaining the size it would otherwise have attained. Observe, too, how much broader the neck in the bull is, than in the ox. They have also advanced, that if castration occurs only at a period when the cerebellum acquires its development, the genital sense may survive this operation; that, in some cases, it may reduce this organ to a state approximating atrophy; that the removal of one testicle from an animal, whatever may be its species, may produce atrophy, or some alteration in the lobe of the cerebellum, on the side opposite to the testicle removed. They have added, that the alteration of the cerebellum had caused a wasting of the testicles; and that, in the cases where one of the lobes only was disorganized, the testicle of the opposite side was alone affected. According to Gall and his disciples, the size of the cerebellum is discerned externally by the size and breadth of the nucha. They remark, that this part of the skull is generally more convex in males than in females—in entire animals, than in those who have been castrated—in early life, and in those individuals who are distinguished for their salacity, more than in those who are not susceptible to the pleasures of love. Larrey pointed out to Gall a soldier, whose antipathy to females amounted to mania: the sight of a female caused in him violent convulsions, and almost fury. Spurzheim saw a similar instance in England. Now, in both of these individuals, the cerebellum was but slightly developed. The portraits of Newton, Charles XII., and Kant, according to Gall, by the narrowness of the neck, show that the organ of which we were speaking was but slightly developed in these great men, who history states had but little relish for venereal pleasures. Dispositions diametrically opposite, on the contrary, co-exist with an enlarged volume of the brain. The following is related by Gall:—

“A highly intellectual lady was affected from infancy with very passionate desires; and her careful education alone saved her from those excesses to which she was exposed by her violent temperament. When arrived at a more advanced age, she was left to herself. She attempted every mode to satisfy her burning passions; but enjoyment seemed only to irritate her. She was frequently almost in a state of mania. In despair, she left her house, quitted the city, and took refuge with her mother, in a desolate country, where the want of exciting objects, and the utmost severity, and the cares of gardening, prevented the evil. After a time, she returned again to a large city, was again threatened with relapse, and took refuge a second time with her mother. On returning, she came to see me at Paris, and complained to me in great despair. ‘On every side, I see images of luxury—in every place—at table, and even in my sleep, the demon pursues me. I shall either be mad, or die.’

“I told her briefly the natural history of the instinct of propagation. I called her attention to the form of her neck. Although her head was very large, yet the diameter of the nucha exceeded the distance from ear to ear. She formed an idea of the cause of her state. I advised her to visit her mother again; to vary her occupations, so as to diminish the activity of her cerebellum; to apply leeches to the nucha, to diminish the irritation of this organ; to avoid all stimulating meats and drinks, &c. &c.

“I have seen at Paris,” says the same author, “a boy, five years old, who seemed sixteen, in respect to his corporeal strength. His genital organs were perfectly developed; his beard was strong; his voice was rough and hoarse: in short, he presented all the signs of virility.”

Dr. Gall was struck, also, with the development of the cerebellum in a boy ten years old, who had been detained in a house of correction at Leipzick, for having violated a young girl. He had also seen at Paris a young mulatto, less than three years old, who was remarkable in the same respect. He made advances, not only to young girls, but to women, and urged them to consent to his desires. His sexual organs, with the exception of long-continued erections, exhibited nothing remarkable. As he was surrounded by girls who indulged him, he died of consumption before he was five years old. His cerebellum was unusually developed; the rest of the head was of the common size. Gall has related other instances of the kind.

A case published by Dr. Chauffard, of Avignon, deserves to be stated here. This physician accompanied the prefect in 1823, in his tour to the departments, to examine those young men who wished to be discharged from military service. A stout farmer, with coarse beard and hair, and disagreeable odor, was undressed, being, as it was said, affected with a disease which he dared not name. It was at the close of December; the season was cold, and the room very chilly. No sooner was he undressed, than the penis began to swell. He was confused—he blushed—he turned his back to the assistants. He could not avoid the priapism; nor, finally, an emission of semen, which took place without a sensible diminution in the size of this organ. This man was ignorant and stupid, but he answered questions correctly. He said he was always tormented by continual erections, often followed by seminal emissions. He even admitted that he was accustomed to solicit them. His neck was short; broad, and thick; the posterior portion of the occipital bone presented a very marked slope: finally, the cerebellar portion of the cranium was very prominent, and much developed. This man was reformed. (Jour. univ. des Sc. Med., December, 1828.) We have also observed a very remarkable development of the posterior part of the skull, in a boy eight years old, who was addicted to masturbation for several years, and whose penis was almost constantly in a state of erection. This prominence so elongated the antero posterior diameter of the cranium, that the mother found it difficult to fit caps to his head.

One of Gall’s most distinguished pupils, Dr. Voisin, has tested phrenology, in a visit recently made to the convict galley, at Toulon. Renaud, the Director, informed of the scientific purpose of the visit of this physician, allowed him to examine the cerebral organs of 350 thieves, forgers, or homicides; among whom he had designedly distributed 22 other convicts, condemned for rape, requesting M. Voisin to discover them from this number, by examining the posterior part of the head. This gentleman picked out 22, 13 of whom only were condemned for violence. Thus, then, he had selected nine who were not guilty of this crime; and, on the contrary, had allowed to escape him nine who had been committed. Now, the nine wrongly selected were libertines, whom the Director admitted required to be constantly watched; and the nine, on the contrary, whom he had not detected, were guilty by accident, or when intoxicated: with them, libertinism was only accidental, and not organic.

A few experimental proofs have been invoked, in support of Gall’s opinions of the cerebellum. We will cite a remark made by Serres, as to those bulls killed by striking them on the back of the neck. “The penis, in those where the cerebellum was injured, oscillated very evidently during the experiment.” The same gentleman observed a very marked erection in a young horse, who was killed by plunging a knife into the cerebellum. Segalas has produced the same effect in Guinea pigs, by pushing a stylet into this organ.

The principal proofs, however, have been drawn from the action of the diseased cerebellum on the genital apparatus. Thus, the erection of the penis in those who die by hanging, has been attributed, by Gall, to the affection of the cerebellum in this kind of death. Cruvelhier has contested this explanation. He thinks it may be explained by the stasis of the venous blood. “Respiration,” says he, “is retarded, in consequence of the medulla oblongata; and hence results a semi-asphyxic state, favorable to erection. In hanging, there may be an affection of the cervical part of the medulla; and priapism has been observed more than once in lesions of this part.” Phrenologists have also shown, that this symptom often follows the application of a blister or seton to the neck. Another fact, to show the connection of the cerebellum with the genital apparatus, is that of a soldier, whose generative powers had disappeared, after the fleshy scalp of the occiput had been removed by the blow of a sabre. We doubt whether similar cases to this, which was observed by Larry, have often occurred; although Dr. Bischoff has advanced, that wounds of the back of the head, and blows on this part, have often been followed by inflammation of the genitals.

Peculiar excitement of these organs has more than once attended a disease of the cerebellum. We have already mentioned this fact; and the cases stated were selected as those where the affection of the cerebellum might be considered as produced by venereal excesses. In those now to be mentioned, the genital excitement is, or seems to be, the consequence of this affection.

Erection of the penis, with or without pollutions, has several times been noticed as a symptom of apoplexy of the cerebellum. This phenomenon may have been observed in some cases of this affection which we have cited. Serres was the first one to call attention to this phenomenon, in his Memoir on Apoplexy of the Cerebellum, inserted in the Journal of Experimental Physiology; the principal facts of which have been adduced in his work on the comparative anatomy of the brain. One fact is, that of a man, forty-six years old, who died with violent apoplexy of the cerebellum, during which satyriasis and ejaculation appeared, with swelling of all the genital organs. Similar cases, which it is unnecessary to state here, might be added. One of them was observed by Falret. “The priapism was presented to my observation with a very remarkable circumstance. The patient had been affected with apoplexy, and presented a complete paralysis of the left side of the body. Different nervous symptoms indicated that there was also great irritation of the encephalon or its membranes. This man, although half frantic, made amorous proposals to the female who attended him, and presented a semi-erection of the penis: this part, instead of being straight, presented a concavity, which looked towards the side not paralyzed. I regret that I could not examine the cadaver of this individual. The affection of the genital organs, in apoplexies of the cerebellum, might probably have been noticed in many cases, if it had been sought after.” It has not been noted, in any of the cases analyzed by Andral. Cruvelhier, also, has never noticed priapism, in a case of apoplexy of the cerebellum which he has seen; but he adds, that he would not dare to say that it has never existed—at least, temporarily. In fact, it may easily escape observation.

Hydrocephalic patients often show a great passion for venereal indulgences. Gall, in noticing this remark, observes, that of all the parts of the encephalon, this is the least changed in these individuals. Chauffard has seen a hydrocephalic patient, fourteen to fifteen years old, with an enormous head, who was addicted to masturbation, and spoke of the pleasures he derived from it.

An acute or chronic irritation of the cerebellum, or of its envelopes, may cause venereal symptoms more than the alterations just mentioned. In a cadaver, brought from the hospital Bicetre to the amphitheatre, where the penis and testes were considerably swelled, the whole of the cerebellum was inflamed. One of the most interesting facts of this kind was reported by Chauffard. It was that of a man, fifty-three years old, of pleasant manners and mild character, who, in falling, struck his head against the bed-post. The inferior occipital region became inflamed; and subsequently, the habits of the patient were much changed: he became affected with satyriasis, and was so salacious, that he persecuted his wife and daughter, and all the females around him. This man, hitherto pious and modest, gradually became affected with the most violent erotic delirium, and finally committed the most indecent acts. During the next three months, this state increased; but, at the same time, his strength and intelligence failed. Finally, one day, after a violent fit of anger, occasioned by the refusal of his wife to listen to him, he became convulsed. The pain left the back part of the head, and affected the top of it. The left side of the body now began to be paralyzed; and the satyriasis was replaced by religious delirium, with constant mumbling of prayers. The patient died eight days afterward. According to Chauffard, at first, there was an affection of the cerebellum. When the state of the patient was changed, the organ of veneration was affected: this organ corresponds to the central posterior and superior part of the frontal bone, where the patient finally felt severe pain.

Was not the cerebellum, also, affected, in the following case reported by Sainte Marie:—“A merchant of Lyons, an educated and honorable man, seemed to be cured of an inveterate venereal affection, for which he had undergone a course of treatment with mercury. He, however, complained of restlessness, heat in the throat, pains in the occiput and nucha, and frequent erections. In 1812, after domestic troubles, he became affected with furious delirium. This state lasted three days, and terminated in priapism; during which, the patient had fourteen emissions in a few hours. This singular crisis resulted in a perfect calm: extreme debility, however, remained, which soon yielded to tonics and analeptics. Two years and a half afterward, this disease reappeared, under the influence of these same causes, and with similar symptoms. The termination was the same. There was a slight return of it after two years; but, this time, the patient escaped with slight erections, without much loss of semen.”

Facts of a similar character have induced several authors to attribute satyriasis and nymphomania exclusively to an innate or accidental state of the cerebellum. “The material condition of satyriasis,” says Voisin, “resides in the encephalon; and in all cases, the deranged manifestation of it depends on the nature and preponderating power of the cerebellum, or on those moral and intellectual causes which have favored the development of this organ—or, rather, on the external circumstances which at the moment of disease have brought it violently into action.” On the other hand, the localization of physical love in the cerebellum has been violently contested by excellent observers, particularly by Flourens and Bouillaud, who consider as the special function of this organ its presidence over locomotion. Bouillaud, particularly, has attempted to establish, by analyzing the observations of Gall and Serres, that they are not so conclusive as these authors asserted, and that they may be interpreted differently. Chauffard thinks that Gall has gone too far, and that his remark, that physical love and erections should not be attributed to the presence of the semen and the irritation which it causes, should be qualified by using the term exclusively. We also think, that, thus altered, Gall’s remark would be more just. The cerebellum has certainly a powerful action on salacity; but we shall see that each part of the genital apparatus exercises one equally great; and that, consequently, the organic principle of the state of rutting, and of venereal excesses, cannot be sought for solely in the encephalon.

In consequence of Gall’s opinions, many authors, among whom we will mention Chauffard, Voisin, and Londe, have thought it necessary, in order to subdue too great a degree of amativeness, to make applications directly to the cerebellum. Some attempts have seemed to justify this view of the subject. Sainte Marie says, that a physician of Lyons has cured inveterate nocturnal pollutions, by applying ice to the occiput and nucha before going to bed. A man, thirty years old, had three or four seminal emissions every night, which Lallemand had tried in vain to cure, by cauterizing the ejaculatory canals. Gensoult applied leeches and ice to the nucha: the pollutions were arrested, as if by magic. Serres, who reports this case, adds, that, since the publication of his memoir on cerebellar apoplexy, he has seen two cases of apoplexy, where erections appeared during the paroxysms. Both were cured by applying leeches and emollient cataplasms to the nucha. Might not narcotics be applied, endermically, near the cerebellum, to subdue the onanistic satyriasis? Might not belladonna, opium, &c., introduced in this manner, be used with advantage? Might not, also, the hair of the head be kept short, especially behind, and rest on a pillow of hair, instead of feathers? Setons and blisters, also, should be applied to the neck, in onanists, only with the utmost care; and they should be removed as soon as they are considered indispensable. Besides the irritation caused near the cerebellum, the influence of the cantharides is to be guarded against.

We have already stated, that there is a reciprocity of action between different organs: if there be one which exercises a marked influence on the other, the latter will in turn affect the former. This may be proved by the cerebellum, which sometimes becomes diseased after abuses of the genital organs, and sometimes communicates to these organs the over-excitement which is accidentally seated in it: the spinal marrow, also, confirms the fact.

Willis, who, before Gall, had sought to localize in the nervous centres the faculty of reproduction, had designated the spinal marrow as the organ of this faculty. Numerous observations, and many experiments, have lately given some credit to this opinion. Segalas, who produced erections of the penis in Guinea pigs, by introducing a stylet into the cerebellum, caused ejaculations by pushing this instrument into the spinal column, near the lumbar region. Serres repeated this last experiment, and the result was similar: he therefore concluded that the lower part of the spinal marrow acts on the secretory and excreting seminal apparatus, as the cerebellum acts on the genital sense. We shall see, also, that this opinion is too positive, as the lesions of the medulla exert a marked action on erection of the penis and the venereal sense, besides the influence on the ejaculation attributed to it by Serres.

A case, reported by Lenhossek, seems to establish, that compression and atrophy of the spinal marrow may oppose the development of the genital organs. This patient was twenty-four years old: he was thin, wasted, and his height was that of an individual twelve years of age. Neither his face nor genital system presented the characters of puberty. This individual died suddenly; and it was found, that in consequence of a malformation of the first and second cervical vertebræ, the diameter of the occipital foramen was contracted one half. The medulla oblongata had been compressed in this part, and its development was impeded. Might not the singular disease, observed by Larrey in Egypt, and afterward in Paris, be referred to an affection of the spinal marrow? Here the testicles gradually wasted; the patient lost the power of feeling venereal sensations, and also that of erections; the lower extremities shrunk away, and tottered; the face was discolored; the digestive powers and intellectual faculties were deranged. Does not this coincidence, of a considerable weakening of the lower extremities and the wasting of the testicles, indicate that this latter has been the consequence of an affection of the spinal marrow?

Dupuytren long since established the fact, that priapism was caused by a lesion of this organ. Numerous instances of this are found in Olivier’s work on the spinal marrow: they prove, that every part of the medulla, but particularly the cervical portion, when injured, may cause an erection of the penis. Potain, Renauldin, and Hedelhofer, have stated similar facts. This last author saw a man who fell upon his sacrum, and instantly had an emission. Professor Fages was in the habit of mentioning the following case in his lectures:—“An aid-de-camp of General Dumourier was affected with complete paralysis of the lower extremities, in consequence of a fall from his horse. This paralysis was attended with a great degree of priapism, which encumbered him very much, and caused retentions of urine, which were treated by the most active refrigerants. Going through Montpelier, on his way to Balaruc, he rested several days at the military hospital, where it became expedient to sound him. In order to do this, it was necessary to uncover the whole body, to expose it for some time to the cold air, and to apply to it cold water; and, even then, the sound had to be used promptly, otherwise erections would soon have supervened, merely by touching the penis, and by the presence of the sound in the urethra. The baths of Balaruc almost cured the paralysis; and as motion returned to the lower extremities, the priapism disappeared.”

Do not these facts show that the spinal marrow has a marked influence on the genital organs. We have already mentioned the opinion of Sainte Marie, who regards involuntary pollutions as sometimes the cause and sometimes the result of affections of the spinal marrow. May not an original or accidental state of this organ be, in some subjects, the indirect cause of venereal excesses? Remark the influence of a recumbent position, in producing voluptuous dreams and emissions of semen. Does not this singular effect depend on the heat of the spinal marrow caused by this position? This is possible, particularly if you consider the advantages derived in involuntary pollution, priapism, and satyriasis, from douches of cold water along the vertebral column, particularly on the lumbar and sacral regions, and also from the application of ice to these parts. Sainte Marie has sometimes arrested the spasm of the genital organs by frictions on the sacrum with bladders full of ice. We think, then, there are cases where these remedies may be used successfully to combat the habit of masturbation. Narcotic frictions and endermic applications may be made along the vertebral column, as we have said, when speaking of the cerebellum. In vigorous patients, leeches and cups may be applied to the loins. We will not allude here to the remedy recommended by many old authors, of a sheet of lead to the kidneys, for this cannot produce the refrigerant effect expected from it.

The organic conditions of venereal desire are confined neither to the cerebellum nor spinal marrow: they may exist, also, in all parts of the genital system, as we shall demonstrate.

A considerable part of this system is formed of a tissue termed the erectile, on account of its power of swelling, hardening, and becoming erected. It constitutes the whole of the cavernous bodies—the glans, which is the loose extremity of these bodies—the spongy part of the urethra—the clitoris—and a considerable portion of the vulva and vagina. The part taken by this tissue in the work of generation, would indicate that it is affected in amatory desires, and that its state must exercise some influence upon them; which is demonstrated by the facts we shall mention.

There is no vice in the human species without its representative in some class of animals. Thus, the inclination to theft, to destroy, &c., are found in some species existing to a great degree. So, too, with luxuriousness. There is a class of apes—the dog-faced—which represent it. It is impossible to form an idea of the lasciviousness of these animals, which is manifested at sight not only of a female of their own class, but at that of a woman: they show by their looks, gesture, and voice, that they are excited. They are extremely jealous at sight of a man. They indulge in coition to great excess; and if this be impossible, they abuse themselves. How does their organization differ from that of other animals?—in the cerebellum?—in the spinal marrow? No: but according to Desmoulins, by the enormous mass of erectile tissue which they have. This tissue abounds not only around the sexual organs, but is found in the haunches and pubis. In the face, it is not confined as in us to the lips, but it covers the face, and there presents a brilliancy of color which exceeds that of the vulva and glans in our species. It should be remembered that the kunocephali do not exhibit this lasciviousness until puberty, when this tissue is developed, and assumes its brilliant colors.

Here, then, are animals, in whom the erectile tissue evidently performs the part attributed by phrenologists exclusively to the cerebellum. Why may not the same thing exist in our species? Are not the penis and clitoris, generally speaking, much larger in those who have a marked propensity for the pleasures of love? Is not their erection the most constant sign of the activity of the venereal sense? Is not the erectile tissue developed at puberty, at the same time with this sense, and does it not collapse in old age? Finally, does not the genital sense exist at its highest degree in the glans—the clitoris—that is, in the organs formed entirely of this tissue?

There is, then, reason to seek the principle of masturbation in this tissue, and to this remedies should be applied. This is done in a vigorous and healthy patient by blood-letting, and by applying leeches or cups around the sexual parts. Lotions and cold applications to these parts, and cold hip-baths, act in the same manner; and as they do not contribute to the exhaustion, they are employed more frequently. Sainte Marie recommends that the genital organs of individuals affected with spermatorrhœa should be covered with bladders of pounded ice, which should be removed as often as it melts. This remedy seems more efficacious and convenient than the application of wet sponges or linens to the parts. It might also be used in those onanists who will consent to it. The same indication is fulfilled by forbidding children to be washed in warm water, and by causing them to use hard cushions to sit on; and likewise, by keeping the pelvis lightly covered, and the clothes large enough to allow the air to circulate freely around the genital organs. The cold injections, in girls, may also be somewhat useful. There is also another remedy which is applicable to parts formed of erectile tissue, and which we shall mention—viz., their removal.

Some nations are accustomed to practise upon their female children a kind of circumcision, which consists in cutting off several parts of the vulva. This custom is very ancient, and exists particularly in Egypt, Ethiopia, around the Persian Gulf, and in several parts of central Africa. What portions of the vulva are cut off? Many authors think that these are the nympbæ, clitoris, and even the hymen. In fact, Niebuhr has given a colored plate of the sexual organs of an Egyptian girl, eighteen years old, drawn by the painter Baurenfiend, the original of which is in the library at Gottingen, in which the parts just named seem to have been extirpated. Sonnini, who has examined two young Egyptian girls, one of whom had been circumcised for two years, while the operation was performed on the other in his presence, states, contrary to Niebuhr’s opinion, that this operation has reference to the interior of the vulva, and is confined to the excision of a thick, flabby, and fleshy excrescence, covered with skin, which in several African races rises above the commissure of the external labia; the length of this was only six lines, in the two girls observed by him, but it may be four inches long, at the age of twenty-five years. As the opinion of Niebuhr agrees with that of all authors who have lived in these countries, the facts observed by Sonnini are exceptions, rather than the rule. Hence, it appears, that in many nations it is the custom to remove from the females a considerable portion of the erectile tissue, which is found around their sexual organs.

What is the origin of this singular custom? Is it to remove in infancy, from the vulva of the girls, certain prominences which, at a later period, might prove inconvenient? Has this custom been established with a view to cleanliness? May it not be, to take away the power of self-abuse? Whatever may be the reason of its existence, its effect is to deaden the venereal sense, by removing a portion of the surfaces in which it is situated. This seems positively established, by the testimony of Niebuhr, and many others.

If this be so, may not the removal of the internal labia and of the preputial portion of the clitoris—especially if these parts are large—be attempted, in order to avoid a more extreme thing, which we shall mention directly. Might not this removal blunt, if it did not deaden, the propensity to solitary enjoyments, and render the other remedies employed more efficient? Although we have but little confidence in this operation, yet, when we consider that a superficial cauterization of the nymphæ and clitoris has cured nymphomania, as will be stated hereafter, we can conceive that the excision of the internal labia may in some ca«es present a chance of success. Farther: this operation is not very painful—is easily performed—and cannot, even under the least favorable circumstances, be attended with any inconvenience, except that of being useless. It certainly would not be practised generally if it caused severe pains, or was followed by bad consequences. In Africa, it is performed by the females of Said, who use a razor. And it should be remembered, too, that it is not children who submit to this operation; but girls eight or ten years old, as may be seen in the travels of Niebuhr and Sonnini.

The exquisite sensibility of the clitoris, and the size it commonly presents in lascivious females—that which it acquires in those who masturbate, or who are affected with nymphomania—have led to the opinion, that voluptuous desires are situated exclusively in this organ, and that its removal will extinguish them. Levret was, we believe, the first who conceived the idea of curing nymphomania by this operation. Dubois performed it on a young girl, who was so addicted to onanism, that she was almost in the last stages of marasmus. Aware of the danger of her situation, and yet too weak, or too much under the control of voluptuousness, she could not resist. In vain were her hands and limbs tied: she rubbed herself against the bed, and thus procured excessive discharges. Her parents applied to Dubois, who proposed amputation of the clitoris. This was assented to. The organ was removed by one stroke of the knife: the hemorrhage was arrested by the actual cautery, and the girl recovered her health and strength. Richerand, who has reported this case, considers the operation performed on this young girl as the most efficient remedy in such a case. If the idea of cauterizing the vessels is disagreeable to the patients, the vessels of the clitoris might be tied, as are those of the penis after amputation. (Nosog. Chirurg., second edition, 1808; vol. iv., p. 326.)

The following, which is similar to the preceding, but more remarkable in some respects, was published in the Journal of Surgery, by Graefe:—

“The subject of this case was born in 1807, and grew very well, till the age of fourteen months, when she became ill: for eight days, she was affected alternately with constipation, diarrhœa, and vomiting. She remained sick till she was two years old, and did not walk till she was four. She, however, never learned to talk, and exhibited symptoms of idiocy. This idiocy resisted the most varied treatment, progressively increased, and the patient was finally reduced to a state below the brute. She swallowed her feces, and passed hour after hour in a corner, her tongue lolling from her mouth.

“The most experienced physicians considered her case as hopeless. A physician at Berlin undertook to cure her. She was now fourteen years old. He remarked first in her a strong inclination to onanism: she indulged in this practice night and day. In this, there was a curative indication, which the physician embraced immediately. It seemed evident to him that masturbation prevented the development of the intellectual faculties. Hence, she was prevented from sitting down; and the head was cauterized, to obtain revulsion by the pain. The wound from this operation did not suppurate till after six weeks. Cold effusions were applied to the wound, and a solution of antimony was injected into it. These remedies were followed by a slight degree of amendment. Douches and emetics were then used, but in vain. Finally, when the patient was fifteen years old, her physician resolved to extirpate the clitoris. The operation was performed June 20, 1822, by Professor Graefe, of Berlin. The wound soon cicatrized; and the good effects of the process exceeded all expectations. The disposition to onanism was removed; the mind became expanded; and the education of the patient commenced. In three years, she could talk, read, write, and even play a few tunes on the piano—to be sure, rather imperfectly; but still she might be regarded as being in the way of recovering from her long and cruel disease.”

The details of this case are not sufficient to establish whether idiocy was the cause or effect of onanism. We may conclude, however, from the result, that it was at least in great part the consequence of this habit. It, however, was necessary to put a stop to the onanism before the idiocy disappeared. Farther, this case shows the extent of the restorative power of nature, when it is no longer impeded by masturbation. It also shows, by the good effects arising from removing the clitoris, that it would be wrong to think, as several authors, and particularly Voisin, have asserted, that nymphomania always depended on an affection of the cerebellum. Powerful and the most energetic revulsives had been applied to this latter organ, but unsuccessfully. It was not the first time the remedies had been used. Villeneuve long since recommended the application of caustics to the legs, and of cups around the genital organs, with extensive scarifications, to appease venereal desires.

The two following facts were communicated by Biett. The first is that of a lady, thirty-five years old, who became affected with nymphomania, after long absence from her husband. After many unsuccessful efforts to cure this disease, extirpation of the clitoris was decided upon. The operation was not easy, and there was considerable hemorrhage, requiring the application of ligatures. In a few weeks, the patient recovered.

The success of this operation induced Biett to advise a similar one in the following case:—

“Mademoiselle C***, ten years old, of strong constitution and good muscular developments, had been addicted to onanism since she was two years old. She was taught it by her nurse, who remarked that she was quieted, when crying, by titillating the clitoris, in which she was soon imitated by the patient. The habit finally caused great moral and physical degeneration. At first, the cause of her wasting away was unknown; but when it was discovered, the parents tried every mode to break her of it. Their vigilance was in vain—she still continued it. Her mind remained unaffected, but not so with her physical constitution. Mechanical means were now employed: the apparatus of Lafont was applied, but without success; and there was danger of her becoming idiotic. Her parents, after long hesitation, decided to have the clitoris removed. The operation was performed June 26, 1831, with perfect success. The patient became restored, and her voluptuous feelings disappeared.”

Many have scruples in regard to this operation. They ask whether it is right to nip the enjoyments of love in the bud, &c. These considerations seem to me only to impose circumspection in respect to the operation, and to show that the operation never should be employed until all other remedies have been tried. But when life is to be saved, or the mind is to be preserved, then we ought not to hesitate. We then do, as in amputating a limb—we sacrifice a part for the whole. Nor is it demonstrated, that the venereal sense is for ever extinguished, by removing the clitoris. This organ is not the exclusive seat of venereal sensations, as we have already seen, and shall see again. Hence, it may be feared, for this reason, that the operation may not be successful. In fact, only the prominent part of the clitoris is cut off: a large portion of the cavernous bodies remains. If the operation is performed before puberty, perhaps by developing their tissue, this feeling may extend at this period of life: but, even then, if these chances of reparation did not exist—if it were certain to destroy all sexual desires—still this operation ought to be performed; as, without these feelings of love, a female may become a good mother, and a devoted wife.

Our remarks on the cerebellum, spinal marrow, and erectile tissue, may apply to all parts of the genital apparatus; as each part may be a direct cause of venereal excitement, and consequently an indirect cause of venereal excesses. This is certainly true of the mucous membrane, which lines the genito-urinary passages. Every one knows that acute inflammation of the interior of the urethra often causes painful erections, and which may attend a deformity of the penis; and hence the term chordee is applied to these blenorrhœas. We have seen, when speaking of diurnal pollution, that chronic inflammations of this canal may be followed by losses of semen. The presence of a stone in the bladder usually causes an itching and tickling at the end of the penis, which has sometimes been the beginning of bad habits. If, after excesses of the table, coition is indulged in to excess, it is because the abuse of wine and liquors stimulates the mucous membranes, and particularly those of which we are speaking—excites their action, and new desires arise. Is it not on the special character possessed by cantharides, of inflaming the urinary passages, that the violent satyriasis caused by this remedy depends?

The phenomena we have mentioned are seen much more frequently in females than in males, as the mucous membrane of the genital organs is much more extensive and more exposed to the action of external agents in the former. We have known several cases of nymphomania to be caused by herpetic affections, which were seated within the vulva. Biett knew a case of it in a female, sixty years old, affected with prurigo of this part. Trousseau has known similar cases. Hence, the irritations of the vulva, attended with itching, have been considered by many authors among the causes of onanism. Eczema, when it has extended to the vulvo-vaginal mucous membrane, has been known to induce this habit violently in females. Ascarides, which have escaped from the anus, have often caused violent itching, and afterward a venereal excitement, which was followed by the same result. Beck has known these worms to produce nymphomania in a female seventy years old. Bitter injections into the vagina were followed by the evacuation of a great number of these animals, and by the cessation of the symptoms.

The remarks of many authors on the salacity of individuals afflicted with herpetic eruptions must apply particularly to those who are afflicted with pruriginous diseases of the skin around or near the genital organs. The excitement then extends to these organs, and awakes in them the sense of venery; a similar result may attend irritation of the inner surface of the rectum. Wichmann thinks, and a case published by St. Marie confirms the opinion, that simply the presence of ascarides in this instance may cause discharges of semen. Hemorrhoidal irritation has sometimes produced them. Thus Wichmann relates the case of an individual, in whom hemorrhoids caused an obstinate diarrhœa during the day, and frequent pollutions at night. Nymphomania has been produced by drastic enemata, and particularly by those made of gratiola.

It is not uncommon to see symptoms of inflammation appear at the same time or successively in different mucous membranes. The membrane lining the genital organs is not more exempt from this, than others. The heat which patients feel in the genital parts, the redness and swelling which are there developed, are generally the only symptoms which then become known to the physician. But there is another, the excitement of the venereal sense, which often escapes him; either because the patients are too young to explain it, or because a natural feeling prompts them to conceal it. Hence this symptom is frequently unnoticed, except in rare cases, where it exists to a great degree, and presents characters analogous to those of satyriasis and nymphomania. Dr. Desportes was we believe the first one to point out a certain relation between venereal excitement and different catarrhal affections among which he has particularly mentioned the aphthous inflammation of the pharynx termed by Guersent angina pultacea. M. Desportes has known attacks of at least eight cases of this angina to be preceded by a vivid excitement of the reproductive system, an excitement which is sometimes manifested by an irritation, which although not exactly the venereal appetite, is analogous to it, and causes in the patient an evident feeling of distrust, inquietude, and chagrin. As this phenomenon has presented itself as a precursory symptom in at least one half of the cases of angina pultacea observed by him, he regards it as an index of the imminent invasion of this disease. He also thinks and with reason, that this phenomenon may, in young patients, become a cause of masturbation, and even in some cases, may pervert momentarily the ideas and sentiments, so as to impel individuals to the commission of acts reputed criminal or culpable. This opinion of Desportes is supported by eight facts. The most remarkable is that of a lady seventy years old, in whom the angina pultacea, was preceded for about a month with vivid and frequent venereal desires: they became so irresistible, that notwithstanding her religious opinions, she forgot herself so far as to relieve her ardor by onanism.

Desportes has attempted to explain this singular feeling, by the connexion of the nerves of the neck with certain parts of the encephalon, the commencement of the spinal marrow. He might, we think, have explained this more naturally, by observing that the genital excitement, instead of appearing simultaneously with the affection of the pharynx, disappeared simply from the appearance of the latter. Thus, in one of these patients, a man of fifty years old, whose habits were chaste, and who was suddenly affected with unusual venereal desires and priapism, these symptoms ceased, when after twenty days, an angina appeared; which was followed by an eczema which affected the hairy scalp, and the parts behind the ears. In another of the cases reported by Desportes, the genital excitement which appeared during convalescence from pleuro pneumonia, was suddenly replaced by an inflammatory irritation of the digestive passages, and particularly of the inner membrane of the mouth. Is it not evident that the irritation was transmitted in these cases from one membrane to another. If, however, Desportes has erred in the manner in which the genital excitement is produced, he deserves credit for pointing out a symptom which merits the attention of practitioners.

The irritation of the internal integuments of the genital parts, is not only, as this physician has thought, a precursory sign of that of the pharynx. It may show itself during the continuance of an inflammation of any other portion of the mucous membranes, or it may even follow this inflammation. Dr. Mirambeau has communicated to me two cases which confirm this fact. The first is that of a boy who was affected after a chill, with a very obstinate gastroenteritis. This disease was nearly terminated, when the mucous surface of the penis became the seat of a very severe irritation, which was soon attended with satyriasis. Things came to such a pass that his hands were obliged to be tied to keep him from those manipulations which he had never indulged in before. The subject of the second case was a girl nine years old, who presented the same circumstances as in the preceding case. She also was obliged to be tied. This fit continued in these two cases, from ten to twelve days.

Hence irritation of the mucous membrane which lines the genito urinary passages may alone cause venereal excitement, and consequently onanism, independent of any affection of the nervous centres. This fact is highly essential on account of the important indications which may be deduced from it. Aware of the possibility of its existence, the physician will be more attentive to discover this irritation; he will find it more frequently and may in a degree prevent a fatal habit: he will also carefully remove every cause of irritation from the mucous integument of the genital parts and discuss as promptly as possible the inflammations which may be developed there. The mode of doing this is by attending to the following rules. To keep the sexual parts perfectly clean by repeated ablutions: to forbid all excesses of the table, and the use of such food and drinks as tend to render the urine more irritating, and the genito urinary mucous surface more irritable; hence to discard the use of wine, liquors, coffee, tea, spices, beer, particularly that made strong with hops: to allay irritations of the interior of the rectum, around the anus or those affecting the integuments around the genital organs. When children complain of itching around the anus, you must ascertain whether this be not caused by ascarides which is easily done by inspecting the parts and the feces: no means should be spared to get rid of these worms when they exist:[1] and finally the most efficient remedies should be used to cure the itching of the genitals as soon as this affection commences. Ozanam communicated to the academy of medicine August 12, 1828, a very acute case of nymphomania which had resisted antispasmodics, narcotics, cold baths, &c.; and which was finally cured by applying to the internal labia and clitoris a solution of four grains of nitrate of silver in an ounce of water. There was a marked inflammation of the parts to which this was applied. (Rev. Med., Sept. 1828.) In 1833, we employed successfully another remedy, for a lady thirty-four years old and subject to nervous affections. She experienced a feeling of heat and irritation in the vulva and vagina which caused her excessive trouble. Solutions and injections of an infusion of the wild cherry-tree, produced no relief. The introduction into the vagina of a pledget of lint moistened with a solution of the extract of belladonna, (one grain to the ounce,) had a better effect. Different symptoms indicated the absorption of this drug into the system and the irritation disappeared. But it returned a few days after, and we then advised the application of ice within the vagina which relieved her, and finally brought about a permanent cure.

The irritation of the uterus in this lady might have had more or less influence in producing these distressing symptoms. Venereal desires, and nymphomania may in fact also depend upon the state of this organ. The excitement preceding and attending the period of menstruation, renders females much more lascivious. This phenomenon is much more marked in the small number of animals who menstruate: it always coexists in them with the period of rutting. This remarkable fact, which has long been known, of asses and monkeys, has lately been ascertained to exist in the roussettes by Carnot and Lesson, and in the genette by Cuvier. Farther inflammations and diseases of the uterus have often been observed in those affected with nymphomania. Helwiel relates the history of a lady, who, after being for a long time indifferent to conjugal pleasures, became extremely salacious. She died some time afterward, and on opening the dead body, fibrous tumours were found in the tissue of the uterus, and hydaleds in the ovaries. Calmeil found in a monomaniac, who was most furiously addicted to onanism, and who had a perfect hymen, that the os tincæ and a part of the neck of the uterus were of a violet colour, and were softened and ulcerated. This author observes that generally, when deranged females imagine themselves pregnant, or that they have been violated, are finally known to think of their genital organs, there is commonly some lesion of the uterus. (Dict. des Sc. Med., art. Alienes.) In the cases which have been mentioned, the affection of the uterus was not so much the cause as the result of the excesses which had been committed, but this cannot be said of those cases where Lisfranc has seen cauterization of the neck of the uterus to be followed in the genital organs with a kind of erethism which is attended with void desires. Is not this an experimental proof, that an irritation of the uterus may produce an exaltation of the venereal sense.

This excitement from congenital or accidental dispositions, may affect the ovaries; to prove this we have only to consider that their development exactly follows that of the venereal sense: that at forty-five years they begin to diminish in size, and finally they disappear: their removal or destruction too is always attended with the extinction of venereal desires. The respective size of the veins and arteries of the ovaries has been mentioned by some authors as a cause of salacity: the amorous ardor of animals, say they, is much greater, when the veins of the ovaries are smaller and fewer than the arteries. Haller found that the last-named vessels were very much developed in a female whose temperament was extremely amorous. Different alterations in the ovaries have been found in those affected with nymphomania. Bosset, Blancard, Vesalius, Riolan, Mangel, Dimmerbroede, Riviere, Lieutaud &c. have observed cases of this. De Blegnay states that one of the girls confined at the Salpetrière, and who had been affected several times with furor uterinus, was once seized so violently that it was necessary to tie her. This unfortunate girl perished by suffocation, while struggling to extricate herself. On opening the dead body the left ovary and Fallopian tube were found much diseased.

The removal of the ovaries has been performed successfully to appease excessive uterine ardor; a swineherd, irritated by the conduct of his daughter, extirpated these organs and thus extinguished her passions. The ovaries however have been extirpated several times on account of disease. The operation has been performed on several women and with success by Dr. Sacchi of Italy, and Dr. D. L. Rogers of New York. The usual effects in those who are fortunate enough to survive, are a wasting of the mammæ and a perfect indifference to the act of venery (Bulletin therapeutique, vol. iv., p. 313.)

We need not make many remarks on the effects of castration in the male to show the influence of the testes on the development and vivacity of lascivious desires. We know that it has been asserted that these desires may remain after the loss of these organs. In support of this opinion have been quoted Galen, Juvenal, Brantome and many other authors, particularly Franck, who states that four eunuchs in a city had so many intrigues with females, that the police were obliged to interfere. (Dict. des Sc. Med., vol. iv. p. 269.) But these facts only prove that eunuchs may indulge in pretended coition and that they preserve some sparks of the fire which is generally seated in the testicles. Most authors have attributed the action of these organs in the sense of venery, to the fluid secreted by them, to the semen. They say that this fluid awakes this sense either by the qualities it assumes, when accumulating in the testicles or seminal vesicles, or because it is carried by absorption to all parts of the body. This opinion is certainly much too positive: but in the present state of science, can we, as do many authors, assert that it has no foundation? The qualities of the semen may certainly vary much, as may be proved by the presence or absence of the spermatic animalculæ. It is entertained for instance, that these animalculæ do not appear before puberty, and that they are not to be found in old age, that they disappear during sickness, and that in many animals, in most birds for instance, they occur only during the season of mating (Dumas, Dict. class. d’hist. nat., art. generation.) The venereal sense becomes imperious, when the individual secretes real semen, and this sense may be felt in old men, after semen is no longer formed. The fulness of the seminal vesicles cannot be absolutely necessary for venereal desires, because these organs do not exist in birds, in many cold-blooded animals and in some of the mammalia. Are these persons in whom the testicles, instead of descending into the bursæ as usual about the seventh mouth of fetal life, remain in the abdomen, are these persons, who are termed cryptorchides more addicted than others to sensual pleasures? This has been asserted by many authors, and particularly by Monro and Hunter. They certainly are not less so. Poliniere has related a case of a person of this character 17 years old whom he saw at Brest in 1812, and who indulged most immoderately in venereal pleasures contrary to the advice of his physicians. Death soon put an end to his career.

The sensuality attributed to the cryptorchides has been explained by the greater degree of heat experienced in the testicles, when they remain in the abdomen. Be this as it may, the excitement of these organs probably exalts the sense of venery. When the state of excitement is very marked, they swell and become more sensible: these symptoms however are much more marked in animals during the period of rutting, than in our species. Accidental irritations of the testicles have sometimes also caused an unusual excitement of the sense of venery. Moreau attended for a long time a man advanced in age, who consulted him particularly for pollutions attended with amatory dreams. These symptoms which were very distressing constantly occurred, whenever the fibrous membrane of the testicles was affected with chronic rheumatism.

From our remarks, we can conceive that extirpation of the testicles would be a powerful remedy, in fact the most efficient of all remedies, to quell lascivious desires, and to put an end to venereal excesses. Hence individuals have been known to sacrifice these organs, and thus to rid them«elves of a salacity which rendered them unhappy. Baldassar relates the history of a man on whom he tried every remedy, and finally found nothing better than fasting and prayers. “Not recovering under these remedies,” says this author, “he wished the operation of castration to be performed, but I thought it inexpedient. The patient however pressed me very earnestly, and sought to win over to his views by presents those who opposed his wishes. He even promised me an ambling poney of remarkable beauty, if I would consent to perform it.” Reduced to despair some individuals have even castrated themselves. Origen, it is well known, mutilated himself, in order to extinguish the warmth of his temperament. This operation has been performed by surgeons and with happy results. A surgeon of Bernstadt was less fortunate: he removed the testes of a man 73 years old, in consequence of the unusual desires he experienced. The operation was not attended with the expected result. (Sprengel, Hist. de la med., vol. ix.) Hence this remedy is not infallible. We will add that it is far from being without danger, particularly in those individuals who are already exhausted by excesses. Farther, the operation is not confined, as in amputation of the clitoris, to the extinction of the venereal sense: it takes away the procreating power, and causes that moral and physical deterioration which is seen in eunuchs, even when they have lost their testicles after puberty. These therefore are reasons why this operation should not be performed; an operation which is disapproved of by most authors. We will except however Simon, who advises as a last resource in those affected with onanism to press upon or tie the vas deferens or the spermatic artery; for it is better, said he, that the patient should live a eunuch, than that he should inevitably perish. (Hygiene de la jeunesse, p. 174.) Some practical conclusions may be drawn from the facts we have mentioned. Thus in some patients, cold lotions or applications of ice to the scrotum, and of leeches around it, may be used with advantage. Young patients also should have these parts clothed lightly.

Diseases affecting various parts by their action on the organs mentioned, that is on the cerebellum, spinal marrow and the genital system, may cause a kind of a state of rutting and thus become the occasion of venereal excesses. For instance an unusual venereal excitement is sometimes a forerunner of an attack of gout, which may be explained by considering that the invasion of the local symptoms of this disease, is usually preceded by the irritation of several mucous membranes. Does not the salacity which all authors have mentioned as being peculiar to phthisical persons depend on the part which the genito-urinary membrane takes in the general excitement of the mucous membranes which is so common in the tuberculous affection of the lungs? Pathological anatomy has thrown no light on the subject. Of forty patients affected with phthisis, where the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and vasa deferentia were carefully examined by Louis, three only presented an alteration of these parts; this consisted in the deposition of a quantity of tuberculous matter in the prostate gland: in one of them this matter was found in the seminal vesicles and vasa deferentia. (Recherches anatopath. sur la phthisie, 1825, p. 132.) Louis says nothing in regard to the amatory passions of these individuals.

The affection of the genito-urinary mucous membrane, accounts also for the venereal sensations which many authors have mentioned as a symptom of the elephantiasis of the Greeks, otherwise termed lepra tubercularis. The frequency of this symptom was so remarkable, that the ancients confounded elephantiasis with satyriasis. Sonnini saw at Cana, in the island of Candia, a great many individuals of both sexes, affected with this kind of leprosy. They were confined according to custom, in barracks without the walls of the city, and there they indulged in the most unbridled licentiousness. Even the old men were very lascivious. He gives an instance of a leper who, on the night of his death, indulged his desires. Niebuhr speaks of another leper who carried away by his ardor, imparted his disease to a woman of Bagdad, who was admitted with him into the lazaretto of that city. Vidal and Joannis assert that they have seen this libido in those Greek sailors affected with elephantiasis. After these proofs, it required some boldness to deny the possibility of this symptom, which to us seems easily explained. Consider the nature of elephantiasis: while it affects the skin, it extends to the mucous membranes, where we find tubercles, ulcerations, softenings, &c. Why should the membrane, lining the genito-urinary passages, be exempt from these alterations? Is it not then probable that this membrane was diseased in some way or other, in those individuals affected with libido? We can easily imagine, too, that as these alterations cannot be constant in lepra tubercularis, the symptom of which we are speaking must often be deficient, which explains why different authors who have observed cases of elephantiasis, particularly Alibert, Rayer and Cazenave, have not met with it. An affection of the genital organs may produce results completely opposite to libido: it may arrest the development of the genital organs when it appears before puberty. The individuals then present the marked characters of eunuchs, which has been observed by Adams, (Obs. on morbid poisons.) and probably Pallas, who asserts that the Tartans affected with elephantiasis, are averse to the pleasures of love. Farther, in lepra tubercularis, the sexual parts are often, and according to Alibert, most generally affected; this would necessarily extinguish all venereal desires. This probably was the case in the patient mentioned by Cazenave, in whom the testicles, glands and prepuce were found converted into a lardaceous tissue; and where, too, the corpora cavernosa were destitute of blood, and presented an evident hypertrophy of their septa.

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.)