[662] Regarding this custom of obscene gestures, which is extremely remarkable from the point of view of the history of civilization, see the second volume, now in course of preparation, of my work on “The Origin of Syphilis.”
[663] Von Schrenck-Notzing, “Crimino-Psychological and Psycho-Pathological Studies,” pp. 50-57 (Leipzig, 1902).
[664] Not to be confused with the “essayeurs,” a speciality of the brothels of Paris. These are male individuals who are hired by the owner of the brothel, in order, in the presence of clients, to carry out indecent manipulations in association with the prostitutes, and thus to induce sexual excitement in the guests, and stimulate them to fornication (cf. L. Fiaux, “Lee Maisons de Tolérance,” p. 177).
[665] Regarding secret sexual clubs, see also my “Sexual Life in England,” vol. i., pp. 400-415.
[666] Cf. L. Taxil, “La Corruption Fin de Siècle,” p. 226 (Paris, 1904).
[667] S. Freud, “Three Contributions to the Sexual Theory,” pp. 40-42.
[668] L. Lewin, the article “Opium,” in Eulenburg’s “Realenzyklopädie der Heilkunde,” vol. xvii., p. 629 (Vienna, 1898).
[669] The following interesting reports, given by A. Wernichs (“Geographico-Medical Studies,” pp. 48-50), elucidate very exactly the nature of the sexual fantasies of the opium-smoker, which have the character of an indeterminate and by no means coercive sexual desire: “It is not necessary to proceed to gratification; one is almost disinclined to bring the series of beautiful pictures to an end in this way. All the joyful sexual experiences follow one another in a peculiar and fanciful admixture. Alluring forms appear in the most stimulating postures. Often one does not seem to take part in the matter oneself. Beautiful women whom one has seen in any part of the world, at the theatre, etc., move before one’s eyes, in the most beloved games of our youth. Everything that memory and the half-dream brings us is naked, shining, delicate, luxurious—and for us alone; for me these groupings, these fountains with bathing forms, these gestures, these embraces.” It is, therefore, not simply by chance that the majority of Chinese brothels have arrangements for opium-smokers, and that, contrariwise, many opium-dens provide opportunities for sexual enjoyment. Indeed, prostitutes are said to prefer opium-smokers, precisely because the latter, as long as the effect of the opium persists, do not come to an end of their enjoyment.
[These sexual fantasies of the opium-smoker probably occur only in the initial stages of indulgence in the drug. The confirmed opium-smoker, like the man habituated to the hypodermic injection of morphine, is probably, with rare exceptions, completely impotent. Sexual appetite and power return, however, when the habit is cured.—Translator.]
[670] I refer more especially to the last letter, one directed to an onanist (pp. 42-44), as instructive in this connexion.