4 ^"^ 
 

THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND 
 
 MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID 
 
m 
 
FifiieiJi Edition. 
 PARIS, LONDON, AND NEW YORK. 
 
 REPRESEXTING ALL THE DISEASES OP 
 
 THE GENITAL ORGANS OF THE MALE AND FEMALE, 
 
 THE 
 
 MOST COMPLETE AND PRACTICAL WORK ON THE PE[TSIO LOGICAL 
 
 MYSTERIES AND REVELATIONS OP THE MALE AND FEMALE 
 
 SYSTEMS, WITH THE LATEST EXPERIMENTS AND 
 
 DISCOVERIES IN REPRODUCTION. 
 
 IT nXUSnUTES ANAXOSnCAIXY AM) FCXLY "WITH THE PLATES, KVKKXTH1N3 
 PERTAI>T\G TO THB 
 
 MALE &. FEMALE GENITAL SYSTEMS} 
 
 WITH A FULL DESCRIPTION OP 
 
 THE CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND MOST CERTAIN MODE OP CURBg 
 
 OF ALL THE INFIRMITIES AND DISEASES TO WHICH THEY 
 
 ARE LIABLE FROM THE SECRET HABITS OP YOUTH, 
 
 AND EXCESSES OF MATURE AGE, 
 
 AS 
 
 INNOCENT OR UNFORESEEN AFFECTIONS, AND THOSE RE- 
 SULTING FROM CONTRACTION, AS SYPHILIS, (PRIMARY 
 AND CONSTITUTIONAL,) GONORRHCEA, OR BLEN- 
 NORHAGIA, (clap,) GLEET, STRICTURES, 
 ETC. ETC. 
 WITH 
 KUMEROUS CERTIFICATES OP THE MOST U2STARALLELED CUREa 
 EVER PERFORMED. 
 
 WITH NEARLY ONE HUNDRED ELECTROTYPED ENGRAVINOS. 
 By M. liARMOXT, Physician auid Surgeon, 
 
 JfEW YORK, (FORiTERLY FROII PARIS A>'D LOM)ON.) 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, & DR. E. BANIS''^^. 
 
 1861. 
 
 i^ 
 
SPECIAL CARD— DON'T FAIL TO READ IT. 
 
 M. RicxjRn, of Pam, Actox, of London^ and the Author, in New York, 
 have fur many years treated annually a larger number of patients for 
 Genito- urinary diseases, than has fallen to the lot of any otlier surgeons. 
 The same treatment has been pursued by all ; and the frequent recom- 
 mendation of patients by each to the other, is the best guarantee of the 
 public confidence in our mode of treatment. The Author is happy to 
 state that this treatment is now pursued in all the best European venereal 
 hospitals. 
 
 Professional Notice. 
 
 The Author and his associate, Dr. R Banister, devote their time to the 
 cure of all the diseases referred to in this work, at G47 Broadway (up 
 Btairs), three blocks above the St. Nicholas Hotel, N. Y. City. We have 
 a nuMber of offices specially appropriated, so that patients never meet 
 each other. For oiir hours of attendance at the offices, see the New York 
 daily newspapers. Persons in need of medical aid, can apply to us with 
 the most undoubted assurance of a cure, in the most speedy and convenient 
 manner, with perfect privacy. 
 
 The afflicted, therefore, who do not wish to submit to the dangerous and 
 injurious treatment of mercury, copaiba, injections, cauterization, quack 
 specifics, antidotes, etc, will read this book or apply to us for a speedy 
 and radical cure. 
 
 Patients at a distance, can be cured as secretly and as perfectly through 
 the mail, and express, as by a personal visit — unless surgical operations are 
 required — by giving a full statement of all their symptoms, appearance of 
 the disease, and length of time they have suffered. 
 
 N. B. — Our time is so fully occupied for those who sen<l or pay the usual 
 fee upon application, that we cannot respond or notice those who do not 
 ))ay or remit, by letter or otherwise, the usual consultation fee of five 
 dollars at the time of seeking our advice. 
 
 Particular Notice. 
 In consequence of recent complaints of patients who have lost money 
 letters, and other letters not having been answered by us, I found, on 
 inquiry, that there is an itinerant Doctirr traveling about the country, and 
 in this city, by the name of LARmoNT — therefore I wish all Icttci'S lu ba 
 directed to my Associate (who has been with me for several years), Dr. K. 
 Banistkr, Box Si-l, Post Office, New York City, as formerly. 
 
 M. liARMONT, Pliysician and Siii-geou. 
 
 N. B. ^Patients are respectfully informed that our offices have been 
 
 removed from 82 fiercer Street, corner of Spring, to 647 Broadway, up 
 sfeiirs (I^i Fargo House block) , one block above the Metropolitan, and 
 three blocks above the St. Nicholas Hotels. 
 
 Kiiiered according to Act of Congress, in tlie year 1850, by M. Lahmo.vt 
 and K. Ba-MS-i-ek , in the Clerk's Office of the District Qiurt of the United 
 Slnles, for the Southern District of New York. 
 
iviS5l467 
 
FRONTISPIECE. 
 
 A Fr»)ni View of the contents of the Abilomen and Pelviflt 
 Rnd of the Organs of Generation in the Male. 
 
 A, A, The kidneys. 
 
 B, B, The renal capsules. 
 
 C, C, C, C, The renal arteries and veins. 
 
 D, The great artery, or aorta. 
 
 E, The vena cava. 
 
 F, The spermatic artery. 
 
 G, G, The spermatic vein& 
 H, H, The ureters. 
 
 I, I, Xhe spermatic cord*. 
 
 K, The rectum. 
 
 L, The bladder. 
 
 M, The penis. 
 
 N, The glans penis. 
 
 0, The meatus. 
 
 P, The testicle. 
 
 Q, The vas defereni 
 
 R, The scrotum. 
 
preface lo tbc ZiSih (gbltioiT. 
 
 The rapid sale of the previous editions of the Medical Ad- 
 viser AND Maruiagb Guide, has induced the Author to 
 revise and enlarge the worlv, to render it still more attrac- 
 tive and useful to an intelligent and appreciative public. 
 
 In the department of illustrations, many new and beauti- 
 ful additions have been made, and the entire rearrangement 
 of the plates and figures to give the most convenient and 
 comprehensive study of them by the reader. A larger num- 
 ber of pages have been added than a superficial inspection 
 would seem to indicate, from the fact that vacant pages, 
 and parts of pages, have been filled with interesting cases 
 and other important information. 
 
 It is not generally known, that irritation or chronic in- 
 flammation of the mucous surfaces of the bladder and kidneys, 
 give rise to severe, painful, and often dangerous and even 
 fatal diseases. 
 
 Enlargement and inflammation of the prostate gland, also, 
 when neglected, result in protracted and distressing affec- 
 tions of the genito-urinary apparatus. 
 
 These affections of the kidneys, bladder, and prostate 
 gland, give rise to many of the alarming symptoms of 
 stone in the bladder (Gravel), but unlike that melancholy 
 condition, are not only perfectly, but speedily curable by 
 us. 
 
 During the^past few years, the large increase in the appli- 
 cations for treatment to us of such patients, has enabled us 
 to profit by extensive observation, as is proved by the large 
 number of such patients discharged cured annually. 
 
 We wish, in this brief space, to call the attention of the 
 afflicted to the condition of their urine. Healthy urine is a 
 clear, pale amber colored fluid. If, on collecting the first 
 urine voided in the morning in a clean bottle, there is a 
 sediment of white or of a pinkish color, or a cloudy appear- 
 ance, on settling and becoming cool, it is an evidence of a 
 diseased condition of the genito-urinary system, of a more or 
 less grave character, and should excite prompt attention to 
 the matter by the patient. 
 
 In the true diagnosis of these diseases, we are greatly in- 
 debted to the microscopic and chemical analysis, without 
 which aid it is often impossible to form an accurate judg- 
 ment. 
 
PREFACE 
 
 In giving the following pages to the Public, the great 
 aim and object of the Author has been to give a plain, 
 practical treatise, adapted to all circles of society. 
 
 All theories, not vrell sustained by facts and experi- 
 ence, have been discarded. 
 
 The most absurd, ridiculous, and mischievous specu- 
 lations and erroneous assumptions have been published, 
 largely copied and transformed (or rather deformed) 
 from musty antediluvian medical books. It would be 
 better for the public to experience a second deluge, 
 that would sweep away all such trash. It is infinitely 
 more difllcult to forget or discard false impressions or 
 erroneous views, than to learn those facts which are 
 correct and of real instriiction. 
 
 I am led to make these remarks from hearing from 
 all classes, more or less frequently, expressions of wrong 
 views on medical subjects; this must be attributed to 
 the pernicious teachings of foolish books and senseless 
 lectures. 
 
 It shall be then, the especial object of this work to 
 
riU PREFACE. 
 
 correct such errors, and in so doing our readers will 
 readily sec the more plausible and reasonable teachings 
 herein incorporated. 
 
 In the first part of this edition great care and paina 
 has been taken to describe the more common derange- 
 ments of the Male Female and Generative Systems, 
 their anatomy, physiology, and pathological tendencies 
 to disease ; and those diseases consequent upon sexual 
 indulgences. 
 
 Of Masturbation (Self- Abuse), Emissions, Impotency, 
 etc., etc., the second part of the present edition of tliia 
 work will fully treat. 
 
 Menstruation, and the derangements of the uterine 
 functions have received as ample attention as the char- 
 acter of the work will permit. We have conclusively 
 disproved the falacies and whims which books upon 
 kindred subjects have inculcated : for instance, those 
 directions to prevent conception, which are popularly 
 believed, are not only mischievous and delusive, but a 
 case came under our notice lately, in which the conse- 
 quences were nearly fatal : This was in a married lady 
 with a deformed pelvis, which precluded the possibility 
 of giving birth to living offspring; yet, deeming her- 
 self safe, she followed the directions of a widely dissem- 
 inated volume, to prevent the mishap, but it had the 
 opposite effect, the accouchmSnt being effected by 
 mutilating the child, and almost immolating the 
 mother. The motive, no doubt, was to gratify the 
 desire that famihes have to control the number of their 
 offspring. 
 
 We have given our experience, and advice founded 
 upon that experience, upon the subject of Conception, 
 
jtMvi tJbtO mirest means of aceomplisHng no of Hirauit* an 
 object to thousands of heirless parents. 
 
 Sterility, so commonly caused by slight fiiacr,i.onal 
 derangements in females, is as readily under ihe control 
 of tbe competent surgeon as any other fun»^tional de- 
 rangements of other organs, viz., indigestion , torpidity 
 of the liver, bowels, or kidneys, yet from want of aralo- 
 gous reasoning upon causes and effects of uterine affec- 
 fcions, medical men often get befogged, anvl jump at 
 false and injurious conclusions. 
 
 Upon the subjects of Medicines, InstrumentE. cr In- 
 structions to produce Abortion, I cannot too severely 
 oensure, deprecate and denounce all persons engagsd 
 in so abominable and damnable a traffic. Its tenden- 
 cies are to sap the foundations of all moral and religious 
 society — to ruin the health of females therein engaged 
 — to foster crime — to cloak the iniquities of the wicked 
 — to shield the villainous seducer of the innocent and 
 virtuous, from just odium and public retribution, of the 
 foulest crimes, manslaughter, and even murder ! 
 
 It is truly lamentable that pious, virtuous, honest, 
 honorable families are destitute of the appreciation of 
 the real magnitude of this monster evil, that the disin- 
 clination to have children, induces them to apply to 
 their own family physician to prevail on him to procure 
 abortion. 
 
 Having as many as fifty patients constantly under 
 my charge, affected Avith Venereal and other infectious 
 diseases, the majority of which having been under 
 treatment with other physicians, I have devoted a 
 sufficient space in this work, to guide those who are 
 unfortunate enough to be afflicted with such horrible 
 
X PREFACE. 
 
 diseases, to a rapid and permanent cure. The ignor- 
 ance in the medical profession, of the proper treatment, 
 the awful consequences resulting from the treatment 
 of Quacks, and the various liumbug cure-all medicines 
 so largely advertised, are truly beyond the comprehen- 
 sion of those who have not the opportunities of knowing 
 its vast extent. As this work will save thousands from 
 such a condition, I cannot but feel that I hav« fulfilled 
 my duties towards my fellow-beings. My practice is 
 constantly revealing to me the great extent of constitu- 
 tional disease, arising from neglect or maltreatment of 
 Syphilis. Any physician who will investigate this sub- 
 ject, will be astonished at the mass of human suffering 
 which he can trace to a Venereal origin, although its 
 primary symptoms may have been apparently eradi- 
 cated from the system for many years. Some are in- 
 discreet enough to allow delicacy or shame to prevent 
 them from applying to the proper physician until the 
 poison has acquired sucli virulence as to justly alarm 
 them ; they then frequently apply to some unskillful 
 practitioner, wIk) may temporarily arrest the external 
 symptoms and discharge them cured; matters will thus 
 go on until the malady becomes constitutional, when 
 the patients are at last compelled to place themselves 
 under the treatment of those who, at an earlier period, 
 could have preserved their systems untainted, and their 
 bodies uninjured by the ravages of this most insidious 
 of diseases. 
 
 As it is actually necessary, for a thorough under- 
 standing of the subject herein treated, I have given, as 
 briefly as possible, a description of the organs of genera- 
 tion, and of their physiology, that any one may clearly 
 
PREFACE. XI 
 
 understand their importance ; furthermore, I have stated 
 the caitses, varieties, symptoms, peculiarities, and most 
 certain mode of euro. 
 
 Every person before entering the Marriage State, 
 should ask themselvos if they are in such a state of 
 health that the Marriage-hed, will not become a bed Ot 
 loathsome disease. I always have some such patients 
 in process of cure, and whose offspring seldom live, but 
 if they do. are the most pitiable evidences of their 
 parents' condition. How degraded and lost to all the 
 finer feelings, which alone can ennoble us, must be that 
 person who will allow, even the remotest doubt to 
 remain unmoved, that they are tainted by disease, or so 
 debilitated by early or guilty excesses^ that their pro- 
 geny will be doomed, but yet dares to offer such a pol- 
 luted and shattered frame at the pure shrine of love. 
 Such are often the causes of domestic unhappiness, and 
 the horrible diseases which we see children affected 
 with, from generation to generation. Ponder well, 
 then, you who have ever been afflicted with a disease 
 which is sure to become constitutional, if not totally 
 eradicated at the time of infection. Think what your 
 neglect will painfully recall in your own family. That 
 not a single individual need suffer, or have any excuse 
 ?or their situation, I offer them, The IMedical Adviser 
 iND Marriage Guide, at a merely nominal price- - ( )n« 
 dollar. 
 
gc.5criptioit of ibc '^^liites. 
 
 PLde 1 — Figure 1. — A Front View of the Contents op 
 THE Abdomen and Pelvis, and of the Organs op 
 Generation in the Male. — (See minute description 
 opposite the Plate.) 
 
 Plate 2 — Figure 2. — A full and accurate View of tuk 
 Left Section of the Female Pelyls, in Health. — 
 (See full description opposite the Plate.) 
 
 Plate 3 — Figure 3. — xVnatomt and Front View of the 
 Bladder, Penis, etc. 
 
 A, The Bladder.— B, The Neck of the Bladder.— CC, The Ureters.— DD, 
 The Vasa-Deferentia. — EE, Seminal Vesicles. — F, Prostate Gland. — G, 
 Urethra. — ^H, Erector Muscles of the Penis. — II, Cavernous Bodies of the 
 Penis. — KK, Arteries of the Penis. — L, Great Vein of Penis. — MM, Nerves 
 of the Penis.— N, Orifice of the Urethra.— 0, The Glans-Penis.— P The 
 Piepuce,^ or Foreskin. 
 
 Plate 4 — Figure 4.— Anatomy of the Bladder, Prostate 
 Gland, Appendages, etc. 
 
 A, The Bladder.— B, Neck of the Bladder.— CC, Ureters.— DD, Vasa- 
 Deferentia. 
 
 Plate 4 — Figure 5. — A Sectional View of the Seminal 
 Vessels and Prostate Gland. 
 
 DD, Vasa-Deferentia.— EE, Seminal Vesicles.— FF, Prostate Gland.— 
 G, Urethra. 
 
 Plate 5 — Figure 6.— Penis, Prostate Gland, and Bladder 
 Laid Open. 
 
 Letter A, Showing the Jlouths of the Seminal Ducts opening into the 
 Urethra. — Letter B, Inflamed Points of the Mucous Surface from Gonor- 
 rhoea. — Letter C, Chancre. 
 
DESCRIITIOX OF PLATES. Xlll 
 
 Plate ij— Figure 7. — Represents the Vagina iaed open by 
 A Longitudinal Section, with the Womb and iTd 
 Appendages in their relative position. 
 
 Plate 6 — Figure 8. — Diagram op a Section of the Unim- 
 
 PREGNATED GRAAFIAN VeSICLE AND ITS CONTENTS, 
 SHOWING THE SITUATION OF OvUM. 
 
 Plate G — Figure 9. — Indusium of the Ovary, derr^ed vrom 
 
 THE Peritoneum. 
 Plate 6 — Figure 10. — The Unimpregnated Ovum surrounded 
 
 BY ITS PrOLIGEROUS DiSK, MAGNIFIED ABOUT FitTEEN 
 
 Diameters. 
 Plate 6 — Figure 11. — A Section op an Unimpregnated Ovum, 
 representing the thick external Envelopes, con- 
 nected WITH THE SURFACE OF THE LATTER. — ThE 
 
 Germinal Vesicle. 
 Plate 6 — Figure 12. — Represents within a squ.are area, 
 . THE Unimpregnated Human Germinal Vesicle, mag- 
 nified Forty-five Diameters. 
 
 Plaie 6 — Figure 13. — Is a Corpus Luteum, taken from a 
 
 Female who destroyed herself by drowning, eight 
 
 days aiter impregnation. 
 Plate 6 — Figure 14. — Represents the Intterior of the 
 
 Womb, with the Germ in progress of Formation. 
 riaie 7 — Figure 15. — An Ovuii about eight weeks old, 
 
 showing the Placenta when first formed. 
 Plate 7 — Figure 16. — An Ovum five months of age, 
 
 WITHIN THE Womb. — (See full description opposite the 
 
 Plate.) 
 Plate 8 — Figure 17. — Displays a Longitudinal Section 
 
 OF THE Uterus. 
 
 1, Base of the Womb.— 2, Mouth of the "Womb —3 3, FaUcpIan Tubes 
 —4, CaTity of the Womb. 
 
XIV DESCIUPTION OF PLATES. 
 
 PliUe 8— Figure 18. — Anatomy of tue Femvlk Pkuinium 
 
 1, 2-6, Sphincter of the Vagina. — 3, i, Erector Muscle of the Clitoris. — 
 5-11, Transverse Muscle of the Perinium. — 7, Elevator Muscle of the 
 Anus. — 8, Gluteus Muscle. — 9, Sphincter of the Anus. — 10, Junction of 
 the Sphincter of the Anus, and the Sphincter of the Vagina — .12, Adductor 
 Muscle. — 13, The Gracilis Muscle. 
 
 Plate 9 — Figure 19. — Represents the Foetus at MATUurrr, 
 
 A.S SEEN FOLDED UP AND IN ITS NATURAL POSITION, IN 
 
 THE Womb. 
 riale 10 — Figure 20. — Inflammatory stage of Gonorrhcea 
 
 CAUSING PUYMOSIS. 
 
 riaie 1^— Figure 21. — GoNOium(EA with Chordee. 
 " " 22. — GoNORRUCE.vL Oputhalmia. 
 
 " " 23. — GONORRIIOJAL DlSClI.\RGE MAGNIFIED. 
 
 Plate 11 — Figure 24. — External Genital Organs of tiih 
 Female, representing Primary Syphilis and Gonor- 
 rucea at the same time. 
 
 Plate 12 — Figure 25. — Strictures in the Urethra. 
 
 " 13 — " 26. — Stricture in the Urethra, an^. 
 Enlarge.ment of the Prostate Gland. 
 
 Plate li— Figure 27. — Swelled Testicle from Urethri- 
 tis. 
 
 Plaie 14 — Figure 28. — Hydrocele, or Dropsy of the 
 Testicle. 
 
 A, Penis drawn almost into the Body. — B, Scrotum distended to its 
 utmost extent by the Water.— C, The Testicle.— D, The Vas-Deferens. 
 
 Plate 14 — Figure 29.^Excrescences — Vegetations, ok 
 
 Warts on the Penis. 
 Plate 15 — Figure 30. — Phymosis. 
 
 " " 31. — Deep-seated Syphilitic Ulcers on 
 
 'iTiE Scrotum. 
 Plate \5— Figure 32. — Clap, Chancres (Syphilis), axe 
 
 Para-Phymosis in same patient. 
 
DESCKIITIOX OF i'LATKS. XV 
 
 Plale 15 — Fiffure 33. — Ouan-cuks (Fox) causing Phtmosis. 
 Plale IG — Figure 34. — Simplk Chancre (Pox) six hours 
 
 AFTEK Inoculation. 
 Plate IG— Figure 35. — SiMPiJi: Chancre (Pox) tuirtt hours 
 
 AFTER Inoculation. 
 Plate 16 — Figure 36. — Simple Chancre (Pox) two day^ 
 
 AND six hours AFTER INOCULATION. 
 
 Plate 16 — Figure 37. — Simple Chancre (Pox) three days 
 
 AND SIX HOURS AFTER INOCULATION. 
 
 Plate IQ— Figure 38. — Simple Chancre (Pox) four days 
 
 AND six hours AFTER INOCULATION. 
 
 Plate 16 — Figure 39. — Simple Chancre (Pox) five days 
 
 AND SIX HOURS AFTER INOCULATION. 
 
 Plate 16 — Figure 40. — Simple Chancre (Pox) six days and 
 
 SIX HOURS AFTER INOCULATION. 
 
 Plate 16 — Figure 41. — Simple Chancre (Pox) ten days and 
 
 SIX hours after Inoculation. 
 Plate 17 — Figure 42. — Chancres (Pox) in the Urethra and 
 
 Bladder. 
 Plate 17 — Figure 43. — Syphilitic Ulcers on the Tongue 
 
 AND IN the throat. 
 
 Plate 17 — Figure 44. — SYPnmiTic Discharge MAGN^FIED 
 '•' 18— " 45. — Destruction of the Eye by Syphilis. 
 " 18 — '• 46. — Constitutional Syphilitical affec- 
 tion op the Eye. 
 
 Plate 18— Figure 47. — Syphilitic Hydro-Carcocele. 
 " 19 — " 48. — Syphilitic Pustules previous to the 
 
 NOSE being destroyed. 
 
 Plate 19 — Figure 49. — Nodes on the Forehead. 
 " 19 — " 50. — Destruction of the Nose by Syph 
 
 ILIS. 
 
XVI DESCliirriOX of pi.ates. 
 
 Plate 19 — Fujure 51.— Caiues in' the Tektu from STPnn.13. 
 
 " 20— " 52. — SPEKMA-TOIlKUOiAL Ol'UTlIALMIA IN CON 
 SEQUENCE OF MASTURBATION. 
 
 riaie 20— Fi^jure 53.— Horriule appearance of tue Fea- 
 tures CAUSED BY Self-Abuse. 
 Flaie 21— Figure 54. — Varicocele produced by Self-Polu- 
 
 TION AND INVOLUNTARY LOSS OF Se.MEN. 
 
 Plate 21 — Figure 55. — Total relaxation of both Testi- 
 cles FROM Onanism and Seminal Debility. 
 
 Plate 22 — Figure 5G. — Microscopial View of Semen and 
 Spermatozoa. 
 
 Plate 22— Figure 57.— The structure of the Testicle in 
 jected with Mercury, and its several parts un- 
 raveled. 
 
 1,22, Tubuli Scminiferi. — 3, Vasa-Recta, forming the Eete-Testis. — 4, 
 Corpus-Highmorianum. — 5, Vasa-Efferentia, forming the Coni-Vasculosi. — 
 6, A single tube formed by the junction of the Vasa-Efferentia. This tube 
 then becomes convoluted upon itself to form the Epididymis. — 7,8, Be- 
 ginning of the Vas-Deferens. — 9, The Vas-Deferens becoming a straight, 
 .selfited tube in its ascent to the Abdominal Ring. — 10, Spermatic Artery. 
 — 11, Spermatic Cord, dissected and spread out. 
 
 Plate 22— Figures 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65.— Sper- 
 matozoa AND GrANULA SeMINIS. 
 
 Plate 22.— Figures 66, 67, and 66.— Reproduction Cell, con- 
 taining three Granula Seminis. 
 
 Plate 23 — Figure 69.— Spermatozoa from the Human Tes- 
 ticle. 
 
 Plate 22 — Figure 70. — Fasciculus of Human Spermatozoa 
 
 MAGNIFIED ABOUT A THOUSAND TIMES. 
 
 Plate 2'5— Figure 71. — Represents the Digestive Tudk 
 
 PROM THE Esophagus to the Anus. 
 Plate 24:— Figure 72.— The Testis in health. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATES. XVll 
 
 Plate li:— Figure 73.— TiiH Testis wasteu away from 
 
 Onaxism. 
 Plate 24r— Figure 74. — The Testis retained in tue Groin, 
 
 CAUSING ImPOTENCY. 
 
 Plate 2b— Figure 75.— Hereditary Venereal Disease in 
 
 THE Offspring. 
 Plate 2b— Figure 76.— SYPniLiTic Eruption after Suppdra 
 
 ting. 
 Plate 25— Figure 77.— Deep-seated Veneral Ulcers in 
 
 THE Neck, 
 Plate 25 — Figure 78. — Caries in the Cueek-Bont:. 
 a 26 — " 79. — Syphilitic Ulcers on the Leg. 
 " 26 — '• 80.~Sypuilitic affection of tub Heart. 
 " 26 — " 81. — Sloughing Chancre (Pox). 
 " 27 — " 82. — Primary Ch.\js'Cres (Syphilis) on 
 Penis. 
 Plate 21— Figure 83.— Pustules (Syphilitic) on PEN^s. 
 <« 27 — " 84. — Syphilitic Gangren-e (Mortifica- 
 tion) of Penis. 
 Plate 27 — Figure 85. — Indurated Chancres on the Penis, 
 
 CAUSING Buboes in the Groins. 
 Plate 28— Figure 86. — Syphilitic Phagedance (Eating) 
 
 Ulcer on the Leg. 
 Plate 28— Figure 87. — Primary Syphilisis from Inocula- 
 tion. . 
 Vlate 28— Figure 88.— Tubercular Syphilisis on the Body. 
 
PART I. 
 
 PARTICULAR CAUTION. 
 
 Avoid all quack or advertised remedies for any disease, espe- 
 cially venereal, and all of the instrameuts advertised to cure 
 Seminal Emissions, as they are injurious quack humbugs. 
 
 "Within the past year or two, there have arisen a number of 
 mushroom doctors, pretending to be from Hospitals in the dif- 
 ferent cities of Europe, or students of emineut men, such as 
 Ricord, Acton, etc., etc., using their medicines, medicated 
 bougies, rectum suppositories, etc., etc., whose injured and 
 uncured patients we are curing every week. Another caution, 
 to save yourselves from imposition in our own building, be 
 certain you see our No., 0-47 Broadway, and the silver plates 
 on each side of the door, stating the " Physician's Consulting 
 Rooms are on the second floor," where, upon ascending the 
 stairs, as directed, you will see our names upon silver door 
 plates, on the doors of the offices. 
 
TLATK ii. 
 
21 
 
 feplHuatimt rf |tote 2- 
 
 A full and accurate View of the Left Section of th« 
 Female Pelvis, in health. 
 
 A, The fourth lumbar vertebra. 
 
 B, The rectum. 
 
 C, The left iliac fossa. 
 
 D, The rectus abdomiEus muscle, arising from E, The 
 BVmphysis pubis. 
 
 F, The mons veneris. G, The clitoris. 
 
 H, The left nympha. I, The labia externum. 
 
 K, The fundus uteni. 
 
 L, L, The ovaries brought upwards. 
 
 M, The posterior surface of the right broad ligament. 
 
 N, The right Fallopian tube turned downwards. 
 
 0, 0, The fimbriated extremities of the tubes. 
 
 P, The right round ligament. 
 
 The dotted line crosses the fundus of the bladder 
 
 Q, The OS uteri. 
 
 R, The vagina. 
 
 S, The point of the coxcyx. 
 
 T, The sphincter ani. 
 
 V, The sphincter of the bladder. 
 
 W, The urethra— the dotted line crosses the perineum. 
 
 X, The maetus urinarius. 
 
lutriDbuctioit la tbc ami; (BWxon, 
 
 Ill no class of diseases are tlie functional do 
 rang'cments of the stomach, bowels, kidneys, 
 and bladder, so troublesome and" annoying to 
 both patients and physicans, as in seminal afl'ec- 
 tons, and probably from sympathy extending 
 through the entire nervous system. 
 
 It is a frequent occurrence, to have calls for 
 relief, of frequent and painful micturation, or 
 irritable bladder, the suft'erer not having suspect- 
 ed that aught else ailed him ; but this is one of 
 the commonly occurring complications of disease 
 previously existing in the genito-urinary organs, 
 either from spermatorrhoea, gleet, or stricture, 
 having caused inflammation of the mucous mem- 
 brane, which is so liable to extend to adjacent 
 parts, for it is the same continuous tissue which 
 lines the whole system of these emunctory or- 
 gans. 
 
 Exce^es in eating or drinking, or of excessive 
 venery, in these patients, excites inflammatory 
 action even in these and more distant organs. 
 
 Such persons, are those who often contract leu- 
 corrhoea from their wives, and simply from tho 
 existing predisposition to inflammation of the 
 uerthral mucous membrane. AVhen gonorrhcen 
 does not promptly yield to treatment, we know 
 that there is something in the back-ground that 
 ^vill soon loom up in total disregard of the laws 
 of perspective ; delaying and tediously protract- 
 ing the cure, unless two birds are killed at on€» 
 shot. 
 
THE 
 
 ANATOMY OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 MALE AND FEMALE. 
 
 'Not only have the ancient and modern writers 
 admitted the importance of the sexual organs being 
 preserved in a perfect state of health and vigor, 
 but every person possessed with a mind capable of 
 a moment's reflection will see its importance on 
 mankind at the present time, and particularly for 
 the future. The proper performance of the special 
 functions with which they are charged has ever been 
 considered essentially necessary to the health and 
 well-being of the economy, both physical and men- 
 tal. They are parts of admirable construction, 
 form, and use ; and constitute a strikin"^ evidence 
 of the wonderful skill and contrivance in the adapta- 
 tion of a special mechanism in the system for the 
 performance of one of its most important and essen- 
 tial functions : — that of the propagation of the 
 species. Unequaled in the delicacy of their texture^ 
 and the comparative minuteness of their structure, 
 their peculiar fitness for the functions assigned 
 them in the economy, when they are in a state of 
 perfect integrity, excites the astonishment and ad' 
 
24 THE ANATOMY OF 
 
 miration alike of the anatomist and the philosopher. 
 Tiieir very complexity, while it renders them liable 
 to many disorders, by any of which their utility 
 may be impaired, is wisely rendered subservient to 
 the important purpose of separating and purifying 
 the vivifying fluid. 
 
 Like that complex and delicate piece of machinery 
 — a watch — constructed by human skill, the organs 
 of generation — a still more complex and more deli- 
 cate apparatus, created by the Divhie will — are 
 liable to derangement and impairment of functions 
 and structure from many causes, the nature and 
 effects, of which will be investigated in the following 
 pages. In order, however, that these may be fully 
 and clearly understood, it will be advisable to pre- 
 face the observations we propose hereafter to offer 
 respecting them, by some notice of the anatomical 
 arrangement and physiological action of the organs 
 which are immediately subservient to the function 
 of generation, and also of those which are only 
 indirectly connected therewith. 
 
 The parts in man which are immediately con- 
 nected with the functions just alluded to, are the 
 testicles, by which the semen or seed is secreted, and of 
 their appendages, through which the seminal fluid 
 is transmitted to the urethra at its origin near the 
 neck of the bladder, and of the penis, by means of 
 which the act of copulation takes place, and 
 through a canal in the under part of which, called 
 the urethra, the seed is conveyed from the receptacles 
 in which it is retained, to those organs, in the female, 
 which are engaged in the functions of generation. 
 
 The urinary organs, both male and female, may 
 be regarded as subsidiary to this function, and many 
 of the diseases to which they are liable, exert an 
 
THK GENERATIVE ORGANS. i2C> 
 
 influence on its performance, and not nnfrequently 
 produce impotence, eitlier tem})orary or permanent, 
 according to the nature, (treatment, if employed,) 
 and severity of the disease. 
 
 The Kidneys, which are the organs solely 
 engaged in the secretion of the urine, are glandular 
 bodies of an oblong shape, seated on either side of 
 the spine, upon and below the two last ribs, and 
 behind the stomach and intestines ; the right kidney 
 is also under the liver, when the man is in an erect 
 position, and the left under the spleen: the right 
 kidney is generally the lower and the larger. It is 
 said that these organs are considerable in size in 
 those persons whose passions are very strong, and 
 almost uncontrollable, than they are in those who 
 are less addicted to sensuality. In shape the kid- 
 ney resembles the kidney-bean ; its structure is 
 almost wholly made up of arteries and veins, with 
 a few small branches of nerves, derived partly 
 from those which are connected with the ribs, and 
 thence called intercostal, and partly form a branch 
 from the stomach, thus causing a great sympathy 
 between those organs. The artery by which the 
 kidneys are supplied with blood, which is partly 
 used for the support of the organ, and partly 
 for the secretion of urine, is derived directly from 
 the aorta, or great artery of the body. When it 
 enters the kidney, which it does about its middle, 
 it divides into branches which again are divided 
 \nto smaller ones, and these into smaller still, until 
 they terminate in vessels so exceedingly minute as 
 to be invisible to the naked eye. From these the 
 veins are formed, and by these the urine is secreted, 
 and falls by drops into a pouch which is situated 
 aliout the middle or lower part of the organ, and 
 
26 THE ANATOMY OF 
 
 which forms the commencement of tlie ureter. The 
 vein joins the j^reat cava vein, and discliarges its 
 blood into what is called by anatomists tlie" great 
 portal system, by which it is conveyed to the hver, 
 after it has been freed in the kidney from a certain 
 portion of its sernm, and also from certain salts. 
 The nerves of the kidneys are few and small. 
 
 The Ureters are long hollow tubes, and consti- 
 tute the continuation of the pelvis of the kidneys. 
 There is one on each side of the body, and they 
 pass downwards, and slightly inwards to the back 
 and lower part of the bladder, which they pierce, 
 running between its coats for about an inch, so that 
 if the bladder should become exceedingly distended, 
 its contents would not be forced back into these 
 tubes. They are well supplied with branches of 
 arteries, veins and nerves, and their sensibility, in a 
 state ojp disease, is considerable. Their use is to 
 convey the urine from the kidney into the bladder. 
 
 The Bladder is situated in that part of the 
 body called the pelvis. It is of considerable size, 
 and admits, in some instances, of distension to a 
 degree that would hardly be credited, were it not 
 a well known fact. Such distension is at the risk 
 of health and life. This organ in man lies directly 
 on the bowels. It is of an oval shape, constitutes 
 the great receptacle of the urine. The bladder is 
 well supplied with arteries, veins and nerves. It 
 has three coats, one of them being composed of 
 muscular fibres ; its construction causes the ex- 
 pulsion of the urine ; it has on that account been 
 called the detrusor urina. 
 
 The neck of the bladder — which in man is longer 
 and narrower, and in woman is shorter and wider — 
 is surrouDded ]>y a sphincter muscle, by which tho 
 
PLATE 3. 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 29 
 
 continued runniuj^ away of the urine is prevented, 
 unless from disease the muscle has become useless. 
 
 The process by which the secretion of the urine 
 is effected, is one of exceeding interest. The blood 
 from which it is to be separated, is conveyed to 
 the orgau by the venal artery, which divides into 
 branches, supplying different parts of the organ ; 
 and these again in their turn form arches of com- 
 municatiou with each other, whence spring minute 
 arteries or branchlets; these again constituting a 
 complete net-work of vessels by a general inoscula- 
 tion. They terminate in the commencement of 
 veins, and also in uriniferous tubes, by which latter 
 the separation of the urine is effected. The crypts 
 or crypt(e, small round or oval bodies, which are 
 found everywliere in the. net-work of vessels just 
 spoken of, and which consist almost solely of ves- 
 sels, are by some supposed to be the origin of the 
 uriniferous tubes. The tubes terminate in a mam- 
 millar process, which projects into a small mem- 
 branous bag, called from its shape the infundibu- 
 lum or funnel; into this bag the urine passes from 
 the uriniferous tubes; it is thence conveyed to the 
 larger pouch called the pelvis, and afterwards 
 through the ureter into the bladder. The last 
 named pouch, like the pelvis of the kidney, the 
 ureters, bladder and urethra, is defended from the 
 acrimony o-f the urine by a secretion of mucus 
 which lines and sheathes its inner coat. 
 
 In patients laboring under some difficulty from 
 stricture in passing urine, the mind will often 
 greatly increase the secretion of that fluid, and 
 multiply the calls to pass it from the body. This 
 will be exemplified in the chapter on strictures. 
 
 The Scrotum, is a bag of skin, divided about tho 
 
so T.SE ANATOMY OF 
 
 middle by a septum, so as to form two cavities, in 
 each of which a testicle is contained. The situa- 
 tion of this septum is marked externally by an irre- 
 gular line called the raphae. The contraction or 
 corruf^ation of the scrotum, which occurs at times, 
 is said by some anatomists to depend on the action 
 of a muscle which they call dartos. The testicles or 
 organs which secrete the semen, are nourished and 
 supplied with blood by long and teuaceous vessels 
 which arise from the main arterial trunk, and are 
 called spermatic arteries; the blood which they 
 thus receive, serves for elimination and secretion of 
 the seed, a process which is effected by the peculiar 
 action of the testicles, and which secreting power 
 affixes to these organs a value and importance in 
 the human frame, not even second to that which 
 attaches to those generally regarded by anatomists 
 as the most noble, being those, the destruction or 
 serious impairment of the functions of which may 
 involve loss of life. 
 
 The ancient Romans would not allow any one to 
 bear witness against another in a court of justice, 
 unless he were perfect in the organs of generation — 
 unless the testicles were sound and entire. The 
 papal clergy so far carry this rule into effect, that 
 no one can be admitted a member of their priest- 
 hood, against whom a similar defect can with truth 
 be alleged. 
 
 Occasionally the testicles, which before bi-rth are 
 lodged within the cavity of the abdomen, do not 
 descend into the scrotum or purse, but remain in 
 the belly, generally within what is called the 
 abdominal canal. Sometimes one only is retained 
 in the abdom n, and that generally the left. lu 
 this situation they are exposed to various causes of 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 3} 
 
 disease, and althougli not absolutely deprived of the 
 power of secreting seed, yet their action is generally 
 more or less imperfect, in all probability i'rom the 
 compression they undergo, and the constant irrita- 
 tion to which they are subject, from the narrowness 
 of the canal by which they are, in fact, somewhat 
 elongated, and flattened, and smaller than usual. 
 
 The spermatic artery is a long undulating, and 
 tortuous vessel. The blood which is thus conveyed 
 to the organs, after having been employed by the 
 testicles for the separation and secretion of the 
 seed, is re-conveyed in a refuse state by other ves- 
 sels, called the spermatic veins, back to the general 
 circulatory system in the body. The double set 
 of vessels, the veins and arteries, the old anatomists 
 call the vasa deferentia, as being the parts prin- 
 cipally concerned with the testicles in the prepara- 
 tion of the seed. 
 
 The spermatic arteries and veins are remarkable 
 for their smallness, which prevents their containing 
 more than a small quantity of blood at a time. 
 They pass obliquely downwards and outwards, 
 behind the peritoneum, and are contained in a com- 
 mon protecting sheath with the veins, forming with 
 the nerves of the testicles the spermatic chord ; 
 they then run over the psoas muscles and ureters, 
 and pass out through the rings of the abdomen and 
 abdominal canal, over ^the os pubis, and into the 
 scrotum, and supplies the testes, which also receives 
 blood from the artery which supplies the vas 
 deferens. The latter named organ, which is invested 
 in its own sheath, called tunica vaginalis, is- com- 
 posed of the body of the testicle, and the epididy- 
 mis, the latter being situated at the upper part. 
 It consists of an inhnite number of small tubes 
 
32 THE ANATOMY OF 
 
 (seminiferous) which terminate in the epididymis. 
 These tubes are convohited on each other, and 
 closely connected together, but which, unraveled 
 and injected with quicksilver, will extend to a con- 
 siderable length. 
 
 The spermatic veins arise in three sets from the 
 testicle, two of which soon unite. Tiiey are exceed- 
 ingly tortuous in their course, and fully anastomose 
 with each other, while in the lower part of the 
 cord, but these inter-communications cease after 
 they have entered the abdominal canal, on leaving 
 which, while crossing the psoas muscle, they unite 
 together and form one vein, which, on the right 
 side, terminates in the lower vena cava, and on the 
 left in the vein which arises from the kidney on 
 that side. The larger veins are provided with 
 valves. The nerves of the testicles are principally 
 derived from those which supply the kidneys. They 
 take the same course as the spermatic arteries, and 
 constitute with them and the veins the vSpermatic 
 cord. The spermatic nerves are finally distributed 
 to the substance of the organ, to the due perform- 
 ance of the function of which they are subsidiary. 
 
 According to the correct laws of nature, each 
 male person should have two testicles, one in each 
 side of the scrotum, but I have had patients with 
 but one, and some with three. It has been asserted 
 that some males have been known to have four or 
 live, but I doubt its truth. AVhen a man has but 
 one testicle, it is generally larger than is natural; 
 and in those 1 have seen who had three, one was 
 generally smaller than the other two, but, in one 
 case, one was larger than either of the other two. 
 Such person's passions are generally stronger than 
 those who have two ; yet those who had but one, 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 33 
 
 differed but little from the major part of those who 
 have two. Instances have been known of males 
 never having any testicles from birth. 
 
 Where these most important organs are natural 
 in size, number and general appearance, they are 
 generally nearly two inches in length, one and a 
 half in the transverse direction, and one in thick- 
 ness. The tunica vaginalis, or investing membrane 
 of the testicles, consists of two layers, the inner 
 one directly enveloping the testicle. It secretes 
 a kind of serum which serves to lubricate it. 
 Between the two layers of the vaginal tunic, is con- 
 tained the fluid hydrocele of the scrotum. In some 
 cases the cavity formed between the two layers of 
 this membrane, remains continuous with the cavity 
 of the abdomen. In such instances, there is the 
 double danger of the occurrence of what is called 
 congenital rupture. (Hernia.) 
 
 Between the testicle and the tunica vaginalis, 
 there is another tunic or coat, called the tunica 
 albuginea, which is smooth, white, and inelastic. 
 It completely covers the testicle, but not the q\)\' 
 didymis. The testicle is also invested and protected 
 by a muscle, called the cremaster. It expands all 
 around the tunica vaginalis, which it closely em- 
 braces, forming a hollow muscle, within w^hich tlic 
 testicle and its tunics are contained, and which, 
 when it is in action, contracts and draws the organ 
 it encloses upwards to the abdomen, sustaining and 
 compressing it, and forcing out along the vas deferens 
 the semen previously secreted by the organ. The 
 cremaster muscle is small and indistinct prior to 
 puberty; after that period it is greatly developed 
 in persons who are very muscular. 
 
 It has already been observed, that the substanco 
 
oA THE ANATOSrV OF 
 
 of the testicle consists of an infinite number of 
 small tubes, which arc called the iabule seminiferi. 
 Tliese are very numerous; the number has been 
 calculated at eight hundred and forty, and their 
 entire length at one thousand seven hundred and 
 fifty feet, the mean length of each duct being 
 twenty-five inches. They communicate readily with 
 each other, and thus constitute one vast net-work 
 of communication. Their size is greater in an 
 active adult in the prime of life, while the organs 
 are in full vigor. Tiiey differ in. the testicles of the 
 same individual. Two or more tubes unite and 
 form a conical lobe, of these, there are between 
 four and five hundred in each testicle. 
 
 The Epididymis, which it has been stated is 
 seated at the upper and back part of the testicle, 
 is the continuation of the numerous seed-bearing 
 tubes ; it descends along the back part of the tes- 
 ticle, gradually becomes larger in diameter, but less 
 convoluted until it begins to ascend, when it obtains 
 the name of vas deferens. It is no longer than the 
 testicle. It consists principally of seminal canals, 
 from which arise in the after part of the right testes, 
 the vasa efferentia^ or defferent vessels, of which 
 tubes there are generally twelve. Their average 
 united length, is nearly eight feet, the separate 
 length of each, being rather more than seven inches. 
 
 The vas deferens^ the excretory duct of the testi- 
 cle, forms a constituent part of the spermatic cord, 
 and is readily distinguished from the arteries, veins, 
 nerves and absorbents, by its cartilaginous feel. It 
 terminates in the seminal vesicle, immediately above 
 and behind the prostate gland, and with it, forms' 
 the ejaculatory canal, which perforates the prosta* 
 tic part of the urethra. 
 
THE GEXMPvATIVE ORGAKS. 3o 
 
 The testicles in the foetns, are sitna.ted in the 
 [ibdomcn, immediately below the kidneys. The 
 epididymis is about one-third larger relatively to 
 the body of the testicle, than it is in the adult. 
 Towards the close of the period of puberty, the 
 testicles are generally found in the scrotum. The 
 non-descent of both testicles is of comparatively 
 rare occurrence. One sometimes remains perma- 
 nently fixed in the situation which it occupied when 
 the child was born, but it occasionally descends 
 prior to puberty, most generally between the second 
 and the tenth year. An operation for the descent 
 of a testicle, is tedious, severe, and sometimes fatal . 
 The testicles not having descended into the scrotun^, 
 are not generally deprived of their power of genera- 
 tion. In some cases, their integrity is full. It 
 occasionally happens that the testicles do not attain 
 their full size and power of secreting semen. Such 
 instances are not beyond the iuiioence of the proper 
 treatment, however, unless they occur in the per- 
 sons of idiots. This is treated upon, in the subse- 
 quent pages of this work. 
 
 Semen will not combine with water at any tem- 
 perature, from zero to the boiling point, unless it 
 has previously been liquified in nitric or sulphuric 
 acids. The amount of seminal fluid emitted during 
 the act of sexual congress, varies from one to tv.o 
 or three drachms. As stated in the following 
 pages of this work, healthy semen contains ani- 
 malculss. 
 
 The spermatozoa are imperfect or deficient in 
 the semen of mules or hybrid animals. Hence 
 depends, in all probability, the impotence or ster- 
 ility of those creatures. They arc generally utterly 
 incapable of generation There are, however, in- 
 
36 THE AXATOMY OF 
 
 stances both amona; the mammalia and birds, of 
 individuals belonf^iiig to species universally held to 
 be distinct, uniting and producing young, which 
 again were prolific. The mule can engender with 
 the mare, and the she mule can conceive. They 
 occur, however, more frequently in warm countries. 
 Buffon says, the offspring of the he goat and ewe, 
 possess perfect powers of re-production. We might 
 expect these animals, with the addition of the 
 Chamois, to copulate together easily, because they 
 are nearly of the same size, very similar in internal 
 structure, and accustomed to artificial domestic life, 
 and to the society of each other from birth up- 
 wards. There is a similar facility in some birds, 
 when such unions are often fruitful, and produce 
 prolific offspring. The cock and hen canary birds, 
 produce with the hen and cock, siskins and gold- 
 finch ; the hen canary produces with the cock 
 chaffinch, bullfinch, yellow-hammer, and sparrow. 
 The progeny in all these cases is prolific, and 
 breeds not only with both the species from which 
 they spring, but likewise with each other. The 
 common cock, and the hen partridge, as well as the 
 cock and Guinea hen, and the pheasant and the 
 hen, can produce together. 
 
 Notwithstanding all these, and perhaps other 
 examples which might be adduced, the general 
 rule is, that hybrids are incompetent to perform 
 the act of generation, so as to produce ofls})riiig ; 
 and it is a wise provision of nature that such slionkl 
 be the case, to prevent the world being inliabited 
 by monstrous creatures, as would be the case, were 
 it the general rule tiiat fecundation followed the 
 act of copulation, when practised by the offspring 
 of parents of different species. 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 3/ 
 
 The Yesicul.e Seminales, or seminal vesicles, 
 are two sacs or oblique bags, behind and below tlie 
 bladder, between it and the rectum, and closely 
 connected with it by cellular tissue. That part 
 which is applied against the bladder is concave, 
 the opposite surface convex. They occupy an 
 oblique position, their lower extremities being 
 separated only by the different vessels, while their 
 upper ends are at a considerable distance from each 
 other. The latter are the larger, and their greatest 
 breadth is generally three or four times less than 
 their length, and their thickness is about one-third 
 of their breadth; they are about three fingers, 
 breadth in length; the contents pass through vesi- 
 cles from one part of the tube to the other. 
 
 The seminal vesicles have two coats ; on the sur- 
 face of the inner one small cells exist. It, no 
 doubt, is a secreting membrane. The seminal vesi- 
 cles are well supplied with arteries, veins, nerves 
 and absorbents. Near the prostate cells cease 
 to appear ; the vesicle contracts, and forms a kind 
 of duct which unites with the vas deferens at a very 
 acute angle, the place of union being marked by a 
 projecting septum or valve, by which the contents 
 of the deffereut vessels are directed into the seminal 
 vesicle. 
 
 The ejaculatory duct thus formed by the union 
 of the vas deferens and seminal vesicle, is from half 
 an inch to three quarters long ; it continues to be- 
 come narrower as it passes behind the third lobe 
 of the prostate, perforates that body, and running 
 some way along the under surface of the urethra, 
 enters that canal obliquely by a small opening on 
 the side of the caput galliuaginis. The junction of 
 the two vessels which form this common duct, is 
 
38 THE ANATOMY OF 
 
 such, notwithstanding the acutcness of the angle, 
 air gently thrown into the vas deferens by a blow 
 pipe, will inflate the seminal vesicle before it enters 
 the urethra, but if thrown with violence, it will im- 
 mediately inflate both the uretlira and seminal vesi- 
 cle. The seminal vesicles are very large in the 
 boar, and divided into cells of considerable extent, 
 having one common duct. They have no commu- 
 nication with the vas deferens in the rat, nor in the 
 beaver. In the Guinea pig, they constitute long 
 cylindrical tubes, and have not any communication 
 with the deflferent vessels. These facts do not afford 
 conclusive proof, however, that the seed may not 
 pass into the vesicles from the defiferent vessels in 
 the human subject. Notwithstanding the acuteness 
 of the angle between the two vessels at their junc- 
 tion, from the length of the common tube the wide- 
 ness of that part of it formed by the vesicle wher 
 the two vessels meet, and the very small aperture 
 by which it opens into the urethra, the fluid, w^hich 
 form the length and contortion of the seminal tubes, 
 must pass very slowly from the testicles, will insinu- 
 ate itself much more readily through the large com- 
 munication with the vesicle, than through the very 
 small ones with the urethra, unless it be prevented 
 from so doing by the vesicle attempting to throw 
 its contents into the urethra at the same time. 
 During coition, this attempt is made, and both 
 fluids pass at once into the urethra, where the fluid 
 •secreted by the vesicles being added to that coming 
 from the testicles by the defferent vessels, between 
 them, a proper quantity is produced to distend suf- 
 ficiently the sinus of the urethra, that the muscles 
 of ejection may act on its contents with more 
 power. 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 30 
 
 From the frequent excitement of the passions, 
 and their gratification beinj:^ denied in the civiHzed 
 state of human society, fluid nmst often be secreted 
 in the testicles at times, when it cannot be natu- 
 rally evacuated ; and although the accumulation of 
 it in this organ sometimes produces tension and 
 pain, the fullness of the vessels often subsides with- 
 out these unpleasant symptoms having taken place. 
 Thus, when the vis a tergo no longer drives the 
 semen slowly on, the muscular properties of the 
 vas deferens may assist in conveying that fluid on 
 towards the vesicles, which may receive it until tlie 
 time of ejectment arrives. They may thus under 
 particular circumstances, — more likely to occur in 
 the human species than in brutes, — be employed as 
 reservoirs, although their ordinary use may be to 
 secrete a fluid which, mixing with the semen during 
 coition, may render the act more perfect, and more 
 likely, therefore, to produce fecundation. 
 
 An additional reason may be adduced in support 
 of the theory, that the seminal vesicles act as reser- 
 voirs for the seed in man, in the well known fact, 
 that animals possessing a penis, but destitute of 
 seminal vesicles, remain for a long time in sexual 
 contact, because the fluid necessary for fecundation, 
 from the long course it has to take during copula- 
 tion, only flows from the urethra drop by drop. 
 
 A distinct communication between the seminal 
 vesicles and the deferent, takes place only in man, 
 and in those animals which most resemble him in 
 form, as in ti^e whole tribe of the simiae. The 
 vesicles are altogether absent in the lion, panther, 
 cat and dog. 
 
 The prostate gland, in shape and size, resembles 
 a chestnut. It is situated below and ))ehind the 
 
40 THE ANATOMY OF 
 
 bladder, and above and in front of the rectum. 
 The base incHnes upwards and backwards, the 
 apex pointing downwards and forwards. A notch 
 in the middle of the base, divides the prostate into 
 two Lateral lobes, immediately above which are the 
 lowest parts of the deferent vessels, and seminal 
 vesicles, the ducts of which begin to perforate the 
 gland in the middle of the notch, and then pass 
 into the under part of the urethra, where it is sur- 
 rounded by the substance of the gland. The neck 
 of the bladder is surrounded by the prostate, as is 
 also the commencement of the urethra. When the 
 prostate gland becomes enlarged from diseases, it 
 passes upward towards the cavity of the bladder, 
 immediately behind the commencement of the 
 urethra, and occasionally bends over that opening, 
 acting as a sort of valve to prevent the expulsion 
 of the urine. The veins and absorbents of the 
 prostate are numerous, and empty themselves into 
 those which are connected with the bladder. The 
 fluid which it secretes is of a white or cream color; 
 it is viscid, and has a slightly salt taste. Its use 
 seems to be to lubricate the surface of the urethra, 
 along which the semen is to pass. It is thrown 
 out in considerable quantity, when the parts are in 
 a state fit for immediate copulation; much of it 
 then unites with the seminal fluid, and is discharged 
 with that fluid when emission takes place. 
 
 The fluid of the prostate, like that of the seminal 
 vesicles, is not absolutely necessary for the pur- 
 poses of generation in all animals which possess 
 testicles ; and although the gland is found in man 
 and the tribes of the simiae, the lion, dog, etc., 
 it is not present in the bull, the buck,' and ram, and 
 goat, and most probably in all ruminating animals 
 
PLATE 4. 
 
THE GENE^TIVE ORGANS. 43 
 
 Both the ghiud and the seminal vesicles are v/ant- 
 iiig* in birds and amphibious animals, and in lish 
 which have testicles, as the ray kind. The prostate 
 is said to be double in the elephant, camel, horse, 
 and some other animals. The semen, is never 
 evacuated, but where the liquor of the prostate 
 gland goes before, and follows after it. It is obvi- 
 vious, therefore, how powerfully it must conduce to 
 health, to have the secretion of this gland in a 
 sound and pure state, as it is so intimately connected 
 with the finest functions in the animal economy. 
 The seed and secretion of the prostate gland are 
 intimately mixed together in the urethra. The 
 appearance of the secretion of the prostate, when 
 diseased, nearly resembles putrid matter. It is 
 plentifully secreted in good health, and seems 
 intended by nature to be a vehicle to dilute, nourish, 
 and convey the thick and ash-colored concocted 
 semen. We have seen in the most healthy men, 
 who have long abstained from venery, a running of 
 the humor from this gland, from its being in a 
 relaxed state, during which the semen will be emited 
 by the slightest straining, and from ideas of the 
 mind, both while awake and asleep. The sooner 
 the patient gets this relaxed state restored the 
 better. I very often cure patients who had been 
 under the charge of physicians, surgeons, and pro- 
 fessors of our colleges, and who treated them for a 
 venereal or gonorrhoeal affection, when, in fact, it 
 was a diseased prostate and the neighboring parts. 
 Errors of this kind produce great injury. Eunuchs 
 often eject prostatic liquor when they have an erec- 
 tion ; geldings often do the same when they strive 
 to leap. Good semen cannot be found when these 
 parts are diseased ; great caution should, therefore, 
 
44- THE ANATOMY OF 
 
 be observed by all those entering the marriage 
 state, to be well assured that tliis humor of the 
 prostate is m a sound and healthy state ; varioua . 
 evils will arise in consequence, especially sterility 
 and impotence. 
 
 llealtliy men continually separate semen from 
 the blood, which, being retained and inspissated, 
 like the white of an egg or starch, would be most 
 immoveable, if it were not for the more thin juice 
 of the prostate gland, when in a sound state, wliich 
 mixes v/ith it, and serves to lubricate the urethra, 
 almost like an oil. Besides this, as the animalculas 
 must stay a long time, perhaps, before it arrives in 
 the uterus or womb, it seems necessary for it to be 
 provided with a suitable aliment ; for, unless nature 
 nourished the auimalcula3 when formed, it would 
 certainly perish or become extinct : and this nutri- 
 tious liquor is that of the prostate gland, which in 
 some animals is larger than are the testicles them- 
 selves. 
 
 Cowper's glands, which are situate between the 
 bulb of the urethra and the membranous portion, 
 are about the size of two small garden peas. They 
 open into the canal by two small ducts, and appear 
 to secrete a mucus which serves to lubricate the 
 urethra. 
 
 The urethra, a membranous canal, extending 
 from the neck of the bladder to the end of the penis, 
 is divided into the prostatic, membranous, bulbous, 
 and pendulous portions. Its coats are the same as 
 those of the bladder, of which it is apparently a 
 prolongation. The first or prostatic portion, com- 
 mencing immediately from the neck of the bladder, 
 is surrounded by the prostate. On the under side 
 of its internal surface there is a projecting body, 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 45 
 
 on the sid€S of which the coramou ducts of the 
 deferent vessels and seminal vesicles open into the 
 canal, as also the ducts of tiie prostate. 
 
 The portion of the urethra between the prostatic 
 and bulbous portions, is called the membranous; and 
 the reason that has been alleged for this is, because 
 its circumference is less than that of any other part 
 of the canal. Its length is generally about an inch 
 when the penis is in a state of erecticn ; when 
 otherwise, it is somewhat less. It is cylindrical in 
 form for about half its length. The urethra soon 
 after takes the name bulbous, when it meets with 
 the pendulous portion of the bulb, the substance of 
 which, however, it does not enter until it reaches 
 the arch of the pubis. At this part it is attached 
 to the symphysis by muscular fibres. These muscles 
 are influential in the expulsion of the semen. The 
 urethra at this part enlarges somewhat at its 
 under part, forming a kind of sinus. The canal 
 afterwards bends forwards, and is surrounded by 
 the spongy bodies through its course along the 
 under surface of the penis. 
 
 The whole of the internal surface of urethra is 
 abundantly supplied with mucus to defend it from 
 the acrimony of the urine. It is secreted partly by 
 vessels which form small projections on the inner 
 surface of the canal, as shown in the engraving, 
 and partly by glandular structures situated at the 
 bottom and sides of the very numerous lucunae, or 
 depressioDs, dispersed over every part of the internal 
 membrane, the openings of which are directed 
 towards the termination of the urethra, so that the 
 mucus is pressed out of their cavities by the urine 
 as it flows from the bladder. 
 The urethra is very vascular, and possesses a certain 
 
4C THE ANATOMY OF 
 
 degree of elasticity. Its memLvanes are ve) / thin, 
 and almost transparent, and without fibres, so that 
 in itself it does not possess the power of muscular 
 contraction and relaxation. It is, however, pro- 
 vided with muscles, tlie action of which is to assist 
 the expulsion of the urine, and also of the semen 
 during- copulation. The whole length of the penis 
 is about twelve inches, though it varies much in 
 different individuals. 
 
 The Penis consists of the cavernous bodies, (Cor- 
 poro cavernosa,) and of the spongy body, (Corpus 
 spongiosum,) the latter terminating in the gland or 
 glands. The cavernous bodies constitute the upper 
 part of the penis ; in the upper groove there being 
 a large vein, two arteries, nerves and absorbents, 
 and in the lower the spongy body surrounding the 
 urethra. The convex conical surface of the gland 
 is covered by a fine membrane, in color resembling 
 the red part of the lips. At its base, or corners, 
 there are rows of projecting papillar, which secrete 
 a sebaceous matter, having a peculiar smell. The 
 gland, which possesses exquisite sensibility, is pro- 
 tected by the loose covering called the prepuce 
 or foreskin, which is tied to the penis, immediately 
 below the orifice of the urethra, by the band called 
 fraenum : this limits the motion of the prepuce, and 
 tends to keep it in its proper place. 
 
 The spongy substance of the urethra, which 
 forms the glans penis, is covered externally with an 
 exceeding thin membrane or cuticle, under which 
 are placed the very sensible nervous papilla}, which 
 are the chief seat and cause of pleasure and pain in 
 this part. We may now understand why many, in 
 the venereal act, have not the glans distended, 
 though the whole penis is at the same time turgid, 
 
PLATE 5. 
 Fifj. 6 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 49 
 
 because the glans beloni? entirely to the cavernous 
 body of the urethra ; and if that body be paralytic 
 or weakened from any preceding or existing cause, 
 which we have often known to proceed from un- 
 natural practices ; in all those people where the 
 spongy body of the urethra is not distended, impo- 
 tence will arise, which, if not perfectly understood, 
 cannot be cured by any physician ; whereas, in 
 healthy men, when these organs are in due tone 
 during the orgasmus veneris, or the moment before 
 the semen is ejected, the glans and whole cavernous 
 body of the urethra are extremely turgid, so as to 
 be ready to burst ; but soon after, a kind of con- 
 vulsive motion follows, and the semen is discharged 
 with a slight loss of strength for a little time 
 throughout the whole body, which soon recovers its 
 usual vigor. 
 
 During coition, the corpus spongiosum and glans 
 penis are rendered turgid by the blood filling their 
 vascular structure, and the whole of the urethra is 
 lengthened, but made narrower and straighter. 
 The seed is gradually deposited in the sinus of the 
 bulb, the glans being placed at the other extremity 
 of the corpus spongiosum, and endowed with a pecu- 
 liar sensibility. When a sufficient quantity of semen 
 is collected, it excites the muscles covering the bulb 
 to action, and the contraction of the fibres taking 
 place, the semen is propelled rapidly along the canal; 
 the blood in the bulb is at the same time pressed 
 forwards, but requiring a greater impulse, it forms 
 an undulatory wave behind the semen, narrowing 
 the uretfera, and urging on the semen with in- 
 creased force. 
 
 When the passion of desire does not exist, the 
 ])lood is not poured out into the cells of the corpora 
 
50 THE ANATOMY OF 
 
 cavernosa, but returns by the veins as usual, and 
 the penis remains flaccid ; but when a person is 
 under the influence of particular impressions which 
 excite the nerves of these parts, the minute arterial 
 branches, which before had tlieir orifices closed, 
 have their action suddenly increased, and pour 
 from their open mouths the blood into these cells, 
 60 as to distend them, of course overcoming the 
 elastic power that, under ordinary circumstances, 
 keeps them collapsed. In this way the penis is 
 rendered fit to convey the semen to the female 
 organs of generation. The erection of the penis is 
 greatly aided by the action of certain muscles, 
 called the erectors of the penis. 
 
 The great vein of the penis is formed by branches 
 from the gland, sides of the corpus spongiosum, 
 and common integuments, runs along the back of 
 the penis in the upper groove to its root, where it 
 divides into two vessels which pass under the arch 
 of the pubis, receive other veins from the prostate 
 and bladder, and empty themselves into the internal 
 iliac. The absorbents of the penis are very numer- 
 ous, and terminate in the glands of the groins. A 
 few observations here on puberty, and the changes 
 it effects in the system, will, I think, be most 
 opportune. 
 
 The approach of puberty, induces marked changes 
 in the general system of the male and female, as 
 well as in the local organs which are subservient to 
 generation. The growth of hair on the chin, upper 
 lip, and sides of the face of the male, and on the 
 pubes of male and female; the peculiar alteration 
 of the voice, especially in the man, the greater firm- 
 ness of muscle, the extraordinary change in the 
 passions and feelings, together with the great in- 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGy^NS. 51 
 
 crease in the size of the penis and testicles of tlie 
 man, show the advent of a peculiar change in the 
 system, by which it is adapted for the propagation 
 of the species. The desire for coition, implanted by 
 nature for a wise purpose, becomes developed after 
 the period of puberty, and the organs by which the 
 act is performed, gradually assume their full vigor 
 and dimensions. 
 
 The age at which the peculiar changes in the 
 organism called puberty takes place, varies in dif- 
 ferent climates and in different constitutions. It is 
 also influenced by the mode of life and circum- 
 stances of the individual. The period of puberty 
 occurs earlier in warm than in cold climates; in 
 temperate countries, it takes place from the four- 
 teenth to the seventeenth year; the passions of 
 youth living in large cities and towns, are, however, 
 excited earlier than are those of the agricultural 
 population, on account of the greater sources of 
 temptation to which they are exposed. 
 
 In those animals which are not endowed with 
 reason to guide their actions, the desire for copula- 
 tion occurs periodically, and in some the testicles 
 increase in size until the season of procreation is 
 over, and then decrease, and continue small, until 
 the commencement of the next season. Evidence 
 of this may readily be found in the testicles of the 
 cock-sparrow, which progressively increase in size 
 from January till the end of April, when the love 
 season of these birds usually terminates. The in- 
 crease and diminution of these organs, however, do 
 not take place in birds only, but has been dis- 
 covered in many other animals, more especially in 
 the laud-mouse and mole. 
 
 There are several reasons which might be alleged 
 
.52 THE ANATOMY OF 
 
 for the existence of a periodical desire for copula- 
 tion amonj^ animals — were it otherwise, as the pas- 
 sion for sexual intercourse is very powerful, and 
 animals do not possess the light of reason so as to 
 be enabled to restrain or subdue their passions, it 
 is probable that from its excessive indulgence, all 
 their other habits might be lost, and even the 
 necessity of providing for their present and future 
 wants might be forgotten; besides which, in those 
 animals which are very fruitful, and which do not 
 long carry their young, their number would be in 
 a short time exceedingly great, far beyond the 
 means of support that nature has provided for 
 them. Another reason might be alleged, that, 
 were domestic animals always in heat, they would 
 be of comparatively little service to man, while the 
 flesh of wild ones would be too coarse and rank, 
 and altogether unfit for the purposes of nourish- 
 ment. Tiie period of the year during which the 
 desire for copulation principally exists in animals, is 
 that of spring — few experience any sexual desire 
 during the winter, except the frog, wolf and fox; 
 the severity of the cold seems to destroy, at least 
 for the time, all such feelings. On the other hand, 
 in climates where the summer is very hot, the geni- 
 tal organs of animals become so much relaxed in 
 tone, as to render them unfit for the proper per- 
 formance of the necessary act. The case is, how- 
 ever, somewhat difierent in domestic animals; the 
 passion is less periodical, the secretion of semen, 
 not being arrested by cold, to which they are much 
 less exposed, and the circumstances in which they 
 are placed being altogether different. 
 
 Generally the desire in the male and female for 
 procreation arises at puberty, and may be indulged 
 
THE GEXERATIVH ORGANS. 53 
 
 in, if health and the requisite powers continue, at 
 all times and seasons of the year. Be'Ing endowed 
 by nature with the high, and exalted function of rea- 
 son, they are left free agents, having the full power 
 to use or abuse such capabilities, with the conscious- 
 ness that if they do abuse the functions with which 
 they are gifted, they must abide the penalty, Man 
 is not affected by changes of temperature as are the 
 wild animals, either as respects excessive heat or in- 
 tense cold, and, consequently the human testicles 
 are generally the same in dimensions after puberty 
 throughout the year. The secretion of semen by 
 man, begins about the period of puberty. The 
 passion for copulation, and the secretion of semen, 
 are indications of the great change which takes 
 place in the system at that time. Those eunuchs 
 only are not influenced by the desire for procrea- 
 tion who were deprived of the organs of generation 
 prior to puberty; those who were castrated subse- 
 quent to that event, still entertain the desire for in- 
 tercourse, although in a less degree than men who 
 have all their organs entire. Desire is more lan- 
 guid in advanced age, than during the period of the 
 adult life; the semen is then more sparingly secre- 
 ted, and, indeed, all the functions of the system are 
 performed in a less energetic manner, although, as 
 will soon be shown, old men are not in every instance 
 deprived of the power of generation. Desire is 
 also generally moderate in persons who have small 
 organs, occasionally it is altogether absent. 
 
 To the use of the sexual organs for the continu- 
 ance of his race, man is prompted by a powerful in- 
 stinctive desire, which he shares with the lower 
 animals. This instinct is excited by sensations; and 
 these may either originate in the sexual organs 
 
54 THE AX ATOMY OF 
 
 themselves, or may be excited through tlie organs 
 of special sensation. Thus in man it is most pow- 
 erfully aroused by impressions conveyed through 
 the sight or touch ; in many animals the auditory 
 and olfactory organs communicate impressions 
 which have an equal power; and it is not improba- 
 ble that in certain morbidly, excited states of feel- 
 ing, the same may be the case in ourselves. Local 
 impressions — as stated in the subsequent part of 
 this work — has a very powerful effect in exciting 
 sexual desire, as the experience of almost every one 
 will attest; local diseases, as hereafter mentioned, 
 often cause the most criminal acts. The instinct, 
 for sexual intercourse, when once aroused, even 
 though very obscurely felt, acts upon the mental 
 feelings, and thus becomes the source, though al- 
 most unconsciously "so to the individual, of the 
 tendency to form that kind of attachment towards 
 one of the opposite sex, which is known as love. 
 This tendency cannot be regarded as a simple pas- 
 sion or emotion since it is the result of the combined 
 operations of the reason, the imagination, and the 
 moral feelings; and it is the engraftment, so to 
 speak, of the physical attachment upon mere cor- 
 poreal irrstiuct, that a difference exists between 
 the sexual relations of man, and those of the 
 lower animals. 
 
 EEMALE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 
 
 The female organs of generation are classed in 
 two divisions — External and Internal. The Exter- 
 nal consists of tlie mons veneris, labia externa, perin- 
 eum, clitoris with its prepuce, nymphae, ve-'^tibuk, 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 55 
 
 meatus urinarious, hymen in virg'ins, and carunculae 
 myrliformies in matrons. 
 
 The Internal are the vagina, uterus, two ovaries, 
 and two fallopian tubes. The latter four are strictly 
 copulative, and the others, generative organs. 
 
 THE VULVA. 
 
 The vulva, or pudendum, is a collective designa- 
 tion for the external female genitals, including the 
 mons veneris, the internal and external labia, the 
 clitoris, and the orifice of the vagina. 
 
 The mons veneris, which is the same as in man, is 
 the elevation of the integuments directly over tho 
 pubis. It is constituted of condensed cellular tis- 
 sue and adipose matter, and in the adult is covered 
 with hair. 
 
 The labia externa, or mo jar a, are two folds of 
 skin continuous with the mons veneris; they extend 
 in the longitudinal direction, and terminate below 
 in an angular commissure, — the fourchette. Like 
 the mons veneris, they are composed of cellular tis- 
 sue and fat, and form the anterior boundary of the 
 sexual organs. The internal lining of these parts 
 is a delicate, vascular epithelium, which is fur- 
 nished with mucus follicles. The distance between 
 the fourchette and the anus constitute the perineum 
 and is about an inch in length. 
 
 The labia interna or minora, called also the 
 nymjphce, are duplicatures of the epithelial mem- 
 brane within the external labia. They arise from 
 the anterior commissure of those bodies, and sur- 
 round the base of the clitoris, thus forming the 
 prepiotium clitoridis. At the inferior margin of tiie 
 clitoridis the folds of the nympha3 unite in the framir 
 
56 THE ANATOMY OF 
 
 lum, from wliicli point they divtrfrc, and are gradu* 
 ally lost on the inner surface of the labia majora, at 
 the orifice of the vagina. The clUoris, in several 
 respects, resembles the male penis. It is formed 
 of erectile tissue, and arises by two crura from the 
 rami of the pubis and ischium. It has also a sus- 
 pensory ligament, but is imperforate, and seldom 
 exceeds the length of half an hich. Its free portion 
 is called the glans clitoridis ; its internal structure 
 is similar to that of the corpora cavernosa penis, 
 and, like the latter, also, it is an erectile tissue, 
 acted upon by a small muscle, the erector clitoridis. 
 These muscular fibres arise from the rami of the 
 pubis and ischium, pass on the under surface of the 
 clitoris, and terminate at its apex. 
 
 The orifice of the urethra is within the vulva, 
 about an inch behind the clitoris, and directly above 
 the vagina, where its position is marked by a small 
 tubercle. 
 
 The orifce of the vagina is an elleptical opening 
 below or behind the meatus urinarious, having a 
 thickened margin, and being founded laterly by the 
 nymphsg. It is usually more or less closed by a 
 duplication of mucous membrane, the hymen, which 
 exists sometimes as a perforated septum, and some- 
 times as a semilunar fold. It is more rarely imper- 
 forate; in other circumstances, it has two or more 
 orifices, and again it is represented by a partial, 
 fringed margin, or may be congenitally deficient. 
 Its rupture leaves an irregular edge, with thickened 
 cicatrices, known as the carunculae myrtiformes. 
 
 The vestibulum is the triangular surface between 
 the clitoris before, and the vagina behind ; the 
 urethra opens into it, and it is bounded latterly by 
 the labia interna. 
 
PLATE 6. 
 
 Fiq 7 
 
59 
 
 (f ^jjliniatiaii 0f glnte. 
 
 Fig. 7, Represents the vagina laid open by a longitu- 
 dinal section, with the uterus and its appendages in situo. — 
 
 1, Orifice of the vagina with the carunculae myrtiformes ; 
 
 2, Body of the uterus ; 3, 3, Broad ligaments ; 4, 4, Round 
 ligaments ; 5, 5, Fallopian tubes ; 6, 6, Their fimbriated 
 termination ; 7, 7, Ovaries ; 8, Os tincae. Fig. 8, Diagram 
 of a section of the unimpregnated graafian vesicle and its 
 contents, showing the situation of the ovum. — 1, Mem- 
 brana granulosa ; 2, Proligerous disk ; 3, Ovum ; 4, Inner 
 and outer layers of the wall of the graafian vesicle ; 9. In- 
 dusium of the ovary, derived from the peritoneum. 
 
 Fig. 10, The unimpre^fnated ovum surrounded by ita 
 proligerous disk, magnified about fifteen diameters. Fig. 
 11, A section of an unimpregnated ovum, representing the 
 thick external envelopes, connected with the inner surface 
 of the latter, the germinal vesicle. Fig. 12, Represents, 
 within a sqare area, the unimpregnated human germinal 
 vesicle magnified forty-five diameters. On one side of it is 
 seen the germinal spot. Fig. 13, Is a corpus luteum, taken 
 from a female who destroyed herself by drowning, eight 
 days after impregnation. — 1, Mucous tunic of the graafian 
 vesicle sprouting from the circumference toward the cen- 
 tre ; 2, External tunic of the vesicle ; 3, Ovarian stroma ; 
 4, Ovarian membrane ; 5, Point at which the ovulum 
 escaped from the graafian follicle. 
 
 Fig 14. Represents the interior of the uterus, with the 
 germ in progress of formation. — 1, 1,1, shows them much 
 enlarged; the matter which is to become the mernbrana 
 decidua, is seen deposited between and upon their sur- 
 face ; 2,2,3,3, Uterine arteries extending into the decidua 
 and there forming loops. 
 
^mmil ©teerliatiaus 011 llemarkatjle dims. 
 
 Seminal debility — involuntary loss of semen — 
 will cause the following complications, in seven- 
 eights of the afBlicted, when it, or the practice of 
 self-abuse, has existed for two or three years. 
 
 These extracts are from letters of patients, de- 
 scribing their symptoms, when they applied to 
 us for treatment, and all of whom we are hap- 
 py to say, we have since cured, though some of 
 them were under our care a year, before we 
 would consent to its discontinuance. We relieved 
 nearly all of such patients, however, of the pain- 
 ful and troublesome symptoms in a very few 
 days. Patients with diseases of this nature, will 
 experience a relapse if the treatment is not per- 
 severed in for a considerable time after they have 
 been cured. We therefore take this occasion to 
 warn them from doing so, till informed by us 
 their cure is permanent, as the disease is much 
 more obstinate after such relapse. 
 
 As all of our communications are strictly pri 
 vate and confidential, we, of course, neither at 
 tach, nor copy the addresses, but if any persons— 
 who may wish us to cure them — doubt their gen- 
 uineness, we will present them with indubitable 
 proofs, upon a personal visit. All patients may 
 place implicit confidence in the strictest secrecy 
 being kept by us, as we never divulge the name 
 or residence of any patient, upon any pretext 
 whatever. 
 
THE GENEKATIVE ORGANS. (i 1 
 
 THE VAGINA. 
 
 The vagina is a canal interposed between the 
 uterus and the vulva, and between the bladder and 
 the rectum. Its length is from four to six inches; it 
 is somewhat dilated near the uterus, and contracted 
 at its commencement in the vulva, between which 
 points it curves obliquely forward and downward, 
 being flattened transversely, and having its pnrietes 
 in close apposition. It is composed of three laminse; 
 thcexterual one is a fibrous structure, strong and 
 contractile, and much resembling the dartos of the 
 scrotum. The middle layer is constituted of erectile 
 tissue enclosed between two layers of fibrous mem- 
 brane : it commences directly within the vagina, sur- 
 rounds its upper half, and extends about an inch 
 backwards in the direction of the uterus, its thick- 
 ness being seldom more than two lines. This is 
 the corjius spongiosum vngince^ so called on account 
 of its resemblance to the analogous structure in the 
 urethra. It is also called the plexus retiforwAs, and 
 embraces a remarkable congeries of veins. 
 
 The internal membrane belongs to the mucus class, 
 it is furnished with laminae, and is marked by trans- 
 verse folds or ridges — the rugaa of the vagina — 
 which, however, are cliiefly confined to its anterior 
 portion. A raphse, or longitudinal slightly elevated 
 line commences on the anterior parietes of the 
 vagina just within its orifice, and extending back is 
 lost near the uterus, and a nearly similar line exists 
 on the posterior surface. The epithelial covering 
 of the mucus membrane is remarkably developed, 
 and presents an abundant papillary structure. 
 
 The glands of Duverney resemble, both in form 
 and function, the glands of Cowper in the male. 
 
62 THE ANATOMY OF 
 
 They are situated on either side of the orifice of tho 
 vagina, beneatli the sphincter muscle and the super- 
 ficial porineal fascia. Tliey are from half an inch 
 to an inch long, narrow and flattened, and their 
 excretory duct opens in front of the carunculae 
 myrtiformes. 
 
 The sphincter vagina muscle has been already 
 described. It embraces the orifice of the vagina 
 like a broad ring, and covers the plexus retiformis. 
 
 THE UTERUS. 
 
 The uterus or matrix is a pyriform body, sus- 
 pended in the pelvic region between the bladder 
 before and rectum behind. It varies greatly in 
 size ; its average length is about two and a half 
 inches, its breadth across the upper and widest part 
 an inch and a half, and its thickness an inch. It 
 is divided into the fundus, or that part above the 
 Fallopian tubes ; the cervfx or narrowed portion 
 below; the body, which is intermediate between 
 the fundus and cervix, and the ostincai or opening 
 into the vagina. It is convex behind and flattened 
 in front, with its base directed upward and for- 
 ward, and its neck downward and backward. 
 
 The anterior surface of the uterus has a peritonial 
 covering over its upper half, which membrane is 
 reflected from it to the bladder, constituting the 
 anterior ligament. The posterior surface is entirely 
 invested by the peritoneum, which in this instance, 
 is reflected upon the rectum, so as to form a pouch 
 between, and is called the posterior ligament. On 
 the sides of the uterus, the anterior and posterioi 
 laminae of peritoneum, meet in a longitudinal median 
 line, and on them reflected from it to form the 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 63 
 
 Iroad ligaments. These ligaments are extended 
 transversely to the parietes of the lesser pelvis on 
 each side, and thus form a paritial septum in its 
 cavity, and transmit between tlieir laminae, the 
 blood-vessels and nerve&, the uterus and ovaria. 
 
 The round ligaments are given off on each side 
 from the body of the uterus directly beneath the 
 Fallopian tubes, whence they pass upwards and 
 outwards until they reach the internal abdominal 
 ring • they then run through the abdominal canal, 
 come out at the external ring, and are inserted into 
 and lost upon the mons veneris. They are strong, 
 fibrous vascular cords, embraced between the folds 
 of the broad-ligaments ; and they are- accompanied 
 in the abdominal canal by a process of peritoneum, 
 which sometimes extends to the exit of the liga- 
 ment at the external ring. 
 
 The cervix uteri projects by a mammillated ex- 
 tremity into the vagina, and the two are joined at 
 the base of this prominence. The cervix has a cen- 
 tral perforation, — the os tinea of an oval shape, and 
 placed transversely. It is bounded in front by a 
 prominence of the cervix, called the anterior lip, 
 and behind by a similarly formed but much smaller 
 projection — the posterior lip. 
 
 The cavity of the uter^ts is triangular with an ori- 
 fice at each angle; one of those three orifices and 
 much the largest, is continuous with the canal of 
 the cervix, and of course communicates directly 
 with the vagina, and is called the internal orifice of 
 the uterus. It is smaller than the os iincce; but 
 the canal between those openings is somewhat 
 dilated, flattened from front to back, and marked 
 by two longitudinal lines, one on the anterior, the 
 other o'l the posterior surface. These are again 
 
G4 THE ANATOMY OF 
 
 crossed by transverse and erratic striae, named 
 from their branched appearance the arhor vitae, 
 among which are interspersed some small mucous 
 glands and follicles, known as the ovula Nahothi 
 They are not confined to the cervical canal, but are 
 also found in the cavity of the body. At the 
 angles in the upper part of that cavity are two 
 small orifices, one on each side, opening into the 
 Fallopinn tubes. 
 
 Tiie uterus is composed of three very dissimilar 
 tissues, an exterior serous covering derived from 
 the peritoneum; an internal mucus membrane, and 
 between these the proper structure of the organ. 
 
 The peritoneal coat has been already noticed, 
 together with the manner in which it forms several 
 of the uterine ligaments. The mucus membrane is 
 a continuation of that which lines the vagina and 
 is continued into the Fallopian tubes. It can only 
 be separated in patches and with much difiiculty; 
 whence its existence as a separate membrane has 
 been sometimes denied. 
 
 The proper tissue of the uterus is of a greyish 
 color, of an almost cartilaginous hardness, and com- 
 posed of fibres, respecting which a great diversity 
 of opinion has always existed. By some anatomists 
 they are regarded as simple fibrous tissue; by 
 others, as muscular structure; and by others as a 
 convertible substance, that is fibrous in the unim- 
 pregnated state, but which, during pregnancy, ac- 
 quires the character of muscular fibre, resembling 
 that of the viscera of organic life, and like it en- 
 dowed with contractility. Such is the opinion of 
 Cruveilhier, who remarks, that the great influx of 
 blood into the uterus and tlie consequent distension 
 and development of its fibres in the gravid state, 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 05 
 
 reveal a structure which was before concealed by 
 an atrophy consequent to inaction; and he adds, 
 tliat this view is confirmed by the microsco}3ic ob- 
 servations of Roederer, the chemical experiments 
 of Schwelgue, and also by the results furnished by 
 comparative anatomy, which has shown circular 
 and longitudinal muscular fibres in the uteri of some 
 animals even in the uuimpregnated state. 
 
 The gravid uterus, however, presents two layers 
 of fibres which have the structure and function of 
 true muscle: the external layer is formed both of 
 longitudinal and oblique fibres, the former being 
 chiefly developed on the anterior and posterior sur- 
 faces, and upon the fundus; the oblique fibres are 
 most distinct at the sides, where they are continued 
 upon the Fallopian tubes and the round ligaments. 
 The internal layer consists of circular fibres, with 
 some longitudinal fibres on their internal surface; 
 but around the cervix this structure becomes annu- 
 lar, the fibres decussating at various angles. The 
 muscular character of the uterine body, in preg- 
 nancy, is strongly evidenced by its powerful con- 
 tractions in the process of parturition. 
 
 The internal substance of the uterus is thus com- 
 posed of a mass of closely interwoven muscular or 
 fibro-muscular fibres, together with a vast congeries 
 of blood vessels, which though small in the uuim- 
 pregnated state, acquire a surprisingly augmented 
 size during the later periods of pregnancy. 
 
 The arteries of the uterus, four in number, are 
 derived from two sources: two from the hypogas- 
 tric trunk, forming the proper uterine arteries, and 
 two from the ovarian arteries, of which branches 
 are also distributed to the ovaries and Fallopian 
 tubes. The uterine veins are of great size during 
 
66 THE AXATOMY OF 
 
 pregnancy, and are tlicn culled the vtcrive. sin- 
 uses. The nerves of the uterus are derived in part 
 from the hypogastric, in part from the renal 
 plexus. 
 
 THE FALLOPIAN TUBES. 
 
 These trumpet-shaped canals are given off from 
 the superior angles of the uterus. They are em- 
 braced within the folds of the broad ligaments, 
 being undulated in their course and variable in 
 their diameter. They are four or five inches in 
 length, and extend almost to the sides of the pehis. 
 Their diameter at the uterine orifice will only admit 
 a bristle, but the canal at its external or free ter- 
 mination is as large as a quill. This outer end is 
 broken into a triple series of fringe-like irregular 
 processes of unequal length, constituting the Jim- 
 briated portion, or corpus finehriatum, in the centre 
 of which is seen the orifice of the tube called the 
 otium abdominale. One of the processes is attached 
 to the proximate part of the corresponding ovary, 
 by which means these structures are retained in 
 their relative position. 
 
 The tube is in itself a strong fibrous cord resem- 
 bling the tissue of the unimpregnated uterus, and 
 it is invested by the peritoneum by being i)laced 
 between the duplication of this membrane that forms 
 the broad ligament. The internal coat is mucus, 
 analogous to that which lines the uterus, and re- 
 markable for presenting a gradual transition into 
 the peritonial coat, with w^hich, at its fimbriated 
 orifice, it is continuous ; in other words, the mucus 
 terminates in a serous membrane, and thus in the 
 two openings of the Fallopiau tubes exist the only 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 67 
 
 two normal perforations of the otherwise perfect 
 sac of the peritoneum. 
 
 The use of the Fallopian tube is that of an 
 oviduct. It receives the ovum from the ovary and 
 transmits it to the uterus, and also provides it with 
 a double envelope — an internal one of a gelatinous 
 or albuminous nature, and an external one, the 
 chorion, which is fibrous, and appears to be pro- 
 duced by the exudation of fibrine from the lining 
 membrane of the tube. 
 
 ■ftE OVARIES, 
 
 These bodies, one on each side, are placed within 
 a duplication of the broad ligament, and behind the 
 Fallopian tubes. They are of a flattened oval form, 
 reddish-white color, and unequal fissured surface. 
 They are retained in their position partly by the 
 broad ligament, and partly by an ovarian ligament, 
 a rounded cord that connects them with the upper 
 angles of the uterus, below the Fallopian tube. 
 The ovaries are about an inch in length, and their 
 distance from the uterus is about an inch and a 
 half. They have an external investment derived 
 from the peritoneum ; within which, and closely 
 adherent to it, is the proper fibrous capsule, strongly 
 resembling the tunica albuginea of the male, and, 
 like the latter, sending prolongations into the gland 
 that divides it into irregular compartments resem- 
 bling a network of areolar tissue. Within and 
 lining this fibrous capsule is a vascular membrane, 
 analogous to the tunica vasculosa in man. The 
 fibrous and vascular tissues are intimately blended 
 into a spongy mass, called stroma, in the midst of 
 which are the Graafian vesicles, of which bodies 
 
C8 THE ANATOMY OF 
 
 ten or fifteen exist in a mature state in each ovary, 
 besides a vast number that are imperfectly developed 
 and never reach the perfect state. 
 
 The Crraafian vesicle, or ovisac, consists of two 
 layers, of which the outer one is a mere vascuLir 
 tliickeniiig of the surrounding ovarian stroma ; 
 while the internal one, which is the true ovisac, is 
 transparent, and has no obvious structure. Within 
 it is placed the ovum, the latent germ of the future 
 being, betw^een which and ovisac is a granular mat- 
 ter, arranged in the following manner : a series of 
 the granules surround the ovum in a discoidal form, 
 and assume the appearance of cells, so united as to 
 form a sort of membrane, which is called by Dr. 
 Barry the tunica granulosa, by others the proligerous 
 disk. The granules that line the ovisac within are 
 also collected in a membraniform structure, the mem- 
 hrana granulosa. These two parts are connected 
 by four band-like extensions of the same cellulo- 
 membranous structure, which seem to suspend the 
 ovum in its place, and are called the relinacula. 
 The space between the membranes which is not 
 occupied by the retinacula, is filled with fluid, in 
 which few or no cells can be seen. 
 
 The corpus luteum is a yellowish, spongy tissue, 
 granular, friable and vascular, having a small cen- 
 tral cavity lined by a dehcate membrane. It is the 
 cicatrix left after the escape of the ovum from the 
 ovary, and consequently varies much in size accord- 
 ing to the time which has elapsed since conception. 
 At first it is large, bean-shaped, and prominent, so 
 as to occupy from a fourth to a half of the ovarium. 
 But after parturition it diminishes in size, and in a 
 a few months a cicatrix alone remains, and even 
 this is finally effaced. Whence it happens that 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 69 
 
 neither the corpora lutea, nor their remaining cica- 
 trices, are certain indications of the number of chil- 
 dren a woman may have borne. Dr. C. D. Meigs 
 has published an interesting memoir on the corpus 
 luteum, in which he maintains that the apparent 
 structure, form, color, odor, coagulability and re- 
 fractive power of this body are similar to those of 
 the yolk of the egg-, a true vitellary matter "de- 
 posited outside of the inner concentric spherule or 
 ovisac of the Graafian vesicle." 
 
 FUNCTION OF THE OVARIO-UTERINE SYSTEM. 
 
 The result of successful coition between the two 
 sexes is the injection of a certain portion of the 
 spermatic fluid into the vagina; and fecundation 
 appears to consist in the direct communication of 
 the male spermatozoa with the Graafian vesicle of 
 the ovarium, through the fissure of the zona pellu- 
 cida to the contained ovum,, which ruptures and 
 escapes from the ovisac. The corresponding Fallo- 
 pian tube simultaneously embraces, by its fimbriated 
 extremity, the ovarian surface, and receives the 
 detached ovum into jts canal, while the ovisac itself 
 remains as the lining membrane of the corpus 
 luteum. While the fecundated ovum is yet in the 
 Fallopian tube it acquires a gelatinous covering, 
 the amnion, which is again surrounded by a mem- 
 brane of fibrous texture, called the chorion. The 
 amnion secretes a fluid, the liquor amnii, in which 
 the germ is suspended. How long the ovum re- 
 mains in the oviduct, in other words, what time it 
 takes in its transit from the ovary to the uterus is 
 not certain, but appears to vary from eight to four- 
 teen days. The first action of the uterus is the 
 
70 THH I'llVSIOLOGY OF 
 
 secretion, on its inner surface, of a delicate cibriform 
 membrane, the decidua, wliich is composed of two 
 layers, the decidua vera, that lines the uterus, and 
 the decidua rejiexa, that covers the ovum. Next 
 forms the j)laccnta, which results from the pene- 
 tration of the vili of the chorion into the structure 
 of the decidua vera. Its fcctal portion is derived 
 from the umbilical vessels, which diverge in every 
 direction from the point at which they enter its 
 substance; or, in other words, it is generated by 
 the extensions of the vascular tufts of the chorion, 
 formed from the capillary terminations of the um- 
 bilical arteries and veins. The maternal portion of 
 tho placenta is formed by the enlargement of the 
 decidual uterine vessels, and these assume the char- 
 acter of sinuses, against which the fcetal tufts pro- 
 ject so as to form out of it a sheath for themselves. 
 The blood is conveyed into the maternal placenta by 
 the uterine arteries, and is returned by the corres- 
 ponding system of veins ; but there is no direct 
 vasculftr communication between the two placentae 
 
 PUBERTY, 
 
 The period of puberty, the commencement of 
 that part of life which is distinguished by the capa- 
 bility of propagating the species, does not occur 
 exactly simultaneously in the two sexes; and still 
 greater variety in this respect is caused by differ- 
 ence of nation and climate. Puberty declares it- 
 self in the female sex of our climate about the 
 twelfth, thirteenth or fourteenth year, sometimes 
 later, and is indicated by the occurrence of men- 
 struation. In the male sex puberty begins about 
 the fourteenth, fifteenth, or sixteenth year, and ifl 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 7l 
 
 atte.uded with the secretion of semen, and with the 
 occurrence of discharges of that fluid. In hot ch- 
 mates the body undergoes the changes of puberty 
 earher than in cold cH mates. It is stated that in 
 the hot regions of Africa, they take place in the 
 female sex as early as the eighth year, and during 
 the ninth, in Persia. Young Jewesses are said to 
 mensti-uate earlier than other females. The capa- 
 bility of reproduction generally ceases in the female 
 sex, together with the function of menstruation, 
 between the forty-fifth and fiftieth years. The du- 
 ration of the reproductive power in man cannot be 
 so exactly defined ; in general, it continues longer 
 than in woman, and not unfrequently very old men 
 manifest a remarkable degree of virile power. 
 
 The changes in the system which characterize the 
 period of puberty, are partly local, affecting the gene- 
 rative organs, and partly of a general nature. The 
 local changes consist in the growth of hair on the 
 pubes in both sexes ; in the menstruation of the fe- 
 male ; in the copious formation of semen, and occur- 
 rence of erection in the male ; and in the enlarge- 
 ment of the breasts in the female sex. The general 
 changes of the system afltect principally the respia- 
 tory and vocal apparatus, the entire form of the 
 body and the physiognomy, the character of the 
 mind, and the feelings relating to the sexes. The 
 respiatory organs acquire an increase of volume at 
 the age of puberty, especially in the male sex ; and 
 the vocal apparatus undergoes the change so readily 
 noticed in boys of sixteen to eighteen, the shrill, 
 squeaking, broken and ultimately the deep-toned 
 mascuhne voice. The whole body attains its most 
 perfect form ; while the features receive their stamp 
 of individuality, and present signs serving to express 
 
72 THE rnVSIOLOGY OF 
 
 the passions, though they are not as strongly 
 marked as in many adults. Boyish indifference is 
 changed to the most marked attention to the oppo- 
 site sex. Sexual ideas arise instinctively and ob- 
 scurely in the mind, and set in action the creative 
 power of the imagination, but, at the same time 
 by their influence on the whole mind, call into play 
 the noblest mental faculties, so as to elevate and 
 adorn the feeling of love. 
 
 MENSTRUATION. 
 
 Menstruation is the periodical discharge from 
 the female generative organs of a bloody fluid 
 poured out by the inner surface of the uterus. The 
 first discharge is usually preceded and accompanied 
 by some symptoms of general disturbance of the 
 system, namely, by abdominal congestion, pain in 
 the loins and a sense of fatigue in the lower limbs. 
 Its periodical return is also attended in most 
 women by unusual symptoms, which vary in differ- 
 ent persons. The menstrual periods occur usually 
 at intervals of a solar mouth; their duration being 
 from three to six days. In some women the inter- 
 vals are as short as three weeks, or even less; 
 while in others they are longer than a month. 
 Aristotle made the extraordinary statement, that 
 menstruation rarely occurs every month; but in 
 most women only every three months. This is 
 evidence that the sage philosopher was an old 
 bachelor, and studied books and not nature. I 
 miglit as well add here, that those absurd and mis- 
 chievous books purporting to have been written by 
 Aristotle, are full of as false statements, silly direc- 
 tions, and are blind leaders of the blind. 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. to 
 
 Menstruation does not usually occur in pregnant 
 women, nor in most cases in those who are suckling. 
 In rare instances, however, it continues during the 
 period of suckling, and even during pregnancy. 
 
 The sun, moon, stars, nor even the migratory 
 comet, do not exert an influence over this function, 
 for upon every day in the month different females 
 have their catamenia. It is now well known that 
 the menstrual periods tend to regulate and moderate 
 sexual indulgence. This wall be more fully ex- 
 plained under the head of Concejpiion. 
 
 SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. 
 
 All the phenomina connected with the sexes 
 which animals present, are dependant on the forma- 
 tive generative organs ; the ovaries and testes, and 
 on the influence which they exert on the rest of 
 the organism. Xot merely does castration during 
 youth, for the most part, prevent the development 
 of the sexual feelings and emotions, but even when 
 performed at adult age, that operation destroys 
 almost entirely the sexual excitability. This is 
 also the case with animals, in which common obser- 
 vation detects its effects. 
 
 The almost entire physical change which occurs 
 in animals after this operation is readily suggestive 
 of its controlling influence over the body as well as 
 over the mind of men and animals. 
 
 In both sexes the act of coition is attended with 
 pleasurable sensations, but their respective share in 
 the act itself is very different. In the female there 
 is but a partial expenditure of the nervous power, 
 when she fully participates in the sexual act, and 
 none scarcely when her feelings do not prompt her 
 
74 TTIE PJIVSIOLOGY OP 
 
 to return the ardor of the male; neither does she 
 expend any nervous power in the production of 
 erection; no energetic rythmic muscular contrac- 
 tions when the venereal excitement has reached its 
 height, and no emission of semen ; but merely an 
 increased secretion from the vagina, excited by the 
 impressions on the sensitive nerves of the female 
 sexual organs, and serving to lubricate the passage 
 to facilitate sexual commerce. 
 
 Tlie man feels exhausted after the act; the woman 
 simply yields herself up to the pleasureable excite- 
 ment. The clitoris, which is known to be the part 
 most susceptible of the pleasurable sensations in 
 in females, is not like the penis of the male, ren- 
 dered by friction the seat of intense sensation and 
 nervous excitement during coition, and hence its 
 excitability is found not to be wholly exhausted 
 after the act is completed. 
 
 SEMEN. 
 
 The semen, or fecundating matter, contains the 
 property which gives integrity to the germ, and is 
 capable of determining the particular form of the 
 new animal or plant, but it is defective and cannot 
 develop that form until it has united with the 
 female germ. The defects of the ovum, or germ, 
 and of the semen, are not the same in nature, for 
 each contains that part in which the otlier is defi- 
 cient. The ovum and semen are not similar halves 
 of one whole. The ovum of animals contains the 
 part destined to germinate, and is, in fact, the 
 primary particle which forms the basis of the new 
 organism, and maintains uniterrupted the chain of 
 organization. The semen, on the contrary, does 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 75 
 
 not itself germinate, but is a fluid excitor of ger- 
 mination, endowed with the power of determining 
 the form, not only of the species, but of the indi- 
 vidual organism which produced it. 
 
 COXCEPnON. 
 
 Pregnancy may occur at any period after men- 
 struation has been established, and until the cessa- 
 tion of that function. 
 
 That conception occurs more readily immediately 
 after the menstrual periods, is a remarkable fact ; 
 but that it will not take place after eight or twelve 
 days from that period, as stated in some books, 
 written to misguide, or from ignorance, is absurd 
 and untrue. 
 
 The catamenial function, is nature's guarantee 
 that the females in whom it exists, are capable of 
 conceiving and bearing offspring. 
 
 The conditions necessary to the consummation of 
 this object is, that the semen or seed from the 
 opposite sex should enter the womb. Quantity has 
 nothing to do with the success. 
 
 The grand office of the semen is to awaken the 
 life which previously exists in the animulculae in tlie 
 ovaries of the female, and constitute (so to speak) 
 the characteristic principles of vitality of both into 
 cue individual embryo. 
 
 To effect successful commerce between the sexes 
 nature has arranged the organs of generation to a 
 perfect adaptation, and impressed all animals with 
 the desire to cohabit. The rewai-d of obedience to 
 these natural laws are perfect physical happiness 
 and the procreation of the species. 
 
 In man and mammalia fecundation is the result 
 
16 THE PHYSIOLOGY OF 
 
 of the successful union of the sexes, in which the 
 semen of the male enters the womb, traverses the 
 Fallopian tubes to the ovum, and then comes into 
 direct contact, in order that the function of impreg- 
 nation be matured. 
 
 This has been proved beyond the possibility of 
 a doubt, by direct experiments upon numerous 
 animals with uniformly the same result. 
 
 It has been frequently observed that men whose 
 copulative organs are very short, or those in whom 
 the malformation consists of the opening- or mouth 
 of the penis terminating any considerable distance 
 from the end of the organ, are rendered impotent; 
 from the fact simply that the condition of the penis 
 prevents the semen from being thrown directly into 
 the womb- 
 
 PASSAGE OF THE OVUM INTO THE WOMB. 
 
 The human ovum reaches the uterus in from one 
 to two weeks after impregnation. The embryo is 
 enclosed in a membraneous sac which nature has 
 formed for nourishing and protecting it. When 
 the blood vessels of the embryo have reached its 
 surrounding membranes which have been developed 
 from cells, and participate in the active properties 
 of cells, it absorbs the nutriment. The nutritive 
 matters thus absorbed are supplied by the blood 
 of the mother in the human placenta. The ab- 
 sorbed nutriment enters directly into the blood of 
 the foetus. The process thus maintained between 
 the foetal and maternal blood, supplies the process 
 of respiration to the foetus, or an equivalent for 
 that process. 
 
PLATE 7. 
 
i;eplanaton 0f |I a(c 7 antr | iguas 15 ani IS* 
 
 Fig. 15. — Represents a foetus of two months' gestation 
 (growth), surrounded by its uterine membranes, attached 
 by the umbilical cord to the placenta (after-birth), and 
 floating in fluid (amnial), and is the most perfect one of 
 this period I have ever seen ; (a) the pellucid membranes, 
 (b) the accumulation of vessels forming the placenta ; (c) 
 the embryo seen through the membranes. 
 
 Fig. 16. — Displays a fcEtus of five months within the 
 womb, which has been laid open ; blood vessels are seen 
 running through the various textures, and the cord is seen 
 twisted around the neck and left ancle. Below is seen the 
 postern surAice of the vagina, and on each side of the womb 
 is seen the fallopian tubes terminating in many finger-like 
 projections, and between them and the womb the ovaries. 
 
 EEMARABLE CURES. 
 
 June, 1858. 
 Sir : — As we have arranged the fee for my 
 cure, now for the desired explanation. Without 
 having heard of Masturbation, or its conse- 
 quences, and wholly unsuspicious of them, I did 
 indulge to some extent in it. I should judge be- 
 tween 14 and 17 years old. I am now 55, It is 
 quite likely to excess for some part of the time, 
 for at first I thought no evil in connection with 
 it, but as I grew older, I knew better and aban- 
 doned the habit. The result of this involuntary 
 loss of semen continuing, was to produce a 
 state of atony for some jesivs — an almost total 
 loss of virile power, — though from the age of 30 
 I have been able to partially cohabit at times, 
 when under the treatment of some of the best 
 l^hysicians. The urethra has been sore ever 
 since that period. This sub-inflammation (I sup- 
 pose) now exists. It is for you now to infer the 
 nature and extent of the functional derangements 
 I labor under. Their indications at present are 
 
80 REMARKABLE CURES. 
 
 a loss of virile poiver , a weak flow of urine gentT- 
 ally breaking' to pieces as it falls' occasional pains 
 within the rectum, and a sore feeling in voiding 
 urine. I have thought at times, that sexual 
 commerce abated the seeming soreness of the 
 parts. The feces when costive, are covered with 
 blood and matter on one side, pain in mictura- 
 tion sometimes, and a few drops of creamy look- 
 ing matter will follow the urine. I am very often 
 obliged to get up in the night to pass urine ; some- 
 times very restless, and unable to sleep ; linen dis- 
 colored, and sometimes I have a yellow discharge 
 from the urethra, and in the morning shredy sub- 
 stances pass with the urine. I have a pain at night 
 in the rectum, which will last for hours, and be so 
 severe as to prevent the passage of the urine." 
 
 This case presents nearly the same complica- 
 tion and symptoms, as almost every patient suf- 
 fers with, whose disease has existed for any 
 great length of time. Many young patients even 
 at this writing though they have nearly all such 
 symptoms, have not attained the 20th year. Out 
 of the number of about one hundred and fifty pa- 
 tients of this class, under our care and treatment 
 at one and the same time, more than one hundred 
 of them applied tons witli these seminal diseases, 
 complicated with severe and dangerous affections 
 of the urethra, testicles, bladder, and kidneys. 
 Nearly all of them are laboring under indiges- 
 tion and costiveness, and their nervous system so 
 affected as to be partially or totally unfit for 
 study or business. The affection of the bladder 
 and kidneys is a most distressing and dangerous 
 complication, as any physician will inform you. 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGAXS. 81 
 
 DEVELOPEMEXT OF THE FCETUS. 
 
 Within seven days after successful copulation and 
 conception, the ovum (female germ) envelopes itself 
 in membranes and passes into the womb through the 
 Fallopian tube. The womb has also generated mem- 
 branes within its cavity for the reception and nourish- 
 ment of the embryo. 
 
 The membranes enclosing the embryo, secrete a 
 watery fluid in which it floats, protected by this means 
 from uterine pressure and injury, or destruction from 
 concussion or jars of the body of the mother. 
 
 So small and delicate are the embryonic structures 
 that at the commencement of the second month of 
 gestation, the length is only from a few lines to half 
 an inch. 
 
 The extremities are leaf-like appendages and just 
 visible. Then the mouth also exists, soon after the 
 anus is seen ; the last bone of the spine, (the coccyx) 
 is very large and the first bone formed. The head 
 acquires a considerable size ; the eyes advance for- 
 ward from being lateral, to their natural anterion 
 position, and the nasal cavities are soon apparent. 
 During the second month, the umbihcal cord is envel- 
 oped i%its sheath, and' the intestines are discernable. 
 About the end of the second month, the bones and 
 muscles begin to form ; the heart is covered, and the 
 great arteries assume their permanant position. The 
 glandular organs, the lungs and liver exist ; then ap- 
 pear rudimentary kidneys and the testes (Testicles) or 
 ovaries. The external organs of genera tion make 
 their appearance in the shape of wart-hke prominence ; 
 the bladder soon after makes its appearance. 
 
 Up to this period the mouth and nasal cavities are 
 not separated ; the eye-lids and external ear are now 
 
82 THE I'lIYSIOLOfiY OF 
 
 apparent, and the extremities are more distinct, tbt 
 fing-ers and toes are marked by separation. At this 
 period of developemeiat the embryo is about an inch 
 lonf^. 
 
 In the course of the third month the foetus acquires 
 about three inches in length and proportionate comple- 
 tion of developement. In the fourth montli the sex 
 is perceptible, and it has ol)tained four inches in length, 
 and in the fifth twelve inches ; at this period begins 
 the formation of the fat and nails, and signs of foetal 
 life are perceptible to the mother. The foetus born at 
 the sixth month of gestation often breathes but does 
 not live. During the seventh month the foetus has 
 acquired about sixteen inches, and if born may Uve. 
 The skin is red. In the eighth lunar month the eye- 
 lids become free, and the testes descend from the belly 
 to the serotun. In the ninth month the hair appears 
 on the head and the embryo measures about seventeen 
 inches ; at the lower part of which it increases in size, 
 so that in the tenth lunar month it measures about 
 twenty inches, and weighs from six to twelve pounds 
 
 The weight of infants at birth vary very much, but 
 the first child a mother weans is generally smaller than 
 those born subsequently-; and males weigh more than 
 females, being a trifle larger also. I have myself seen 
 a child live a few days, which weighed three and a 
 half pounds. The elder Dr. Ramsbotham confined a 
 woman who was delivered of a child weighing sixteen 
 and a half pounds, and Mr. O. D. Owens assisted in 
 the delivery of a child weighing seventeen pounds 
 twelve ounces, measuring twenty-four inches in length. 
 This was the largest child ever delivered, which is on 
 record. 
 
 Birth occurs at the end of nine months. 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 83 
 
 STERILITY, CAUSES AXD CURE. 
 
 The principal end of man's earthly existence is 
 offspring. However widely opposed their general 
 natures may be, all are united in the desire which 
 finds its accomplishment in the reproduction of 
 their kind. I say all, for I do not hesitate to as- 
 sert without fear of contradiction, that no man and 
 wife ever had their affections perfected or devel- 
 oped who were deprived of legitimate offspring. 
 It rs one of the first duties of the human race to 
 increa'se and multiply, and the man who leaves the 
 world without having obeyed the injunction, can 
 scarcely be said to have fulfilled the great end of 
 his existence. All men who are not of monstrous 
 conformation, or who have not been seriously in- 
 jured by artificial means, are equal to the task of 
 reproduction; indeed, without the parts and means 
 necessary to reproduction, he could scarcely exist 
 at all, and would be no more a human being than 
 if he were deficient of heart or brains. There is no 
 such thing as barrenness in natural women, and the 
 causes which are supposed to render women so, can, 
 in ninety cases out of a hundred be removed. 
 
 It is not denied, however, that a great many 
 married persons are unblessed with offspring, whose 
 exertions are undoubted, and who w^ould give 
 much if it were otherwise. The causes of unfruit- 
 ful marriages are numerous. One is, their unfit- 
 ness in consequence of malformation, besides Fluor 
 Albus, (generally termed whites,) Leucorrhoea, 
 Prolapsus Uteri, (falling of the womb,) Chronic 
 Gonorrhcea, or Gleet, extreme indulgence, and a 
 very vitiated state of the system of either, or both 
 man and wife, from Scrofula. The obliteration of 
 
Si 
 
 THE DISEASES OF 
 
 the vaginal canal, or absence of tlie ovaries or 
 uterine tube in the female, also are causes; but 
 these arc rare occurrences. My opinion is, that 
 but very few females are of necessity barren 
 Young married persons almost invariably become 
 physically adapted to each other, though it occa- 
 sionally happens that a couple will have no off- 
 spring, and yet being divorced, will form other 
 connections, and both will have children. It was 
 so with Bonaparte and Josephine, A French 
 writer says, that good authority reports the em- 
 peror as having used various tinctures, borax, 
 marjorura, etc., of course to no efiect. There is 
 sometimes too much ardor in persons of full habits 
 and amorous propensities; their intensity, however, 
 is generally qualified by time. This is well exem- 
 plified in newly married couples, as the first year 
 of their marriage is generally unfruitful from their 
 too frequent amorous embraces, thereby preventing 
 the semen from attaining a healthy state. Moder- 
 ation may be produced by a light vegetable diet, 
 cooling medicine, and occasional sea-shore trips. 
 Conjugal enjoyment on the part of the female 
 should be followed by repose, as but very little 
 motion or agitation in persons of warm tempera- 
 ments is sometimes sujBQcient to prevent the ovulum 
 from reaching its proper location. A female desir- 
 ous of conceiving, must not cohabit too often, for 
 the first month after her supposed conception, as 
 the spasmodic agitation consequent on the embrace 
 of a very amorous conple, is calculated to disturb 
 the embryo in its earlier state of existence, and 
 hence occasion abortion or miscarriage. 
 
 Baillie, Swaumerdaur, Larry, Dubois, and others, 
 Bay, that the great leading cause of sterility is 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGAXS. 85 
 
 weakness or debility on tlie part of the male or 
 female, or both; and Dubois says, if this matter 
 was duly attended to, nine-tenths of the people who 
 are now pining for heirs might be blessed with 
 numerous progenies. 
 
 Libertinism, and that horrid and loathsome prac- 
 tice of self -abuse, or masturbation, are the principal 
 causes, and I have, therefore, treated upon them 
 largely in another part of this work. Among the 
 less numerous causes, are dancing immoderately, and 
 tight-lacing, as the pressure causes a weakness and 
 lassitude of the system. Stimulating drugs, etc., 
 such as Cautharides, tincture of lyttae, essence of 
 marjorum, arrow-root, syrup of pine-apples and 
 port-wine, mushrooms roasted and steeped in salad 
 oil, or borax, are worse than useless, for many of 
 them actually injure the person, as my large prac- 
 tice for many years too well prove. General phy- 
 sicians often administer such remedies, when they 
 ought to know they will prove injurious; and if 
 they do not, they are equally at fault; but those 
 who should be eternally cursed are the unprin- 
 cipled quacks, who palm off their injurious and 
 nauseating stuff for money, regardless of the lasting 
 injury to those who arc unfortunate enough to use 
 them. Yet some of these remedies sold for the 
 cure of sterility, impotency, weakness or debilita- 
 tion, diurnal and nocturnal emissions, or loss of 
 semen — with the consequent impoverishment of the 
 whole system — are actually recommended by phy- 
 sicians, either from ignorance or self-interest. I 
 cure physicians every month of such diseases, which 
 is the best proof possible to obtain, of their total 
 ignorance of the causes, and proper treatment of 
 Buch cases. 
 
86 PREVCXTION OF OFFSPRING. 
 
 Some authors think there are fertilizing virtues 
 in water-cresses, duckweed, carrots, dandelions, 
 artichokes, figs, potatoes, shell-fish, peaches, hemp- 
 seed, eggs, calves'-feet jelly, etc. The most of these 
 are incentives to amorous propensities, but no 
 farther. Ludwig says the females of some countries 
 swallow spiders, flies, ants, crickets, and even frogs 
 to promote fecundation. 
 
 Morning is undoubtedly the most auspicious to 
 generation. When a female with a low womb is 
 married to a masculine man, they must correct the 
 difficulty by means that may seem obvious, or they 
 will probably have no offspring, and the female 
 suffer agony instead of pleasure. If the semen is 
 placed beyond the proper location, it cannot im- 
 pregnate. When the case is directly otherwise, a 
 proper remedy will be necessary to secure it from 
 falling short. 
 
 It is a popular error that there is a mode by 
 which male or female offspring may be produced at 
 will. It is of no consequence whose theory of the 
 mysteries of reproduction is correct, they are agreed 
 on certain points, which shows this to be impossible. 
 There are tolerably conclusive rules, however, for 
 telling the sexes of children before they are born. 
 Ladies experience more sickness with boys than 
 with girls, which may be caused by their gen- 
 erally being larger and more lively. Their appe- 
 tites generally vary, such as food that is hearty 
 for the one, and of a different kind for the other. 
 A roundness of the form promises a boy; whereas, 
 when the tendency is nearly all to the front, and 
 the hips and back give but little evidence of the 
 lady's situation, the great probability is that the 
 little stranger is a girl. When a pregnant female 
 
PREVENTION OF OFFSPRING. 87 
 
 is prone to sickness in Ihc morning; — 1-ongs for 
 food of an invigorating quality — and carries her 
 increase of form rather all round her, than in any 
 particular place, the chances are altogether in 
 favor of a boy ; whereas, if her symptoms are 
 otherwise, and as described above, she will, in 
 all probability, be delivered of a girl. 
 
 PREVENTION OF OFFSPRING. 
 
 While all must admit that the reproduction of 
 our kind is the evident intention of the sympathy 
 of the sexes for each other, it is equally certain that 
 there are numerous cases in all countries, wherein 
 such a consummation were better avoided. For 
 example, indigent people cannot be very anxious 
 for numerous offspring to rear up in poverty; very 
 fruitful females must find it very unpleasant to be 
 nearly always in a state of pregnancy, nor is it to 
 be supposed that married persons who are afflicted 
 with hereditary diseases, can derive happiness from 
 bringing into the world beings whose existence may, 
 in all probability, be a burden to them. 
 
 Many females are so constructed as only to bo 
 able to give life to others at the sacrifice, or, at 
 least, the risk of their own. This consequence 
 alone, if no other, should prompt the physiologist, 
 physician and philanthropist, to seek some remedy 
 which would avert such awful suffering. Another 
 reason, people, under ail circumstances, whether 
 they are poor or afflicted with diseases, or so organ- 
 ized, as to risk life in reproduction, will get married, 
 hence, anything that will prevent the evil com- 
 plained of, and yet allow nature her full rights, 
 cannot but be of incalculable benefit to the public. 
 
bo PREVENTION OF OFFSl'RING. 
 
 Other medical writers have treated upon this subject, 
 but from eit4ier ignorance or delicacy, have not 
 done so with sufficient fullness. I will reiterate 
 here, v/hat I have previously stated — that those 
 physicians who say that conception will not take 
 place from the tenth or twelfth day after the cessa- 
 tion of the menses, till their re-appearance, assert 
 what they ought to know is not so, as many of my 
 readers, no doijbt, know from their own experience; 
 again: another proof of the absurdity of such a 
 pretended discovery is, that females will often have 
 their regular catamenial flow, for months after 
 they have become pregnant. Any exercise that 
 will disturb the embryo within twenty- four hours 
 after conception, may be sufficient to prevent off- 
 spring. Dancing, and urinating immediately after, 
 will often prevent. Riding a trotting horse, or 
 any exercise, that will agitate the ovum before it is 
 securely located, will certainly prevent. If these 
 fail but once in five years, females cannot have 
 large families. Among the other anti-fecundating 
 remedies, are strong cathartics, all stimulating 
 fluids, victuals that will promote thirst, bathing 
 soon after coition, terminating the conjugal act 
 before it reaches its ultimatum, will often prevent 
 it; but, as I have stated in another place, pre- 
 viously, such a practice will produce seminal dis- 
 eases and impotency in the male almost before they 
 are aware of it. Prolonging the venereal act will 
 also cause seminal disease and impotency. 
 
 A fine sponge, of an inch and a half or so in 
 diameter," fastened by a silk string to withdraw it 
 after absorbing the generating fluid, is ineffectu- 
 al to prevent conception. The French condams, or 
 coverings worn by the male, are not only effectual 
 
PREVEXTION OF OFFSPRING. 89 
 
 \u preventing conception, bnt are nsed to prevent 
 contractinp: venereal diseast^s. 
 
 Three or four syringe-fulls of warm water energet- 
 ically used immediately after coition, will sometimes 
 prevent conception. 
 
 Neither the various medicines nor mechanical appli- 
 ances, which are advertised as harmless, yet effectual, 
 can be relied ivfion. 
 
 As neither of the preceding are positive and cer- 
 tain preventives to conception, and as persons inclu- 
 ding physicians from all parts of the country are 
 applying to me every week by letter or in person, for 
 a sure preventive for their wives, or some of their 
 female patients, who cannot give birth to offspring 
 without losing their own or the life of the child, I 
 have after years of study, research and experiment, 
 attained the great object which has been so unavail- 
 ingly sought for heretofore, that is, for a man and his 
 wife to fully enjoy sexual intercourse according to the 
 iaws of nature, and at the same time not beget off- 
 spring, or if they wish any, to limit the number accord- 
 ing to their wishes or circumstances. It is used by 
 the wife without inconvenience, and so secret that it 
 cannot be known by the husband, and will last until 
 the change in the wife's life, at about her fortieth 
 year, renders its further use unnecessary, or in other 
 words for a lifetime. . It cannot cause the male or 
 female the slightest injury, or interfere in the least 
 with the fullest sexual enjoyment. 
 
 I have previously stated, that the French condoms 
 will prevent conception, but the objection to them is, 
 they are troublesome, liable to be torn in coition, 
 prevent the full sexual enjoyment, as they do not allow 
 
90 PREVENTION OF OFFSPRING. 
 
 tliat reciprocal warmth of the male and female geni- 
 tals which is necessary, as it prevents their coniinf^ in 
 contact except through the covering, which often 
 cliafes and irritates the female parts, and will if used 
 for any great number of times, cause seminal weak- 
 ness, debility and Impotency in tlie male. 
 
 Preventing conception and producing abortion are 
 very different from each other ; my 'plan does not 
 allow the semen to enter the womb at all, which is 
 the only possible way to prevent conception, as all of 
 your family Physicians will inform you if asked. If 
 the semen enters the womb, conception takes place, 
 which cannot be got rid of without an abortion being 
 produced, which all know endangers the life of the 
 female, and leaves a lasting weakening disorganization 
 of the sexual organs, sooner or later producing con- 
 sumption or some general chronic disease, which proves 
 fatal to the poor unfortunate ; to prevent such suffer- 
 ing and calamities is the next great reason why I have 
 consented to announce my remedy, as it must be plain 
 to every one, that it will save an incalculable amount 
 of suffering and crime, for from all the statistical 
 information I can gain, there are thonsands of abor- 
 tions daily produced in this civilized, but wicked world. 
 T am sorry to say, I am very often applied to by 
 married and single persons, who offer me large 
 fees, if I would produce abortion for them, and to 
 save myself the trouble of any more such applica- 
 tions, I take this medium of announcing to the world, 
 that I never have, and never will produce an abor 
 tion for any person, however large a fortune they 
 might offur me for doing it. 
 
 The author is a Physician of a very extensive 
 practice, and contrary to popular opinion, has the 
 strongest sympathies for suffering humanity,, and 
 
PREVEXTIOX OF OFFSI'RIXG. 91 
 
 for u long time has made the pliysiological laws per- 
 taining to the re[)i-oductiou of our species and it? 
 attending conditions, a subject of close study. 
 Tlie nature of conception and the mode of subsequent 
 developement, of the Foetus, I have fully illustrated 
 and explained in another part of this work. As I 
 have before mentioned, the various plans which have 
 been suggested by wise men, have either failed to 
 answer the purpose, or were directly opposed to the 
 full enjoyment of, or physically at variance with 
 sexual union. Mankind will not adopt any remedy 
 that will debar intercourse or interfere with the 
 pleasure which nature has provided. Nature is nature, 
 and all must admit, that it will not submit to being 
 too much circumscribed. In fact you may as well try 
 to suppress the sense of hunger and thirst by abstain- 
 ing from food and drink, as to attempt to appease the 
 equally imperative demands of sensual desh'es by some 
 other method than the natural indulgence of the 
 sexes. The apprehensions of accouchment, and the 
 exhusting effects of nursing, to many, are too real. 
 Many a fair women with spirit and vigorous health, 
 will in a few years after becoming mothers, pine away 
 into mere skeletons, with enough constant suffering to 
 cause a hving death. 
 
 Many married people of ardent natures are con- 
 strained to forego the pleasures of love, or else see 
 their children inevita])ly afflicted with some incurable 
 hereditary disease, which they v.'ould entail upon them. 
 
 The effectual prevention of conception, will greatly 
 reduce the fearful crime of abortion, infanticide, and 
 illegitimacy in many respectable families. Family dis- 
 cords, jealousy, and suspicions of infidelity, in a great 
 measure emanate from excessive aptitude of conception, 
 and dread of the dangers of confinement on the part 
 
92 PREVENTION OF OFFSlTJNf:. 
 
 of the female, as natures demands cannot be restrained 
 When the husband finds that his dearest rights are 
 invaded or denied at home, (many, very many such 
 married men, I cure every month of venereal diseases,) 
 he too often for the preservation of domestic peace, 
 seeks unlawful pleasures abroad, his appreciation of 
 home endearments diminishes, and his wife's suspicions 
 of infidelity are too justly aroused, and discord, dis- 
 content, and very often a total rupture of the mar- 
 riage relations ensue. . " 
 
 Many persons no doubt, will charge me with 
 encouraging immorality and crime, which is the very 
 reason of my declining heretofore, to offer this inven- 
 tion to the public ; but being so incessantly importuned, 
 and satisfied of the rectitude of my motives, flattered 
 also, with the firm belief that on calm reflection, this 
 will appear insignificant, and tliat I will be more than 
 compensated by the immense amount of suffering and 
 crime it will be the means of preventing ; I present 
 it to those whose welfare requires it. It certainly 
 cannot be wrong to endeavor to legitimately promote 
 our own happiness, or that of the common good of 
 mankind. Is it a sin to preveot offspring, if it averts 
 their being reared to swell the tide of ignorance, 
 poverty, had moral degredation, that finds its end in 
 the prisons? I certainly cannot bring myself to 
 think so. It cannot be a sin to preserve the health 
 of young mothers, thereby saving tliem tlie torture 
 of broken constitutions, and an early grave ! Cer- 
 tainly, to prevent the entailment upon our innocent 
 offspring of an hereditary and incural)le disease, or 
 insanity cannot be ! Those most interest(;d may 
 decide these interrogations for themselves. 
 
 Those who wish to avail themselves of our services, 
 will remit our consultation fee of five dollars, 
 
PREVENTION OF OFFSPRING. 93 
 
 giving us a general description of the female, 
 and state whether she is suffering with a falling 
 of the womb, whites (discharge), any other de- 
 bility or not. 
 
 In directing letters to me, the number of my 
 Post Office Box, 844 New York City, is all the 
 direction that is necessary to write on the en- 
 velope, as they will reach mo just as safe, as if my 
 name was superscribed in full. N. B. — All let- 
 ters containing money, should be registered. 
 
 MANY IMPORTANT TRUTHS IN REGARD TO THE HUMAN 
 SYSTEM, WITH THE BEST MODE OF RETAINING 
 SEXUAL VIGOR, TO EXTREME OLD AGE. 
 
 Coition. — Young persons often irretrievably injure 
 themselves, by forcing the desire for coition. Nature 
 must be your guide. Sexual commerce must not be 
 prolonged or a fatal weakness may be the result. 
 The virility of an old man will often be greatly 
 increased and extended by marrying a young robust 
 female. Young children should not be allowed to 
 sleep with sickly or aged persons ; this advice should 
 be strictly followed ; for we have too many diseased 
 nurses in charge of our children imparting disease by 
 the breath, or teaching them pernicious habits which 
 may ruin them before they are discovered. Any ex- 
 cess in youth detracts ten-fold from future abihties 
 in old age. 
 
 Child-bearing. — The usual period of pregnancy is 
 nine months, though instances occasionally occur of 
 its continuing ten or eleven months, and on the con- 
 trary, six or seven mouths only. 
 
94 niK PHYSIOLOGY of 
 
 Fruitful Months. — February, March, April 
 and May, are supposed to be the most fruitful, or 
 in other words, May, June, July and August, are 
 most auspicious for conception. 
 
 Twins.— Females may have twins — the ofifspring 
 of different fathers. Colored and white children at 
 the same birth have proved this. In fact, the 
 mothers have acknowledged cohabiting with another 
 person on the same day besides their Imsbands. 
 
 Color of Hair. — Fair, or red haired women 
 are more ardent in their affections, and generally 
 more fruitful. 
 
 Miscarriages. — When a. female once miscarries, 
 she will be always liable to miscarry when the same 
 stage of pregnancy again occurs. Particular care 
 should be taken at that period, by all females that 
 have met with such an accident. 
 
 The Hymen. — The existence of the hymen in 
 women is no certain evidence of virginity; and, 
 vice versa, its absence is no proof of unchastity; 
 though as a general rule, if virtuous, it is found at 
 marriage. Illness and various accidents will rup- 
 ture it. 
 
 Epilepsy. — The only cure for uterine epilepsy is 
 marriage. 
 
 Violation. — Conception will take place, even 
 when a female is violated by force. 
 
 Hermaphrodites. — There are no hermaphroditea, 
 
PLATE 8. 
 
 1f![iWiniiiwiiii' 
 
 -kV 1« 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 07 
 
 all mixed appearances which have been supposed 
 to be such were caused by malformation. 
 
 Effects of Bad Temper. — The pregnant female 
 should be protected from irritation, and govern her 
 own temper, to ensure amiable offspring. 
 
 Signs of Pregnancy. — In addition to the usual 
 known signs of pregnane}^, an experienced observer 
 will detect a glassy appearance of the eyes in the 
 early stage of pregnancy. 
 
 Excesses — Total Abstemiousness. — Refrain — as 
 I have previously stated the consequences — from 
 youthful excesses. On the other hand, it has been 
 maintained that total abstemiousness from sexual 
 intercourse, would invigorate the mind, but facts 
 prove otherwise. It is better to comply with 
 nature than resist her altogether. 
 
 Suckling, etc. — A debilitated or sickly female 
 should not suckle her infant. Yet, when not so, its 
 own mother is its best nurse. Bottled porter is 
 strengthening for the mother, but it should be used 
 sparingly. If the mother will take exercise in the 
 open air regularly while pregnant, it will benefit 
 both herself and the child. 
 
 A FEW WORDS ON THE ChOICE OF A PaRTNER. The 
 
 female should be from three to ten years younger 
 than the male. If you are tall, choose a lady at 
 least a head shorter than yourself. If you are of 
 a lively disposition, your partner should be the 
 reverse. A corpulent man should marry a spare 
 women, and vice versa. A person of a dark com- 
 
98 Tiii<: PHYSIOLOGY of' 
 
 plexioii sliould be united with one that is light. In 
 a word, married persons should almost be at direct 
 antipodes to each other. 
 
 1 think it is directly in opposition to the laws of 
 humanity for very sickly persons to get married 
 This may seem a cruel interpretation, but I think 
 it is more so, for patents to usher helpless infants into 
 the world to lead out a miserable existence from 
 hereditary diseases. By close observation for a 
 considerable period of time, I find that in those 
 couples where the age of the male is greater than 
 the female, that a great majority of the children 
 will be of the male sex, and when the female is the 
 elder, they are of the female sex. Young ladies 
 and gentlemen sliould test the correctness of this 
 by examining into the cases of their friends and ac- 
 quaintances. As they undoubtedly will find my 
 researches correct, they should make choice of a 
 partner in accordance with theii' future anticipa- 
 tions. 
 
 The most conclusive proof in favor of uniting 
 opposites, is found in the evil consequences attend- 
 ing marriages among blood relations. In such 
 persons there is generally a moral and physical 
 resemblance, which is certain to entail sufifering on 
 their offspring. A glance at the degeneracy of the 
 Royal families is the best of proofs that such unions 
 should not be formed. In Spain the race has 
 1)ecome puny, sickly, and imbecile. Scrofula — that 
 most offensive of hereditary diseases — afflicts all the 
 Bourbons, and the reigning families of Holland, 
 Austria, England, and most royal families. It 
 has become a generally known fact, that Queen Vic- 
 toria has had a running ulcer between her shoulders 
 for many years. It is with man, as with animals. 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 99 
 
 crossing the breed improves it. A writer says that 
 the Persians, by adopting this crossing practice, 
 have nearly obUterated the traces of their Mongo- 
 lian origin. The most excruciating deaths of females 
 at the time of delivery will be prevented, if persons 
 will follow these and the foregoing directions in 
 forming unions. A strong robust man should marry 
 a woman with wide haunches, then the delivery of 
 a robust child will be safe. A female, narrow 
 through the haunches, should be united to a deli- 
 cate, medium-sized man. A woman with narrow 
 haunches always suffers extremely in giving birth 
 to a child. A small one, therefore, will lessen it. 
 
 A modern physiologist truly says that a well- 
 formed woman should have her head, shoulders and 
 chest small and compact; arms and limbs relatively; 
 her haunches apart ; her hips elevated ; her abdo- 
 men large, and her thighs voluminous. Hence, she 
 should taper from the centre up and down. Whereas, 
 in a well-formed man, the shoulders are more prom- 
 inent than the hips. Great hoUowness of the back, 
 the pressing of the thighs against each other in walk- 
 ing, and the elevation of one hip above the other, 
 are indications of the malformation of the pelvis. 
 
 If a female throws her feet much to the rear in 
 walking, her knees are inclined inward. A woman 
 that marches, rather than walks, has large hips and 
 a well-developed pelvis. If she moves along trip- 
 pingly on her tip-toes, a large calf and strong 
 muscles are indicated. The foot lifted in a slovenly 
 manner, so as to strike the heel against the back 
 of the dress, is a sure sign of a small calf and 
 narrow pelvis. A heavy walk, when there is but 
 little spring on the toes, gives evidence of a weak- 
 ness of limbs. 
 
100 THE rilVSIOLOGY OF 
 
 A man or woman liaving dark eyes and a cou- 
 Bumptive tendency, should choose a blue-eyed part- 
 ner. Confirmed consumptive persons should never 
 marry. In partial or artificially produced con- 
 sumptive cases, marriage is often very beneficial. 
 
 The most proper age for men to marry is between 
 twenty-one and thirty; and for women, between 
 eighteen and twenty-five years of age. The offspring 
 of very early marriages is generally puny or con- 
 sumptive: furthermore, their own health suffers, and 
 their lives are shortened very materially. On the 
 other hand, there is scarcely any freshness in the 
 maiden of thirty; while the matron of that age, if 
 her life has been a happy one, and her hymenial 
 condition of not more than ten years standing, is 
 scarcely in the hey-day of her charms. It is a vrell- 
 known fact also, that bachelors grow old faster than 
 married men. 
 
 Twins. — The extraordinary distension and at- 
 tractiveness of the uterus, is probably the cause of 
 the birth of one or more children at one time. 
 Some writers think it is occasioned by the presence 
 of several vesiculae, ready to be detached from the 
 ovaria, and consequently ripe for fecundation. 
 They may be detected by motions in more than one 
 part of the body at the same time. 
 
 Parturition. — When the child has become fully 
 developed, the probability is, that the labor pains 
 are produced by the reaction of the fibres of the 
 uterus, thus causing a great distension, which makes 
 it compulsory on the fcetus to evolve itself. After 
 confinement the uterus immediately closes, and 
 falls into a state of repose, from which it is not 
 
Fig. 19— Represents a full grown foetus in the womb, 
 /oUled up and in its n^Uural appearance and attitude, most 
 ofvuitifully reprt-seiitnl and executed. 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 103 
 
 proper to disturb it for at least a month, as it 
 requires that time to recover its natural situation. 
 
 Formation of Fcetus. — About the eighteenth 
 ly after intercourse, t 
 a determinate structure. 
 
 day after intercourse, the ovum begins to assume 
 
 KuRSiNG. — A pregnant woman should not suckle 
 her child, as it not only robs the foetus, but injures 
 the mother and child. The foetus absorbs a por- 
 tion of all the aliments the mother partakes of, 
 therefore the necessity of pregnant women being 
 careful of what they eat and drink. The milk 
 taken by a healthy infant equals in weight about a 
 third of the food taken by the mother. 
 
 Teething. — The small molar teeth appear be- 
 tween the ages of eighteen months and two years, 
 and then the first dentition is complete. Children 
 at this time of life will do better in the country, or 
 on the sea shore. 
 
 Resemblance in the Offspring of the Parents. 
 — Notwithstanding all the speculative nonsense that 
 has been written on this subject, there is nothing 
 certain as to the particular faculties or appearance 
 imparted to the offspring by the father or mother. 
 There is only a general rule of resemblance. The 
 mental organs of children, are not influenced by the 
 frame of mind in which the parents — or either of 
 them — may have been in at the period of reproduc- 
 tion. I think the fact of the semen not being 
 created instantaneously — as it would have to be, 
 for the offspring to be influenced by the state of 
 mind of the parents at the time of coition — is a suf- 
 
1 04 QUACKERY. 
 
 ficient refutation of the tlicories promulgated by the 
 would-he great physiolagists. They and every one 
 else, who protend to any knowledge of tliis subject 
 admit tliUt the semen must remain a certain length 
 of time in its receptacles for it to perfect its vitality. 
 Each assist in modeling the embryo after their own 
 form and likeness. The parent who is most ener- 
 getic and excited at the time of sexual action, may 
 impart the most distinct features of resemblance. 
 But this combined resemblance is not imparted by 
 one to one part, and the other to another, but an un- 
 definable union governs the whole frame. The qual- 
 ity of one parent may preponderate, yet, that of 
 the other, equally pervades the entire system. It is 
 the same with color; the issue of a black and white, 
 is well known to be of a uniform complexion. The 
 children of aged parents — or where one is old and 
 the other young — are generally delicate and spare 
 of form, and very rarely well organized. 
 
 QUACKERY AND QUACKS. 
 
 Upon these subjects I have doubted the propriety 
 and usefulness of an expose; for it is customary — 
 nay, to pretenders, an all-important theme, upon 
 which to discourse learnedly — to stave off public 
 odium and contempt from themselves, by assuring 
 the public of their prodigious learning and skill, 
 in tearing down the edifices of others to build a 
 flimsy, tottering, untenable superstructure for the 
 gigantic "1, myself, the Dodo?'." 
 
 All humbugs depend for their success upon 
 their being forced upon the world by dint of un- 
 tiring, unceasing exertions to palm them off. I cau 
 
QUACKERY. 105 
 
 estimate their sircccss by learning the amount of 
 exertion spent upon them. 
 
 As I have written a book or two, I shall not 
 criticize a certain class of "Prodigies^' in that line, 
 lest I might accidentally fall into the awful vortex, 
 and grow giddy from the elevated estimation of my 
 own extraordinary " productions/' 
 
 But I must regret what cannot be helped, that 
 all large cities are infested with a set of self-styled 
 " Professional Gentlemen," who care more for the 
 pulses of the purse than for the welfare of their 
 patients. That every man should look carefully to 
 his own finances is right and proper, but a physician 
 has other duties to attend to also. 
 
 It is all-important that Venereal patients have 
 early, efiicient and skillful treatment, as a simple 
 case will assume a malignant form or undermine the 
 constitution if neglected or maltreated. 
 
 In offering this plain practical work, I know 
 those who follow its teachings, will give me credit 
 for doing good, and of being candid. 
 
 Specifics. — Tended medicines, warranted to cure 
 everything, are worse than no remedies ; for in dif- 
 ferent diseases there are also different states of the 
 system ; and in different stages, even of the same 
 disease, there is marked dissimilarity of action. 
 In the inflammatory stage of Gonorrhoea, a warm 
 bath is of great value in relieving pain, dif&culty of 
 micturation, and fever in the part ; but no one of 
 common sense would, therefore, advise a warm bath 
 as the great remedy for clap. Yet this is what 
 venders of patent medicines say, " Good for every 
 thing." 
 
 Since I have been so serious upon a subject I pur- 
 posed to treat lightly, I may be excused in giving 
 
l')6 r^lsTRY. 
 
 a poetical effusion of a conscientious '* Allopath of 
 the Far West," which was shown me a few years 
 ago by a western student, and which was regarded 
 as a litera-ry curiosity. I regret that I did not 
 recollect the name of the author, for it would be 
 particularly gratifying to me to pay genius due 
 credit. The Poem is entitled — 
 
 THE HISTORY OF DOCTOR QUACKEY, JUNIOR. 
 
 His history — Lis fame must 'write, 
 
 Record a s<acred truth, 
 Of Doctor Quackey's only son, 
 
 A great and famous youth. 
 
 A perfect tiger on fits was he, 
 
 A geater on a puke ; 
 He kills the people all by bits (sitz), 
 
 He physics, good St Luke ! 
 
 Although his practice was not large, 
 He managed it quite well ; 
 
 Sent the pious up to heaven. 
 The wicked down to hell. 
 
 A pillar of the State was he, 
 And showed his mighty skill, 
 
 In filling up most speedily. 
 The grave-yard on the hill. 
 
 Hydrum-garum, herbum-scarun:. 
 
 A scholar sure was he ; 
 Or never could svKih Latin words 
 
 Have uttered fast and free. 
 
 In fact, he was remarkable, 
 
 A man of genius pure, 
 With Lobilly and liighjohny. 
 
 Would all diseases cure. 
 
POETRY. ] OT 
 
 To surgery he made pretence, 
 
 H;id a scalpel, spatula and fork, 
 Talked loud of London, Paris, Edinburg, 
 
 Of Hospitals, New York. 
 
 Of cankers in the blood said much, 
 
 Of heat and cold at war. 
 And swore by his huge saddle-bags, 
 
 Ked pepper was the Cure ! 
 
 Devoutly did he thank his God, 
 
 For him Avho invented Steam ; 
 To parboil mortals of the sod, 
 
 A hocus-pocus theme. 
 
 Don Quixote's balsam Sancho drank, 
 
 Had ne'er such virtue sure, • 
 Although it wrought a miracle. 
 
 It left poor Sancho sore ! 
 
 Gracious heavens ! — help me conclude, 
 
 In spite of tears and grief, 
 The history of that noble son. 
 
 That charlatanic chief. 
 
 He died ! — departed worth farewell ! — 
 
 Thy deeds, and prowess bold. 
 Hath reared high up to heaven, 
 
 Fame's monument of gold. 
 
 He offered his life a sacrifice. 
 
 To that dear, precious theme ; 
 His all, — for to perpetuate. 
 
 Lobelia, — Pepper, — Steam. 
 
 HISTORY OF YENEREAL DISEASES. 
 
 The term, Yenereal Diseases, is applied to all 
 those affections which are more or less, directly or 
 indirectly, the consequences of sexual intercourse. 
 
108 BIBLICAL niSTORY OF 
 
 As early as two thousand four hundred years 
 before the advent of our Saviour, the Jewisli Law- 
 giver made special laws to prevent or cure diseases 
 arising from sexual intercourse. Showing the evil 
 to have been remarkably prevalent at that period 
 to attract the attention of the government of that 
 ancient people. 
 
 We will examine the thirteenth and fifteenth 
 chapters of Leviticus, impartially, leaving the 
 reader to form his own conclusions. 
 
 Leviticus, Chap. 13 : 2. When a man shall 
 have in the skin of his flesh a rising, a scab, 
 or bright spot, and it be in the skin of his flesh like 
 the plague of leprosy, then he shall be brought unto 
 Aaron the priest, or unto his sons the priests. 
 
 3. And the priest shall look on the plague in the 
 skin of the flesh: and when the hair in the plague 
 is turned white, and the plague in his sight be 
 deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is a plague of 
 leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and 
 pronouce him unclean. 
 
 8. And if the priest see, that behold, the scab 
 spreadeth in the skin, then the priest shall pro- 
 nounce him unclean: it is a leprosy. 
 
 14. But when raw flesh appeareth in him, he 
 shall be unclean. 
 
 15. And the priest shall see the raw flesh and 
 pronounce him unclean: for the raw flesh is unclean: 
 it is a leprosy. 
 
 Whoever will read attentively these two chap- 
 ters, will find that the diseases known as Leprosy 
 and Syphilis, are considered by the ancients one 
 disease. But I shall show that the preceding 
 quotations indicate that the disease was Syphilis, 
 for immediately after, a Bubo is described, which is 
 
ve?:ereal diseases. 109 
 
 the frequent consequence of Syphilis, and never of 
 Leprosy. 
 
 18th verse. The flesh also, in which, even in the 
 skin thereof, was a bile, and is healed. 
 
 19. And in place of the bile there be a white 
 rising, or a bright spot, white, and somewhat red- 
 dish, and it be showed to the priest; 
 
 20. And if, when the priest seeth it, behold, it 
 be in sight lower than the skin, and the hair 
 thereof be turned white, it is a plague of leprosy 
 broken out of the bile. 
 
 The following refer to the disease most known as 
 Gonorrhea, (clap,) and is of a different character 
 from the former: 
 
 Leviticus, chap. 15 : 2. Speak unto the children 
 of Israel, and say unto them. When any man hath 
 a running issue out of his flesh, because of his issue 
 he is unclean. 
 
 3. And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: 
 whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be 
 stopped from his issue, it is his uncleanness. 
 
 16. And if any man's seed of copulation go out 
 from him. (This also proves that the involuntary 
 loss of semen for excessive sexual indulgence was 
 Avell known to Moses.) 
 
 19. And if a woman have an issue, and her issue 
 in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven 
 days. 
 
 The ablution and abstinence enjoined by Moses 
 must have been to prevent or cure affections liable 
 to follow sexual intercourse at that time, and 
 exhibits great sagacity and knowledge of human 
 nature in the promulgator. 
 
 Solomon, 2950 years before Christ, was equally 
 aware of the evil consequences of excessive com 
 
110 VENEREAL DISEABES. 
 
 nierce between the sexes, for in the fifth cliapter, 
 and tliird verse, we find Wisdom admonishes her son 
 thns : For tlie lips of a stranj^e woman drop as a 
 lioneycomV), and her month is smoother than oil. 
 4. Her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two- 
 edged sword. 5. Her feet go down to death. 18. 
 Let thy fonntain be blessed, and rejoiee with the 
 wife of thy youth. 19. Let her be as the loving 
 hind and jjleasant roe ; let her breasts satisfy 
 thee at all times; and be thou ravished with her 
 love. 
 
 Later: St. Paul to the Corinthians, chapter t, 
 It is good for a man not to touch a woman; but 
 if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is 
 better to marry than to burn. 
 
 " In the year 1245, Ubertius, governor of Carrara, 
 died of a lingering disease of his private parts, 
 occasioned by too much venery." 
 
 About the year 1423, a physician of Bologna, 
 says, "that the retention of the poisonous matter 
 lodged between tlie glans and prepuce, after a man 
 has had to do with a foul woman, causes the part 
 to become black, and the substance of the yard 
 mortifies, and that Bubo occurs in the groin in con- 
 sequence." 
 
 A physician of Rome, in 1527, first called it the 
 Venereal Disease." 
 
 Not until 1782 was it demonstrated that Gonor- 
 rhoea and Syphilis were different diseases. The 
 honor of this discovery is due to Benjamin Bell, an 
 English surgeon. 
 
 In 1830, M. Ricord, a Paris surgeon, proved 
 conclusively that a special cause (perfectly inde- 
 pendent of the sexual organs) gave rise to, and 
 occasioned the propagation of Syphilis, showing it 
 
non-viuum;nt diseases. Ill 
 
 to be as distinct a contagious disease by inoculation 
 as is the small-pox. 
 
 NoN-VuiULKNT Affkctionh wiil iMcliulc Gonor- 
 rhcea, Lcucorrhctja (whites), irritation and indannna- 
 tion of tiie organs of generation, excoriations, etc. 
 
 YiuuLENT Affections. — Syphilis is the result of 
 a specific poison. First stage is local, second stage 
 is, when it is absorbed into the system, and may he 
 transmitted to the offspring, l)nt not inocniable; 
 tliird stage is still deeper seated, and affects the 
 deeper seated parts, the bones, etc;., and cannot ))e 
 produced by inoculation, but it will be hereditary. 
 
 NON-VIRULENT DISEASES. 
 
 By tlie terra non-virulent is meant those afifec- 
 tions following (may -exist without sexual inter- 
 course) sexual intercourse, reproducing themselves, 
 contagious by contact with mucous menibnines, hut 
 will not produce the disease by inoculation in the 
 .skin. 
 
 Under this head, first we shall speak of those 
 discharges common to both married and umnarried 
 females. 
 
 It is estimated that four-fifths of the females of 
 Paris have a constant discharge from the vagina. 
 To attribute this to gonorrhoea would be mon- 
 strously absurd. 
 
 Even in this city female discharges are infinitely 
 more common than many imagine, even in virgins: 
 but they must not be attributed to contagion nor 
 sexual intercourse, except in a small minority. 
 
 Yet when these discharges are acrid, they will 
 frequently cause irritation and dischurge from the 
 
112 DISCHARGES OF 
 
 male organ after coition, or occasion abrasion of the 
 glans and prepuce, but which is not gonorrhoea. 
 For example, it frequently occurs from a severe 
 cold that the acrid mucous secretions excoriate the 
 nose and lips, the tears, the eye-lids and cheeks, 
 yet no one ever thinks for an instant that there 
 ought to exist any suspicion of an immoral cause. 
 
 The mucous membrane lining the nose, eyes, 
 mouth, vagina, penis or anus, is one and the same 
 in its character. But if a discharge equally inno- 
 cent, and which would cause no more irritation than 
 the former, should exist in the male or female 
 organs of generation, suspicion is at once aroused, 
 but without a cause. 
 
 Then, from many of the discharges which females 
 labor under, an irritation, excoriation or discharge 
 may occur from coition, in the male organ, and not 
 be a clap— proper — nor have been produced by 
 previous intercourse. 
 
 DISCHARGES PECULIAR TO FEMALES. 
 
 Leucorrhosa is an excessive, and altered secretion 
 of the mucus furnished by the membranes lining 
 the vagina and uterus or womb, generally white or 
 nearly colorless and transparent, without much 
 odor, sometimes gluey or resembling pus, (matter,) 
 or may be yellow, green or slightly bloody, either 
 very thin or quite thick, and may exist for a few 
 days or many years. 
 
 This is an affection among females which is 
 exceedingly common, and which frequently cause a 
 disease in the urethra of the male — even in the staid, 
 sober, pious, and strictly moral man too; but there 
 are those whose piety is questionable, who try to 
 
FKMALES. 113 
 
 filiield themselves behind false assertions, and 
 fla_G;i'ant improbabilities. 
 
 The cases are so rare in whicli persons are hap- 
 pily deceived, that I shall relate one: M , a 
 
 married man, of family; like a certain Congress 
 man, vvhase sympathy induced him to offer a peti 
 tion in Congress for the Relief of Widows and 
 Orphans. 
 
 He said, " Mr. Speaker, (holding a paper in one 
 hand, the other being thrust into his breeches 
 pocket,) I hold in my hand a petition for the relief 
 of Widows and Orphans." A waggish member 
 asked the orator, " In which hand ?" The dif- 
 ference between the- latter and the former gentleman 
 was, that the first had sympathized with a widow 
 only, and that his pungent convictions were that he 
 was not the first who had. also sympathized with the 
 " Lone Widow." 
 
 But the result proved that his fright was occa- 
 sioned by irritation of the urethra from a leucor- 
 rhcea, which terminated the menses. However, to 
 punish him for his waywardness, I let him repent 
 for his sins of commission, by not undeceiving him. 
 
 I must necessarily be brief in the little I have to 
 say upon the treatment of leucorrhcea in either sex, 
 or rather in the female, and the irritation caused 
 by it in the male. Cleanliness is an important item 
 here. In the male all these irritations as stated 
 above, will yield in a day or two with the appro- 
 priate treatment. 
 
 But in the opposite sex, leucorrhcea may depend 
 upon debility or upon the robustness of an inactive 
 life so common among people in easy circumstances, 
 or upon excessive venery or copulation. The bowels 
 .should be kept regular with Turkey rhubarb, and 
 
114 ABiENCl': OF "^ 
 
 frequent injectious into the vagina of warm water 
 should be used. Moderate and out-of-door exer- 
 cise, and j^ood, but not stimulating, diet are also 
 proper. In the robust, a recent affection will be 
 relieved by a cleanliness of the parts, frequent 
 but gentle physic and exercise and low diet. Of 
 course, coition must be prohibited for a time at 
 least. 
 
 I was consulted by a married lady who had suf- 
 fered extremely in body, as well as disappointment 
 from sterility for six years, in consequence of au 
 inveterate leucorrhcca (whites), which to her was 
 almost death, as her whole heart was full of the 
 desire iind hope to have children. After three 
 weeks' treatmeiit — simple treatment — she suspected 
 that the object of her sanguine hopes was attained, 
 as the monthly period had passed without the usual 
 menstruation. 
 
 Time revealed the fact that the " consummation 
 most devoutly to be wished/'' was no longer au 
 uncertainty. 
 
 I am satisfied that a large number of married 
 women arc barren from this cause. 
 
 OF AMENOUmiOEA, OR THE ABSENCE OF MENSTRUATION, 
 
 First. — Amenorrhea of Rentention, in which 
 the function is not performed at the natural time, 
 or at all, of which tliere are tiiree varieties. 
 
 1st, — Non-appearance of the menses in conse- 
 quence of congenital dehciency, or malformation, or 
 strictnral disease of the genital organs. 
 
 2Md, — Want of menstruation, wliere independ- 
 ently of deficiency or malformation, there is either 
 
M EXSTRU ATION. 1 ] 5 
 
 a show and partial development, or an entire 
 absence of puberty. 
 
 ord, — When the function ceases after puberty. 
 
 Second. — Suppression of menstruation after it 
 lias been established for a time, independent of 
 pregnancy or lactation, including two varieties. 
 
 1st, — Recent and acute suppression. 
 
 2nd, — Chronic suppression. 
 
 In a work like this it will the better serve the 
 end for whicli it was written, to give a succinct 
 description of those of more frequent occurrence, 
 leaving th-e rare and extraordinary to our work de- 
 signed for the professional reader alone. 
 
 Suppression of menstruation after puberty may 
 depend upon too great fullness of blood, robust- 
 ness of habit, seldom occurring in those young 
 females who reside in crowded towns or manufac- 
 turing places, but in young ladies of the country 
 who live more naturally, and exercise in the open 
 au\ It more usually occurs in the delicate, irri- 
 table and hysterical. 
 
 Amenorrhoea in females of full habit and costive 
 tendency, is attended with full, heavy oppressive 
 feeling in the head, back and loins, with either 
 great heat of the hands an.d feet, or coldness, witn 
 sudden flashes of heat; drowsiness, dizziness and 
 indisposition to mental or physical exercise. 
 
 The appropriate treatment, will be regular 
 liabits, low diet, and frequent physic. 
 
 The compound Aloetic Pills are an excellent 
 cathartic. Dose, two to five, taken at bed time, 
 twice or thrice a week. 
 
 Amenorrhoea from a delicate, irritable or hys- 
 terical state of the system, is diametrically opposite 
 to the former condition of system; the former being 
 
116 AMEiNOKRHCL'A. 
 
 #■ 
 
 too full of the vitalizing fluid, the latter being not 
 full enough. 
 
 In a young or niicklle aged woman, fleshy, full 
 of blood, high color, the suppression of the uterine 
 function, will be followed by congestion or inflani- 
 niation. While in a delicate woman, thin, spare, 
 of sallow complexion, extremely nervous, the result 
 of suppression would be irritation, attended witli 
 spasms and severe pain, with intervals of ease and 
 quiet. In the former, violent hysterics often follow 
 an attack. In the latter, tJie symptoms — as pain 
 in the head, back, loins, limbs and abdomen, yet it 
 is of a neuralgic or nervous character. The pain 
 attacks hrst one and then another organ, frequently 
 shifting. 
 
 If treatment is resorted to, such as a mustard 
 poultice, or a stimulating and anodyne formenta- 
 tion, the pain is quickly removed from the womb to 
 the head, from the head to the chest, or heart, or 
 bowels. The patient is subject to fits of hysterics 
 and fainting. 
 
 In treating the debilitated female for the sup- 
 pression of the function of menstruation, the two 
 grand objects are to increase the strength and im- 
 prove the general health, and to enrich the blood. 
 This is best accomplished by generous diet, such as 
 is easy of digestion, keeping the bowels regular by 
 means of the compound Aloe pills, and the internal 
 use of iron. The muriated Tincture of Iron taken 
 two hours after meals in half a wine glass of water 
 in the dose of three drops, increasing one drop ])er 
 dose at the end of every three days. An occasional 
 mustard hip bath, cool sponging followed immedi- 
 ately by friction of the surface, to get up a glow, 
 are powerful auxiliaries. 
 
MEmCINES. in 
 
 Of direct applications to the womb, electricity is 
 almost the only means to be used. 
 
 In some of the cases, where, after the condition 
 of the stomach and bowels were healthy, the ame- 
 norrhcea continued with slight paleness and weak- 
 ness, electric shocks passed through the loins 
 quickly induced menstruation. In others, its fre- 
 quent repetition led to a similar result; and instan- 
 ces were not wanting where a shock suddenly 
 produced the flow. Electricity is a powerful agent 
 and must be used with great caution. If preg- 
 nancy be suspected to exist, however strenuously 
 denied by the patient, it ought not to be employed. 
 Doctor Ashwell once ordered it, he says, quite 
 ignorantly, where the suppression depended upon 
 pregnancy cautiously concealed, and abortion oc- 
 curred within an hour. 
 
 OF MEDICINES WHICH EXERT AN INFLUENCE IN 
 RESTORING MENSTRUATION. 
 
 Mercury is a valuable and powerful remedy, but 
 it should only be administered by a competent 
 medical adviser. 
 
 Iron, I have already spoken of. 
 
 Ergot of Rye— rSacale Cornutum. — This medi- 
 cine has wonderful influence upon the pregnant 
 uterus, by producing contraction of that organ, 
 hence it is not safe in the hands of persons who 
 wish to secure themselves from the opprobrium of 
 society, to destroy the evidences of criminal indul- 
 gences. 
 
 Iodine, Madder, Rue, Savine, Scneka-root, Nitre, 
 Digitalis, Gamboge, Serpentaria, Wormwood, Musk, 
 
1 1 8 GONORRHCRA. 
 
 Myrrh, Castor, Valerian, Lavender, etc., etc.; but 
 most of these are simply adjnvants. 
 
 Aloes is the most vahiable emenagogue cathartic, 
 ])rodnciiiG: the most salutary effect upon tlie uterus 
 through the bowels. This is so serious and so com- 
 mon a difficulty, and the results, if neglected, so 
 melancholy, that I most earnestly advise all such 
 sufferers to oljtain early and good medical aid. 
 
 I have seen many — very many, beautiful, talented, 
 and accomplished young ladies go down to prema- 
 ture graves by the cessation of this all important 
 function of the uterine system. 
 
 GONORRHCEA IN THE MALE. 
 
 In France it is commonly known nnder the name 
 of chaude pisse ; in England and in this, country, it 
 is called clap, from the French clapier, which signi- 
 fies a filthy abscess. 
 
 The circumstances which favor its contraction, 
 are a large meatus in the penis, and the fact that, 
 during erection and previous to the ejection of the 
 semen, the orifice of the urethra has a great tend- 
 ency to open, thereby favoring the introduction of 
 the gonorrhceal matter. This undoubtedly occurs 
 previous to emission, otherwise the disease would 
 be more common than it is, i^ H was not forced 
 out of the urethra by the ejaculated semen. 
 
 The symptoms of Gonorrhoea consist in, at first, 
 a sensation between pain and a pleasurable feeling 
 near the end of the penis, just within the urethra, 
 which iVequcntly excites erections. Soon after, 
 however, follows an increase of pain, heat, redness 
 of the meatus, scalding on making water, and a 
 thick yellow or greenish-yellow, discharge from the 
 
PLATE !0 
 
 F>, 20. 
 
GLEET. 121 
 
 firethra. Sometimes, tlierc is great difficulty of 
 passing urine, witli excessive iuflaramation of the 
 eiKl of the penis and prepuce. 
 
 These symptoms are soon followed in many cases 
 by Chordee, which depends upon the loss of elas- 
 ticity of the tissues which surround the urethra, and 
 which during erections do not yield as in health, 
 so that the penis is drawn downwards or bent to 
 either side, exciting great suffering in those whose 
 organs increase much in size during erection. 
 
 In severe cases, cramp, pains in the testicle, a 
 feeling of tightness in the groin, pricking in the 
 perineum below the testicles, and frequent desire to 
 pass water, add to the severity of the case. 
 
 These symptoms increase as the disease travels 
 down the canal. 
 
 These are the more urgent symptoms of the acute 
 
 Chronic Stage — Gleet. — In consequence of no 
 treatment, or that which is inefiQcient, the acute 
 stage degenerates into the chronic, which is known 
 ))y a marked mitigation of all the symptoms of the 
 acute form. The discharge may become thin and 
 vv^atery, or be thick and less copious. In other 
 ^ases, no running is seen during the day, the lips of 
 Uie meatus being merely glued together; the slight 
 discharge upon the linen may only leave a stain like 
 that of gum. It sometimes occurs that the only 
 symptom, and one which is apt to frighten fidgety 
 (nervous) persons, is a discharge of shreds of mucous 
 which resembles false membrane, or bits of vermicelli. 
 
 The Chordee may continue a considerable time 
 after the other symptoms have ceased. 
 
 Occasionally, when the Gonorrhoea is nearly 
 
122 GLEET. • 
 
 well, nocturnal pollutions occur, and not only ocoa* 
 Biou great suffering, but excite a renewal of all the 
 former symptoms. 
 
 Difficulty of making water (micturition) may 
 occur in this stage, which is caused by a spasmodic 
 stricture, or inflammation in the canal, from taking 
 cold. Or an opposite state may supervene. ■ The 
 urethra loses, in part, its power of contracting, so 
 that when the bladder has emptied itself, a small 
 quantity of urine remains in the canal, which it is 
 not able to evacuate, and as soon as the penis 
 hangs in a dependent state it dribbles away, stain- 
 ing the clothes, and is no inconsiderable annoyance 
 to the patient. 
 
 As I treat fully in another place upon Impotency, 
 Seminal Weakness, Masturbation, and Sterility, 
 I will simply state that chronic gonorrhoea, or gleet, 
 will almost invariably cause impotence and sexual 
 debility. The patient should not forget this im- 
 portant truth, that is, that a private disease (vene- 
 real or gonorrhoea) never dries up, or wears out. 
 It will certainly continue or end by producing 
 another disease, if not radically cured. 
 
 I always have some patients — which, unfor- 
 tunately for themselves and wives — can bear wit- 
 ness to this fact. No person, therefore, who has 
 cohabited with any female — other than his wife — 
 should even think of sexual commerce with her, for 
 at least two weeks after the other coition. I cure 
 innocent wives weekly, whose husbands haft3 given 
 them the disease, from not being aware of the 
 necessity of refraining from having to do with them 
 the length of time above stated. I have cured 
 patients who had not cohabited within fifty days, 
 but at the expiration of that time cohabited with 
 
CHORDEE. 123 
 
 their wives, and the next day the disease made its 
 appearance, although they had felt, and the penis 
 had looked perfectly well for the whole time. I 
 have so many cases of disease that does not develop 
 itself till a day or two after cohabiting with their 
 wives, that I fearlessly assert as an indisputable 
 fact, that nine out of every ten females will contract 
 a disease from a man who has cohabited with a 
 diseased woman, though the disease may not be 
 developed for a day or two after the healthy con- 
 nection. As a proof that his wife is pure, no 
 private disease generally develops itself within five 
 or six days after the connection. A chancre (pri- 
 mary syphilis) may show itself — in consequence of 
 an abrasion of the skin of the penis in the act of 
 coition — within twenty-four hours, but under no 
 other cireumstances will it do so. 
 
 In consequence of the immense number of half- 
 cured., constitutional and complicated cases, con- 
 stantly being revealed to me, I think the best 
 advice a person can follow who has been inoculated, 
 is to open the bowels, adopt a spare diet, keep the 
 parts clean with cold water, and apply immediately 
 to a competent physician, but, above all, never use 
 the cfuack or advertised remedies. The hands, and 
 your clothes, must be kept clean and free from any 
 discharge, or your eyes, nose, or anus will be in 
 danger of inoculation, as the smallest possible quan- 
 tity is sufficient to create a disease. 
 
 Chordee. — By following the advice just directed, 
 Chordee will seldom succeed, but when it does, im- 
 mediate attention will be required. As erections 
 are the main cause of suffering, they may be avoided 
 or checked by dispensing with female society, lasci- 
 
124 THE DISEASES OF 
 
 vious thoughts, stimnlatinir and late meals, feather* 
 beds, and much bed-clothing. 
 
 When erections occur use cold bathing to the 
 penis, and put the feet on the cold floor. An emul- 
 sion, containing 5 grains of camphor, and an ciglith 
 of a grain of morphine, (sulphate of morphine,) 
 should be taken at bed-time. The camplior can be 
 pulverized by adding a drop or two of alcohol; 
 sweetened water, syrup, or gum-arabic water, can 
 be used as a vehicle for the medicine, which must 
 be continued as long as the chordee is distressing. 
 
 Retention of Water. — This will sometimes 
 happen, and will be relieved by hot mucilaginous 
 teas drank freely, while a hot poultice is applied to 
 the lower part of the bowels. Should this not 
 succeed, the water must be drawn with the catheter. 
 
 Inflammation of the Keck of the Bladder. — 
 Which is indicated by a frequent and urgent call to 
 make wa.ter, attended with pain on passing the last 
 drops, and which may be mixed with blood. Muci- 
 laginous drinks, low diet, and an enema, containing 
 20 to 30 drops of laudanum, must be thrown into 
 the bowels twice-a-day. If severe, even more active 
 means should be used, for which the advice of a 
 physician will be necessary. 
 
 Buboes. — When Buboes occur in the inflamma- 
 tory stage of Clap, they are only sympathetic, a:.d 
 require a hot poultice, or possibly a few leeches 
 to be applied, and the bowels to be kept open. 
 Sometimes, however, this class of buboes — especially 
 if the patient is of a scrofulous diathesis — are of the 
 most obstinate kind. 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. ] 2;j 
 
 SWELLED TESTICLE. 
 
 Generally, during the continuance erf Gonorrhoea, 
 if the patient is at all observant of his symptoms, 
 he will feel pain in the perineum, accompanied by a 
 dull, heavy, aching sensation in the groin and along 
 the course of the chord of the testicle, and finally a 
 settled pain in the upper and back part of the 
 scrotum, (bag,) so t'hat the hardness and swelling 
 can be traced with the thumb and finger for a con- 
 siderable distance along the cord. If the patient 
 frets the organ by walking, or takes cold, the 
 swelling is rapidly increased, the suffering on the 
 slightest motion is excruciating. Often during 
 sleep the suffering is suddenly rendered almost 
 insupportable by the occurrence of nocturnal emis- 
 sions. The semen may be accompanied with blood, 
 which sometimes gives temporary relief. 
 
 When the inflammation runs high, there will be 
 fever, dry skin, furred tongue, hard quick pulse, 
 pain in the testicle and belly (abdomen), sometimes 
 constipation, accompanied with vomiting. But 
 notwithstanding these severe symptoms, patients 
 seldom die of this affectiom. 
 
 The causes which excite this disease are cold, 
 falling of mumps, fatigue, damp weather, sexual 
 intercourse, and particularly are these causes more 
 apparent, after gonorrhoea, which leaves the organs 
 of generation very susceptible to slight influences. 
 The inflammation in the uretlira may travel to the 
 testicle directly. 
 
 Sv/elled testicles seldom occurs during the inflam- 
 matory stage of gonorrhoea, therefore I advice early 
 and powerful means, which, instead of creating the 
 disease of this sensitive organ, cures the primary 
 
126 THE CONORRHCEA OF 
 
 condition of the uretlia, thereby precluding the po* 
 pibility of its occurrence. Tlie cord leading into 
 the abdomen from the upper part of tiie testicle 
 may also swell and be painful. 
 
 To prevent the difficulty, Gonorrhua should be 
 cured as early as possible, and when there has been 
 uneasiness in the organ, a supensary bandage to 
 liold up the part should be worn. When the diffi- 
 culty has taken place, staying at home is of but 
 little use unless the recumbent posture is perse ver- 
 ingly maintained, and the testicle supported, as its 
 own weight will help to aggravate the inflammation 
 and augment the pain. The diet must be low, and 
 all spirituous liquors, beer, etc., must not be allowed. 
 The gonorrhoea — which is the usual cause of swelled 
 testicle — will re-appear, or increase, as the swelling 
 decreases, for it is a singular fact, that the discharge 
 may cease during the whole time of the swelling of 
 the testicle. 
 
 GLEET. 
 
 A Gonorrhoea, unaccompanied with pain in urmat- 
 ing, is properly a chronic one, and a gleet is a 
 slight discharge just before urinating, or may be 
 only on rising in the morning. It will sometimes 
 be so slight, that the lij)s of the urethra or meatus 
 are glued or stuck together. This is often the case, 
 when a stricture has formed. Chordee may con- 
 tinue for a long time after the original disease is 
 entirely eradicated, unless it is also removed by the 
 proper treatment. It is a very usual occurrence 
 for me to cure patients who have been under treat- 
 ment for even twenty years, yet hi nineteen cases 
 out of every twenty, I can cure them in two days, 
 and often one. 
 
THE FEMALE. . 12t 
 
 This coucludes what I have to say upon Gon 
 orrhcea in the male, except a few words upon 
 Gonorrhceal Rheumatism, and Sore Eyes. 
 
 It is a most remarkable fact — and one, the solu- 
 tion of which is far from beinj^ clear, or satisfac- 
 tory — that a person who has been affected with 
 Gonorrhoea, for only a few weeks' even, will often 
 suffer from Rheumatism and Sore Eyes. And what 
 is more remarkable than that wdiich I have just 
 stated, is, that the only successful treatment for 
 this sort of constitutional or sympathetic disease, is 
 the same, as the one I adopt in curing constitu' 
 tional Syphilis. The rheumatic affection, will very 
 often continue for a long time after the local one 
 has been cured. When the eyes are inoculated 
 with the gonorrhceal virus, the rapidity and violence 
 of the disease will destroy them in twenty-four 
 hours even, if an heroically prompt treatment is not 
 at once adopted, 
 
 GONORRHCEA IN THE FEMALE. 
 
 This affection is scarcely different — except in a 
 few particulars — in its effects and symptoms in the 
 female than in the male. As the female organs of 
 generation are directly opposite in construction in 
 the sense that they are calculated to receive the 
 male organ, the capacity alone, renders the symj> 
 toms and suffering from gonorrhoea in the female 
 much less urgent and less severe. 
 
 In fact, a female may have a discharge and even 
 a gouorrhcea, and know nothing of its existence 
 except from the stains found upon her linen. 
 
 The usual symptoms, are heat, uneasiness, dis- 
 charge, and sometimes, but not always, smarting 
 while (micturating) making water. 
 
128 . THE DISEASES CP 
 
 As Uic disetise is purely local, the general sys* 
 tern is bat little affected. The spirits and digestion 
 may flag for a time, and the internal lips may be 
 swollen, red and painful; but no difficulty will 
 attend passing the water. On opening the inner 
 lips, (nymphffi,) a thick yellow, or greenish-yellow 
 matter will be observed issuing from the parts. 
 When, however, the disease is situated in the 
 urethra, there will be some pain in passing urine, 
 but not so severe as in the opposite sex, for the 
 canal is short and much larger. 
 
 When the gonorrhoia is deep in the vagina, or in 
 the uterus, (womb,) the cure is not so rapid, (in 
 fact, is sometimes almost incurable,) as when less 
 deep, or in the urethra. Frequent injections of 
 water, to thoroughly cleanse the parts, is of the 
 utmost importance. The female syringe should be 
 of medium size, and bent at an obtuse angle, to 
 enable the patient to use it herself. The injection 
 should be gently thrown into the vagina; the beak 
 of the instrument having been passed two or three 
 inches, while the patient is in a bath, or on the 
 edge of a seat. To retain it a few minutes, it will 
 be necessary to lay upon the back with tlie hips 
 slightly elevated. 
 
 When the affection is in the outer portion of the 
 vagina, dry lint, or soft linen cloth may be passed 
 into the canal after injections have been used, to 
 keep the irritated and inflamed surfaces apart, 
 which will have a salutary effect. 
 
 In deep-seated inflammation of the iinier lips, or 
 nympha), suppuration will sometimes take pj-ace. 
 The matter which forms, will produce a large «-uJ 
 painful swelling of the part. 
 
WM 
 
THE CxEXERATIVE ORGANS. 131 
 
 EXCORIATIOX OF THE GENITALS. 
 
 Under this head I shall treat of all simple abra- 
 bIoiir, fretting- or chafing of the organs of genera- 
 tion in both sexes. 
 
 Excoriation, and little water, or other pimples 
 are very common in some persons. They are 
 cansed by gonorrhoea or syphilis, not having been 
 tlioro"ughly eradicated — an irritation in the ure- 
 thra — or by excessive sexual intercourse. It is 
 more common in newly married people, and they 
 should regard it as a kind warning against a too 
 free indalgence in the pleasures of the honey-moon, 
 by that prudent old matron, Dame Nature. For 
 those who heed not, shall suffer the penalty of her 
 stern laws. 
 
 STRICTURE. 
 
 Stricture is a common result of gleet, or a gonor- 
 rhoea, long contin-ued. 
 
 A stricture is a lessening of the natural size of 
 the urethra. 
 
 Sir Astley Cooper's classification of strictures hns 
 been followed by most of the eminent surgical 
 writers since his day, viz. : — the Permanent, the 
 Spasmodic, and the Inflammatory. 
 
 OF SPASMODIC STRICTURE. 
 
 Sir Benjamin Brodie has so graphically and cor- 
 rectly described this form of the complaint, that I 
 shall quote his own words : " A man who is other- 
 wise healthy, voids his urine one day in a full stream. 
 On the following day, perhaps, lie is exposed to cold 
 
132 THE DISEASES OF 
 
 and damp ; or lie dines out, and forgets, amid the 
 company of Lis friends, tlie quantity of champaignc, 
 or puncli, or other liquor, containing a combination 
 of alcohol with a vegetable acid, which he drinks. 
 On the next morning he finds himself unable to 
 void his urine. If you send him to bed, apply 
 warmth, and give him Dover's powder; it is not 
 improbable that in the course of a few hours the 
 urine will begin to flow. After the lapse of a few 
 more hours you give him a draught of infusion 
 of senna and sulphate of magnesia, and wken this 
 has acted on the bowels, he makes water in a full 
 stream." 
 
 As the affection is purely a local one, general 
 treatment cannot be relied on too much, as no time 
 should be lost. The emergency in such cases are 
 great, and require prompt and efficient action. 
 
 Under all such circumstances, I advise that a 
 ])hysician should be called if practicable. The 
 object and aim of these pages is not to discourage 
 or depreciate the services of physicians, but, on the 
 contrary, to elevate the standard of the profession 
 in the estimation of the public, and particularly 
 with that unfortunate class who may have fallen 
 into the greedy grasp of medical vultures, whose 
 scent for gold is prodigiou-s and unerring. 
 
 INFLAMMATORY STRICTURE. 
 
 This form of stricture arises usually in the acute 
 stage of Gonorrhoea, or from the improper violence 
 in tlie use of the catheter or bougie. The symi)toms 
 are fever, pain, and inability to make water. 
 Sliould a few drops escape, tlie torture is intense. 
 
 Lec«:hes to the groin may be necessary, but 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS, 133 
 
 asaally a free use of the infusion of salts and senna, 
 and a warm, sitting bath, will give relief in a few 
 hours. After the water flows, barley water, gum- 
 arabic water, flax-seed tea, are all that will bo 
 required. Instruments must be avoided. 
 
 Young men are almost the exclusive subjects of 
 this form of stricture. 
 
 The frequency of the attack will depend very 
 much upon the irritable condition of the system. 
 The difiiculty is a spasm of the urethra near the 
 bladder, and sometimes the suddenness of the attack 
 and the severity of the symptoms are extremely 
 alarming to the poor sufferer and his surrounding 
 friends. The simple form which Sir Benjamin has 
 BO beautifully described, and which we have just 
 quoted, may become greatly aggravated and require 
 further treatment. 
 
 The desire to make water occurs without the 
 ability to accomplish it. After several unsuccessful 
 attempts, the patient becomes alarmed — he now 
 suffers great distress in the region of the bladder, 
 and not unfrequently pain is felt in the end of the 
 penis. The efforts to make water are now constant 
 and beyond his control, the muscles of the abdomen 
 contract violently, and the restlessness and con- 
 tortions of the body from pain, are agonizing to 
 behold. The face is flushed, the tongue coated with 
 a white fur, the pulse hard and bounding, the skin 
 hot, and the countenance of the patient is indicative 
 of the most excruciating suffering 
 
 PERMANENT STRICTURES. 
 
 In th-e present form under consideration, it will 
 be borne in mind, is found that unpleasant difficulty 
 
134 THE DISEASES OF 
 
 which is j^eiicrally undorstood by tiic common term 
 Stricture. 
 
 It is usiially the result of chronic ixonorrhoca, but 
 may occur from any other inflammation, or from 
 injury. It is quite common in cases of seminal 
 weakness. 
 
 This form of stricture may depend npon an 
 alteration of the surface of the mucous membrane, 
 of tlie narrow canal or urethra, or upon a thickening 
 of tliat membrane : in either case there exists a, 
 mechnnical obstacle to the passage of the urine. 
 
 It is unnecessary to enumerate, in a popular 
 work like this, the various alterations of stricture, 
 from ulceration, fungus or warty excrescences, etc., 
 as it will be of but little practical value to the 
 unprofessional reader. 
 
 The situation of Stricture is more commonly met 
 with in the membranous and bulbous portions of the 
 canal, near the neck of the bladder; but any part 
 of tlie urethra may be their seat. 
 
 The accompanying cuts will give a correct idea 
 of Strictures, although they are generally more 
 simple- 
 
 SYMPTOMS OF STRICTURE. 
 
 Persons may have Stricture for a long time if 
 they are inattentive, or ignorant of the earlier 
 symptoms of its incipient stage. Tlie water ])asses 
 with less freedom than natural, and finally the 
 stream becomes smaller and smaller, and spirts 
 out in several spiral or cork-screw streams, soiling 
 the clothes or drop])ing upon th-c feet of the patient 
 drop by drop, requiring time and patience to evacu- 
 ate the bladder. Sometimes persons have no 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 137 
 
 control over their hydraulic powers, there being an 
 almost constant dribbling away of water. 
 
 In chronic bad cases, the prostate gland, neck 
 of the bladder, ureters and kidneys, become in- 
 flamed, ulcerated or gangrened, gravel and stone 
 will be formed, and the rest of his short life be 
 almost intolerable. The prostate gland will sup- 
 purate, and it has long been observed, (and I have 
 cured many such cases,) in bad cases of stricture, 
 the urethra becomes so impervious during erection, 
 that the sperm cannot be ejaculated, but escapes 
 with the urine when the penis is flaccid. 
 
 Gleet may be the only symptom of stricture; 
 therefore it often leads one to the cause of a long 
 continued running, which may assume all the ap- 
 pearance, at times, of genuine clap. Sometimes, 
 nothing but little shreds of mucous is discharged 
 resembling, by the magnifying powers of a hypo- 
 chondriacal imagination, vermicelli or worms. 
 
 This bug-bear is held up in silly and injurious 
 books, to frighten patients to apply to the quacks, 
 who practices copious depletion of the Purse; and 
 the practice is wonderfully efficacious, allaying all 
 apprehension of the devouring propensities of these 
 animals. 
 
 M. Ricord, a French Surgeon of great eminence 
 on Venereal and Genito-Urinary Diseases, says, 
 " I am well aware, that strictures are often more 
 quickly cured in proportion as they are early 
 treated." But I have permanently relieved strict- 
 tures which had existed for ten to twenty years, in 
 nearly as many minutes. 
 
 The practice of allowing instruments to remain 
 in the bladder during the night, as well as their 
 frequent use, are not only unnecessary, but exceed- 
 
138 THE DISEASES OF 
 
 ingly miscliievous. I am often consulted by per* 
 sons who have pursued such a pernicious course of 
 treatment, who labor under all the distressing 
 symptoms of irritation of the neck of the bladder, 
 or from chronic inflammation of the prostate gland 
 and bladder. 
 
 I shall not go into a discussion of the pathologi 
 cal results of the treatment of stricture by the use 
 of the bougie. 
 
 It has been my design from the first time I put 
 my pen to paper in view of writing a practical 
 treaties, to avoid enticing indulgence in theories 
 and vain speculation. 
 
 The genius of th-e age, is practical, and especially 
 so in this Yankee part of Christendom, wnen all 
 the elements and nature are whipped into the traces, 
 and guided by the practical hand in the race of 
 wind, steam and lightning. Truly, the awful thun- 
 der-bolts of heaven have been tamed, and are 
 being sent at will, by the commands of the humble 
 creature, man. 
 
 DISEASE OF THE PROSTATE GLAND, 
 
 Symptoms. — Those who labor under disease of the 
 prostate gland, experience uncomfortable or painful 
 sensations in the affected parts, or in the space 
 between the scrotum and anus, or near the margin 
 of the latter, which vary in different individuals, 
 and the extent of the disease. The symptoms are 
 increased during the evacuation of the bowels, or 
 urine, also after exertion on foot or horseback, or 
 vehicle riding. Tlie sufferer experiences frequent 
 and urgent desire to urinate, which is often felt so 
 suddenly that it is irresistible; he will feel more or 
 less pain near the neck of the bladder, particularly 
 
m 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 141 
 
 at the commencement and termination of the flow 
 of urine. He will feel as though there was more 
 urine coming out, but he will not see it till after 
 the penis becomes pendant. 
 
 Such cases are extremely common in aged men, 
 or those who have abused the sexual function. 
 The patients often suffer from Stricture, or some- 
 times almost obliteration of the urethra, within an 
 inch or so of the prostate. I have cured many 
 patients of this complaint. 
 
 Chronic Inflammation of the Neck of the 
 Bladder. — It is evident that there is a close afiinity 
 between diseases of the prostatic portion of the 
 urethra and those of the neck of the bladder. In- 
 flammation of the urinary canal, may not only 
 extend along its whole extent from the external 
 orifice, but to the neck of the bladder, prostate 
 gland, orifices of the seminal ducts, seminal recepta- 
 cles, deferent ducts, and testicles, but also along the 
 inner or mucous surface of the bladder, hence along 
 the ureters, and from these to the kidneys. There 
 are some superficially informed physicians who con- 
 sider Gonorrhoea a very trifling disease, but their 
 ignorance can only estimate its commonest symp- 
 toms. This distressing complaint will often last a 
 lifetime, as I have before stated. It often lays 
 the foundation of many incurable diseases, not only 
 oi" the genito-urinary organs, but likewise of those 
 iu the head, chest, and abdomen. Purulent dis- 
 charges are almost always present in diseases of the 
 prostate and bladder. A severe cold, excessive 
 use of spirituous liquors, or too frequent coition, 
 will probably be the first warning the patient wil! 
 have of his unfortunate situation. 
 
142 THE DISEASES OP 
 
 I will here warn persons ap;ainst the habit of re- 
 taining the urine in the bladder after nature has 
 exhibited, by the desire, the fact tliat her calls 
 should be attended to, and the bladder should be 
 evacuated at once. 
 
 Irritation of the Testes. — When the testicles 
 are excited or irritated, they secrete a much greater 
 quantity of semen than in an ordinary condition; 
 and this sperm is more watery and much less 
 elaborated, and remains a shorter time in its recep- 
 tacles, in which its watery parts are absorbed, 
 while it is much more promptly evacuated, because 
 the seminal receptacles are more sensitive to its 
 excitement, and therefore more readily contract. 
 This causes impoteucy in many men, as the penis no 
 sooner touches the female genitals than the semen 
 oozes out, the erection of course goes down, and 
 will probably remain so for hours. And then, when 
 again erected, they are subjected to the same dis- 
 appointment and mortification. Hundreds of young 
 and old men, newly married, have been placed in tliis 
 horrible situation for weeks without accomplishing 
 the marital duties, and then — notwithstanding their 
 persevering efforts — have been obliged to apply to 
 me to cure them. I have at least one or two such 
 patients, always under my care. It is not necessary 
 for me to ever hint at the situation of the poor 
 female, who has been tantalized for such a great 
 length of time, for I cannot think there is a man 
 heartless enough to marry if he is aware of his 
 unfortunate situation. Tiie object of this work is 
 to guard and enlighten Doth sexes. 
 
 It is evident from tiie foregoing statements, that 
 the kidneys, ureters, bladder, vesiculae seminal&s 
 
Fig: 28. 
 
 Ft.^; 29 
 
 Fig. 28. The Scrotum distondi-d to its utmost 
 extent, and the position of the fluid. The Penis is 
 almost always more oi- less drawn up, and in severe 
 cases it appears drawn up so as scarcely to be per* 
 ceptible. 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGAN'S. I'lo 
 
 and testicles, are under the influence of tbc samo 
 causes, which produce the same effect. 
 
 Varicocele and Hydrocele. — Arise from maS' 
 turbation, venereal excesses, diseases, etc. We 
 often see venous enlargements of the spermatic 
 cord from all such causes. Circocde and Varicocele 
 generally occur from the adult to old age, from these 
 causes. 
 
 Diseases of the Kidneys and Ureters. — The 
 same excesses will disease these organs. 
 
 Infiltration of Urine, caused by stricture or 
 inflammation, will soon destroy the Testes, Scrotum, 
 and Penis, and, of course, terminate in death. 
 
 Hemorrhoidal and other circum-anal diseases arise 
 from the same causes. 
 
 Irritation of the Vagina and Uterus frequently 
 causes Sterility, Schirrus, and Cancer occasionally. 
 Venereal excesses of whatever kind will produce 
 Uterine Hcemorrhage. 
 
 Vegetations. — The urethra and vaginal discharge 
 is so acrid in many cases as to excoriate the labia, 
 and to give rise to excrescences or vegetations, 
 which sometimes is succeeded by ulceration or 
 sloughing. 
 
 Phymosis and Paraphymosis. — When the pre- 
 puce is inflamed and swollen, so that it cannot be 
 drawn behind the glans penis, the disease is termed 
 Phymosis ; and when this part, after it has been 
 drawn behind the glans, and cannot be drawn over 
 it, the disease is called Paraphymosis. In either 
 case, there is danger of inflammation, sloughing 
 (mortification), and more or less destruction of the 
 
146 THE DISEASES OF 
 
 penis. In cases of phymosis, when the glans can. 
 not be uncovered, the internal membrane of the 
 prepuce becomes inflamed from the accumuhition 
 of the natural secretion, or from tlie acrid matter 
 of chancres, or urethritis, and an artificial opening 
 may be caused by ulceration. 
 
 There is natural or congenital phymosis, which 
 impedes the urine; also in adults, compressing the 
 glans, (head of penis,) during erection, thereby 
 preventing proper sexual commerce. In case the 
 contraction of the prepuce is so small as to obstruct 
 the evacuation of urine, after it has escaped from 
 the urethra, irritation, inflammation, or sloughing, 
 will ensue. Cases of rapid sloughing, and destruc- 
 tion of the penis in aged and other persons, are 
 quite frequent. All persons thus aflfected, should 
 immediately apply for proper treatment. I relieve 
 many such persons, in a simple manner, without 
 leaving any traces of their former trouble very 
 quickly, so that in a day or two they are well. 
 
 Enlargement of the Epididymus and Spermatic 
 CoRD.-^This disease often follows inflammation of 
 the testicle, and may impede the transmission of the 
 semen to its proper receptacles. 
 
 Syphilis. — History of the Symptoms of Vene- 
 real Diseases. — I have already stated that vene- 
 real diseases are divided into two orders; to the 
 first, I have sufficiently directed the attention of 
 my readers. Tiiere remains, however, the second 
 division, which is vastly of more importance, if con- 
 sidered in relation to the general and constitutional 
 results, which are the direct consequence of the 
 primary affection. 
 
PLATE li 
 
 tut 30 
 
 Fia 31 
 
 K^f 32 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 140 
 
 Syphilis is a virulent aflFection, the essential 
 character of which is its dependence upon a special 
 cause, or a distinct vims. The first stage includes 
 primary symptoms, as Chancre, (a pimple or ulcer,) 
 the specific cause, from the special virus or poisonous 
 matter whicli has been deposited. The second stage 
 embraces constitiUional symptoms, which follow as a 
 consequence of absorption of the virus, and which is 
 hereditary, and in my opinion capable of transmis- 
 sion by inoculation. Example, various affections 
 of the skin, and mucous membranes, Enlargement 
 of the Glands, Scrofula, etc. The third stage com- 
 prehends Tertiary symptoms, which can be trans- 
 mitted, and is hereditary. This is the stage that 
 principally affects the bones. 
 
 The destructive effects of the Yenereal Disease is 
 becoming so generally known, that it is unneces- 
 sary to describe them minutely, though there are 
 many persons even yet, who do not estimate the 
 full extent of their direful consequences on health, 
 reproduction, and longevity; A close and exten- 
 sive observation in different institutions, established 
 for the cure of venereal diseases, as well as a very 
 extensive private practice for many years, has 
 enabled me to bring the treatment of the various 
 forms of these formidable maladies, almost to per- 
 fection. My present purpose is not to give a 
 minute account of all the ravages of these horribly 
 disgusting and malignant complaints, I shall con- 
 fine myself, therefore, to a few general remarks on 
 their primary and constitutional effects on the 
 human body, in the different conditions of life. 
 
 Primary SYMPTvnis. — The first appearance of 
 Syphilis, is a small vesicle on the glans, prepuce, or 
 
l50 THE DISEASES OF 
 
 other part of the penis and testicles of the male, or 
 on the hxbia, vagina, or uterns, of the female. This 
 is called a Chancre. It arises from the a})plication 
 of the syphilitic virus, on a delicate or abrased sur- 
 face, from which it is speedily absorbed, in the same 
 manner as the virus of a rabid animal, the virus of 
 small-pox, or of vaccination — only not in so rapid 
 a manner — is conveyed into the body. The whole 
 system becomes sooner or later infected, and a vast 
 number of diseases are developed. Amongst these 
 are Buboes or Venereal Swellings of the glands of 
 the groin, ulceration of the throat, a vast number 
 of cutaneous eruptions, which at first are generally 
 of a copper color, though they may assume the 
 natural appearances of ordinary skin diseases. 
 These symptoms are accompanied or succeeded by 
 pains of the shin and other long bones, as the arms, 
 and even the bones of the head, which are greatly 
 aggravated at night, (I now have two patients that 
 were so situated,) so as to prevent sleep, destroy 
 the appetite and general health, and are often fol- 
 lowed by inflammation and swelling of some por- 
 tions of the periosteum, most commonly on the tibia 
 or shin, instep, back, or palm of the hand. Bones 
 thus affected are termed Nodes. 
 
 In numerous cases there is partial or total des- 
 truction by ulceration of the virile membQi*6, and 
 of the female genitals, of the palate, cartilages of 
 the nose, warts, vegetations or excrescences on the 
 glans penis, or labia pudendi, various abscesses, 
 pustules and fissures in different parts of the body; 
 there are nervous, neuralgic and rheumatic pains, 
 falling off of the hair, phthisis, and very frequently 
 death closes the scene. Vision is often destroyed 
 by the form of ophthalmia, (iritis,) there are severe 
 
34. 
 
 PLATE Ifi, 
 35. 36. 
 
 39. 
 
 41. 
 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 1,53 
 
 pains in tlie bones, enlargement termed exostosis, 
 and sometimes caries or mortification, and at other 
 times, brittleness of tlie bones, which cause them to 
 fracture on the slightest occasion. 
 
 The ravages of Syphilis are often hideous, and 
 when the destruction has become extensive, is some- 
 times incurable. In other cases, supposed to be 
 cured, the disease remains latent in the constitution 
 for many years, is transmitted to the offspring, or 
 destroys the foetus in the womb. Sometimes it 
 .causes sterility. We often observe this disease in- 
 ducing infecundity and death. In some cases, there 
 is ulceration of the parts, between the bladder and 
 vagina, and the latter and rectum, so that the urine 
 and foeces are evacuated through the vagina, form- 
 ing a most loathsome and painful disease. 
 
 When the venereal contamination of either pa- 
 rent is very considerable, though not apparent, the 
 infant will be born dead, between the seventh and 
 eighth month, in a state of putrefaction. It often 
 happens that women have six or eight infants in 
 rapid succession, which are born dead and decom- 
 posed, in consequence of partially cured syphilis in 
 the father. A man who has no external sign of 
 syphilis, and who has been declared cured by his 
 physician, and advised to marry, may contaminate 
 his wife and offspring in various degrees, so that his 
 infant may be born feeble, or covered around the 
 genitals or mouth with red or dark copper-colored 
 eruption. This may appear soon after birth. In 
 primary syphilis of the mother, the infant will be 
 liable to come in contact with the venereal sore, 
 which would cause a chancre on the lip, eye, etc. 
 A sore on the hp of the infant would infect the 
 nipple of a healthy woman, who would then infect 
 
154 RECOXnARY 
 
 every one toiicliirii^ it. Gonorrliceal ophthalmia, 
 will he contracted by the infant during its nativity 
 — if the mother is infected — and will lose its sight 
 in a few days unless proper and prompt treatment 
 is adopted. 
 
 A female can, and should be cured of gonorrhoea 
 when pregnant, so that the infant will not be 
 affected, (I now have a case of the kind,) but thi 
 fatus cannot be purified of hereditary syphilis. 
 The mother, however, should be treated without 
 dehiy. 
 
 A man may be relieved of a gonorrhoja, and be 
 affected in no otiier way, excepting a slight gleet, 
 or a thin watery discharge from the urethra, for 
 years, but if he gets married or cohabits with a 
 healthy woman, he will infect her. The frequency 
 of venereal complaints is much greater than the pub- 
 lic imagine. 1 very often cure boys and girls tiiat 
 have scarcely arrived at puberty even. Young and 
 diffident persons often conceal their situation, until 
 their disease becomes alarming, and then the suf- 
 ferer will probably apply for advice to advertising 
 empirics, or use quack medicines, which, in nine 
 cases out of ten, allow the disease to poison or 
 destroy the constitution. The proper advice should 
 be sought, and medicines taken on the first appear- 
 ance of the disease, if the afflicted would save 
 themselves from suffering. 
 
 Transmission of the Venereal Virus. — The 
 venereal virus may be transmitted in a few hours, 
 and not in many days. When it is not absorbed at 
 the time of coition, immediate washing of the parts 
 will often prevent infection. I say, if it is not 
 absorbed at the time of coition. What I mean by 
 
PLATE r 
 
SYPHILIS. 167 
 
 this, is, that if the penis is washed before it becomes 
 flaccid, (erection goes down,) infection will often be 
 prevented; but, if the poisonous matter has entered 
 the little follicles or pores of the skin, which are 
 opened in full erection, and close — shutting it in as 
 the penis becomes flaccid — it cannot but be plain to 
 every one, that it is utterly impossible then to pre- 
 vent the development of the disease. The quack 
 washes, therefore, to be used as an injection for the 
 urethra, or external lotion, are mere humbugs, and 
 worse than useless. Wearing a covering for the 
 penis, is the only thing that will prevent inoculation. 
 The conveyance of any venereal matter to a 
 mucous surface, such as the lip, eye, nostril, anus, 
 nipple, or to any part where the skin is tender or 
 broken, will communicate the disease. Excoria- 
 tions of the glans penis, prepuce and labia, are 
 easily distinguished from chancres, and are mere 
 local affections which cannot contaminate the sys- 
 tem. Venereal diseases can be contracted from 
 water-closets, privies, from paper or metalic money, 
 washing in the sau>e wash-dish, wiping on the same 
 towel, or using the same lather-brush and razor. 
 I have cured patients who contracted the disease as 
 above stated. As soon as a pimple or little blister 
 has formed, after an impure connexion, on any part 
 of the genitals, it should be properly treated at 
 once. 
 
 SECONDARY, OR COXSTITUTIONAL SYPHILIS. 
 
 When venereal ulcers or eruptions appear, after 
 a primary sore, on any part of the body, as the 
 face, throat, chest, back, thighs, etc., the constitu- 
 tion is affected, and a judicious treatment must be 
 
158 svriiiLTs. 
 
 employed at once, and continued for months after all 
 symptoms have entirely disappeared. The actual 
 leng^th of time necessary to continue the use of 
 medicines varies in different persons, and no one 
 who is not experienced in this class of diseases can 
 safely give advice regarding it. 
 
 It is important to distinguish pseudo-syphilis 
 from the real disease, which is often a very difficult 
 matter. 
 
 Persons will have secondary syphilis and not 
 have buboes. The symptoms of such a constitu- 
 tional affection may show themselves in eight days, 
 and may not in years, as I have stated. The term 
 secondary is used to designate the morbid phe- 
 nomena which appear on the skin, mucous mem- 
 brane, eye, testicles, etc. When the skin is at first 
 affected, it may appear like measles. The spots, 
 however, will soon lose their rosy color, and 
 assume a coppery hue, or they may disappear 
 altogether. It may first appear in little pimples, 
 or have a scaly appearance, or like chicken-pox, 
 or the pustular form, which is generally very 
 chronic in its course. Tliis form affects the health 
 more than any other. There is another variety 
 which appears on the scalp. A crust is formed 
 around the roots of the hair, which, as often as 
 rubbed off, is reproduced by a thick viscid secre- 
 tion, matting the hair together; it is usually con- 
 fined to a few spots, but the whole hair becomes 
 affected, loses its lustre, gets dry, falls off, and the 
 patient may become bald. The glands in the neck 
 may often be enlarged; it often .accompanies the 
 other forms of secondary syphilis. 
 
 The tubercular form may be little hard tumors, 
 or become ulcers. It may often be seen on the 
 
SYi'Hir.is. 159 
 
 face, nose, or at the angles of the month, around the 
 anus, labia, groin, scrotum, lining of the prepuce, 
 umbilicus, between the toes, and in the arm-pits. 
 When ulcerated, it secretes an acrid matter, which 
 causes irritation, and produces an ofifensive odor; it 
 may remain stationary, or rapidly extend. 
 
 SYPHILITIC AFFECTIONS OF THE MUCOUS MEMBRANE, 
 MOUTH AND THROAT. 
 
 Every portion of mucous membrane which the 
 eye can observe is like the skin, subject to become 
 the seat of secondary symptoms, as the lips, inside 
 of the cheeks, tongue, fauces, and throat; not only 
 the margin of the anus, but the inside of the intes- 
 tine itself, qjso the lining of the prepuce. The vulva, 
 vagina, and neck of the womb are also affected. 
 The tliroat, from its functions, is frequently exposed 
 to changes of temperature, and feels the effects of 
 all excesses. A primary, as well as secondary 
 affection of th*e mouth and throat, may exist. The 
 symptoms of these affections, in the commencement, 
 are only slight irritation or swelling, but if inflam- 
 mation follows, the usual symptoms of sore-throat 
 will occur, and the general symptoms may be severe. 
 
 TERTIARY SYPHILITIC AFFECTIONS. 
 
 This is a more advanced form of syphilis than 
 any we have heretofore mentioned. Most frequently 
 (in shattered constitutions, or in persons reduced 
 by the combined effects of dissipation and bad 
 treatment) some pain is felt in the throat or tongue; 
 there is a thickness of the speech, wdiich at hrs* excites 
 but little attention, but it will soon expose a tawny- 
 
160 SYPHILIS. 
 
 colored ulcer, which may expose the bone, or the 
 palate-bone may be destroyed, and a coniniunk-ation 
 exist between the mouth and nose. The whole 
 back upper part of the mouth will be more or less 
 affected. Not unfrequently pustular eruptions, 
 forming scabs, appear on the extremities, and the 
 general emaciation continues; the countenance has 
 now a cadaverous appearance, and the pulse be 
 speaks the general feebleness of the patient, who, 
 if not relieved by proper treatment, sinks under the 
 combined effects of colliquative sweats, diarrhoea, 
 great suppuration, and want of sleep, from severe 
 pain in the bones and joints, and loss of appetite. 
 Such is a concise sketch of the most frequent form 
 of tertiary syphilitic sore-throat, with its accom- 
 panying symptoms, not to be mistaken when once 
 witnessed. Sometimes little hard tumors, varying 
 in size from that of a pea to a hazel-nut, which, if 
 not properly treated, will soon proceed so that the 
 speech will be very much interfered with. 
 
 SYPHILITIC AFFECTIONS OF THE EYE. 
 
 The eye, like the skin and throat, may become 
 affected by syphilis in each of its different forms- 
 primary, secondary and tertiary. The importance 
 of the organ, and the rapidity with which the dis- 
 ease can destroy the tissues composing it, deserve 
 the particular attention of the reader. 
 
 This affection is usually ushered in by consider- 
 able constitutional disturbance, headache, inability 
 to sleep from constant pain over the brow, which 
 is aggravated in damp weather, and in the evening. 
 The eye cannot bear a strong light, and there u 
 usually more or less redness of the ball or lids. It 
 
PLATE 18. 
 
 Fig 46 
 
 Fig. 4/ 
 
TERTIARY SVrilll-TS. 168 
 
 may appear on the eyelids in the form of nicer 
 ations. 
 
 In a case of direct inoculation of the eye by the 
 primary syphilitic virus, which often happens by 
 carelessness, in not keeping the hands washed clean, 
 or wiping them on a cloth, which should be destroyed 
 after such use. The affection will present nearly 
 the same appearance and condition as a chancre on 
 the genitals, only the discharge from the sore will 
 rapidly spread over the whole eye, and if the 
 patient is not careful while lying down or asleep, it 
 will come in contact with the other eye, and both 
 will be destroyed if the disease is not immediately 
 checked. 
 
 SYPHILITIC AFFECTIONS OF THE TESTICLES. 
 
 Some months after the occurrence of the primary 
 symptoms, the patient will complain of vague pains 
 in one or both testicles, particularly felt toward 
 night, and w^hich shoot upward toward the loins. 
 In some instances no pain is felt, and the patient 
 is surprised at finding one or both testicles gradu- 
 ally enlarging, with a very considerable inconve- 
 nience from their weight. The functions of the 
 organs will become impaired if the disease is not 
 speedily arrested, and the correct treatment fol- 
 lowed up for mouths, so that the disease will be 
 thoroughly eradicated from the system. 
 
 TERTIARY SYPHILIS. 
 
 This constitutional affection is included under the 
 name of Nodes, inflammaiion of the periosteum, 
 exostosis, caries, arul tubercles. Its destructions 
 
164 TERTTAP.V .^YPniTJg. 
 
 are principally confined to the bones. "Wlicn the 
 cellular tissue is affected, small tumors will first be 
 observed, either isolated or occurring on various 
 parts of the body. They may not be noticed much 
 for some months. They may be hard and un- 
 attached to the adjacent structures. It may make 
 its way to the surface, nlccrate, and then heal, but 
 no sooner has one disappeared than another shows 
 itself. 
 
 TERTIARY SYMPTOMS AS THEY OCCUR IN THE OSSEOUS 
 SYSTEM. 
 
 The first symptoms of the aifection of the bones, 
 consists in pain at first vague, or like rheumatism; 
 they will generally become fixed to particular bones 
 sooner or later, and become more severe at night. 
 There are three varieties of Periostitis. 
 
 Ostitis, shows the same preference for particular 
 regions. After having existed a long time without 
 giving other indications of its presence than pain, 
 the swelling it nltimately gives rise to betrays it- 
 self externally. In other cases it may give rise to 
 parenchymatous, exostosis, or hyperostose. 
 
 In the second part of this work will be found a 
 great number of illustrative cases of all the diseases 
 which have been mentioned, in the shape of certifi- 
 cates of cures, and I shall pass on to that part. 
 
 Enough, I think, has been shown to convince the 
 most unthinking individual who may peruse these 
 pages, of tlie evils and miseries induced by venereal 
 abuses, excesses, and diseases. 
 
PLATE 19. 
 
 Fig. 49 
 
 ^^4:^ 
 
 v.: 
 
 £-^' 
 
 fyol 
 
167 
 
 Special Notice of Injuries Received by Patients from Inexpe- 
 rienced Physicians, Quacks, and their Kemedies. 
 
 As we have but this additional page to give the 
 statements of a lew more patients, of the injuries 
 they received from treatment they had submitted 
 to previous to applying to ns, we merety give 
 their initials, and the most dangerous symptoms 
 they were laboring under at the time of such ap- 
 plicatiou. All of them can be seen in full, at our 
 offices, but of course without their names. 
 
 November 15, 1858. — A., Georgia. I have tried this physi- 
 cian, and that, using copaiba, nitrate of silver, and other 
 caustics for seventeen months, till I almost despaired of be- 
 ing cured. I have nocturnal emissions, continual burning in, 
 and discharge from the urethra; my semen is as thin as wa- 
 ter, and can only partially cohabit with a woman. J. L. 0. 
 
 October 26, 1858. — I have a continual desire to pass urine, 
 and cannot retain it; am totally unable to cohabit with a 
 woman ; loose semen nights, with urine, and at stool ; 1 paid 
 about $150 for Triesemar, but received no benefit. C. F., 
 N. Y., April 3. 1858. 
 
 W. N. 13., N. Y., was treated for nine months by one of 
 New York's most eminent professors without benefit, but we 
 cured him in about a month. 
 
 January 19, 1858. — R. T. B., Va., applied with noctui'nal 
 emissions weekly ; total paralysis of the penis ; muddy and 
 shredy urine ; pain and constant desire to pass it, day and 
 night ; yellowish discbarge from the urethra, after using 
 acids or stimulents, or with a cold ; scrotum relaxed, and 
 testes swollen ; sleeplessness, giddiness, acidity of and wind 
 in stomach, and bowels ; gloomy. Had been confined to the 
 house a number of months, though he had been under the 
 treatment of a number of the best physicians, more or less, 
 for years. We cured him in a few mouths. 
 
 November 30, 1857. — \V. R.. Iowa, came with nocturnal 
 emissions every week ; weak back ; a tea-spoonful of a 
 sandy looking sediment in -the urine that stood over night ; 
 constant desire to pass urine night and day ; partial erec- 
 "tions ; iritis ; had been cauterized a number of times ; cured 
 by us in four months. 
 
PART II. 
 
 PARTICULAR CAUTION. 
 
 Avoid all quack or advertised remedies for any disease, espe- 
 cially venereal, and all of tlie instruments advertised to cure 
 Seminal Emissions, as they are injurious quack humbugs. 
 
 Within tlie past year or two, there have arisen a number of 
 muslu-oom doctors, pretending to be from Hospitals in tlie dif- 
 lerent cities of Europe, or students of eminent men, such as 
 Ilicord, Acton, etc., etc., using their medicines,- m-cdicated 
 bougies, rectum suppositories, etc., etc., whose injured and 
 uncured patients we are curing every week. Another caution, 
 to save yourselves from imposition in our own building, bo 
 certain you see our No., 047 Broadway, and tlie silver plates 
 on each side of the door, stating the " Physician's Consulting 
 Rooms are on the second floor," where, upon ascending the 
 stairs, as directed, you will see our names upon silver door 
 plates, cu the doors of the offices. 
 
169 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 This work has been hastily prepared, in fact, waa uot 
 oommenced until within the last few months, except the 
 cases taken from my note-book, and has been prose- 
 cuted amidst the most pressing professional engage- 
 ments. Notwithstanding these disadvantages, I flatter 
 myself that it will answer much of its intended pur- 
 poses. These purposes are, mainly — 
 
 To place before the reflecting public as unexceptiona- 
 ble a work as may be, compatible with the unpleasant 
 topic treated : 
 
 To supply a desideratum in popular medical litera 
 ture, great care has been taken to simplify the sub- 
 ject in plain language, divested of technicalities and 
 exceptionable phraseology : 
 
 Avoiding everything calculated to excite the passiona 
 or administer to an impure appetite for vulgar books, 
 which, however, seems not to have been the aim of most 
 writers on kindred subjects : 
 
 To, finally, introduce to the family and social circles 
 in a modest garb, a timely Adviser against the deplora- 
 ble consequences of Onanism — that most fatal and per- 
 nicious habit of youth— that dreadful scourge of hu- 
 manity — that untimely Destroyer — 
 
 " He, the younjr and strong, who cherish'd 
 
 Noble longings for the strife. 
 By the road-side fell and perisk'd, 
 
 Weary with the march of life !" 
 
170 
 
 By thus warning, I do not purpose to cast a gloom 
 over the minds of sensitive suflferers, but to promise 
 hope, rcMef and per&ct restoration, even iu the most un- 
 happy state of extreme debility ; from my vast expe- 
 rience and truly wonderful success in curing the moat 
 unpromising subjects of Spermatorhoea and other dis- 
 eases of a private nature — 
 
 "The miserable have no other mrdioine, 
 But only hope." 
 
 But it is always advisable to seek relief early, thereby 
 avoiding much unuecessas-y suffering. 
 
 The deplorable condition of the nervous system in- 
 duced by the depressing, d-3gradiug, demoralizing and 
 disorganizing habit of Self-Pollution, in so many cases, 
 causes that unhappy irritability of temper, melancholy 
 dejection, moroseness, and finally that intellectual imbe- 
 cility which terminates in an awful wreck of the men- 
 tal and physical organism. It is not the object of the 
 author to paint the effects of Onanism in the deepest 
 dyes, to horrify young imaginations ; bu-t to warn— to- 
 day — now — for to-morrow the shafts of disorganization 
 may have been sunk too deeply into the system, ever to 
 DC removed by the Healing Art. 
 
 New York, 1852. THE AUTHOR. 
 
.171 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Throughout the present work, to prevent too fre» 
 quent repetition, I shall use Spermatorhoea, to designate 
 the disease consequent upon the habit of self-abuse ; in 
 shorty any undue loss of semen, from whatever cause. 
 
 A sufficient number of cases will be inserted to illus- 
 trate the various effects of Onanism upon the different 
 temperaments, or the peculiarities of age, sex, or consti- 
 tutional predisposition to diseased action. 
 
 The afflicted cannot expect to obtain, from any work 
 on medical subjects, a sufficient knowledge of disease, in 
 its different phases, complications and results, to be able 
 to treat themselves. 
 
 From the intimate association of one organ and its 
 functions with others, and from the harmony existing 
 throughout the whole frame, a part of the animal 
 economy, however small it may be, cannot scarcely be 
 disordered without causing deranged action in other 
 parts; no modification can occur without involving in 
 its changes other organs, and disordering their functions 
 also. 
 
 Even medical men, generally, are wholly incompe- 
 tent to advise and treat successfully the affection under 
 consideration. 
 
 It may not be egotistical for me to remark here, *-hai 
 
 am fully aware of the importance of the subject, and 
 that, from my long and special attention exclusively lo 
 the treatment of thousands of patients afflicted with 
 
172 
 
 Spermatorhcea and other sexual comiJaiuts, and that, 
 too, with the most flattering success ; that it is probably 
 as well that this task was left to me by the profession. 
 
 The public have not the least conception of the vast 
 amount of suffering entailed upon humanity by the prac- 
 tice of self-a-buse, and the too free indulgence of the 
 baser passions. My readers, who will follow me to the 
 end of this modest little volume, will \je amazed at tho 
 sad effects of what they may have considered an innocent 
 practice. 
 
 Nor should I, in the outset, hesitate to repudiate tho 
 pernicious conduct of quacks and low-minded men, who 
 have written books purporting to be guides to the young, 
 but, instead, have been inflammatory appeals to their, 
 passions. And not a few of these books plainly incul- 
 cate immorality, for the sake of administering to the 
 impure desire for bawdy books, too common among 
 youth of both sexes. The great aim of this work, there- 
 fore, is to rescue the young and ignorant from the 
 frightful abyss awaiting them, if deprived of a warning 
 voice. The author also deems it his duty to denounce 
 the introduction of plates representing the genital organs 
 of 'joth sexes, as improper for a popular treatise. 
 
 If ladies and gentlemen wish to study Anatomy and 
 Physiology, we refer them to popular school-books upon 
 those subjects, as a healthy and proper study for the 
 most fastidious ; and not to resort to a book of bawdy, 
 incorrect and intrusive plates, iu senseless and ridiculous 
 books, issued as an advertising medium for Quack nos- 
 trums, and, still worse, to ignorant pretenders, who set 
 themselves up for Doctors. 
 
 We here take a very important step, in warning our 
 afflicted readers against applying to villainous impostors 
 
173 
 
 wha infest large cities, and who not only swindle the 
 inno>3ent patient of his money, but leaves the system a 
 Avi-eck to poisonous nostrums. 
 
 Another reason that induced me to send out into the 
 world this volume, (I am sorry to say it), is the almost 
 total ignorance of the members of our most benevolent 
 Profession, many of them not knowing such a disease as 
 Spermatorhcea. And I do hope, for the sake of human- 
 ity, the medical profession generally will not rest a 
 single day, until that knowledge is obtained ; as three- 
 fourths of all the chronic diseases have their origin in 
 Onanism. 
 
 It is a deplorable fact, that young ladies, as well as 
 youth of the opposite sex, are addicted to the habit of 
 self-abuse to an alarming extent. This habit frequently 
 has its origin in irritation of the genitals and lower 
 bowels of children, from costiveness, or from pin-worms, 
 (Ascarides), which are excessively annoying to some 
 childi-en. The frequent inclination to rub or scratch the 
 adjacent parts lead to the practice of Self-Pollution. 
 Many instances of this character have come under my 
 own observation. 
 
 I have many times been consulted by mothers, whose 
 daughters have suffered from these abuses, consequent 
 upjn irritation of the Pudendum, at the age of puberty. 
 
 " ]\Ime honor's such a ring : 
 My chastity 's the jewel of our house, 
 Bequeathed down from many ancestors ; 
 Which were the greatest obloquy in the world, 
 In me to lose." 
 
 M. LARMONT 
 
174 
 
 A FEW WORDS TO INVALIDS. 
 
 However hopeless you may thiuk your case, whether 
 from extreme debility and prostration of your entire 
 system, or from the unsuccessful treatment of the 
 score or more of Physicians you unfortunately may 
 have been under, or from the false delicacy that many 
 of my patients tell me kept them from an earlier appli- 
 cation to me, or the no less fatal idea of your over- 
 coming the disease by the advancement of age, and a 
 strictly moral mind, &c., &c. ; for they one and all only 
 make j'our case worse, and if it is an early one, from 
 the cause being entirely local, it aflfects the entire ani- 
 mal economy, and then requires general as well as local 
 treatment, which I am hajjpy to be able to say, the sci- 
 ence of Medicine and great improvement in the Healing 
 Art, warrants mo in saying, that the most severe and 
 obstinate cases, of however long duration, yields to my 
 mode of treatment, as the numerous voluntarily written 
 Certificates contained in the following pages, from per- 
 sons of all ages and in the highest stations of life, which 
 portray the difficult stages of the disease, as developed 
 in the different constitutions, will fully attest. I give 
 the initials onlj' in most of the cases from delicacy, but 
 the full names by their cordial permission, can be seen 
 at all times in my office, as well as letters from Mem- 
 bers of the Medical Profession in this and other cities. 
 
 The letters, or names of patients, are known only to 
 myself, as I have no Assista-nt or Students ; notwith- 
 stading this, I always destroy them at the termination of 
 each case. Therefore, the unfortunate can disclose their 
 bleeding hearts to one secret bo.«!om whose feeling throb 
 will return that great boon, Health, for the so generously 
 reposed confidence in him. 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
177 
 
 CHAPTER 1. 
 
 TlTE IMPORTANCE OF PERFECTLY UNDERSTANDING THB 
 SUBJECT OF ONANISM — ITS EXISTENCE FROM THE 
 EARLIEST PERIOD, AND YET THE IGNORANCE OF THE 
 MEDICAL PROFESSION — IMPOTENCE AND STERILITY, A 
 CERTAIN RESULT IF NOT CURED — THE EFFECTS, OP 
 IMPOTENCY AND STERILITY ON THE HUMAN RACE. 
 
 Why is this an important subject 1 It is because the 
 commencement of this habit is the laying the founda- 
 tion of almost every organic disease, the vital system is 
 subject to. Any person on a moment's reflection, will 
 be convinced of the intimate relation existing between 
 the Mind and the Genital Organs, and their intimate 
 connection with the whole nervous system. What ren- 
 ders it of more importance still, is, there is scarcely 
 anything known about it, by any one but the afflicted, 
 as in the early studies of medical men, they are taught 
 nothing of it, and in their later years, their time is so 
 fully occupied with a general practice, they have not 
 the opportunity requisite for an understanding of such 
 a si^eciality, and yet, as regards health and happiness, 
 there is none that possess one-twentieth part of the im- 
 portance. To convince you that 1 do not speak without 
 authority, I here insert an extract from Dr. Curling's 
 remarks, when speaking of these organs : — 
 
 " Their functions being so involved in those of other 
 parts, are influenced by such peculiar causes, and are so 
 dependent on and modified by particular events and cir- 
 cumstances, that the investigation of them when disor- 
 dered, necess^arily becomes of a complex and difficult 
 character. The product too, of these glands, is one, the 
 qua^iities of which it is almost impossible to appreciate, 
 and which during life is never ailordcd in a pure and 
 unmixed state ; and further, taking into account the 
 repugnance felt to such inquiries, it is scarcely surprising 
 that the subject has been but imperfectly investigated. 
 
1V8 
 
 and rarely treated of by the pathologist and practitioner 
 
 Indeed, the little information we possess respecting it, 
 is chiefly to be found under the head of Impotency, in 
 works on medical jurisprudence, in which it is cursorily 
 considered, principally in relation to points of JMtHlico-le- 
 gal interest, and scarcely at all in reference to practice." 
 
 This certainly is the truth, and it no doubt will sur- 
 prise many persons to learn, that the generality of phy- 
 sicians know little or nothing of these matters. I often 
 have patients who have applied to the most eminent 
 physicians and surgeons, of the largest cities in tho 
 world, and paid them consultation-fees, to be told there 
 was nothing the matter with tliem. It is only a few 
 weeks even, since a patient came to me, «and who, among 
 other great men he had consulted, was Sir Benj. Brodie, 
 of London, and whose directions were not to use any 
 of their dirty beer, and he would be well enough ; that 
 his disease was only imaginary, and if he would only 
 think so, he would have no farther trouble. You can 
 imagine the gentleman's feelings, as he was a strictly 
 temperate man. From that time he began to despair, 
 for he had lost almost all the power of the organs. 
 What was more sad still, he had not the ambition nor 
 desire, until he put himself under my charge. 1 am 
 happy to say, however, that in a few weeks be was en- 
 tirely in the full possession of that vigor, both of body 
 and mind, which nature had formerly bestowed upon 
 him. 
 
 The statements of their individual eases by the pa- 
 tients themselves, and their certiQcates for their cure 
 by me, will be found in tho subsequent chapters, ar- 
 ranged under their proper heads, according to their ad- 
 vanced or primary stage which they had reached, pre- 
 vious to my treatment. It will be suflicient, I opine, 
 to not only illustrate the want of knowledge of the 
 medical profession as to the proper treatment for such 
 cases, but whether my own, is not superior to that of 
 any other. From the want of knowledge as heretofore 
 mentioned, there is very little, if any, positive know- 
 ledge of these comiilaints being known as distinct dis- 
 eases, in that catalogue which enumerated so many 
 calamities with which our ancestors were afflicted. But 
 we can infer to a certainty, I think, that it did exist for 
 
179 
 
 centuries, prerioiis to its having become known th;it 
 it was a distinct disease, when we are made acquainted 
 with a fraction only of the immense amount of sufl'er- 
 ing, at the present time, among the modest, diffident, 
 pious youth, who, unconscious and ignorant of doing 
 harm, when they first learned the practice at the semi- 
 nary, academy, college, or from some of their acquaint- 
 ances while at home. Josephus mentions this as a dis- 
 ease, when relating the ancient purification laws of tht> 
 Jews. He says, ••' He that sheds his seed in his sleep, 
 shall be privileged with those who have wives." In re- 
 lation to another disease, he gives us another of their 
 laws : " Those who had a Gonorrhcea, were prohibited 
 from coming within the bounds of the city." 
 
 This not only bears witness to there having been such 
 a disease known at that time, but it showed their wis- 
 dom was far superior to many of the pretended medi- 
 cal savans of the present day ; for they adopted a regu 
 lation, which they supposed would be a remedy for ah 
 such cases. 
 
 Some have referred the origin of this abuse to the 
 idolatrous worship of the northern Venus, named Fra- 
 go, in oblation to whom her votaries were accustomed 
 to shed their seed. The opinion of the All-wise, upon 
 the enormity of this offence against reason and nature, 
 will be found where he speaks of this dereliction of 
 Onan, in Genesis, chapter thirty-eight, ninth and tenth 
 verses : — 
 
 " And Onan knew that the seed should not be his, 
 and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's 
 wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should 
 give seed to his brother. And the thing which he did, 
 displeased the Lord, wherefore he slew him also." 
 
 It is only a few years since it was thought degrading 
 for any one even to allude to masturbation, and espe- 
 cially to speak openly or write about it. But as pro- 
 gression is the spirit of the age, people have become 
 more rational, and are beginning to know the practice 
 is one of the most injurious, possible ; and that to be 
 able to remove the disease, it must of course be imder- 
 stood. As I have before stated, however, the hooka 
 heretofore published on this subject, were entirely inad- 
 missible to families. This work obviate? that objection, 
 
180 
 
 and yet has entered sufficiently into the physiological 
 and medical details to give a clear view of the evil. 1' rom 
 the extracts which I give below, from the ancient medi- 
 cal writers, the reader will be able to see how this sub- 
 ject was regarded by eminent minds, in former ages. A 
 tuimber of these extracts are from M. llssot and others. 
 They are from the writings of the Fathers of Physic, 
 many of whom lived centuries before Christ. Allow- 
 ance must be made for the deficiency in scientific accu- 
 racy, for the whole truth could not l>e toW as it was nob 
 known. 
 
 Hippocrates, the oldest and most correct observer, has 
 already described the diseafes produced by abusing the 
 pleasures of venery, under the term of dorsal consump- 
 tion. " This disease," says he, " arises from the dorsal 
 portion of the spinal marrow. It principally attacks 
 young married people, or the licentious. They have no 
 fever, and although they eat well, they grow thin and 
 waste away. They have a sensation like ants crawling 
 from the head down along the spine. Whenever they 
 go to stool, or evacuate their urine, a considerable quan- 
 tity of very thin seminal fluid escapes from the urethra. 
 They lose the power of procreation, yet often dream of 
 venereal pleasures. They become very weak, and 
 walking produces shortness of breath ; they have pains 
 in the head, and ringing in the cars, and finally, an 
 acute fever (Libiria,) supervenes, and they die." !Some 
 phj^sicians have ascribed to the same cause, a disease 
 which he has described in another place, and have 
 termed it the second dorsal consumption of Hippocrates, 
 aud which has some relation to the first. But the pre- 
 servation of the strength which he mentions particularly, 
 seems to us a conclusive proof that this disease does not 
 depend on the same cause, but seems rather to be a 
 rheumatic affection. " These pleasures," says Celsus, 
 in his excellent work on the preservation of health, " are 
 always injurious to weak persons, and their abuses pros- 
 trate the strength." 
 
 We can find nothing more frightful than the descrip- 
 tion by Aretaus, of the diseases produced by a too 
 abundant evacuation of semen : " Young persons assume 
 the air and the diseases of the aged; they becoma 
 pale, «tupid, effeminate, weak, idle, and even void of 
 
181 
 
 anderstanding ; their bodies bend forward, their legs' af« 
 ■weak, they have a, disgust lor everything, become 
 fit for nothing, and many are affected with paralysis.'' 
 In another i^hKC he mentions the abuse of these plea- 
 tfOres as among the six causes which produce paralysis. 
 Galen has seen diseases of the brain and nerves from the 
 same cause, and the powers of the body impaired ; and 
 he also relates that a man who was convalescent from a 
 violent attack of disease, died the same night after 
 coition with his wife. Pliny, the naturalist, informs us, 
 that Cornelius Gallus, the old praetor, and Titus 
 Etherious, a Roman knight, died in the act of copula- 
 lion. Aotius says, " the stomach is deranged, all the 
 body wastes, beoomes pale, dry, and the eyes sunken." 
 These remarks, of the most respectable ancient writers, 
 are confirmed by the moderns. 
 
 Sauetorious, who has examined wiih the utmost care, 
 all the causes which act on our bodies, has observed, that 
 ••this weakens the stomach, destroys digestion, prevents 
 insensible perspiration, the derangement of which pro- 
 duces such evil consequences, disposes to calculous dis- 
 eases, diminishes the natural warmth, and is usually 
 attended with a loss or derangement of sight." 
 
 Lomni\i3, in his fine commentaries on the passages of 
 Celsus, whom we have just cited, supports the remarks 
 of the author by ais own observations : " Frequent 
 emissions of semen relax, weaken, dry, enervate the 
 body, and produce numerous otlier evils, as apoplexies, 
 lethargies, ej^ilepsies, loss of sight, trembling paralysis, 
 and all kinds of painful affections." 
 
 One cannot read without horror, the description left 
 us by Tulpius, the celebrated burgomaster and physician 
 of Amsterdam : — " Not only," says he, " the spinal mar- 
 row wastes, but the whole body and mind become lan- 
 guid, and the patient perishes in misery. Samuel Ves- 
 pertius was attacked, first with a humor upon the back 
 of his neck and head ; it then passed to. the spine, to the 
 loins, to the lower and lateral region of the abdomen, 
 and to the hips. This unhappy man was affected with so 
 much pain that he was entirely disfigured, and was 
 emaciated so gradually by a slow fever, that he more 
 than once asked to be relieved from hia misery by 
 death." 
 
182 
 
 ** Nothing," says a celebrated physician of Louvaine, 
 
 ** weakens the system so much." 6l an card has known 
 simple gonorrhoeas, dropsies and consumptions to do[>end 
 on this cause ; and Mays has seen a man of good ago 
 attacked with sjxjntaneous gangrene of the foot, which 
 he attributed to the same kind of excesses. 
 
 In the Meittoires dos Curieux de la Nature is men- 
 tioned a case of blindness, which deserves to be given at 
 length. " We are ignorant," says the author, " what 
 sympathy the testicles have with the body, but particu- 
 larly with the eyes." 
 
 Salmuth has known a sensible hypochondriac to be- 
 come a fool, and in another man the brain to become so 
 collapsed that it was heard to rattle in the cranium, 
 both from excesses in vencry. I have known myself a 
 man, fifty-nino yeai's of age, who, three weeks after 
 marrying a j'oung wife, became blind, and in four 
 months died. 
 
 The too great loss of the animal spirits weakens tho 
 stomach, and destroys the appetite ; and nutrition not 
 taking place, the action of tho heart becomes more 
 reeble, all parts languish, aud the patient becomes epi- 
 leptic. It is true, we are ignorant whether the animal 
 spirits and the seminal fluid are the same ; but observa- 
 tion shows, as we shall see hereafter, that these two 
 fluids are v^ery analogous, and that loss of the one or the 
 other produces the same complaints. 
 
 Hoffman has seen tho most frightful symptoms ensue 
 from the loss ef semen. " After long nocturnal jwllu- 
 tions," says he, "the patient not only loses strength, 
 becomes emaciated and pale, but the memory is im- 
 paired, a continual sensntion of coldness affects all the 
 extremities, the sight becomes dim, the voice harsh, and 
 the whole body gradually wasted ; the sleep, disturbed 
 by unpleasant dreams, does not refresh, and pains are 
 felt like those produced by bruises." 
 
 In a consultation for a young man, who, among other 
 diseases produced by masturbation, was affected with 
 weakness in the eyes, he .says, " I have seen several in- 
 stances of young men, who, at mature age, when tho 
 body possesses all its strength, were attacked, not only 
 with severe pain aud redness of the eyes, but tho sight' 
 S«oame so feeble, that they could neither read nor 
 
183 
 
 write." He adds, " I have even seen two cases of gutta 
 sereno, from the same cause." 
 
 The history of the disorder which gave rise to thia 
 consultation will be read with interest : " A young man 
 commenced masturbation, when fifteen years old, and 
 having indulged in it till he was twenty-three, expe- 
 rienced so great feebleness in his head and eyes, that 
 during the emission of semen there was severe pain in 
 the latter. When he attempted to read anything, he 
 had a feeling similar to that of drunkenness; the pupil 
 was extraordinarily dilated ; the eyes were exceedingly 
 painful ; the eyelids very heavy, and glued together 
 every night ; they were often filled with tears, and a 
 whitish matter collected very abundantly in the two 
 corners, which were very painful. Although he ate with 
 a good appetite, still he was extremely emaciated ; and 
 after he had taken food, appeared as if drunk." 
 
 The same author has mentioned another case of 
 .vhich he was an eye-witness, and which, we think pro- 
 per to mention here : — " A young man, eighteen years 
 old, Avho had had frequent connections with a servant 
 girl, suddenly fainted, and trembled exceedingly in all 
 his extremities ; his countenance was red, and his pulse 
 very small. He recovered from this state at the end 
 of an hour, but continued very feeble. The same phe- 
 nomena occurred very frequently with severe pain, and 
 at the end of eight days there was a contraction and 
 tumor in the right arm, with a pain in the elbow, which 
 was always increased during the paroxysm. The dis- 
 ease increased for some time, but wa« finally cured by 
 Hoffman." 
 
 Boerhavo portrays these diseases in that masterl/ 
 manner and with that precision which characterizes all 
 his descriptions : — " Too great loss of semen produces 
 weakness, debility, immobility, convulsions, emaciation, 
 dryness, pains in the membranes of the brain, impairs 
 the senses, particularly that of sight, gives rise to dorsal 
 consumption, indolence, and to the several diseases con- 
 nected with them." 
 
 The cases narrated by this great man to his auditors 
 in explaining to them this aphorism, which related 
 to the different kinds of evacuations, ought not to be 
 omitted : — " I have seen," says he, " a sick man where 
 
184 
 
 the disease commenced by a lassitude aud feebleness in 
 the body, particularly in the loins ; it was accsmpanied 
 by twitching of the tendons, periodicul spasms and loss 
 of flesh, so as to destroy the whole body ; also pains in 
 the membranes of the cerebrum, pains which the patient 
 terms a dry burning, (ardeur seche), which constantly 
 inflames this most "noble organ. 1 have also seen one 
 young man affected with dorsal consumption. His fig- 
 ure was good, and although often cautioned against in- 
 dulging in these pleasures, he did not regard it, and bo- 
 came so deformed before death, that the layer of flesh 
 which appears above the spinous processes of the lumbar 
 vertebrae, entirely disappeared. The cerebrum in this 
 case seemed to be consumed ; in fact, the patient seemed 
 to be stupid, and became so stiff, that we have never 
 seen the body so immovable from any other cause. Tho 
 eyes are so dull that the siglit is nearly lost." 
 
 De Senac mentions in the first edition of his Essays, 
 the dangers attending masturbation, and states that 
 " all who indulge in "this vice will be affected in the 
 flower of their youth with the infirmities of age." Wo 
 can see in the following editions why this and other 
 /emarks of the same chai'acter were suppressed. 
 
 Ludwig in describing the diseases resulting from too 
 frequent evacuations, docs not forget that of the semen. 
 Young people of both sexes, who hidulge in lascivious- 
 ness, ruin their health, by wasting strength which was 
 designed to make them vigorous, and finally fall into 
 consumption, De Gottier details the sad accidents 
 arising trom this cause ; but they are too long to copy. 
 We refer to the work, all those who can read the lan- 
 guage in wliich it is written. 
 
 Van Swieten, after quoting the description of Hippo- 
 crates mentioned above, adds — "I have seen all these 
 symptoms, and several others, in those unfortunate peo- 
 ple who indulged in self-pollutions. I have employed 
 uselessly, for three years, all the resources of medicine, 
 for a young man who was diseased in consequence or 
 this practice, with wandering, frightful, and general 
 pains, with a sensation, sometimes of heat, and some- 
 times of cold, in every part of tho body, but particularlr 
 in the loins. Afterwards, these pains having diminished, 
 his thighs and legs were so cold, that although they 
 
185 
 
 seemed of tlie natural temperature when touched, ht 
 wasconstaijtly warming himself by the fire, even during 
 the warmest days of summer. I noticed particularly all 
 this — a continued rotary motion of the testicles in the 
 scrotum, and the patient felt a similar motion in the 
 loins." This account does not mention whether this 
 unfortunate creature died in three years, or continued 
 to languish some time longer, which would be more 
 dreadful — he could not have recovered. 
 
 Kloekof, in a very fine work on the diseases of the 
 mind, which depend on the body, confirms by his obser- 
 vations what we have already mentioned. 
 
 If these emissions, which are sure to be the sequence 
 of such a habit, continue, they at first cause a feeling of 
 lassitude, sleepiness, want of ambition, hesitancy of ac- 
 tion and speech, occasional and permanent, even dim- 
 ness of vision, thoughts difi"used, memory treacherous or 
 Jost, nervousness, such as being easily frightened, sudden 
 starts at trifliEg noises, want of confidence, a desire not 
 to mingle in society, especially that of females, impo- 
 tency and sterility, indigestion, costiveness, or diarrhoea, 
 (generally costiveness). Those most annoying of any- 
 thing, dark spots under and around the eyes, loss of 
 flesh, pain in the chest and back, weakness, (particu- 
 larly of the legs), coughing, consumption, idiotcy, and 
 insanity. Now, these are the results, as hundreds of my 
 patients are ready to testify. 
 
 And yet there are pseudo-philanthropists who refuse 
 to advertise, to let the world know. The physician and 
 surgeon, they think, has demeaned himself, by devoting 
 his time to this particular practice. Grave professors 
 are following the same jack-o'-lantern. That is the 
 reason medical students do not have the subject even 
 mentioned to them, for I have some of them my pa- 
 tients, every few weeks ; but that is not all — they 
 have not only left the victims to themselves, but they 
 have established that hydra-headed monster, Quackery, 
 and the grave is now indebted to that abandonment for 
 its thousands. 
 
 One of the results, previously mentioned, of this 
 vitiated indulgence, is Impotency. and finally sterility. 
 A. person with the most circumscribed imagination, can 
 easily foresee the consequent misery, certain to befalj 
 
186 
 
 them, if they arc so imprudent as to enter into a matri- 
 monial alliance before they are cured. The broken 
 heart of their unsuspecting, and, ma}^ be, too confiding 
 partner, 1 -will not say too confiding, for 1 have never 
 met a single patient that would have entered the mar- 
 riage state, if they had known what their deplorable 
 situation would have caused. They would a thousand 
 times have terminated their existence rather than the 
 consummation of the marriage ceremony. 
 
 I am fully convinced, that a majority of those who 
 commit suicide are impelled to do so by that morbidly 
 diseased state of the mind arising from the habit of mas- 
 turbation, for when it has proceeded far enough to cause 
 impotency and sterility, the mind is so affected, that 
 reason is overpowered and replaced with the horrible 
 idea that every one they meet is aware of their com- 
 plaint, therefore the desire of ridding the world of their 
 presence. This is not an ideal picture, by any means, as 
 forty-nine out of fifty of the afflicted can testify to its 
 reality. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE EFFECTS THE MIND HAS ON THE ORGANS OF GEN- 
 ERATION — STRIKING CASES AS WITNESSED BY OTHER 
 SURGEONS, AS WELL AS MYSELF. 
 
 Persons of mature age have more or less experienced 
 similar effects. A libertine, or sensually dissolute cha- 
 racter, is a person whose mind is not actively employed 
 in business, or close application of the mind in any pur- 
 suit, but one who has been fortunate in inheriting wealth 
 or a competency from their relatives or friends. If they 
 have not been favored in that respect, to enable them to 
 live without exertion, further than the planning of some 
 sumptuous dinner, or the stimulation from liquors at 
 champaigne suppers, sporting, &c., their resort is the 
 gaming-table. 
 
 The mind, excited with alcoholic drinks, or the highly 
 
187 
 
 and richly seasoned food, has full scope to anticipate 
 sexual pleasures, but when the labor necessary for the 
 Buccess of business is preying on it, it only anticipates 
 that rest which sleep so well affords, for I have known 
 many and many a person so absorbed in some favorite 
 or necessary pursuit, as to have months elapse without 
 any desire for sexual indulgence, but as soon as the 
 mind was at liberty again they discover their inability, 
 and with the proper treatment, a full restoration. When 
 the organs are in a healthy state, desire can be engen- 
 dered or dissipated by mental impressions ; in fact, the 
 growth and development of the organs can be accele- 
 rated or retarded in a degree by the same means 
 
 There are many persons who do not feel sexual de- 
 sires until a late period of life ; the consequence is, the 
 organs themselves are not only imperfectly developed, 
 but the body and mind are also retarded in the same 
 way. Sometimes-'the long suppressed feelings will re- 
 ceive a sudden stimulus, from seeing some person of 
 the opposite sex particularly adapted to make this de- 
 sired impression upon their minds. Every pei'son of ex- 
 perience very well knows that a certain impression 
 must be made on the mind, before the animal feeling is 
 experienced, or the phj^sical development takes place, 
 for there are many of the opposite sex who excite dis- 
 gust, and under such circumstances the certain feelings 
 for enjoyment would not only not be produced, but if 
 age with the necessary favorable circumstances, had not 
 already caused a full development of the organs, there 
 would be great danger of their ever fulfilling nature's 
 intentions. This at once explains to us the reason of 
 so many of those distressing cases of indifference and 
 dislike to be met with between parties, and be a partial 
 aid in giving the necessary treatment. 
 
 There are good reasons for supposing that the sexual 
 instinct is materially dependent upon a particular part 
 of the brain, though we are not exactly certain what 
 part it is, nor whether it is a mere development of it 
 that is needed, or some peculiarity of structure or or- 
 ganization. It is not at all uncommon to find men per- 
 fectly organized in every respect with vigorous minds, 
 and with every other faculty in full play, but yet almost 
 wholly destitute of desire for sexual enjoj'ment. In 
 
188 
 
 most of these cases, it is true, the generative oreanfl are 
 small or inactive, yet in some they are of full aevelop- 
 ment, healthy, and active. In such cases we can only 
 account for the singular indifference exhibited, by sup- 
 posing that the part of the brain which regulates the 
 reproductive instinct has not had sufficient power, or 
 else the senses have not been properly presented. In 
 the same way, wc can account for the influence of the 
 brain and nervous system on the generative organs, as 
 previously mentioned; such as exhausting the nervous 
 energy, if we can so speak, in thinking, or in muscular 
 energy. The other functions, as well as the generative, 
 are proportionally weakened. Authors are apt to be- 
 come impotent, when the mind is very intently en- 
 gaged on some particular subject. In the lives of sev- 
 eral students, we have a further corroboration in proof 
 of my assertion, as many of them have been remark- 
 able for their coldness and incapacity, and particularly 
 when engaged in such absorbing and abstract studies as 
 Mathematics. As another instance — Sir Isaac Newton 
 is said to have never known sexual ardor, though in 
 every respect a perfectly formed man, and it is prob- 
 able, I may say without a doubt, it was owing to his 
 incessant and all-absorbing studies. 
 
 I have the fullest proof in sustaining me in the as- 
 sertion, that intense mental occupation will not only 
 lessen the sexual ardor, hut that it will extinguish it 
 entirely. This is not a simple fact which should be so 
 easily passed over — as it is of the highest medical and 
 moral importance. 
 
 The only thing required in these cases, is, an intelli- 
 gent and honest physician, who will examine and find 
 the real cause, and then in a sympathizing manner ex- 
 plain it to the patient, administer the proper treatment, 
 and the cure can be effected. But if a wron^ course 
 of procedure be adopted, then the evils will be con- 
 firmed. It is in this, as in every thing else ; ignorance 
 and concealment from the proper physician produce 
 evils that only knowledge and mutual confidence can 
 prevent or remove. 
 
 Be cautious in choice of your "Doctor, Dear," 
 But after that choice, abandon all fear. 
 
180 
 CHAP. III. 
 
 INJURIES OF THE BRAIN, CAUSING IMPOTENCY — CASES 
 ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE SAME. 
 
 •Baron Larrey gives the remarkable case of a soldier, 
 v?liich came under his own notice. He was a healthy, 
 robust man, ■with strong propensities and endowments, 
 who had a portion of the back part of the head cut off 
 by a sabre. He recovered from the wound, but lost 
 the senses of sight and hearing on the right side. Pain 
 was also experienced down the spine, and a peculiar 
 creeping feeling in the organs, which also began to waste, 
 and in fifteen days the power was entirely lost. 
 
 M. Lallemand also mentions a case of a French soldier, 
 similarly injured, in the expedition to Algiers, who 
 speedily experienced the same wasting of the organs, 
 loss of power, and sexual desire. 
 
 In the American Journal of the Medical Sciences, for 
 February, 1839, Dr. Fisher relates a curious instance 
 of a gentleman injured in a railway car. He was look- 
 ing out of the window at the moment when the coUi^on 
 occurred, and the shock threw his head against the 
 edge of it, striking the back of it with such force as to 
 stun him ; he, however, recovered his senses, and was 
 taken home, but suffered great pain in the back part of 
 the head and tgp of the neck. His right arm was be- 
 numbed a little, and some difficulty was experienced in 
 passing the urine ; but in two weeks he was able to 
 walk out with no other incouA-enience than a slight dim- 
 ness of sight. About the fifth week he discovered that 
 ho was impotent, and had lost all sexual desire. The 
 means used to restore his genital powers were only par- 
 tially successful, nor was his memory so perfect as be- 
 fore, but all the other difficulties disappeared under the 
 proper treatment. 
 
 In the Lancet, for August, 1841, is an account of a 
 medical student who received a blow on the face, in a 
 quarrel, which knocked him do^vn, so that he fell on 
 the back of his head. He was totally unconscious for 
 eight or ten hours, but gradually recovered, and on the 
 following day even resumed his studies, which he eon- 
 
190 
 
 tinued unremittingly for the next six weeks. He, how- 
 ever, became exceedingly irritable, with a feeling of 
 general uneasiness, and after the first week, ho observed 
 the genital organs begin to waste and the desire to 
 grow less, till he finally became nearly impotent, but 
 afterwards recovered under proper treatment. 
 
 Many such cases are witnessed in persons affected \*ith 
 paralysis, and other diseases, which, with the proper 
 treatment, almost invariably recover. But in cases oc- 
 curring from accidents as mentioned in the above cases, 
 the cure is very uncertain, especially if they do not receive 
 the attention proper and necessary without too much de- 
 lay, for if the organs have time to become withered, the 
 vessels do not secrete, and consequently become closed. 
 In such a case, recovery is impossible, for the treatment 
 cannot reach the affected part. 
 
 This brings us to the conclusion, that the strength of 
 the sexual desires depends in a great measure upon the 
 organs themselves ; yet there are other influences that 
 may operate upon them, as we have previously shown, 
 according to the various mysterious sympathies ema- 
 nating from other parts. The celebrated John Hunter 
 giX'es us an instance he met with in his own practice. I 
 have had many like it in mine. The patient was per- 
 fectly incompetent for the marital duties, solely from 
 fear. 
 
 CHAP. IV. 
 
 SPERMATORRHCEA, OR THE UNNATURAL AND EXCESSIVE 
 LOSS OF SK.MIiN. 
 
 When this is lost at the commencement of masturba- 
 tion, it id supposed to be entirely harmless, because they 
 think by sutli a practice, they will escape, to them, the 
 immoral and degrading vice of licentiousness, and there- 
 fore by the practice of it, when their ardent, youthfu! 
 and healthy desires are too overjjowering, they think 
 they a -e doing no more than fulfilling the behests of na- 
 
191 
 
 lure. Ill this idea lies the great danger, not only tc 
 themselves, but their companions. This is the cause ot 
 its being so very prevalent and destructive, for befort 
 the first one of a circle of acquaintances is warned oi 
 his error, by its effei:ts on his former vivacity and weak- 
 ness, nervousness and probably his own discovery of itjs 
 preventing the proper development of youth, liundredf- 
 may be in the same path to ruin, by its baneful effect.' 
 on the mind, and the consequent premature decay anc 
 death of its victim. The progress of course is gradual- 
 first the vivacity and energy of youth is changed to list- 
 less indifference ; the vigor of manhood remains no 
 longer ; the peaceful content of mature life is changed to 
 despondency and gloom. I have had many a patient, 
 whose mental powers at the opening of the season of life 
 were capable of making him (what every intellectual 
 person desires.) both eminent and happ)', but whose bod- 
 ily health and strength being lost, the mind becomes 
 shattered and almo!<t annihilated in this vortex of de- 
 struction, tempts the sufferer to end this short lived, 
 but miserable existence by suicide. 
 
 The loss of semen by Spermatorrhoea affects the in- 
 dividual very differently from excessive indulgence, for 
 the loss in every instance by the former, is an operation 
 of, or caused by the mind, whei-eas, that of the latter, 
 is, even in the greatest excess, from the effects of a lo- 
 cality of feelings ; yet grave authors, pretending to know 
 all that can bo learned of these complaints, say the ef- 
 fects are much the same. It is only necessary to con- 
 vince the reader of the absurdity of their assertion, by 
 a moment's reflection, or, may be, to an acquaintance who 
 is notoriously licentious, but still as far as appearances 
 are concerned, enjojnng good health. Not, so however, 
 with the Onanist, ibr a partial acquaintance even will 
 discover the inroad that is being made on his system. 
 Do not understand me as saying, that a licentious career 
 does not injure health ; far from it — but the effect is not 
 the same as with the Onanist. 
 
 An author of a work on this, and the various sexual 
 diseases, divides this complaint into three different 
 stages : " The first stage," he says, " is when the com- 
 plaint is in its incipient stage, and its effects are entirely 
 .ocvA : The second stage is when the bladder as well as 
 
192 
 
 the surrounding viscera are involved : Third, the mind 
 as well as the whole system is involved." Now I am 
 surprised that any surgeon who has had the advantages 
 of the practice in these diseases which this gentleman, 
 from the number of j'cars he has devoted to them, must 
 have had, will assert that these emissions are wholly 
 a local complaint. By comparing the seminal losses with 
 venesection, the reader can form a faint idea whether 
 this is a local affection or not, for, from an investigation 
 of the subject, a loss of one onnce of the former is equal 
 to a loss of forty ounces of the latter. 
 
 Those persons who can see that the semen is lost are, 
 generally speaking,- only those whose cases are known. 
 But, at least one half who suffer from this loss, are un- 
 conscious of the fact, as it escapes with the urine, while 
 at stool, or by gradual leakage, and these are the ones 
 who saffer most, for in nearly every case they are under 
 the care of physicians, who grope in the dark, and try, 
 from a want of true knowledge of the case, to cure the 
 effect without removing the cause. While thus laboring, 
 they will treat them for liver-complaint, disease of the 
 heart, indigestion, or symptoms of almost every disease 
 the system is subject to. The ravages of this destruc- 
 tive disease are not confined to a particular class, to age 
 or condition, nor, as I think, I have satisfactorily shown, 
 is it always a consequence of vicious conduct, as some 
 suppose, but, on the contrai-y, any severe attack of sick- 
 ness often causes it, so the most exemplary and virtuous 
 may be the victim, for the causes of it operate on the 
 healthy and strong, as on the sickly and weak, and at- 
 tack the middle-aged, either married or single, of the 
 most temperate habits. Therefore the incalculable 
 misery— unless this destructive pestilence is unveiled — 
 that every one may know how to guard against its evils. 
 
 As I have before stated, the genital organs are so 
 intimately connected with the rest of the system, that 
 the slightest derangement of them affects it, more par- 
 ticularly as some parts are in common with the Urinary; 
 the Rectum also is in close juxtaposition to them, so 
 that any disease that affects the genital organs is verj 
 apt to disarrange all these likewise, and it is very pro- 
 bable this second affair may be more severe than the 
 first one 
 
193 
 
 Diseases of the bladder, kidneys, urethra and rectum, 
 are quite common, and often very distressing, while the 
 causes of them remain undiscovered. lu many casea 
 these diseases are only symptoms — the primary trouble 
 being Spermatorrhoia. To this extent is this the fact, 
 that five out of every six of my patients have a disease 
 of the bladder to that extent as to have worn pads, 
 braces, &c. ; but as the cause is not known, of "course the 
 efi'ect is not removed. 
 
 The main cause of the genital organs exerting such an 
 influence over the whole system, is their intimate con- 
 nection with the nerves. As there is no process carried ou 
 in the bod}' requii-iug so much the action of the nerves, 
 as the evacuation of the semen ; that is the reason it is so 
 exhaustive of the vital energy. In youth this power is 
 brought in requisition, for the formation and full devel- 
 opment of the genitals ; so if nature is not left free for 
 this purpose, the other parts of the sj'stem are not stimu- 
 lated in a sufficient manner for the perfection intended, 
 and necessary for a full development of the entire sys- 
 tem. This is the reason why those who are castrated 
 are always imperfect in body and mind, and descend to 
 the grave so early, for if these organs are removed, na- 
 ture will not sufficiently concentrate itself to any one so 
 as to be sufficient to stimulate the whole ; consequently, 
 the development is only partial. Eunuchs are a suf- 
 ficient proof; or compare a mutilated animal with one 
 that is not, and it will be at once evident that the form 
 of the body and the disposition are completely changed. 
 Even in after life, the vital energy requisite to secrete 
 properly, at the same time invigorates the system, and 
 disposes it to a constant activity, that otherwise would 
 not bo exhibited. Therefore, this substance is an essen- 
 tial and important agent, not only for perfecting the 
 body in early life, but at a later period to arouse it to 
 the proper exertion. So, I think, there can be no doubt 
 that a deficiency or an abundance of this fluid does exert 
 a most decided influence on the character of the indi- 
 vidual. Many are dull and inactive, from a de- 
 ficiency in this respect, while others are too impulsive 
 and restless, from a superabundance — yet the cause is 
 seldom suspected. And if this nervous energy is ex- 
 hausted by emissions, its abstraction necessarily weakens 
 
94 
 
 the power of the whole system. By au extra effort na- 
 ture can, for a time, supply the deficiency jjroduced, but 
 if the excess be contiuued, this effort soon fails, and then 
 the general prostration follows. Then it is the stomach 
 cannot digest the food, the heart cannot, for the lack of 
 power, propel the blood, nor the brain think. 
 
 This brmgs us to the cause, in such cases, of dyspep- 
 sia, heart'diseases, fettered intellect, insanity, and the 
 thousand and one other evils. It has been stated that 
 the brain has been found wasted and softened, after the 
 death of persons from these complaints, and I have no 
 doubt that these poor victims, who are troubled with 
 pain in the head, dimness of vision, loss of hearing, &c., 
 the brain is constantly in a state of inflammation, or 
 ■wasting away, and continues till they become deaf, 
 blind and insane. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 CAUSE OF SPERMATORRHCEA 
 
 The most frequent cause of Spermatorrhoea, of course, 
 is the degrading habit of self-abuse ; yet a too frequent 
 sexual excitement will cause it. Another cause which 
 will produce these emissions is an innocent habit, which 
 has, up to this time, never been mentioned by any 
 writer. Many a person has been convinced that this 
 disease has been caused by some excess or other ; but 
 what that excess was, they were unable to tell ; but 
 they attribiited it, generally, to a too full indulgence of 
 their sexual passions, either at an early or late period. 
 One thing was certain — they had all the misfortune of 
 the masturbator, without the crime of having know- 
 ingly produced them. 
 
 Some may have become impotent — partially or wholly 
 — and some may have only had the other symptoms 
 accompanying Spermatorrhoea. The habit to which I 
 allude, is that of only a partial connection ; that is, 
 withdrawing the penis, just as the semen is about to bo 
 
195 
 
 ejected, in the act of copulation. The reason for this fs, 
 to prevent the female becoming pregnant. Why thia 
 practice is injurious to the male is, because the act of 
 copulation, not having been fully completed, leaves the 
 organs to complete the act alone, instead of having the 
 natural stimulus and excitant to the end, thereby leaving 
 more or less semen in the canal and ducts to ooze out 
 afterwards. 
 
 An attack of fever and some other diseases will cause 
 Spermatordioea, and especially, if the genital organs be- 
 come inflamed, for it leaves them in a state of irritation, 
 which constantly stimulates them to activity, so that 
 they become entirely independent of the will, for the 
 pleasurable sensations attending the emissions, during 
 sleep, soon pass away, and then they begin to occur, 
 without the sensation or knowledge, till awakened in 
 the morning ; and finally, they take place in the day- 
 time, when the bowels are moved, or the urine passed ; 
 but in the most aggravated cases there is a constant 
 running away of the semen, without any intermission. 
 This is from a relaxation of the mouths of the seminal 
 ducts. When it comes away with the urine, it is from 
 an inflammation of them, which involves the bladder, 
 and causes a desire oftener to pass urine than usual. 
 
 I very frequently have married men for patients, both 
 from self-abuse at an earlier age, and which they sup- 
 posed the marriage state would rid them of, which is a 
 fatal idea, for it involves the misery of an unsuspecting 
 person as well as their own. It is often the case, that 
 Spermatorrhoea is caused by sexual excesses, and not 
 using true moderation. This is a fatal error ; for they 
 are liable to suffer at any time. And they are greatly 
 surprised, when they find on coming to me, what the 
 real trouble was. It is the same with those moral and 
 religious young men, who have never been addicted to 
 the practice of masturbation, yet the mature develop- 
 ment and good health, will cause these dreaded emis- 
 sions at night, and with the consciousness of strict rec- 
 titude, they think it is a harmless occurrence, until the 
 fatal error is found out too late for them to escape ita 
 ravages, for I can assert positively from the advantagea 
 of an immense practice, that an emission in this unnatu- 
 ral manner is injurious. This is an important truth, 
 
190 
 
 and should bo known by every one ; and it,, no doubt 
 ■will surprise the reader, because it has not before been 
 known. For that very object I have published this 
 little work, divested of all indelicate language, that it 
 may be read in every family Avithout any objection from 
 the pure-minded female. This insuperable objection to 
 all the other works, is the cause of so much ignorance, 
 which for the benefit of humanity should be supplanted 
 by knowledge. 
 
 There are certain medicines that will cause this com- 
 plaint, and often cause severe inllamniatoiy complica- 
 tions, and yet they are administered to prevent the diffi- 
 culty ; such is especially the case with Canthaeides, 
 Phosphorus, Iron, Opium, &c. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Kffects of Spermatorrhce — As shown by cases from 
 aiy own note-book, to all of which are attached their 
 cei'tificates to me, of their cure. The originals can 
 be seen at my office with the full names. And I am 
 not afraid to assert, that they are unprecedented. 
 
 I will preface these cases by enumerating the eflects of 
 the disease, as will be seen, by reading the cases of the 
 different individuals. 
 
 Some of the first effects, are exhibited on the genitals, 
 particularly those most immediately connected, such as 
 the urinary organs. The irritation speedily ext-ends 
 from the ducts and vas deferens to the urethra and blad- 
 der, and Avhen it is so great in the latter that it will not 
 retain the least quantity of urine, it proceeds along to 
 the ureters and kidneys, causing all the symptoms of 
 inflammation of them, and of gravel, with great weak* 
 ness, and pain in the back. Many patients come to me 
 for their cure, without any idea of the real cause of all 
 their suffering, for nearly all of them have been under 
 the charge of physicians, who have tried in vain to alle- 
 viate their condition in the least. The rectum, or larj^e 
 
1 LATK -n. 
 
 Jti^. T^ 
 
 f»(?.51. 
 
199 
 
 intestine is very apt to suffer, as it is in direct proximit;? 
 to tlie prostate gland and seminal vesicles. I have had 
 patients, with a sensation of bearing down to that de- 
 gree, that they have worn trusses and bandages, by 
 the advice of physicians, to help support the bowels. 
 The constant irritation and inQanimation internally, soon 
 causes constipation and piles ; and when the mucous coat 
 is involved, then it causes a diarrhoea, which no medica- 
 tion can check, so long as the cause is not removed. A 
 frequent symptom is a peculiar irritation or itching of the 
 urethra and meatus-urinarious, or opening of the canal, 
 sometimes little sores or pimples filled with water or 
 blood will appear on the external parts. These local 
 effects will soon usher in those more severe — universal 
 lassitude and weakness, with a remarkaDe loss of power 
 in the legs, causing great weariness in walking, and es- 
 pecially in ascending stairs, which will cause trembling, 
 paleness, a fluttering or palpitation of the heart, and 
 fainting indications. In time the stomach suffers, diges- 
 tion is imperfect ; emaciation, and wasting away follows. 
 
 The loss of the nervous power affects the diaphragm ; 
 and then there is a difficulty of breathing, which finally 
 affects the lungs. The head is not exempt from the gen- 
 eral influence, and headache, rush of blood to the head, 
 dizziness and drowsiness, dimness or loss of sight, is fre- 
 quently observed, as if a cobweb was spread over the eye, 
 which Avill fill with water, and look red on any extra use 
 of it; generally, however, the lids are more affected, which 
 it is impossible to benefit until the cause is removed. The 
 effect on the mind and feelings are the most marked. 
 Mental activity is as difficult and unpleasant as bodily. 
 They become dull, listless and moping ; the memory fails 
 and the judgment weakens, so that all power of applica- 
 tion is lost. The mind cannot be concentrated ; when an 
 effort is made they will wake as from a ch'eam, and find 
 they have quite forgotten the subject. This, of course, 
 renders them entirely unfit for business, or any close ap- 
 plication, and finally degenerates into insanity. If the 
 records of the failures in business, or in the seminaries, 
 academies, and colleges, could all be written, the num- 
 bers that were made victims from this disease would 
 astonish the world. 
 
 Moral teachings in these oases only add fuel to the 
 
200 
 
 flames. Tlie foelinga and disposltious of this class of 
 persons arc almost indescribable. They become melan- 
 choly and sensitive to such a degree, that they will 
 often shed tears at a trifling occurrence. They imagine 
 themselves subjected to trials and insults that no one 
 else would dream of. They will start suddenly at a 
 slight noise. What makes it worse then, is an aversion 
 to "the opposite sex. Many of the misanthropes and 
 hermits are of this kind. 
 
 I will now pass from the more general description to 
 the special ones, as presented by the cases themselves. 
 
 In 1850, Mr. S., of New Jersey, gave me this written 
 statement : — 
 
 "I am 38 years of age. I commenced the habit of 
 masturbation at the age of seven or eight. I was 
 taught tlie practice by a female servant, and continued 
 it with more or less violence, until I was manied, at the 
 age of twenty-seven. I several times previous to mar- 
 riiige, tried to leave off the practice, but found by so 
 doing, I had involuntary emissions at night ; to avoid 
 which, I continued the practice of it till I was mamed, 
 hoping that would bring me all right ; but how sad were 
 my feelings, and how miserable my position, when I 
 found my hopes were blasted. Well, in my endeavors 
 to prevent the emissions, my habits led me into exces- 
 sive venery, which, in my then state of health, was 
 nearly as destructive, for I unfortunately continued it 
 for nearly six years, until I became so reduced, and in 
 such a dreadful state of nervousness, that I tried to ab- 
 stain in toto, in order to recover my strength ; but in 
 doing so, the horrible emissions again commenced. I 
 then tried to refrain gradually ; but that would not do. 
 My situation was truly horrible, for I was descending 
 to the grave at a rapid rate. I then apphed to a dis- 
 tinguished surgeon for a cure ; but his greatest efforts 
 were of no benefit. I then tried another, with no better 
 success ; then anotlicr, and another, with the like result. 
 I then called on a surgeon, who devoted his attentiou 
 entirely to this class of diseases, and who charged me a 
 fee of i-200. I will state farther, that you can fully un- 
 
201 
 
 derstand my case. I am a complete wreck — my minii 
 has long since lost its vigor, which threw my busineaa 
 into such a deranged state, that I became involved to 
 the extent that extrication was impossible — and I lost 
 every dollar. I am now scarcely able to fill a clerkship, 
 upon a small salary. I am very nervous, can eat only 
 the most easily-digested food, am troubled with costivo- 
 ness, short breath, and so weak that I can scarcely ful 
 fill my duties. I have been using the cold-baths daily, 
 for a long time. I have tried salt-water baths, and, in 
 fact, everything that I have been told or supposed 
 would be a benefit to me. Now, Dear Doctor, after 
 hearing of some cases that some acquaintances and 
 others bad experienced under your treatment, f place 
 myself in your hands. And may God assist you in re- 
 storing me — for this is my last and only hope." 
 
 This gentleman's case is a simple narrative in his own 
 hand-writing. His sleep was broken and restless ; he 
 at times complained of vertigo, noise in the head, loss 
 of sight and memory ; he also had urethral irritations, 
 attended with an occasional discharge, pains in his loins, 
 and groins. Notwithstanding the early commencement 
 of the habit, and its long continuance, and of his exces 
 ses after marriage, I was after a persevering treatment 
 of some six weeks, able to recover all of the general de- 
 rangements of the sj'stem — except entirely restoring his 
 digestive powers fully, in so short a time— and prevent 
 the emissions entirely, except one, which took place 
 within a few days of the commencement of my treat- 
 ment. 
 
 This ease is a fair copy of the results of those who 
 are so unfortunate as to fallow the advice of those phy- 
 sicians who advise marriage, when a person is laboring 
 under a disease of this nature. It surprised me much, 
 to find the organs so strong as they were, for it is al- 
 most always the case with these married patients, that 
 they are nearly or partially impotent. 
 
 A case resembling this very much, was Mr. M., of 
 this city, who I cured about a year ago ; but he had 
 been entirely impotent for four years. lie had not be&o 
 
202 
 
 able to discover any semen for the whole time. On mj 
 examining the urine, however, with my microscope, I 
 discovered some in a very vitiated state mixed with it, 
 although with the naked eye, it was not discernible. 
 This gentleman was sotne ten j'cars younger than the 
 othea-, and had been under the charge of a number of 
 physicians, without improving his condition in the least. 
 They finally prevailed on him to get married ; he took 
 their advice, not only to his own sorrow, but one who 
 was dearer to him than life, in his then unhappy condi- 
 tion, for he had deceived an over confiding and innocent 
 wife, almost as soon as they were pronounced man and 
 wife, for scarce six months had intervened before he 
 found himself in the deplorable condition mentioned 
 above. 
 
 Now. this one ease I know, by being placed before the 
 public, will be the means of saving thousands from a 
 similar fate, for certainly no sane person, who has over 
 been addicted to any practice from which any such hor- 
 "rible contingency eould possibly arise, will even think of 
 taking so fatal a step, without consulting me or some 
 other physician in whom they can trust themselves, with 
 the conviction that their case cannot be in better hands. 
 
 The next case is that of Mr. P., of this eity. He is 
 a young man of high intellectual power, and general 
 business talents — a junior partner in a wholesale house. 
 A few months previous to his placing himself under my 
 charge, he had a very severe attack of gonorrhoea, with 
 orchitis, which left a stricture, and of so inflammatory 
 a character, that he was obliged to pass urine frequent- 
 ly. His health otherwise was tolerably good. These 
 were his symptoms at the time of his coming to me 
 With the addition of his having been impotent for some 
 time, with a very great relaxation of the scrotum, which 
 allowed the left testicle to descend as much as six inches. 
 I had no trouble in restoring him to health, in a short 
 time, with the single exception of the last above men- 
 tioned relaxation of the seminiferous tubes. In some 
 of these cases, it is sometimes necessary to operate, in 
 order to bring the scrotum back to its natural size and 
 
203 
 
 firmness. I did not do so, however, in this ease ; but by 
 his wearing a suspensory bandage, and using the washes 
 I gave him, succeeded in nearly restoring it to its former 
 firmness. I consider this diseased state of the testicle 
 one of the most dangerous and intractable of all these 
 complaints, for if so bad as to require an operation with 
 the knife, there is great danger of the vii'ile powers being 
 destroj'ed. 
 
 I will now copy a case of M. Lallemand's— a celebrated 
 French practitioner, wh«i has, from his assiduous applica- 
 tion to this subject, been the means of enlightening the 
 world to a greater extent than any other person, of the 
 importance of understanding the treatment of this dire 
 disease. His treatment, however, I will mentif)n here, is 
 one that I do not approve, and of course don't adopt, as 
 far, I mean, as cauterization is concerned; yet, he thinks, 
 and so asserts, that out of the whole number of these 
 complaints, there are two-thirds of them that cannot be 
 cured, unless tliat treatment is adopted. In this he is in 
 error, very greatly so, as will be seen in the cases of my 
 own, in the succeeding pages. I have not used such 
 treatment in scarcely a case ; yet the certificates for their 
 cure I have in their own handwriting, as I have previous- 
 ly stated that all the cases I publish are those for which I 
 have their own certificates, and some of them had, pre- 
 vious to applying to me, been treated in that way. Some 
 even had submitted to cauterization, eight or ten times, 
 and left worse than when they commenced. Yet the 
 physicians adopt that treatment in nearly every case. 
 This case confirms what I have said about married men 
 suffering with the disease as well as those who are single, 
 and shows how easily physicians mistake the symptoms 
 for those ^f other affections. 
 
 He (Lallemand) says, " In the month of January, 
 1824, 1 was requested to see M. De S , who was af- 
 fected with symptoms of cerebral congestion, from which 
 he had suffered for some time. During several consulta- 
 tions I gathered the following facts :— 
 
 " M. De S. was born in Switzerland, of healthy pa- 
 rents, and his father died suddenly of affection of the 
 
204 
 
 brain. M. De S. possessiufr a strong constitution and an 
 active mind, received an excellent education, and at an 
 early age turned his attention to tb« study of philosophv 
 and nietai)hysic.s ; he afterwards studied moral philoso- 
 phy, and ])olitics. After having spent some years in 
 Paris, {)iirsuiug his favorite subjects, he was obliged to 
 nndertake the management of a manufactory, and to at- 
 tend to details, which wounded his pride. He became, 
 by degrees, peevish and capricious, was irritated by the 
 slightest contradiction — showed no pleasure at fortunate 
 events — and gave way to anger on improper occasions. 
 At length he appeared to feel disgust and fatigue at cor- 
 i-es))()ndence or mental exertion. At this period he mar- 
 ried, and Dr. Butiui, of Geneva, his medical attendant 
 and friend, wa-ute respecting him, as follows : — 
 
 "'With this.iiiarriage, the most happy period of his 
 existence seemed to commence ; but soon the germs of 
 the disease, w^hich so many causes had contributed to 
 jjroduce, became rapidly developed. It was perceived 
 that M. De S. wrote slowly, and with difficulty, and his 
 style presented signs of the decay of his faculties ; he 
 stammered and expressed his ideas very imperfectly ; he 
 experienced also, at times, attacks of vertigo, so severe 
 as to make him fall, without, however, losing sensibilitv 
 or being attacked with convulsions. One day, an attack 
 which frightened the patient seriously, and left a deep 
 impression on his family, came on whilst \\Titing an ordi- 
 nary letter. His medical attendants attributed this 
 attack, which left a weakness of the right side of the 
 body, to apoplexy. Twenty leeches were applied to the 
 anus, and the danger seemed at an end. Similar at- 
 tacks, however, occurred at Geneva and Montpelier, 
 and several distinguished practitioners were consulted. 
 Some of them, struck by the misanthropic irritability 
 -of the patient, and his solitary habits, regarded the af- 
 fection as purely hypochondriacal, or nervous ; others, 
 taking into consideration his digestive disorder, consid- 
 ered it an affection of the brain, such as encephalitis, or 
 chronic mciringitis, arising from hereditary predisposi- 
 tion. This last opinion was held by Dr. Bailly, of 
 Blois. At all these consultations, the necessity of al>- 
 Btaining from serious occupation, the utility of travel- 
 ing, of various amusements, and of a strict regimen ; and 
 
205 
 
 the importance of free evacuations from tlic bowA^ )y 
 means of pnrj^atives and injections, were agreed en. 
 Many of the practitioners recommended the fi^quent ap- 
 plication of leeches to the anus, with milk diet, &c. ; 
 others thought, that assafoedita baths, and camphor, were 
 indicated. None of their modes of treatment, bjwever, 
 produced any considerable amendment; the leeches 
 weakened tlie patient, and the milk diet disordered liis 
 stomach ; his constii)ation continued, cold plunge-baths 
 and cold effusions to the head relieved the insupportable 
 spasms. M. De S. experienced great pains in his legs 
 and face ; the waters of Aix, in Savoy, and the use of 
 douches also appeared to produce some improvement. 
 Still M. De S. became more irritable, and at the same 
 time more apathetic. His attacks were more frequent 
 and more violent, and he manifested greater indifference 
 towards the persons and things he had before been par- 
 tial to. The weakness of his limbs increased to such an 
 extent, that he frequently fell, even on the most level 
 ground. His nights were restless, his sleep very light, 
 and often interrupted by nervous tremors, or acute pains, 
 accompanied with cramp. The cerebral congestion in- 
 creased, and the imminent fear of apoplexy rendered 
 leeches, to the arms, venesection to the foot, tartar emetic 
 ointment, blisters, mustard, pediluvia, and the applica- 
 tion of ice to the head necessary. Notwithstanding 
 the employment of these energetic measures, another 
 violent attack of congestion occurred. I was summoned 
 on this occasion, and I found the patient restless, agi- 
 tated, and incapable of remaining two minutes in the 
 same place ; his face was red, his eyes projected and 
 fixed, his physiognomy expressed extreme dread ; his 
 walk was uncertain, his legs bending under the 
 weight of his body, his skin cold, and his pulse small and 
 slow. 
 
 " ' The last circumstance attracted my attention, and I 
 also recommended the application of leeches to the anus. 
 M. De S. immediately threw himself into a violent pas- 
 sion, and asserted that leeches had always weakened 
 him, without giving hini any relief. I was too much 
 afraid of the occurrence of apoplexy to pay attention to 
 this asserti'm. and I succeeded in obtaining the ap- 
 plication of six leeches. The next day I found the pa- 
 
206 
 
 tient very pale, and so weak he was uuable to walk— a 
 source of much annoyauce to him, as he manifested a 
 constant desire fur motion. An adamctous swelling of 
 the parotid gland and of the right cheek followed, which 
 was .succeeded, a few days after, by a similar state of the 
 left leg and foot. Sleep had become indispensable, and 
 the patient was much reduced from want of it ; he told 
 mc, with tears in his eyes, that he had lost his appetite, 
 and could no longer relieve his bowels. I also learned 
 that he was habitually costive and llatulent ; that he 
 often had recourse to injections and purgatives, in order 
 to relieve his obstinate constipation ; and, lastly, tJiat his 
 walks and the evacuation of his bowels had lately be- 
 come the sole olyects of his thoughts and convci-sation. 
 Having oljsei-ved analogous symptoms in almost every 
 person affected by diurnal j)ollutions, I made further in- 
 quiries respecting the attack in which it was supposed the 
 right side had been paralyzed, and I was soon convinced 
 that the intellectual powers had been wanting, and 
 not the power in the hand which held the pen ; both 
 sides of the body had, in fact, retained an equal degree 
 of strength.' 
 
 " Struck by a remark of Dr. Butini, respecting the 
 progress of the disease soon after marriage,! made inqui- 
 ries of Madam De S., and learned that the character of 
 her husband had become so uncertain and tormenting, 
 that his friends thought he must be unhappy in his mar- 
 riage. I then sus'pected that the origin of the patient's 
 disease had been mistaken ; and I requested that his 
 urine might be kept for my inspection. The appearance 
 of the urine was sufficient to convince me that my suspi- 
 cions were well founded ; it was n])aque, thick, of a foetid 
 and nauseous odor, resembling tliat of water in which 
 anatomical specimens had been macerated. By pouring 
 it ofT slowly, I obtained a fiocculent cloud, like a verv 
 thick decoction of barley ; a gluey, ropy, greenish 
 matter remained, strongly adherent to the bo'ttom of the 
 vessel, and thick globules of a yellowish, white color, 
 non-adherent, like dro]js of pus, were mixed with 
 this deposit. I was therefore convinced, that Sper- 
 matoiThcca existed, together with chronic inflamma- 
 tion of the prostate gland and suppuration in the 
 kidneys. 
 
207 
 
 " Notvfithstancling the. state of M. De S's intellect, J 
 was able, at a favorable moment, to obtain further in^ 
 formation : — At the age of sixteen he had contracted 
 blennorrhagia ; this he carefully concealed, and suc- 
 ceeded in curing by the nse of refrigerant drinks. The 
 following year the blennorrhagia returned, and was re- 
 moved by astringents. Two years afterwards, from 
 drinking freely of beer while heated, the discbarge again 
 appeared, and after some time it again returned, from the 
 etf'ects of horse-exercise. Since that time M. De S. had 
 felt little sexual desire, and had abstained from inter- 
 course without regret. Ejaculation during coitus had 
 always been very rapid. 
 
 " Fully convinced by combining all these circumstan- 
 ces, 1 explained to M. De S. the nature of his disease, and 
 he promised me to observe carefully. The next day he 
 called me aside, and told me that the last drops of nrine 
 were viscid, and that during an evacuation of the bowels, 
 he had passed a sufficient quantity of a similar matter to 
 till the palm of his hand. 
 
 " Eight days after, another attack of cerebral con- 
 gestion occurred, followed by stentorous breathing, cold 
 skin, and an inappreciable pulse ; the patient fell into a 
 kind of syncope, of which he died on the 1st of March, 
 1824." 
 
 Every few weeks I have cases as nearly as possible to 
 the above, and find it is the fault of the treatment used 
 for the cure of the gonorrhoea — using astringent or caus- 
 tic injections and such medicines as copaiba, cubebs, &c. 
 Yet this treatment is still universally followed. By my 
 own treatment in these cases, I find no trouble in curing 
 them — in almost every instance, within twenty-four 
 hours — whether they are of recent or of years' standing ; 
 and I have never lost a patient, notwithstanding many 
 were of the most horrible description of constitutional 
 venereal affections. 
 
 Constipation is occasionally the cause of Sperma- 
 torrhoea, as I have before stated ; but very few would 
 suppose, however, that it could have the effect which 
 sometimes follows from it. 
 
 The next Case will convince the most skeptical — 
 though it is seldom we have so severe a case — they arc 
 generally pretty bad. 
 
208 
 
 '* M. De B. consulted me, (says M. Lallemand). in the 
 month of May, 1834, respecting a cerebral alfection, on 
 whose nature' distinguished physicians could not agree, 
 but which all reganled as very serious. 
 
 " He was of middle height, with a large chest, and a 
 well-developed muscular system, his hair brown and cur* 
 ly, his beard thick, his face full and deeply colored. Not- 
 withstanding these signs of apparent strength and 
 health, I noticed that his knees were slightly bent, and 
 that he was unable to remain long standing, without 
 shifting the weight of his body from one leg to the other; 
 his voice was weak and husky, the motions of his tongue 
 .scenied embarrassed, and he articulated his words in a 
 confused manner ; his attitude was timid, and his manner 
 had something of incertitude and fear ; he had been 
 married fifteen days. His mothei'-in-law and his young 
 wife, who accompanied him, informed me, that within 
 this period he had had several attacks of congestion of 
 the brain, during which his face was highly injected. 
 At the flret of these attacks, the surgeon, called in the 
 night, had bled him to the extent oi' three pounds, in 
 order to prevent apoplexy ; repeated venesection, and 
 the frequent application of leeches had rehevcd such 
 attacks of congestion, but had not prevented their re- 
 currence. The patient had become subject to attacks 
 of vertigo, and was unable to look upwards without 
 feeling giddy ; his legs had become so weak that he had 
 fallen several times, even when walking on level ground. 
 His ideas had lost their clearness, and his memory failed 
 rapidly. 
 
 " These symptoms had spread consternation through 
 both the family of my patient, and that of his wife, espe- 
 cially as several pmctitioners of reputation were agreed 
 as to the existence of some serious disease of the brain, 
 although they could not decide as to its nature. Most of 
 them, however, were inclined to suspect ramollissement 
 (softening). The countenance of the patient, during this 
 recital, the coincidence of the congestion, with the period 
 of his marriage, and the bad ctfects of blood-letting, 
 made me suspect the nature of the disorder, and induced 
 me to question the patient, separately. 
 
209 
 
 " When we were alone he told me, stammering, that an 
 ancxpected occurrence, immediately after his marriage, 
 had at first prevented any conjugal intimacy, and that 
 afterwards ho had found himself completely impotent. 
 He attributed tliis misfortune to the attack-s of cerebral 
 congestion, and to the bleedings he had undergone. On 
 further in^piiiy. however, I discovered that he wtus affected 
 ))y diurnal pollutions. 
 
 '• The following is the history I obtained from this pa- 
 tient, by dint of c|ucstioning : — At the age of sixteen, he 
 possessed a very strong constitution and ardent and paa- 
 sionate character. At school he contracted the habit of 
 masturbation, and at the end of three months he had 
 frequent noctural pollution?,, with pain in the chest, 
 and troublesome palpitations, which warned him of the 
 danger of the vice, and he renounced it forever. "When 
 he became free from the restraints of school, he subdued 
 the ardor of his temperament, by the most violent exer- 
 cises — especially that of the chase — and he attached him- 
 self to agricultural pursuits, with much energy. This 
 new mode of life so completely reestablished his health, 
 that he was tormented by energetic and contiimal erec- 
 tions, to subdue which he employed river baths, even in 
 the coldest seasons. He never committed excesses of 
 any kind, and had never suffered from any blennorrhagic 
 or syphilitic affection. In 1S31, the erections were 
 slightly mitigated, but he became very much constipa- 
 ted, which he attributed to the constant use of horse- 
 exercise. In 1832, he experienced some numbness and 
 creeping sensations in his feet and legs. In 1833, fre- 
 quent dazzling of sight occurred, with vertigo, difficulty 
 of vision, and flushes of heat towards the head and 
 face. The patient attributed all these sjmiptoms to the 
 eflfects of his still increasing constipation. At the same 
 time that these symptoms occuiTcd, the patient's erec- 
 tions became rarer, less energetic, and, after a time, in- 
 complete ; his fitness for intellectual labor diminished ; 
 the cerebral congestions became more frequent and more 
 severe ; his face became habitually very red, his head 
 burning, and almost constant fixed pain came on 
 in the orbits, and his chai-acter became ficklo and conti-a- 
 dictory. 
 
 •'His family physician, attributing all these disorders 
 
210 
 
 to a state of plethora, caused blood to be diawii several 
 times, without benefit. 
 
 '• In March, 1834, M. De D. engaged himself to a young 
 lady, who lived about two leagues from his estate ; and 
 in order to visit her without neglecting the care of hia 
 property, he was obliged to make long and frequent 
 journeys on horseback. Shortly before his marriage 
 the.-t^e journeys became so frequent that he might be 
 said to pass the greater part of his time on horseback. 
 His constipation increased to such a degree that he 
 passed forty days without foecal evacuation. During 
 iiis efforts at stool, he passed semen in largo quantities, 
 and in jets, although the penis remained flaccid. He 
 had previously several times noticed the same occiu'- 
 rence, but as he attriljutcd it to his long-continued conti- 
 nence, lie paid little attention to the circumstance. Hw 
 urine was constantly muddy ; it was passed slowly and 
 with dilficulty, and threw down a large quantity of thick 
 and flocculent deposit. 
 
 " M. De 13. awaited the period of his marriage with a 
 vague uneasiness, of which he could not imagine the 
 cause. He was much attached to his betrothed, but nev- 
 ertheless, he experienced more embai-rassment than 
 plea.sm-e m her society. 
 
 •' I have ah-eady stated what occurred aftei his mar- 
 riage. I should add that, having examined his genital 
 organs, I tbuud them, contrary to my exiiectations, of 
 unusual development ; tlie testicles were large and firm, 
 bat the scrotum was shghtly relaxed. The patient ex- 
 periejaced a strangling in the organs, and at times felt as 
 if they were compressed by a hand of iron. These sen- 
 sations increased when near his wife, and the penis 
 diminished in size and became retracted towards the 
 pnbcs, in proportion as he endeavored to excite erection. 
 The union of all these circumstances could not permit 
 any doubt to remain on my mind as to the nature of his 
 disease. It became evident that all idea of cerebral ai- 
 fcction mu.st ))e abandoned, aud that the diui'ual pollu- 
 tions, with all the symptoms of which they were the 
 cause, miv-t be refeiTed to the patient's constipation. 
 The first indication to be fulfilled, therefore, Wiis to re- 
 lieve the constipation ; indeed, I hoped that wad all 
 that would be necessary. The youth of the patient, the 
 
211 
 
 development of his genital organs, and the strecgth of 
 his constitution induced m-e to suppose thart his cure was 
 prompt and easy. Things did not, however, follow so 
 simple a course. The next daj% the patient began to 
 ase ascending douches ; and was put on a vegetable 
 diet, with iced-milk. 
 
 "The first douches caused the evacuation of an im- 
 mense quantity of foecar matter in lumps, as hard as 
 bullets, and it was not till after the sixth douche that 
 the foeces were of normal consistence. I then caused 
 the temperature of the water to be lowered to about 88° 
 of Fahrenheit, and afterwards to 81°. The last few 
 douches were given at 6S^ Fahrenheit. After the 
 twelfth douche bad been administered, they were omit- 
 ted, the bowels having acted regularly every day, with- 
 out the necessity of the slightest straining. By this 
 time the patient's countenance had lost its purple tint, 
 and presented a more natural appearance ; the straining 
 sensations of which he had complained, diminished by 
 degrees, and at length disappeared entirely ; his legs 
 regained their strength, and he was able to continue in 
 a standing position for a long time without fatigue, and 
 to take long walks without inconvenience ; his voice 
 resumed its natural tone ; his eye regained its expression, 
 and all his motions acquired firmness. At the expira- 
 tion of a fortnight the spermatic discharges during defa- 
 cation had ceased entirely; but his urine still continued 
 thick His erections had already acquired sufficient en- 
 ergy to make him believe himself cured ; but ejaculation 
 took place almost immediately. The use of ice and 
 cold lotions, did not ameliorate his condition. 
 
 " Such was INI. De B's state, at the end of a month, 
 when, in order to act directly on the orifices of the 
 ejaculatory ducts, I determined to cauterize the pros- 
 tatic portion of the urethra As soon as the inflam- 
 mation had subsided, his erections became more per- 
 fect and energetic, yet ejaculation still took place too 
 rapidly 
 
 "The period for using the mineral water having ar- 
 rived, I sent M. De B. to Aix, in Savoy, where I visit- 
 ed him shortly after. He had experienced veiy little 
 benefit from the uso of the waters, either oxtei-nally at 
 'Uternally 
 
212 
 
 " I now prescribed douches, alternately very warm 
 and very cold, en the perineum and loin?, the spnit be- 
 ing changed when the sensation of either cold or heat 
 became very intense. The bath was ended after about 
 twenty or twenty-five minutes, by the cold douche, and 
 the patient's skin remained highly injected for some 
 hours afterwards. The effects of these douches were 
 conclusive. After tlie first, the patient's erections ac- 
 quired a degree of vigor and duration which reminded 
 him of his early torments. He continued the use of the 
 douches for some time after his re-establishment ; and 
 when he left Ai.x, the functions of his genital organs 
 were i)erfect. Ejaculation was a good deal protracted 
 by the use of the douches. 
 
 " I have entered into a somewhat lengthy detail of 
 this case, because the subject affects gravely the most 
 seriousj interests of society as well as the happiness and 
 peace of families. Besides, I confess that I was much 
 interested by the unhappy position of a young man 
 whose misfortune was undeserved, and could not haA'e 
 been forseen, as well as by that of his wife — a young 
 woman, scarcely of age, who was obliged to enter into 
 the most unpleasant details. 
 
 _" It is evident that in the case of M. De B. the con- 
 stipation was the cause of the involuntary seminal dis- 
 charges. The patient had practiced masturbation, it is 
 true, and nocturnal emissions followed ; but he had con- 
 tinued the vice only three months, and his health, though 
 disordered fur a short time, was soon re-established by 
 the use of violent exercise. 
 
 "M. De B. was even tormented for several years by 
 erections, which must have been very energetic, if wo 
 judge by the means he took to subdue them. From 
 this time he had never committed any kind of excess, 
 and he had never suffered from either syphilis or blen- 
 norrhagia. There is then no circumstance in the history 
 of his life, except his constipation, which would account 
 for the involuntary discharges. 
 
 " But to what is this constipation to be referred 1 
 After all I could learn from the patient concerning hia 
 mode of life, I could only refer it to his constant horse 
 exercise. In facli, M. Do B. sometimes pa.ssed whole 
 days on horseback, either for the purpose of hunting or 
 
213 
 
 of superin-tendtng the management of his property. 
 Shortly before his marriage, his rides became more 
 frequent and longer, and his bowels at this time did not 
 act during forty days. The weakness of his legs, the 
 stunning sensations, &c., increased ia proportion as hia 
 costiveness became more confirmed. 
 
 "This case recalls to my mind the well-known ob- 
 servation of Hij^pocrates ou the impotence of the Scy- 
 thians, and I have no doubt that his opinion was found- 
 ed on analogous facts. I shall treat this subject more 
 fully in another place ; but since at present 1 am con- 
 sidering the causes of Spermatorrhoea which act on the 
 seminal vesicles through the influence of the rectum, I 
 report this striking case, showing the effects of long- 
 continued horse-exercise. 
 
 "M. De B. was accustomed to nutritious food, and 
 of a well-marked sanguineous temperament ; he had a 
 large chest, powerful muscles, and a highly-injected 
 countenance ; it is therefore by no means extraordinary 
 that he should have been bled frequently for the relief 
 of the cerebral congestions to which he was subject. On 
 the night of his marriage the blood rushed to his head 
 with greater force than ever, so that an attack of apo- 
 plexy was much feared. The weakness of the legs, the 
 frequent falls and the attacks of vertigo, were therefore 
 afterward attributed to an advanced stage of disease of 
 the brain. This was a very natural opinion, but it was 
 an incorrect one ; I doubted it from the commencement, 
 although the patient was brought to me in consequence 
 of a supposed cerebral affection. I formed a different 
 impression, because I had previously seen many analo- 
 gous cases. 
 
 " There existed in all these patients something pecu- 
 liar in the expression of the eyes, in the position, in the 
 voice, and in the general appearance ; something of 
 timidity and bashfulness, which I am unable to express, 
 but which is instantly recognized by the experienced, 
 although perhaps it is incapable of explanation. How- 
 ever this may be, tho relation of the above case should 
 draw attention to tho subject. 
 
 " I admit that venesections seemed to be clearly indi- 
 cated in the case of M. De B., but the loss of blood 
 revei produced good effects, either immediate or remote • 
 
214 
 
 and by analyzing the case carefully, his attendants 
 would have seen that under this treatment the attacks 
 increased in frequency. But pre-convictions throw a 
 thick veil over the most acute perceptions. The as- 
 cending douches put an end to the constipation .;^but 
 freedom of foecal evacuation did not suffice to cure the 
 disease. The seminal discharges, during the passage 
 of fceces, diminished, indeed, or perhaps entirely ceased, 
 but the patient's urine remained thick and muddy, and 
 his erections were incomplete. The application of ice 
 and of the nitrate of silver, and the use of sulphurous 
 waters, were not sufficient to effect this cure ; yet there 
 could not have existed any organic change in his genital 
 organs. We can, therefore, only attril)ute the continu- 
 ance of the seminal discharge, during the emptying of the 
 bladder, to relaxation of the ejaculatory canals, pro- 
 duced by their long habit of allowing the semen to 
 escape in a passive manner — showing how necessary it 
 is to put an end to the habit as early as possible." 
 
 Every patient after reading this case, will at once see 
 the injury which is caused by using the mechanical in- 
 struments that are advertised for sale, and warranted to 
 be the only sure cure of the emissions, by preventing 
 them from taking place. Such rings, by being placed 
 over the penis while it is in its natural state, of course 
 becomes tight and causes pain, when an erection takes 
 place, thereby waking the patient ; not, however, before 
 the semen leaves the ducts and reaches the canal, 
 which must then either pass out entirely or recede into 
 the bladder, causing all the serious affections heretofore 
 witnessed in the preceding cases, as well as many more, 
 in the after part of the work. 1 shall also there speak 
 fully on the different appliances that have been tried, as 
 well as that of the medication generally adopted. 
 
 The next Case shows the effects of worms in the 
 rectum, not only producing but keeping up Spermatorr- 
 hoea, and also in being the original cause of mastm-ba- 
 tion, even in young children. 
 
 "M. K., a student of medicine, (says Lallemand), 
 enjoyed good health in his childhood, but about the age 
 
215 
 
 of fifteen was tormented by prolonged and frequent 
 erections. One evening, for the relief of the itching of 
 which the extremity of the penis was the seat, he rubbed 
 the organ violently between his hand?. This led to the 
 'establishment of the habit of masturbation as a habit, 
 or rather as a passion, the patient practicing it some- 
 times as often as eight or ten times a day. His 
 health, by degrees, became so altered that one of his 
 friends suspected his practice, and told him the danger 
 of his situation. By degrees he corrected himself, though 
 not entirely, before he had attained his twentieth year. 
 On his renouncing masturbation, nocturnal emissions 
 supervened, and often occurred two or three times a 
 night. They diminished after a time, but without 
 ceasing entirely, and seminal emissions during defacation 
 and the emission of urine, were added to them. Thus 
 his health became more and more disorderedj for nine 
 years, notwithstanding absolute continence, a severe 
 regimen, and the use of sedatives, tonics, and anti-spas- 
 modics. At length he grew incapable of any mental 
 exertion. 
 
 " In 1837, he came to Montpelier, at the age of twen- 
 ty-nine, in the following condition -—extreme emacia- 
 tion, face pale, appearance stupid, and confused, intel- 
 lect dull, reasoning powers much affected, the patient 
 being incapable of connecting two ideas on the most 
 simple topic of conversation ; loss of memory, constant 
 headache, referred to the forehead and temples and in- 
 creased by any mental excitement, being then accom- 
 panied by nervous tremors, and an almost idiotic state 
 sleep broken and unrefreshing, constant sighing, frequent 
 aUaeks of congestion of the head, especially at nieht 
 violent noise in the ears, resembling the sound of a water- 
 lall, vertigo stunning sensations, giving rise to a con- 
 stant fear of apoplexy, timidity carried to a ridiculous 
 extent, panics of fear, even during the day, character 
 gloomy, taciturn, restless and irritable, horror of the 
 least noise and of all society, iiresistible restlessness 
 great weakness, abundant sweats after every sli<rht ex- 
 ertion, almost co.nstant coryza, frequent dry and hard 
 cough, pains in the base of the chest, the region of the 
 heart and along the spinal column, appetite voracious, 
 draggmg at the pit of the stom.-.eh, difficult digestion 
 
210 
 
 accompanied with the development of flatus, grinding of 
 the teeth during sleep, burning at the point of the 
 tongue, darting paius in the bowels, especially in the 
 rectum, obstinate constipation, alteraating with violent 
 attacks of diarrhoea, stools containing much mucus and 
 sometimes streaked with blood, periodical pains at the 
 margin of the anus, in the perineum, penis and testicles, 
 urine passed in large quantities and very frequeutl}', 
 always throwing down a whitish, thick and very abun- 
 dant deposit, involuntary emissions during defecation, 
 both when constipated and relaxed, frequent and pro- 
 longed erections, by day as well as by night, with con- 
 stant presence of erratic ideas. 
 
 " On sounding this patient, I found the urethra very 
 sensitive, especially towards the nock of the bladder, 
 and I consequently thought that the nocturnal and diur- 
 nal pollutions were kei^t up by a state of irritation, 
 arisuig from masturbation. I therefore proposed cau- 
 terization. This was performed on the following day, 
 and produced the usual immediate effects, but its cura- 
 tive ofTects did not take place as I had anticipated. I 
 then directed the patient to notice his foeces, and a few 
 days afterwards he told me that he had observed nume- 
 rous little worms passed in his stools. I now ordered 
 enema of cold water, and salt and water, which, how- 
 ever, produced only a momentary effect— probably be- 
 cause the ascarides inhabited the upper part of the in- 
 testine. A few doses of calomel, however, caused them 
 to disappear without returning ; and from this moment, 
 the involuntary diurnal emissions ceased entirely, the 
 nocturnal emissions became more aud more rare, and 
 the patient's re-establishment progressed very rapidly. 
 
 "M. R. returned to his studies with ardor, and long 
 afterwards all functions were perfectly well performed" 
 It appears evident that the irritation caused by the 
 ascarides in the rectum, first led this patient to practice 
 masturbation, aud afterwards kept up invduntary scm- 
 mal discharges. I did not discover this at first, because 
 the history of his case, sent rm by the patient, was so 
 long, and was characterized by such disorder and want 
 of clearness, that I was unable to arrive at any satis- 
 factory conclusions from such a chaos ; his answers were 
 still more vague and unconnected, so that my attention 
 
217 
 
 had been chiefly attracted to the state of his intellect 
 and the abuses he had committed. But after seeing the 
 little success of cauterization, and again reading hia 
 notes, I paid more attention to the circumstances attend- 
 ing the commencement of his practicing masturbation, 
 and I noticed several symptoms to which I had not be- 
 fore attached importance — such as grinding of the teeth 
 during sleep, burning pain in the point of the tongue, 
 fjain in the rectum and at the margin of the anus, the 
 stools always containing mucus and sometimes being 
 streaked with blood, and especially the frequency and 
 durations of the erections, and the constant presence of 
 erotic ideas." 
 
 I often have cases, of both sexes, where the original 
 cause of the habit was traced to these Uttle tormentors, 
 and which of course, by the proper treatment, would 
 have prevented all that misery and inroad upon the 
 health of the person, which the result of the habit or 
 loss of semen caused by their irritation, without even 
 having fallen into the practice itself. Their existence 
 in the rectum causes an inflammation, which being con- 
 tiguous to the seminal vesicles, produce the erotic ideas, 
 as mentioned in the preceding case. Parents should not 
 only be aware of this fact, but the physician should 
 make it his business to inquire particularly if any of 
 these results have supervened ; if so, by their being 
 treated at once in a proper manner, aU farther difficul- 
 ties are prevented. This one faet in itself should be 
 sufiicieut to convince every one, of the absurdity of at- 
 tributing these complaints to immoral ideas, and that 
 those afflicted would not have been so, if moral suasion 
 had been taught them at the proper time. 
 
 There is a fault cf the victims themselves equally as 
 great ; that is, the desire of keeping their compLaint an 
 entire secret. This often is the cause of the most de- 
 plorable cases I meet with, for they allow themselves to 
 suffer, because they dislike to consult a physician for 
 such a complaint, or because they have not arrived at 
 that age which enables them to command the money ne- 
 cessary^ without their parents becoming acquainted with 
 theu' diflBculty, or sometime* even they vvill consult a 
 physician, and make a false statement of their case, 
 hoping he will be shrewd enough to discover the real 
 
218 
 
 truth of the case himself. I often have fathers or mo- 
 thers apply to me, in behalf of their children, -who were 
 80 timid that they oould not prevail upon them to ap- 
 ply in person. The parents of course became aware 
 of their complaints, by noticing the inroads made on 
 their system or by -waivhing their suspicious actions. I 
 have had many fcn afifecting case presented to me in 
 this manner ; but I hope this little publication will 
 meet the eye of those interested in time to prevent 
 many such cala-mities. 
 
 _ I am satisfied, from the advantages of a large prac- 
 tice, that the tendency to Spermatorrhoea is often he- 
 reditary, for I have had some remarkable proofs of it in 
 cases of the same family, and having occurred at the 
 same age. These cases have been so numerous in so 
 many different families, that I have not a single doubt 
 on the subject, for they have not been addicted to the 
 habit of masturbation nor produced by any of the 
 other causes heretofore mentioned. , Congenital pre-dis- 
 positions occasionally exist, particularly in those of a 
 nervous disposition, and as very few are aware of the 
 fact, I will give some excellent illlustrations, of these 
 kind of eases, from M. Lallemand's note-book, which 
 fully confirm those in my own case-book ; which, 
 though quite numerous, the following will, however, be 
 sufficient to answer all purposes : — 
 
 _ " In general, such patients were of a sickly constitu- 
 tion and more or less marked nervous temperament ; 
 they had been delicate from childhood, and subject to 
 various spasmodic disorders. Some of them presented 
 involuntary twitching of the muscles of the face, hesita- 
 tion of the speech, &c. ; their imagination was active, 
 and their moral and physical sensibility very acute 
 They were very restless, and bore contradiction or 
 mental excitement badly. In childhood they presented 
 local symptoms, which indicated peculiar susceptibility 
 of the urinary organs, every impression of fear or anxi- 
 ety showing itself in this direction. What would have 
 produced shuddering or palpitation in other children, in 
 them ca'j«ed a secretion of clear watery urine, which 
 
219 
 
 they were obliged to discharge frequently , a sense of 
 constriction of the hypogastriuin and a sense of titilatior. 
 generall}'^ accompanied its discharge. This condition 
 of the urinary organs continued more or less severe in 
 all the cases until after puberty, when it became joined 
 with other symptoms. 
 
 CASE VIIT. "*» 
 
 "One of these patients, (continues Lallemand), one 
 day experienced, at the age of sixteen, a fit of irrita- 
 bility and impatience, which, however, he succeeded in 
 repressing ; and he then felt a sudden and impetuous 
 desire of micturation ; whilst emptying his bladder he 
 perceived a large quauti% of purc semen discharged 
 with the last drop.s of urine. This occurrence was the 
 forerunner of nocturnal and diurnal emissions, which, 
 at the age of twenty-seven, had entirely ruined hi.s 
 health. 
 
 CASE IX. 
 
 " Another, at the moment of competition for a college 
 prize, was unable to find an expression he wanted ; at 
 the same time he felt a want to make water, which he 
 resisted by firmly crossing his legs ; but his impatience 
 increased, and he shortly experienced an abundant 
 emission without either erection or pleasure. 
 
 " A third patient suffered in the same way, under 
 similar circumstances ; he saw the moment approach for 
 sending in his thesis ; the more he endeavored to hurry, 
 the less freely his expressions flowed ; at length, on 
 hearing the clock strike, he sulfered from so great 
 mental disorder that he nearly fainted j at this moment 
 emission took place. 
 
 **'A fourth having mounted on a gutter of a hi^h 
 house to take some sparrows' nests, looked down into the 
 
220 
 
 court below, and was suddenly seized with such terror 
 that he fainted; on recovering and escaping from his 
 dangerous situation, he found that he had liad an abun- 
 dant seminal pollution. 
 
 "The sa^^e circumstances occurred to a fifth, who, in 
 descending a ladder, missed his footing, and fell. 
 
 " Another patient told me if ho looked down from a 
 height, or only fancied himself on the brink of aprecijiice, 
 he felt a sense of contractJih in the genital organs, 
 which passed rapidly to the base of the penis, and 
 ended by causing an emission. 
 
 " The motion of a swing produced the same effects in 
 a seventh. 
 
 "Almost all these excitable persons were exposed to 
 erection, and even pollutions, whenever they rode on 
 horseback. Although all these involuntary discharges 
 were caused by extraordinary circumstances, I should 
 not have paid much attention to them if they had not 
 been followed by nocturnal and diurnal pollutions, 
 which the most trifling circumstance rcnclered very 
 serious. The disea.se, however, did not always put on a 
 serious a.spect immediately after these singular accident.s , 
 very often, indeed, it only injured the patient's health 
 long afterwards ; but as its gravity could not be ex- 
 plained by any occasional cause, I feel myself compelled 
 to admit the existence of a congenital increased nervous 
 susceptibility of the genito-urinary organs. Every- 
 thing indicates, in fact, that the organs of these pa- 
 tients were rather excitable than weak and relaxed; 
 and his condition was congenital, because manifested 
 from the earliest infancy. This excessive sensibility of 
 the genital organs is, however, not always preceded by 
 A similar condition of the urinary apparatus. 
 
 " In all these cases, tonics and excitants always pro- 
 
221 
 
 duce bad effects ; proving the genital organs were not 
 suffering from atony or weakness." 
 
 The next Case is one of Dr. IMcDougall's. It vei^ 
 nearly corresiwnds with the one from my own note- 
 book, which is the first Case presented. 
 
 CASE XV. 
 
 rc"^' ■^•' ^°®^ thirty-nine, passed the early part of hiA 
 hfe m the country, and was in the habit of taking much 
 and violent exercise. About the age of sixteen, he en- 
 tered a banking establishment ia London, in which by 
 great diligence and steadiness of conduct, he rose before 
 he was twenty-five, to the post of cashier. The aff"airfl 
 of the house fell into disorder, and ultimately a bank- 
 ruptcy occurred. Mr. H., from the amount of confidence 
 reposed m him by the partners of the firm, was much 
 harassed by these unfortunate proceedings. Soon after- 
 wards he became manager of a large mercantile estab- 
 lishment in the city, and about this time commence<J 
 some speeidation in foreign bonds. From fluctuationt 
 m the share-market, he was a loser to a eonsiderabl* 
 extent , his mind was much harassed, and he began t4 
 suspect those about him of dishonesty towards their em 
 ployers. On investigation, these suspicions were prove* 
 to be totally unfounded. 
 
 " Mr. H gave way to great violence of conduct, an< 
 resigned his situation. About this time his father died 
 an4, Mr. H. was much disappointed at finding thaj 
 property which he had incorrectly believed entailed, 
 and consequently his, as eldest son, was left by will, tt 
 be equally divided between himself and the rest of th< 
 family. His conduct at this period was of the straugesi 
 description. He dreaded to go out into the streets ol 
 the town where his family resided, refused to join ii 
 their meals, and ultimately abruptly left their house tc 
 return to London. 
 
 " In 1837, his state had become such, that in conse 
 quence of his repeated letters, members of his family 
 visited London, and on their return, took him with them 
 into Devonshire. About this time, his mental disordei 
 put on a decided aspect; and I had then, as well aa 
 l9.ter, ample opportimities of observing his conduct, ana 
 
222 
 
 frequently hciird his complaints. Emissaries were con 
 Et.intly on the ECiirch for him, to arrest him for unnatu- 
 ral crimes committed in London ; every one wlio met 
 him in the street, read in his countenaiice the crimes he 
 had committed ; tailors made the sleeves of his coatg 
 the wrong way of the cloth, in order to brand him with 
 infauay ; the sight of a policeman in the street alarmed 
 him beyond measure ; and often, if a stranger happened 
 to be walking some little time in the same direction aa 
 himself, he would exclaim, that he was one of the emis- 
 saries sent to seize him. At other times he would lock 
 himself in his room, and weep by the hour. 
 
 " He never took his meals with the family, and never 
 tasted food or drink without first preserving a portion 
 for chemical analy.sis, as he was convinced his friends 
 were in a conspiracy to poison him slowly, in order to 
 wipe out the memory of his crimes. These ideas 
 haunted him night and day. His digestion was much 
 di.sordered, his sleep broken and restless, and his bowels 
 excessively constipated. 
 
 " His face was tiushed, and periodical attacks of cere 
 bral excitement occurred, during which he complained 
 of vertigo, noise in the head, loss of sight, &c. He 
 complained also of loss of memory, and frequently of 
 bodily weakness and lassitude. The best medical advice 
 the neighborhood afforded was obtained, unavailingly ; 
 the opinions of the gentlemen consulted were that Mr 
 H. was laboring under aggravated hypochondriasis, 
 complicated with monomania. Various cau.ses were 
 suggested as giving rise to the disorder, but no previous 
 ca,se of insanity was recollected in any branch of the 
 family. 
 
 " Mr. H. now began to talk of leaving England, for 
 America, in order to avoid his persecutors ; and to pre- 
 vent this he was placed under the care of a private 
 keeper. While with this person, he frequently and bit- 
 terly complained of constant pollutions, while at stool, 
 with darting pain, and a sense of weight between the 
 rectum and bladder. He had also urethral irritation, at- 
 tended with discharge, pains in the loins and one 
 groin, weakness of his legs, thick urine, piles ajid cos- 
 tiveness. He kept a diary at this time, which is at 
 present in my hands. Not a day is passed in this diary, 
 
22a 
 
 without m<Miti on of the distressing seminal discharges 
 from which he suffered. These were treated as of no 
 importance by his medical attendants, although ha 
 never ceased to complain of them, and solicited aid, so 
 long as he continued in confinement in England. 
 
 " When led away from his disorder into any discus 
 sion on public matters, ho was, however, a most amusing 
 and instructive companion ; as a man of business he was 
 equally acute, and to a stranger, as long as nothing was 
 done to offend him, he was to all appearance, a man of 
 observation and experience in life. 
 
 " For about two years and a half ho was under the 
 care of various gentlemen, devoted to the insane, and at 
 length he was discharged from an establishment near 
 Bath, by the visiting madistiates, as a person confined 
 without due cause. His first act was to commence legal 
 proceedings against his friends, for his detention, and 
 having gained his action, he immediately proceeded to 
 London, and waylaid and violently assaulted a gentle- 
 man of high commercial standing in the citj'. After 
 this offence, he was confined for a considerable period in 
 default of bail, and immediately on his liberation, it is 
 believed that he proceeded to America. 
 
 " From this time nothing was heard of him until Sep- 
 tember, 1S43, when a letter was received by a gentle- 
 man who formerly attended him, in which he stated that 
 the same course of persecution was pursued towards him 
 in America as had been followed in England. He com- 
 plained of not being able to obtain efficient medical 
 treatment, although he had applied to the most eminent 
 practitioners in Cincinnati, and afterwards at Philadel- 
 phia and New York. 
 
 " After this, nothing more was heard of Mr. H. until 
 the year 1845, when an American newspaper was for- 
 warded to his friends by an unknown hand, containing 
 an account of his death and of an inquest held on him, 
 headed, ' Death of a Hermit in West Jersey.'' It was 
 stated that he had lived on a small farm, entii-ely alone, 
 with the exception of a dog. and that he had shunned 
 all intercourse with his neighbors. He was taken sud- 
 denly ill, applied to a neighboring farmer for assistance, 
 but died in the coxirse of the following day. From in- 
 formation subsequently obtained by his friends, it is be- 
 
224 
 
 lieved that he died of apoplexy, or perhaps in one of the 
 attacks of congestiou of the brain, from which he fre- 
 quently suffered before he left his native country." 
 
 The symptoms of this unfortunate case strongly re- 
 semble those of the thirty-second and lifty-sixth cases 
 related by M. Lallemand, as well as my own. It was 
 more aggravated, however, and presented the somewhat 
 uncommon feature of the patieut'^s discovering the fre- 
 quent pollutions, and constantly complaining of them ; 
 tliese, unfortunately, were treated as matters of no im- 
 portance. 
 
 Mr. H's insanity, at first, constantly had reference to 
 his having either committed or been accused of commit- 
 ting, unnatural crimes ; and this idea never entirely left 
 him, although during the latter part of his life, his 
 many prominent hallucinations had reference to imagi- 
 nary persecutors constantly watching him, and endea- 
 voring to ruin him, by spreading false reports, and to 
 poison him by adulterating his food and infusing nox- 
 ious gases into the air. There can be little doubt, on 
 taking into consideration his complaints of weights be- 
 tween the rectum and bladder, with darting pains, &c., 
 in the same region, that the pollutions arose from irri- 
 tation in the neighborhood of the prostate ; and I 
 think that if at an early period of his disease, this had 
 been relieved, there would have been considerable hope 
 of his recovery, from the hallucinations he manifested. 
 
 The next case is also one of Dr. McDougall's, and is 
 equally instructive, as it is almost an exact copy of a 
 great many that I have at almost all times under my 
 own charge. 
 
 CASE XVI. 
 
 " The other case, to which I have alluded as par- 
 ticularly attracting my attention, and which came 
 under my notice about the same time, was that of a 
 young man of high intellectual power and general tal- 
 ents, studying medicine. This gentleman was one of 
 my most constant companions, when, almost suddenly, a 
 serious change came over him. He shunned society, es- 
 pecially that of females ; was morose, tactiturn, and 
 firequqntly shed tears ; he sat sometimes for houi-s in a 
 
225 
 
 kind of abstraction, on being aroused from it, could give 
 no explanation of his thoughts and feelings. He con- 
 stantly expressed to me his conviction that be should 
 never succeed in his profession, and frequently exclaimed 
 that he was I'uined both here and hereafter, body and 
 soul, and by his own foil}'. About twelve mouths pre- 
 vious to this depressiou of spirits, he had a severe at- 
 tack of blennorrhagia, with orchitis and phymosis. 
 This left a degree of irritability in the bladder, which 
 required hira to pass urine frequently. His digestion 
 became so disordered that the simplest food would not 
 lemain on his stomach, and he had frequent eructations 
 of fluid, which blazed like oil if spit into the fire. This 
 gentleman's father was a physician, and being naturally 
 anxious for his son, obtained for him the advice of many 
 of the most eminent of the faculty. No improvement 
 took place, however. 
 
 " After he had been six months in this state, I had 
 an opportunity of spending three weeks by the sea- side, 
 and my friend accompanied me. We slept in the same 
 room, and he was scarcely ever out of my sight. Before 
 our return, his health was almost re-established, and 
 his spirits had returned to their natural condition. 
 
 " Twelve months later, however, he again fell into 
 the same state of despondency ; and this time his condi- 
 tion was much worse than on the former occasion. He 
 frequently remained in bed three parts of the day, and 
 no threats or entreaties on the part of his father, could 
 induce him to get up. His intellectual faculties were 
 totally prostrated, and a vacant stare, which took the 
 place of his natural lively expression, induced consider- 
 able fears of his ultimately becoming idiotic. I was the 
 only person who possessed any influence over him, which 
 may perhaps be attributed to his feeling that I was 
 aware of the cause of his disorder. This state continued 
 between three and four months, during which time I 
 was with him as much as my other duties would permit, 
 and frequently showed him the folly of the course ho 
 pursued. At the expiration of this time he gradually 
 recovered. He has since had a slight relapse, once only ; 
 he has pursued his professional studies with success, and 
 is at present a medical officer in her Majesty's service. 
 
 " On this case, I need not only remark, that the symp« 
 
226 
 
 toms (lid not arise from involuntary seminal discharges, 
 but from excessive discharges, caused by abuse. The 
 varied treatment recommended by the distinguished 
 practitioners consulted, proved unsuccessful, because the 
 origin of the disorder was unrecognized, and the reme- 
 dies consequently useless while the habits of abuse were 
 continued. ' 
 
 CllAFTEll Vn. 
 
 SEVERAL. OTHER SYMPTOMS BY WHICH SPERMATORR- 
 HCEA MAY BE DETECTED. 
 
 In addition to the effects already presented in the fore- 
 going pages, it may be well to note some other symp- 
 toms by which they may he kiiown. A portion are 
 frequently observed in other diseases ; then again there 
 are others which peculiarly belong to this affection only, 
 therefore enabling us to ascertain their existence, when 
 a more positive proof is not to be obtained. 
 
 M. Lallemand says, that " The most abundant noc- 
 turnal pollutions are far from being always the most 
 hurtful ; yet as they easily lose their character, the 
 habit alone tends to make them more and more fre- 
 quent. By so doing, they of course are more injurious." 
 He afterwards says, " But this state of excitement is too 
 violent to last long — by degrees the organs become fa- 
 tigued. Deprived of their natural functions, and, con 
 f?equently, being unstrengthened by regular exercise, 
 they may at last fall into a state of atony, or the sem- 
 inal vesicles may preserve the habit of contracting, 
 under the influence of slight or indirect excitement. 
 The evacuations now produce effects quite opposite to 
 those experienced in the beginning. There are, on 
 waking, feelings of discontent, idleness, weight in the 
 head, disorder in the ideas, &c. ; but this condition 
 passes off in the course of the day, and the patient ia 
 quite well on the following morning, if no further emis- 
 eion takes place. After a time, these effects become 
 
227 
 
 more serious and lasting, and two or three days ar< 
 required to remove them entirely. There is, however, 
 no disease <as yet, because the economy is not as yet 
 permanently disordered, but there is a degree of insta- 
 bility iu the patient's health, a valetudinary condition, 
 the progress of which it is necessary to arrest." 
 
 It will be seen by the above extract that M. Lalle- 
 mand agrees with me in the very important particular, 
 that the very first involuntary emission should at once 
 warn the patient that the disagreeable sensations pro- 
 duced by it, is the forerunner of the disease itself, being 
 in a rapid course of full development. The dreams 
 themselves, which accompany the emissions in the com- 
 mencement of these cases, are often erroneously con- 
 sidered as causing them, when, in fact, it is just the 
 reverse — for it is the excitement primarily existing in 
 the genital organs. The symptoms are very much 
 worse when the discharge occurs without being accom- 
 panied with the pleasurable dreams, and truly bad when 
 they are disagreeable. The diurnal losses are worse 
 than the nightly ones, especially if they occur spontane- 
 ously or from exercise. In very bad cases they occur 
 dui-iug the movement of the bowels, especially if they 
 are constipated — or in a very diseased state of the parts, 
 it will be lost in the passing of the urine. Gravel, and 
 other affections of the surrounding organs, will cause 
 sufficient irritation to produce it, and therefore should 
 not be forgotten in searching for the cause. These are 
 the greatest causes of Impotency. 
 
 Patients who come to me, are, almost invariably, en- 
 tirely ignorant of their having lost semen in this way, 
 probably for years, yet when made acquainted with the 
 circumstances, it is generally very easy for them to 
 detect it, Avhethcr it is mixed with the urine or lost at 
 the time of defecation. If with the urine there is a 
 sensation of heaviness while passing — sometimes there is 
 a pricking or tingling sensation — the urine looks thicker 
 than usual, and, on close examination, little globules 
 can be seen. The sensation is very similar when the 
 escape occurs at the times of the passing of the foeces, 
 and sometimes a sticky substance can be discovered 
 adhering to the glans. Very often it happens that it 
 flows away, after the movement of the bowels, and the 
 
228 
 
 person suddenly discovers it when dressing ; a shock 
 then occurs, which is principally felt in the peroneum 
 and at the neck of the bladder. In bad cases it is very 
 diflScult to discover the semen in the urine, therefore it 
 should be borne in mind that it never escapes at the first 
 flow, but invariably with the last few drops, or after, as 
 I have before stated, the bladder has been emptied. 
 When there is an ulcerated prostate which discharges 
 itself through the urethra, it would then require an ex- 
 perienced physician to distinguish between the two, as 
 that always comes away last, while in cases of Gleet, or 
 a discharge from an inflammation of the urethra itself, 
 the discharge is driven out, ahead of the urine, and un- 
 accompanied with the sensations previously mentioned. 
 Sometimes patients will have a shaking chill, pain in 
 the nipple, and very often in the back of the neck or in 
 the forehead, shooting pains in different parts of the 
 body, and a heat around the anus. If the disease is not 
 checked, the semen loses its natural appearance entirely, 
 becoming so thin that its character is totally changed 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 IMPOTENCY, STERILITY AND INFECUiVDITy. 
 
 Persons may become impotent from various causes : 
 *, long continued gonorrhoea, gleet, stricture or syphilis 
 will produce it as well as sterility, and if the system is 
 t!o tainted or poisoned with syphilis as to cause the tes- 
 jicles to enlarge and become indurated for any length ot 
 time, there is danger of their functions being entirely 
 destroyed. 1 have had a great many cases of this kind, 
 when the testicles were as heavy and almost as hard as 
 a stone, yet, I am happy to say, I succeeded in every case 
 in bringing them again to "their natural state. The 
 emissions destroy the powers of the genital organs, from 
 general weakness, or totally changing and destroying 
 the fecundating properties of the semen. It is a fact, 
 that the semen, when healthy, contains animalcules, 
 
PLATE 22 
 
 Fin. V 
 
 Ji)q.(57. 
 
231 
 
 and for them to become fully developed, requires the 
 semen to remain a certain time in the vas deferens and 
 vesicles, after it leaves the testicles, or the zoospermes 
 do not become perfect. 
 
 The exact time necessary for the semen to remain in 
 the body, after being formed in the testes, is not known, 
 because it varies in different individuals, and even under 
 different circumstances in the same person. If the organs 
 are healthy at first, thej' can perfect the semen more 
 rapidly, and lose it often, yet it will remain healthy ; 
 but if the excessive loss is continued too long, the parts 
 become weakened, and of course the semen is discharged 
 imperfect. That is the reason why excess, whether 
 from licentiousness or involuntary emissions, is so injuri- 
 ous ; for instead of the healthy animalcules which it 
 should contain, there is nothing but the small unde- 
 veloped granules, which can, in bad cases, be seen in 
 the urine, like little shining points, or the bran-like 
 grains observable at an earKer period. There are cases 
 so ver}"^ bad, that the semen is changed to a substance 
 only a little thicker than water ; when this happens, it 
 is incapable of stimulating an erection, much less im- 
 pregnation. This is the reason people become impotent, 
 and finally sterile ; therefore, as we know the cause, then 
 the vital necessity of the invalids placing themselves 
 under the care of the proper physician, and 1 am satisfied 
 this book will be a guide to thousands who have been 
 groping in the dark for years, till hope has almost for- 
 saken them. 
 
 I will here inform the reader, that every moment is 
 precious, and no person should bo indifferent to the 
 slightest symptoms, and if you are young, so that you 
 are not possessed of pecuniary means, you should at once 
 disclose your situation to your parents, and you will not 
 fail of finding the sympathy you desire. 
 
 In a former page I mentioned a vitiated state of the 
 semen that would not stimulate an erection, and that 
 the person would finally become sterile. There are cases 
 of persons, almost fully possessing that power, and yet 
 are sterile ; the reason is, that the habits of the body 
 are still vigorous enough to continue the secretion of the 
 semen, but it lacks the health necessary for the perfect 
 formation of the real life — the animalcules. And I at- 
 
232 
 
 tribute mauy supposed cases of the barrenness in femalea 
 to this defect in their husband.s. As M. Lallemand was 
 the first author who alluded to this importaut subject, 
 his remarks should be read, at least by those who are 
 interested, that they may fully understand the subject. 
 
 "Iiupoteuce (says M. Lallemand.) is an absolute 
 cause of infecundity, because it prevents the conditions ne- 
 cessary to fecundation from taking place ; but although 
 the act of coitus may be accomplished, it docs not follow 
 that the person should always be able to perpetuate his 
 species. Stricture of the urethra may prove an obstacle 
 to the discharge of seminal fluid ; or the fluid may be 
 directed towards the bladder or the parietcs of the 
 urethra, by deviation of the orifices of the cjaculatory 
 ducts. The secretion may be altered in its natm-c ; it 
 may only contain imperfect spermatozoa, &c. A man 
 may, therefore, be unfruitful without being impotent 
 On the other hand, I have met with many patients, 
 suffering with diurnal pollutions, who had children ex- 
 acUy resembling them, even during the duration of 
 their disease. Indeed, I have seen several cases in 
 which the disposition to involuntary discharges were 
 hereditary, and they affected both father and son. 
 
 " The disease is, however, essentially irregular in it« 
 progi-ess. It may continue long, without doing serious 
 injury to the health ; long remissions may be experi- 
 enced or even a perfect cessation of the complaint, for a 
 longer or shorter time. We may easily conceive, there- 
 fore, that in the first degree, or during one of the periods 
 of remission, fecundation may take place. When the 
 disease is further advanced, however, many causes occur 
 to render coitus unfruitful. Ejaculation is weak and pre- 
 cipitate, so that the seminal fluid cannot be thrown into 
 the cavity of the uterus ; it is not suflBcient in order to fe- 
 cundate, simply to spread the fluid over the vagina ; it 
 must be projected with sufficient force to pass through 
 the orifice of the uterine neck. Besides, in these cases 
 the erections, even when they permit sexual intercourse, 
 are incomplete and of very short duration — emission takes 
 place witnout energy and very soon. This hist symp- 
 tom is almost invariably present in almost all of these 
 cases; and whore the parts are weakened, the semen 
 will come away, without scarcely any erection of the 
 
233 
 
 penis. But even in the most acute affections, ythex the 
 erection is sufficiently lasting to enter the vagina at all. 
 it is only for a moment, before the semen is ejected! 
 Both married and single persons ap^ly to me to free 
 them from this awful situation. The position and feel- 
 ings of both the male and female at this juncture, 
 can be more easily imagined than described, as this tan- 
 talizing of the female o#ten produces the utmost dis- 
 tress. It is, therefore, easily to be seen that during such 
 partial acts, the uterus and fjxllopian tubes have not suf- 
 ticieut time to experience the excitement necessary to 
 carry the semen to its destination, even when it passes 
 the neck of the uterus. The semen itself also under- 
 goes great changes, to which perhaps the loss of the fe- 
 cundating power is chiefly attributable. Microscopic 
 researches have elucidated this formerly obscure sub- 
 ject. I have discovered, for instance, that the sperma- 
 torrhoea undergo changes similar to those of the fluid 
 which serves as their vehicle ; these changes are exceed- 
 ingly important, and are owing to defective formation. 
 Spermatorrhoea may be met with in a less thick and less 
 opaque fluid than natural, for they are not produced by 
 the same parts or in the same manner ; but when the 
 secretion is perfectly thin and watery, the functions are 
 so seriously affected that the animalcules are altered; 
 they are less developed, less opaque, and less active than 
 natural ; indeed, they are so transparent that pecuHav 
 precautions are necessary in order to make sure of see- 
 ing them. Their motions are weak, slow, and cease very 
 soon, and they rapidly undergo decomposition. All 
 these characteristics show how much their texture is re- 
 laxed, and how imperfectly they are organized. 
 
 " It is evident, the least arrest of development in the 
 spermatorrhcea, must prove an insurmountable obstacle 
 to fecundation, even if the only function of the animal- 
 cules be to carry the liquor seminis to the ovum. When, 
 however, their 'imperfect development only arises from 
 a too rapid formation, it may soon be obviated. It suf- 
 fices that the involuntary discharges should cease, for 
 a few days only, in consequence of some accidental 
 cause or of one of the spontaneous changes of this ex- 
 traordinary disease, in order for the desires to become 
 more lively, the erections more energetic and prolonged, 
 
234 
 
 and for the functions to b« accomplished in a Datur«V 
 manner; fecundation is, therefore, possible, as I hava 
 previously stated, during; the whole duration of one of 
 these intermissions. This is not the case when the sper- 
 matozoa are nialfonncd, rudimentary, more or losa 
 deprived of tail, &c., for these changes only take place 
 when there is a serious alteration in the structure of the 
 testicles. * 
 
 " 1 have taken every opportunity of dissecting the testi- 
 cles altered in these cases, and I have always found the se- 
 creting structures paler, drier and denser than natural, 
 and the cellular tissue more resisting, and with difficulty 
 allowing the secreting ducts to be separated one from 
 a,nother. Sometimes one-half or two-thirds of the tes- 
 ticle were transformed into a fibrous or tibro-cartilagin- 
 ous tissue, mixed, in a few cases, with tuberculous matter. 
 It is the same also in the epididymis, when I have even 
 seen traces of ossific deposit in the midst of cartilaginous 
 indurations. These changes, caused by previous inflam- 
 mation, perfectly explain why the development of the 
 spermatozoa can no longer proceed nominally. Although 
 in such cases the secretion of semen mav be more or less 
 diminished, pollutions may still be present if the seminal 
 vescicles have shared the inflammation by which the 
 testicles have been affected, as happens in most cases of 
 orchitis arising from blennorrhagia." 
 
 " I have, at present, a patient who presents a re- 
 markable example of both these effects arising from this 
 cause ; ho is now forty-one years of age, and had blen- 
 norrhagia, followed by inflammation of both testicles, a* 
 twenty-five. Soon after his recovery he married, but 
 has never had children, although the act has been per- 
 formed regularly if not frequently. He became subject 
 to nocturnal and sometimes to diurnal pollutions, which 
 increasi-d by degrees. His health became disordered, 
 but coitus was still possible. The semen passed, al- 
 though it presented its characteristic odor, but never 
 showed, under the microscope, other than very small 
 and brilliant globules, without any appearance of tail. 
 but easily distinguishable from globules of mucus, the 
 
235 
 
 liaensions of which are five or six times larger. The 
 epididymis of both sides is voluminous and irregular. 
 One testicle is adherent to the skin of the scrotum and 
 the other appears smaller than natural. MalformatioD 
 of the spermatozoa, therefore, arises from deep-seated 
 changes in the tissues of the testicles, changes which do 
 not permit the animalcules to assume their normal form, 
 and, therefore, render infecundity permanent. To sum 
 up, then — Involmitary seminal discharges may op- 
 pose fecundation previously to actually producing im- 
 potence, by dimhiishing the energy of all the phe- 
 nomena that occur to the accomplishment of the act, and 
 by preventing the complete development of the sperma- 
 tazoa as well as the elaboration of the fluid which acta 
 as the vehicle for them. These conditions may be 
 rapidly altered by the simple diminution of the involun- 
 tary discharges, and fecundation may again become 
 possible. This cannot be the case, when infecundity 
 depends on malformation of the spermatozoa, such mal- 
 formation arising from permanent alteration in the 
 organs that supply them." 
 
 CHAPTER TX. 
 
 MICROSCOPIC EXA.^IINATIONS. 
 
 The immense benefits arising from the use of the 
 microscope is of the greatest interest to every one, but 
 mo'-c especially is it impoi-tant to the surgeon. The 
 discoveries by it, more particularly as regards the pro- 
 creative functions, are of a recent date. M. Lallemand 
 so fully explains the proper mode of pursuing such ex- 
 aminations, that I will below insert his remarks. The 
 process is perfectly simple to those who understand tho 
 correct rules, though often requiring a good deal of dis- 
 agreeable trouble. 
 
 " Microscopic Examinations of the Semen. — Since 
 the discovery of the spermatozoa, their presence in the 
 seminal fluid has attracted the attention of all who have 
 
'36 
 
 aought means of ilLstinguishing it from other fluid? 
 Microscopic examinations of the spermatozoa, however, 
 not only requires an excellent instrument, but certain 
 precaution?, which maybe dispensed with in the invcsti 
 gation of coarser objects. 
 
 " As the spermatic animalcules can be only seen by 
 means of transmitted light, it is necessary that the glasa 
 on which the fluid to be examined is placed, should bo 
 of uniform thickness, and without bubbles or striae. The 
 fluid to be examined should bo covered by another layei 
 of extremely thin glass made for the purpose, and not by 
 portions of mica, which are seldom free from cracks, and 
 never perfectly transparent. This thin layer of gla?s 
 is indispensable, in order as much as possible to diminish 
 the thickness of the fluid, to render it perfectly uniform, 
 to hinder evaporation and prevent the object-glass from 
 being soiled by it. A single d-op of fluid suffices for a 
 complete observation — a larger quantity always proving 
 inconvenient. 
 
 " The little glass that covers the liquid must be firmly 
 pressed down, so as to spread it out, arrest the currents 
 that take place in it, and drive out the air-bubbles. Al- 
 though the glasses should seem to touch each other, tho 
 spermatozoa move with perfect freedom in the space be- 
 tween them, so long a.s they preserve their energy, and 
 evaporation has not proceeded too far ; should yuch be 
 the case, however, a drop of tepid water favors and much 
 prolongs their motions. However thin the layer of fluid 
 may be, it is impossible to comprehend its whole thick- 
 ness at once v/ith a very high power ; it is, therefore, 
 necessary to alter the foeces frequently, in order to be 
 sure that nothing escapes observation. And this is es- 
 pecially important in examining a drop of fluid obtained 
 from diurnal pollutions, because there are frequently 
 only two or three spermatozoa contained in it. It is also 
 necessary to change the position of the reflector fre- 
 
 Sientlv, in order to vary tne direction and intensity of 
 e light. 
 
 " The ^spermatozoa are often exceedingly transpa-rent 
 in cases of disease, and a very bright perpendicular light 
 is by no means tho best for showing them. Varying 
 the density of tho fluid under examination, eithei- by 
 adding water or by permitting evaporation, is also often 
 
23' 
 
 useful. The semen contains matters furnished by the 
 seminal vesicles — the prostate and the urethra — and 
 when the fluid is too thick these matters hide the ani- 
 malcules. A drop of water applied to the edge of the 
 covering-glass penetrates underneath it and the sperma- 
 tozoa are more isolated, at the same time that their con- 
 tour is rendered more defined by the diminution in den- 
 sity of the fluid. On the other hand, the refractive 
 power of the spermatozoa, differs little from that of the 
 fluid in which they are contain-ed, and their thinnest 
 portions are traversed by the light without affording 
 any distinct images to the eye. In this case there are 
 Dnly seen very small ovoid brilliant globules, terminated 
 ay a little point. As soon as the water begins to pene- 
 trate between the glasses, the rapid motion set up, pre- 
 vents the objects from being clearly distinguished ; but as 
 eoon as rest has been re-established the tails of the ani- 
 malcules appear, and their dimensions seem to have in- 
 creased in consequence of the diminished density of the 
 surrounding fluid ; water sufiices to produce this result. 
 It is more sensible, however, when asmall quantity of al- 
 cohol is added ; but the forms of the animalcules are, 
 after a time, altered hy this agent ; and it is, therefore, 
 advisable to use water only when it is intended to keep 
 the preparation. 
 
 " Evaporation sometimes produces not less remarkable 
 changes in the seminal fluid. I have frequently, in cases 
 of spermatorrhoea, failed to perceive anything in the 
 fluid under examination for half an hour, an hour, or 
 more ; then suddenly an animalcule has made its ap- 
 pearance ; then a dozen, and then perhaps a hundred, in 
 the space of a few minutes. The following morning, 
 when desiccation has become complete, there are no 
 longer any traces of these animalcules, or, at all events, 
 I have been only able to distinguish their tails, the other 
 parts of them being fixed in the dried-up mucus. The 
 absorption of a drop of water has restored the pheno- 
 mena observed the night before. These phenomena are 
 easily explained ; when the refractive power of the 
 .spermatozoa is the same as that of the circumambient 
 liquid, the light traverses the whole in the same mauncij 
 and the mass appears homogeneous. But evaporation 
 acts more rapidly on the liquid than on the organized 
 
238 
 
 bodies contained in it ; and when the difference of 
 density alters the refractive power, the forms of the 
 spermatozoa arc momentarily defined because they havo 
 become more transparent than the remainder of the 
 fluid. When desiccation is complete, however, the 
 animalcules again disappear, because the refractive 
 powers of mucus and dried animalcules are again 
 equal. The absorption of a small quantity of water re- 
 produces the same phenomena, which may be repeated 
 almost indefiniteljs since the matter confined between 
 the two layers of glass undergoes no other appreciable 
 alteration. 
 
 "In order to be enabled to discover spermatozoa 
 quickly, in cases of disease, it is necessary that they 
 should be well studied in healthy cases. This may bo 
 accomplished in the following manner: — After coitus 
 there always remains a sufficient quantity of seminal 
 fluid in the urethra to servo for precise and complete 
 microscopical examination. This may be obtained by 
 pressing the canal shortly after the act, and receiving 
 the drop of fluid from the orifice of the glans on a plate 
 of glass. In this drop of fluid thousands of animalcules 
 may be seen agitating themselves like so many tadpoles 
 in a pool of stagnant water, only that the tails of the 
 spermatozoa are relatively longer and thinner, and that 
 the head presents a brilliant point near its insertion. 
 Generally the number of these animalcules prevents 
 them from being easily examined ; and it becomes ne- 
 cessary to spread them out by introducing a small 
 quantity of water, and pressing firmly down the thin 
 glass that covers them ; they are found most separated 
 on the edges of the fluid. lif the water added bo of th< 
 temperature of the body, their motions become free and 
 lively, and continue so vmtil cooling, and evaporation 
 effect them. By avoiding these two causes of disturb- 
 ance the motions of the spermatozoa may be kept up 
 during several hours. 
 
 " However long a time may havo elapsed after coitus, 
 there arc always spermatozoa in the urethra, provided 
 they have not been washed away by the passage of 
 urine. Although the point of the glans may be quite 
 dry, and pressure along the whole length of the canuJ. 
 may not produce the least painfulness, still, on pafisinjr 
 
239 
 
 urine, living animalcules may be obtained from the fii-st 
 drop which escapes. This luay be received on the glass. 
 and is perhaps the easiest and most natural mode of ob- 
 taiaiug spermatozoa for microscopic examination. It is 
 evident that the same experiments may be applied in 
 the case of nocturnal pollutions as well as in all other 
 seminal discharges, in whatever manner they may 
 occur. But many errors may arise from commencing 
 with cases of disease, for it is during perfect health that 
 the spermatozoa are most active and their development 
 most complete, and they live longer after coitus than 
 after any other kind of seminal discharge. 
 
 " Having thus described the means by which my mi- 
 croscopic observations may be verified, I proceed to 
 show their results. 
 
 " Spermatozoa. — Out of thirty-three bodies which I 
 have examieed for spermatozoa, I only twice found 
 these animalcules in the testicles. In one of these cases 
 the patient died from the effects of a fall on the day fol- 
 lowing it ; in the other acute gastro-enteritis was the 
 cause of death. The seminal fluid was most abundant, 
 and contained the greatest number of animalcules in the 
 former case. The other patients died of chronic diseases 
 after protracted sufierings. One only among them died 
 on the second day of acute peretonitis, but he was sev- 
 enty-three years of age. In thirty-one of these patients 
 the testicles were soft, pale, and as though withered. 
 On dissection they presented a grayish aspect, and did not 
 furnish any liquid ; the structure was almost dry, and 
 contained a few blood-vessels ; the secreting canals were 
 easily separated from one another, and could be spread 
 out under the microscope without breaking. They pre 
 seuted very brilliant granules, all of exactly the same 
 appearance, about the size of the head of a spermatozoa, 
 ten times smaller than the corpuscles of blood or mucus 
 and differing from the latter by the constancy and reg- 
 ularity of their form. These brilliant bodies which oc 
 cupied the place of the spermatozoa, arre worthy of no- 
 tice, because they offer considerable analogy to the ap- 
 pearances presented by the semen under certain circum- 
 Btances. /- 
 
 "In order to observe what is present in the secreting 
 canals of the testicles, it is necessary to spread out a 
 
24.0 
 
 portion of one of them under the microscope, after hav 
 ing examined it dry, to allow a drop of water to penetrate 
 between the two glasses, and to follow the changes 
 which ta4ie place, then to press down the glass so as to 
 flatten the parieties of the canal, rupture it, and press 
 out a portion of its contents; lastly, these must be ex- 
 amined again when desiccation is complete, for the sper- 
 matozoa found in the canals are then best seen. 
 
 "In the epididymis I have never found spermatozoa, 
 except in the two eases in which they were also found in 
 the testicles. In all the others I met with these animal- 
 cules only in the vas deferens, or seminal vesicles. There 
 were no animalcules at all to be found in the patient that 
 died at the age of seventy-three. It has always seemed 
 to me that the animalcules were less numerous in pro- 
 jiortion as the patients had suffered long ; and in ex- 
 treme cases I have generally found them only in the 
 seminal vesicles. The fewer the spermatozoa, the more 
 difficult were they of detection on account of their ex- 
 treme transparency. In some cases I have only suddenly 
 discovered them after examining for an hour or two, the 
 liquid having previously appeared quite homogeneous. 
 The dimensions were the same as those of the best de- 
 veloped animalcules, but they Avere pale throughout 
 their whole extent, and more transparent than the sur- 
 rounding fluid. Complete desiccation caused them often 
 to disappear altogether ; but the same phenomena could 
 be reproduced by the absorption of a small quantity of 
 water. 
 
 "In cases of phthisis, caries of the vertebrae, white 
 swelling, &c., I have had great difficulty in distinguish- 
 ing the animalcules, probably because those diseases do 
 not cause death for a long time. 
 
 " I have almost always found in the seminal vesicles, 
 especiall}' at the bottom of any depression, a thick, 
 grumous, brilliant matter, varying in its aspect and 
 color, but considerably resembling thick paste, and 
 more or less transparent ; with a high power the gran- 
 ules of this matter appear large, irregular, more or 
 less opaque, and without any constant shape. Thoy 
 are evidently the products of the internal membrane of 
 the vesicles, for they arc found with similar characters 
 in the accessory vesicles of the hedge-hog, rat, &c., 
 
241 
 
 which never contain seminal animalcules, and do nol 
 communicate directly with the vasa deferentia, -vyhich. 
 again, never contain any similar substance. This matter 
 ic!, therefore, analogous to that secreted by the pros- 
 tatic follicles, cowper's glands. &c. Its functions are the 
 same, and for many reasons it merits special attention. 
 
 *' The secretion of semen diminishes in all serious 
 diseases, and seminal evacuations become very rare, 
 especially towards the last. It is not, therefore, as- 
 tonishing that the products of the mucus membrane 
 predominate in such patients over those of the testicles, 
 and that such mucus should become more consistent 
 during its long residence in the depressions of the vesi- 
 cles. Hence, the difference observable between the 
 semen obtained from the vesicles after death, and that 
 which is passed by a healthy person. Nevertheless, 
 after long-continued continence, more or less largo 
 granules are often seen in the seiften of a healthy per- 
 son, and these arc perfectly distinct from the fluid part. 
 When the emissions are most frequent, granules of the 
 same kind may be observed, but much smaller. These 
 facts are important when applied to explain several 
 symptoms of diurnal pollutions. 
 
 "I have already stated, that, on causing the patients 
 to make water in a bath, the semen passed may be easily 
 recognized by means of its globules, which whirl about 
 in the middle of the cloud formed towards the close 
 of micturation. From what we have just seen, it is evi- 
 dent that these globules come from the internal mem- 
 brane of the seminal vesicles. They may be wanting 
 in very' severe cases when the semen has no time to 
 acquire consistence ; but their presence leaves no doubt 
 as to the existence of diurnal pollutions, because they 
 can only be furnished by the Seminal vesicles. On the 
 other hand, I have invariably found spermatozoa in the 
 urine of patients who observed this phenomenon in the 
 bath. The same remarks hold good when applied to 
 the globules which the urine deposits in certain case.^. 
 of diurnal pollutions, and which have been compared by 
 some to grains of bran, by others to millet seed, pearl 
 hai'ley, &c., according to their size. These globules are 
 perceived as soon as the urine is passed ; they are round- 
 ish, very soft, and do not give any sensatior when 
 
242 
 
 squeezed between the finger and thumb ; they cannot, 
 therefore, be confounded with urinary salts, which are 
 deposited only when the uriiio has cooled, have a crys- 
 tellian form, and give the sensation of a hard body to 
 the finger. The vesicle mucus also is only deposited on 
 cooling, and does not furnish brilliant granules. 
 
 " As to pus, its appearenco is easily determined. 1 
 have found animalcules wherever these globules appeared 
 in the urine ; and hence it is that I have pointed them 
 out as certain signs of diurnal pollutions. 
 
 " I have also noticed that in some cases the urine, 
 when held against the light presents in the middle of a 
 flocculent cloud multitudes of quite characteristic bril- 
 liant points. These are smaller, and consequently 
 lighter globules than those vrhich in other patients fall 
 to the bottom of the vessel. They are neither observed 
 in the mucus of the bladder nor in the prostatic fluid, 
 which alone present- clouds analagous to those of diurnal 
 pollutions. Such brilliant points also arise from the 
 seminal vesicles, and their presence is, therefore, an in- 
 dication that tl>e urine contains semen. This I have 
 often verified with the microscope. I should, however, 
 warn those who wish to repeat my experiments, that it 
 is not in the midst of the flocculent cloud that the zoos- 
 perraes arc to bo sought, but at the bottom of the vcs.sel 
 to which they soon fall, on account of their greater 
 specific gravity. 
 
 " The results of all my obsei-vations on the dead sub- 
 jects, therefore, convince me of the influence of serious 
 and long-continued diseases on the functions of the 
 spermatic organs. But it is not only in the morbid 
 state that these experience great variations ; remark- 
 able diflerences may exist between healthy individuals, 
 not only in the quantity of semen secreted in a given 
 time, but also in the number, appearance and dimen- 
 sions of the spermatozoa. In this respect, I have ob- 
 served dilferences amounting to a third, and in soni 
 cases to a half. The comparison is very easily esta- 
 blished. When the semen is kept under a thin glass, as 
 1 have described, it is not in danger of undergoing any 
 changes, and may be always, by the addition of a drop 
 of water, compared with a reccHt specimen. 
 
 " Notwithstanding the facility with which nocturnal 
 
2i3 
 
 pollutions may be recognized, 1 Lav* submitted the 
 Bemen collected after them, by individuals in various 
 conditions of health, to microscopic examination. At 
 first, when the evacuations are still rare and the semen 
 preserves its ordinary characteristics, the animalcules 
 do not present any remarkable circumstances in regard 
 to their number, dimensions, &c. ; but Avhen the disease 
 has reached a suflacient degree of gravity to affect the 
 rest of the sj'stem, the semen becomes more liquid, and 
 the spermatic animalcules less developed and less lively. 
 This number, however, does not as yet sensibly diminish ; 
 indeed, in some eases, it seems increased. As the dis- 
 order advances, the erections diminish, the semen be- 
 comes more watery, and the animalcules are often a 
 fourth or a third less than natural, and the tail is often 
 distinguished with difficulty, under a power of three 
 hundred diameters. At a still later period the animal- 
 cules become fewer, and in two individuals, in the last 
 stages of the affection, the semen no longer contained 
 animalcules, although it retained its characteristic smell. 
 Examined with high powers, and very proper precau- 
 tion, I only found, in this semen, brilliant globules, all 
 exactly alilie, and about the same size as the head of a 
 spermatozoa. 
 
 " The mioroscopic examination which I have made 
 of semen passed during efforts at stool give analogous 
 results, when such discharges only take place acci- 
 dentally and at long intervals, the seincn is thick, whit- 
 ish, impregnated with a powerful smell, and abundantly 
 furnished with well developed animalcules. I have some- 
 times even found a few alive after an hour or two. But 
 when these discharges become so frequent or habitual as 
 to constitute disease, they become less abundant and 
 the semen loses its normal properties. The spermato- 
 zoa are generally smaller than in the healthy condi- 
 tion, and always less lively. I have some preparations in 
 which they are only one-half the ordinary size, and I have 
 never been able to find a single living animalcule a few 
 minutes after the fluid had been expelled. When the 
 disease has become much aggravated the spermatozoa 
 become rare, and they are sometimes replaced by ovoid 
 or spherical globules simi.ar to those of which I have 
 %lready spoken In these patients in an extreme state 
 
2i\ 
 
 of disease, I found nothint; else, although they passed 
 as much as a desert spo( u ul of semen at each stool. 
 Such cas&s, however, are etLvX'dingly rare. 
 
 " In diurnal pollutions happening during the passage 
 of urine the following means may be employed to siiow 
 the presence of spermatazoa : — The urine should first 
 be filtered in a conical filter, vrhcn, on account of their 
 weight, the greater number of the spermatozoa will 
 remain on the lowest part of the paper. By taking 
 this portion and turning it upside down in a watch-gla^e 
 containing a few drops of water, the animalcules beconje 
 detached from the paper by degrees, and fall to tae 
 bottom of the fluid in the glass. After twenty-fi.ur 
 hours maceration in this position, the paper may be 
 taken away, and the spermatozoa may be readily ob- 
 tained b}' using a drop from the bottom of the fliii'l in 
 the watch-glass for examination. This mode of pro- 
 ceeding is a sure one, but it requires considerable time 
 and trouble for its performance. 
 
 " I have already stated that the urine does not always 
 contain spermatozoa in cases of diurnal pollutions ; 
 therefore, the urine of the same individual would pcr- 
 hap.s, require examination on many occasions, before the 
 certainty of their presence could be established, and few 
 medical men in active practice have time to devote to 
 such experiments. I, for one, should have long since 
 given up treating these patients, had I been obliged to 
 repeat in every case such long and tiresome examina- 
 tions. Ten days or a fortnight are sometimes passed 
 without the appearance of spermatozoa in the urine, and 
 hence all who are accustomed to microscopic researches, 
 will admit the indefinite amount of trouble and time re- 
 quired. Fortunately, however, there is a more simple 
 method by which such examinations may be conducted. 
 
 " It will be recollected that the semen always escapes 
 with the la.st drops of urine, or immediately, or soon af- 
 terwards. By directing the patients, therefore, to com- 
 press the urethra immediately after micturating, and to 
 receive the drop of fluid pre.ssed out on a piece of glass, 
 sufficient animalcules will be obtained from the walls of 
 the urethra for microscopio observation. These being 
 covered with a thin camella of glass may be either at 
 once placed under the microscope, or may be allowed tn 
 
245 
 
 dry, and be exumincd at a future time — a drop of watei 
 beiug previously added. This mode of examination is, 
 therefore, easy for all practitioners who possess a good 
 microscope, after they have accustomed themselves to 
 the iflspuetion of the spermatozoa in their natural state. 
 " The changes -which I have mentioned as occurring 
 in the semen must be borne in mind, however, and the 
 animalcules must not be expected to appear either so 
 large, so well defined, or so numerous, as in cases where 
 there is no disease." 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 THE QUANTITY OF SEMEM LOST ; HOW IT AFFECTS TUB 
 SYSTEM, AAD ITS INFLUENCE ON THE MIND. 
 
 "A too great loss of semen weakens all the solid 
 parts ; hence arise weakness, idleness, phthisis, tabes 
 dorsalis, stupidity, affections of the senses, faintings and 
 convulsions." Hoffman had already remarked that 
 " those young people who practice the infamous habit 
 of masturbation, lose gradually all the faculties of the 
 mind, particularly the memory, and become entirely 
 unfit for study." Lewis describes all these symptoms. 
 We shall translate from his work only what relates to 
 the mind: — "All the symptoms which arise from ex- 
 cesses with females, follow still more promptly, and in 
 youth the abominable practice of masturbation ; and it 
 is difficult to jjaint them in as frightful colors as they 
 deserve. Young persons addict themselves to this habit 
 without knowing the enormity of the crime, and all the 
 consequences w^hich physically result from it. The 
 mind is affected by all the diseases of the body, but 
 particularlj'- by those arising from this cause. The 
 most dismal, melancholy, indifference and aversion to 
 all pleasures, the impossibility to take part in conversa- 
 tion, the sense of their own misery, the consciousness of 
 having brought it upon themselves, the necessity of re- 
 nouncmg the happiness of marriage, all affect them n2 
 
246 
 
 much that they renounce the world — blessed if they es- 
 cape suicide." 
 
 The symptoms mentioned in the foregoing are almost 
 a perfect type seen in the cases of masturbation ; but 
 thL're are others more dei^lorable, which have but re- 
 cently been discovered as arising directly from it ; I 
 mean insanity, idiocy, and a total prostration of all 
 physical and mental power, and which affects not only 
 the person so addicted, but the innocent offspring, and 
 whicn invariably leads to the extinction of the family 
 name. 
 
 It is but quite recent that these terrible evils have 
 been found to be under our control. It has heretofore 
 been considered a mysterious dispensation of Divine 
 Providence, to be met and endured with patience and 
 resignation. Very few eminent writers have already, 
 though but recentlj', acknowledged the influence of self- 
 abuse in producing idiocy, insanity and constitutional 
 degeneracy, and urge the necessity of searching for the 
 cause, in treating these evils. So convincing has this 
 become, that it has even been recognized recently in a 
 legislative document, which tells more wholesome truth 
 — accompanied with more sound reasoning, 1 was about 
 to say — than all the medical treatises heretofore pub- 
 lished on the subject put together. I particularly refer 
 to the Report on the subject of Idiocy, presented to the 
 Ma.'ssachusetts Legislature by Dr. Howe, in February, 
 1848, complying with a resolution of that intelligent 
 bod3', directing a report on that subject. I hope the 
 introduction of that valuable document will be the 
 means of eliciting the like truths, by all the other Legis- 
 latures, without any farther delay, for the influence of 
 such documents, from such sources, would accomplish 
 more good, by preventing the unsuspecting from falling 
 into so deplorable a vice, than all the asylums and 
 medical treatment could ever think of doing by way of 
 cure. I feel convinced that the time will speedily arrive 
 .when this and similar reports will be eagerly sought for, 
 and their inestimable value universally admitted. My 
 
 ? notations from the rcjiort will not only corroborate all 
 have said in these pages, but serve the additional 
 purpose of more fully enlightening the public. 
 
 Dr. H's able, forcible, sensible and convincing re 
 
247 
 
 marks, on boldly approaching this subject, should for- 
 ever silence and put to shame all aSected modesty in 
 speaking upon this subject hereafter, for too many per- 
 sons, aware of its existence heretofore, have foolishly 
 been prejudiced by false modesty from doing so : — 
 
 " There is another vice, a monster so hideous in mien, 
 so disgusting in feature, altogether so beastly and 
 loathsome, that, in very shame and cowardice, it hides 
 its head by day, and, vampyre like, sucks the very life- 
 blood from its victims by night ; and it may, perhai)s, 
 commit more direct ravages upon the strength and 
 reason of those victims than even intemperance ; anc" 
 that vice is 
 
 Self- Abuse. 
 
 " One would fain be spared the sickening task of 
 dealing with this disgusting subject ; but, as he who 
 would exterminate the wild beasts that ravage his 
 fields, must not fear to enter their dark and noisome 
 dens, and drag them out of their lair; so he who would 
 rid humanity of a pest, must not shrink from dragging 
 it from its hiding-places, to perish in the light of day. 
 If men deified him who delivered Lerna from its hydra, 
 and canonized him who rid Ireland of its sei-pents, what 
 should they do for one who would extirpate this monster 
 vice ? What is the ravage of fields, the slaughter of 
 flocks, or even the poison of serpents, compared with 
 that pollution of body and soul, that utter extinction of 
 reason, and that degradation of beings made in God's 
 image, to a condition which it would be an insult to the 
 animals to call beastly, and which is so often the conse- 
 quence of excessive indulgence in this vice 1 
 
 " It cannot be that such loathsome wrecks of hu- 
 manity as men and women, reduced to driveling idiocy 
 by this cause, should bo permitted to float upon the tide 
 of life without some useful purpose ; and the only one 
 we can conceive, is that of awful beacons to make others 
 avoid — as they would eschew moral pollution and dcAth 
 — the cause which leads to such ruin. This may seem 
 to be extravagant language, but there oan be no exag- 
 geration — for there can be no adequate <flescription even 
 — of the horrible condition to whicu men and women arc 
 
248 
 
 reduced by this practice. There are among those euu' 
 merated in this report, some who not long ago were 
 considered young gentlemen and ladies, but who are 
 now moping idiots, idiots of the lowest kind ; lost to all 
 reason — to all moral sense — to all shame ; idiots who 
 have but one thought, one wish, one passion — and that 
 is, the further indulgence in the habit which has loosed 
 the silver cord even in their early youth, which has al- 
 ready wasted, and, iw it were, dissolved the fibrous part 
 of their bodies, and utterly extinguished their minds. 
 
 *' In such extreme cases, there is nothing left to ap- 
 peal to, absolutely less than there is in dogs or horses — 
 for they may be acted upon by fear of punishment ; but 
 these poor creatures are beyond all fear and all hope, 
 and they cumber the earth awhile — living ma.sses of 
 corruption. If only such lost and helpless wretches ex- 
 isted, it would be a duty to cover them charit-ably with 
 the veil of concealment, and hide them from the public 
 eye, as things too hideous to be seen ; but, alas ! they 
 are only the most unfortunate members of a large class. 
 They have sunk down into the abyss towards which 
 thousands arc tending. 
 
 " The one which has shorn these poor creatures of 
 the fairest attributes of humanity is acting upon others, 
 in a less degree indeed, but still most injuriously — en- 
 ervating the body, weakening the mind, and polluting 
 the soul. A knowledge of the extent to Avhich this one 
 prevails, would astonish and shock many. It is indeed 
 a pestilence which walketh in darkness, because, while 
 it saps and weakens all the higher qualities of the mind, 
 it so strengthens low cunning and deceit, that the vic- 
 tim goes on in his habit unsuspected, until he is arrest- 
 ed by some one whose practiced eye reads his sin in the 
 very means which he takes to conceal it— or until all 
 sense of shame is forever lost in the night of idiocy, 
 with which his day so early closes. 
 
 "Many a child who coniides everything else to a lov- 
 ing parent, conceals this i>ractice in its innermost heart. 
 The sous or daughters who dutifully, conscientiously, 
 and religiously confess themselves to father, mother, or 
 priest, on every other subject, never allude to this. Nay, 
 they strive to cheat and deceive by false appearances ; 
 ?or, as against this darling sin — duty, conscience, and 
 
249 
 
 religion, are all nothing. They even think to cheat 
 God, or cheat themselves into the belief that He who 
 is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, can still regard 
 thfcir sin with favor. 
 
 "Many a fond parent looks with wondering anxiety 
 upon the puny frame, the feeble purpose, the fitful hu- 
 mors of a dear child, and, after trying all other remedies 
 to restore him to vigor of body and vigor of mind, goes 
 journeying about from place to place, hoping to leave 
 the offending cause behind, while the victim hugs the 
 disgusting serpent clo-sely to his bosom, and conceals it 
 Cij-efully in his vestment. 
 
 " The evils which this sinful habit works in a direct 
 and positive manner are not so appreciable, perhaps, as 
 that which it effects in an indirect and negative way. 
 For one victim which it leads down to the depths of 
 idiocy, there are scores and hundreds whom it makes 
 shanio-faced, languid, irresolute, and inefficient, for any 
 high purpose of life. In this way the evil to individuals 
 aiid to the community is very great. 
 
 " It behooves every parent, especially those whose 
 children (of either sex,) are obliged to board and sleep 
 with other children, whether in boarding-schools, board- 
 ing-houses, or elsewhere, to have a constant and watch- 
 ful eye over them, with a view to this pernicious and 
 insidious habit. The symptoms of it are easily learned, 
 and if once seen, should be immediately noticed. 
 
 '• Nothing is more false than the common doctrine of 
 delicacy and reserve in the treatment of this habit. All 
 hints, all indirect advice, all attempts to cure it by cre- 
 ating diversions, will generally do nothing but increase 
 the cunning with which it is concealed. The way is to 
 throw aside all reserve ; to charge the offence directly 
 home ; to show up its disgusting nature and hideous 
 consequences in glowing colors ; to apply the cautery 
 seething hot, and press it into the very quick, unspar- 
 ingly and unceasing!}'. 
 
 " Much good has been done, of late years, by the pub- 
 lication of cheap books upon this subject. They should 
 be put into the hands of all youth suspected of the vice. 
 They should be forced to attend to the subject. There 
 shoidd be no squeamishness about it. There need be no 
 fear of weakening virtue by letting it look upon such 
 
250 
 
 hideous deformity as this vice presents. Virtue is not 
 salt or sugar, to be softened by such exposure, but the 
 crystal or diamond that repels all foulness from its sur- 
 face. Acquaintance with such a vice as this — .such ac- 
 quaintance, that is, as is gained by having it held up 
 before the eyes in all its ugliness, oan only serve to make 
 it detested and avoided. 
 
 '* Were this the place to show the utter fallacy of the 
 notion that harm is done by talkiiiig or Avriting to the 
 young about this vice, it could perhaps be done by argu- 
 ment, certainly by the relation of pretty extensive expo- 
 I'ience. This experience has shown, that in ninety-nine 
 cases in a hundred, the existence of the vice was known 
 to the young, but not known in its true deformity' ; and 
 that in the hundredth, the repulsive character in which 
 it was first presented, made it certain that no further 
 acquaintance with it would be sought." 
 
 My experience tells me, that the language of Dr. 
 Howe is not too severe, for to speak directl^-^ to the 
 point is what is nccei^sary, and, as he says, " not be 
 evasive." He never did more real service to humanity 
 than when he presented this Report, for there cannot be 
 more momentous truths. Ignorance is made terribly 
 apparent, both as regards the patient and society at 
 large, in another part of this truly valuable document. 
 Every one will be in danger, imtil knowledge takes the 
 place of such ignorance : — 
 
 " In some families that are degraded by drunkenness 
 and vice, there is a degree of combined ignorance and 
 depravity which disgraces humanity. It is not wonder- 
 ful that feeble-minded children are born in such families ; 
 or, being born, that many of them become idiotic. Out 
 0/ this class, domestics are sometimes taken by those in 
 better circumstances, and thej^ make their employers feel 
 the consequences of sufiFering ignorance and vice to exist 
 in the community. 
 
 " There are cases recorded in the appendix, Avhere 
 servant-women, who had charge of little girls, deliber- 
 ately taught them the habits of self-abuse, in order that 
 they might exhaust themselves, and go to sleep quietly. 
 This has happened in private houses as well as in the 
 almshouses ; and such little girls have become idiotic. 
 The mind instinctively recoils from giving credit to such 
 
251 
 
 atrocious guilt ; nevertheless, it is there, with all ita 
 hideous consequences ; and no hiding of our eyes, no 
 wearing of rose-colored spectacles — nothing but looking 
 at it in its naked deformity, will ever enable men to 
 cure it. 
 
 " There is no cordon sanitaire for vice ; we cannot put 
 it into quarantine nor shut it up in a hospital ; if we 
 allow its existence in our neighborhood, it poisons the 
 very air which our children breathe. 
 
 " The above remarks forcibly apply to all our public 
 schools, for I have become too well acquainted, 1 was 
 about to say, with the alarming extent with which it 
 prevails, often even in the most open manner. The ex- 
 tent of it is amazing, for it exists both among the teach- 
 ers and the students, and what can be more absurd than 
 the partial, even shunning of the subject 1 By so doing, 
 it leads not only to the continuance in some, but the 
 production of it in the yet uninitiated. 
 
 " In some, as I have previously stated, persons com- 
 mence the habit accidentally, but their numbers are very 
 limited, compared to those who are taught it ; there- 
 fore the immense importance of preventing contamina- 
 tion by those already addicted. 
 
 " There is one remarkable and valuable fact to be 
 learned respecting this vice, from observation of idiots, 
 and that is, that some of them, though they have no 
 idea of right and wrong, no sense of shame, and no 
 moral restraint, are nevertheless entirely free from it. 
 They could never have been in the practice of it, else 
 they woald never have abandoned it. 
 
 " From this may be inferred, that it is a pest, gene- 
 rally engendered by too intimate association of persons 
 of the same sex, that it is handed from one to another 
 like contagion, and that those who arc not exposed to 
 the contagion are not likely to contract the dreadful 
 habit of it. Hence we see that not only propriety and 
 decency, but motives of prudence, require us to train up 
 all children to habits of modesty and reserve. Children 
 as they approach adolesence, should never be permitted 
 to sleep together. Indeed, the rule should be — not with 
 a view only to preventing this vice, but in view of many 
 other considerations — that, after the infant has left its 
 mother's arms, and become a child, it should ever afte* 
 
8'eep in a bed by itself. The okier children grow and the 
 nearer they approach to yonth, the more important does 
 this become. Boys even should bo taught to shrink 
 sensitively from any unnecessary exposure of person, 
 before each other ; they should be trained to habits of 
 delicacy and self-respect ; and the capacity which na- 
 ture has given to all for becoming truly modest and re- 
 fined, should be cultivated to the utmost. Habits of 
 self-respect, delicacy, and refinement, with regard to 
 the person, are powerful adjuncts to moral virtues. 
 They need not be confined to the wealthy and favor- 
 ed classes ; they cost nothing — On the contrary, they 
 are the seeds which may be had without price, but 
 which ripen into fruits of onjoymeut that no money can 
 buy." 
 
 It is true, that it is almost impossible, unfortunately, to 
 entirely prevent children from learning *his vice, either 
 by emulative practice or more direct instruction. We 
 must necessarily then guard them against it, by a 
 timely warning. I know of instances where parents 
 supposed the information they had given their child, 
 had produced the desired eflfect, but instead of that they 
 have kept on with the practice, until they sunk into an 
 antimely giave, and yet the parent was congratulating 
 liimself upon the success of his precautions. 
 
 Copland has an article on Insanity, which points out 
 the various causes of this terrible affliction, and uses the 
 following language, in speaking of self-abuse :— 
 
 "Many, however, of those causes which thus aflFect 
 nervous energy, favor congestion of the brain and oc- 
 casion disease of other vital organs, tending to disoicI;>r 
 the functions of the brain sympathetically. Of these, 
 the most influential are masturbation and libertinism, 
 or sexual excesses, sensuality in all its forms, and inor- 
 dinate indulgence in the use of intoxicating substances 
 and stimulants. The baneful influence of the first of 
 these causes is very much greater, in both sexes, than 
 is_ usually supposed, and is, I believe, a growing evil, 
 with the dill'usion of luxury, of precocious knowledge, 
 and of the vices of civilization. It is oven more preva- 
 lent in the female than in the male sex, and in the 
 former it usually occasions various disorders connected 
 with the sexual or^ana — as leucorrhoea, or supnressed 
 
253 
 
 or profuse menstiiiation, both regular and irregular 
 hysteria, catalepsy ecstacies, vertigo, various states of 
 disordered sensibifity, etc., before it gives rise to mental 
 disorder. In both sexes epilepsy often precedes insanity 
 from this cause ; and either it or general paralysis often 
 complicates the advanced progress of the mental dis- 
 order, when thus occasioned. Melancholia, the several 
 grades of dementia, especially imbecility and morcom- 
 ania, are the more frequent forms of derangement pro- 
 ceeding Iroin a vice which not only ])rostrates the phy-i- 
 cal powers, but al-:o impairs the intellects, debases the 
 moral atlections, and altogether degrades the individual 
 in the scale of social existence, even when manifest in- 
 sanity does not arise from it." 
 
 As I have asserted in a former page, the diflference 
 between the efltects of masturbation and natural excess, . 
 is very great, for the former is the operation of the im- 
 agination entirely, while the latter is accompanied by 
 the natural associations;, producing a pleasurable feel- 
 ing ; to be sure, the latter is only partial when in excess. 
 I very often have patients, who are unwilling slaves to 
 th evice of masturbation to such an extent, that their 
 hands must be fastened while at sleep, to prevent the 
 practice. The mental tortures of fear and self-condem- 
 nation, combined with the bodily exhaustion, produce a 
 fearful havoc. Natural excesses seldom cause insanity 
 or idiocy, except, perhaps, in the offspring ; but the 
 solitary vice is sure to do so in both, if not prevented by 
 judicious and timely treatment. 
 
 The Massachusetts Report says, that, " one hundred 
 and ninety-one of the idiots examined were known to 
 have practiced masturbation, and in nineteen of them 
 the habit was even countenanced liy the parents or 
 nurses ! One hundi'ed and sixteen of this number were 
 males, and seventy-five females. In four hundred and 
 twenty who were born idiots, one hundred and two were 
 addicted to masturbation, and in ten cases the idiocy of 
 the children was ' manifestly attributable to self-abuse 
 in the parents!' The ten cases known, justify the con- 
 clusion, that in reality there are many more, which 
 proves, beyond a shadow of doubt, that many cases of 
 idiocy in children is attributable to the sexual vice of 
 tlie parents. Is not this fact almost too fearful fur con- 
 
254 
 
 templatinn, and the importance of it to the comnitiint* 
 incalculable? "' 
 
 Tlieie are many valuable statistics in the annual re- 
 ports of the Massachusetts Lunatic Asylum. In the 
 twelfth report, of the numljer of cases existing In the 
 Institute, one hundred and thirty-nine are Ret down as 
 having ))een caused by masturbation, which, from tlie 
 language used in the repoit, is a decrease of the number 
 to such an extent as to cause great satisfaction, and i.s 
 attributed to the information that has been diffused on 
 the suliject, and the warnings tliat have reached the 
 young through the various channels of intelligence that 
 have been opened on this hitherto obscure subject. 
 
 The thirteenth report contains one-hundred and forty- 
 five cases, as caused by self-abuse, with some remarks, 
 which I add below :— 
 
 " The causes of insanity may be divided into volun- 
 tary and involuntary. Of the former, the principal are 
 intemperance and the secret vice ; other causes may be 
 of this class, such as hazardous speculation, many le- 
 ligious vagaries, imi)rudent exposures and irregularities. 
 None are so prominent as the two first named, and 
 none so fully stain the character with guilt, which even 
 the occurrence of hopeless disease can hardly wipe away. 
 Intemperance disorders the senses, and induces apo- 
 plexy, epilepsy, and palsy. The cases from this cause 
 are about as favorable for recovery as the majority of 
 others, but are most sure to return if the habit of in- 
 temperance recurs. 
 
 " The secret vice produces the very worst form of 
 insanity, because it is so difficult to avoid the continu- 
 ance of the cause, and because the energies of the s3-stem 
 are more prostrated by it than by almost any other 
 cause. Such patients become degraded animals, so 
 entirely abandoned to the habit that hopeless dementia 
 and driveling iiiooy generally follow. A few can be 
 influenced to abandon the jjractice, and a few others 
 can be cured in spite of it, but in almost all cases the 
 disease will become worse, and these dreadful conse- 
 quences will ensue. 
 
 " The secret vice, though doubtless r. frequent can«? 
 of insanity, and of other severe and fatal diseases, far 
 more than is generally supposed, is most operative in 
 
255 
 
 preventing recovery from insanity, arising from this and 
 other causes. It is extensively and alarmingly the re- 
 sult of an active propeiLsity excited by the disease, and 
 unrestrained hy reason, mural inlliieuces, or self-respect 
 Many cases ot a favorable character progress towards 
 recovery, till this practice is commenced, then the pa- 
 tient becomes listless, is inclined to lie down or sit in a 
 bent position, walks moderately, looks fee'ble, and feels 
 weak and miserable. His mind loses its energies, its 
 sc(»{)e is circumscribed, more and more, till this beastly 
 indulgence occupies all his thoughts, and the remnant of 
 all the physical powers is concentrated to this single 
 effort of gross and debased animal nature. Thus, the 
 groveling sensualist lives, often a long life, a degraded 
 sufferer, without a manly thought or a moral feeling 
 worthy of his nature or his destiny, and finidly leaves 
 the world without the regret of his friends, a useless, 
 bui-thensome, loathsome object of abhorrence and dis- 
 gust." 
 
 Under the head of " Relation of Cause to Recovery," 
 in the two reports, there are two hundred and seventy- 
 one males and twenty-nine females, enumerated, from 
 the effects of masturbation ; and of this number, one 
 himdred and ninety-seven males and twenty-seven fe- 
 males were incuraV>le ; which shows but the small num- 
 ber of two of the females as having been cured. 
 
 As one of the proofs against the absurd doctrine, that 
 by giving this subject publicity, will increase the evil, 
 by drawing the attention of those to it, who otherwise 
 would not have known there was such a disease, I will 
 insert some of the truths directly relating to the occupa- 
 tion of those addicted to this vice, in these reports. 
 
 Those educated as physicians of course undex-stand 
 the sexual system, while others never study anything of 
 the kind, for want of time or because it is not necessary. 
 We will see by this tiie proportion of the educated and 
 uneducated, as regards those made insane by masturba- 
 tion. 
 
 In the thirteenth report, there were sixty-two shoe- 
 m;ikers in the asylum, of whom twenty-four Avere insane 
 from this cause ; which shows that nearly one-half of 
 this class of the population become so from self-abuse. 
 
 By referring to the medical profession, we find phy 
 
256 
 
 sicians made insane from other causes, b:it not a single 
 case in either report caused bj' masturbation. This 
 alone is conclusive evidence, that the greater tl»e knowl- 
 edge of the subject the less will the habit be practiced, 
 so that in the end we may almost hope for its entire ex- 
 tinction. 
 
 There are other facts also, in the same reports, which 
 conclusively show, that this kind of knowledge is needed ; 
 for instance, among students the proportion of insane 
 from masturbation is about seventy-live per cent., there 
 being eighteen from this cause, out of twenty-five. And 
 among merchants, the proportion is nearly fifty per 
 cent. Of lawyers, about thirty-three per cent. ; and 
 clergymen fifty-six per cent. Intemperance is the gieat- 
 est cause, yet there were many of them that were pro- 
 duced by masturbation in the tii-st instance, and to 
 drown their shame no doubt resorted to alcohol. Many, 
 without doubt, used other stimulants as well as alcohol, 
 as a temporary relief from the great exhaustion the 
 practice always produces. 
 
 Self-abuse, it ia well known, causes iJl health, and 
 that was the cause of some of the cases ; but, notwith- 
 standing, all of the other complaints combined do not, 
 I am satisfied, cause as much insanity as the secret vi(;e 
 of self-abuse. 
 
 The influence of the occupation, as tending to this 
 solitary vice is shown in these rojiorts. They conclu- 
 sivelj' prove, that sedentary employments tend to 
 cause it, while active, out-ot-door occupation opposes 
 it, for among students, printers, shoemaliers, and mer- 
 chants, fifty i)er cent, of the insanity arises from mastur- 
 bation, but only twelve per cent, from intemperance. 
 Among carpenters, blacksmiths, and others who are ac- 
 tively employed, thirty-five per cent, arises from intem- 
 perance, and only thirteen from mastiu-bation. Among 
 seamen, fifty-four per cent, of the uisanity is caused by 
 intemperance, and only eleven per cent, from solitary 
 abu*e. 
 
 Parents, therefore, after they have given their sons 
 the proper advice, should allow^ them to choose their 
 own emjiloyraent, and not confine a sanguine tempera- 
 ment, recjuiring mental and muscular occupation of the 
 most varied kind, to an office or counting-house, nor a 
 
PLATE 23 
 
 
 Fig. 71 represents the digestive tiil.e froai the esophagus to the anus. 1, 
 esophagus, which is laid open at 2, to show its termination in the cardiac ori- 
 fice of the stomach ; 3, interior of the stomach with itsrugtc ; 4, duodenum, 
 commencing f,t the pylorus ; 5, gall-bladder with the cystic dact, which last 
 passes downwards to open into the duodenum ; G, G, G, small intestine, ter- 
 minating in the caecum, 7 ; 8, appendicula vermiformis ; 9, right ascending 
 colon; 10, transverse arch of the colon; 11. loft descending colon; 12, 
 sigmoid flexure ; 13, rectum ; 14, anus. 
 
259 
 
 more intellectual iirofession, for the mcmotonous inactivi- 
 ty, as we have stated above, is the greatest cause of sex 
 ual cxce.sses, for the vital energy, instead of being ex 
 ponded in active exertion, stimulates the sexual organs 
 to an unnatural degree, and then causes the vice, both aa 
 a gratification and relief. 
 
 The every-day cases we meet with, present these ef 
 fccts^most frequently — weakness of the eyes, SAvelling 
 and soreness of the lids, the dark or tell-tale spots under 
 the eyes, which is a sure symptom of an exhausted sys- 
 tem, buzzing or singing in the ears, partial deafness, 
 weakness of the back and limbs, especially the knees, 
 headache, dizziness, flatulence, incontinence of urine, 
 which is very freciuent, dian-hoea, but most generally con- 
 stipation, and sometimes of the most obstinate form, pal- 
 pitation of the heart, shortness of breath, loss of memo- 
 ry, and confusion of ideas, melancholy, peevishness, and 
 irritability. Once and awhile we meet with a case where 
 there is a partial loss of speech, tendency to stammer or 
 stutter; and in almost every instance there is a hesitancy 
 and indecision in these patients. Sometimes there is a 
 difficulty of swallowing, which is a partial paralysis pro- 
 duced by the sj-mpathy with the organs below, and are 
 veiy often troubled with a gulping or belching of wind, 
 a whitening of the hair, and even baldness, are often 
 produced from these causes ; pals}^ and epilepsy are very 
 often the results, and so is paralysis, much oftener it is 
 the case than is supposed. These are severe affections, 
 but the sympathies of the generative organs are power- 
 ful, and it is not surprising, therefore, as the exhaustion 
 of the vital power is great, when caused by excess- 
 ive action. For the better illustration of the subject, 
 however, I will here insert a few cases from the note- 
 book of M. Lallemand, and others ; but the mode of 
 treatment I entirely dissent from, for it is very seldom, 
 indeed, that a case presents itself, reciuiring, or which is 
 adapted to it, and 1 have cured many a patient by my 
 more simple treatment— which causes not the least 
 pain— after they had submitted to numerous cauterisa- 
 tions, the pain of which is always severe, and some- 
 times causes a worse disease than the one for which it 
 was applied. 
 
260 
 
 CASB XVIII., 
 
 '' M. D. of Philadelpliia, of a very robuj^t con.^iiutwn, 
 contracted the habit of masturbatron while at school, 
 when only eight years old. The first effect produced was 
 a frequent desire to pass urine, and at twelve years of 
 age this irritability had become so great that he was 
 sometimes unable to retain his urine a quarter of a a 
 houi". Before entering a house he always took cafe to 
 micturate several times in rapid succession ; and, not- 
 withstanding this precaution, he soon experienced re- 
 newed uneasiness. He felt as though his bladder was 
 never entirely empty, and the smallest quantity of urine 
 induced spasmodic contractions. The irritability of the 
 urinary f)rgans diminished by degrees after the period 
 of puberty, but never ceased entirely, notwithstanding 
 the various means which were employed ou different oc- 
 casions. 
 
 " At the age of sixteen, M. D. endeavored to break off 
 his injurious habits by sexual intercourse, but he found 
 himself completely impotent, and shame induced him to 
 return to masturbation. He afterwards made further 
 attempts to correct himself, but he experienced nocturnal 
 pollutions, which often made him lose courage. At 
 length, after many relapses, he succeeded completely, 
 without observing any lurther nocturnal emissions. Still 
 his health, instead of improving, became more and more 
 impaired. His erections were less frequent, less pro- 
 longed, incomplete, and at length gradually ceased, to- 
 gether with all animal desire. 
 
 " At the age of twenty-eight, the state of his urine, its 
 frequent discharge, and the wandering yiains in the peri- 
 neum and testicles, induced a fear of calculus ; sounding, 
 however, oul}^ showed a morbid sensibility of the m^ethra, 
 especially towards the neck of the bladder. 
 
 " In the beginning of May, 1837, M. D. came to Mont- 
 pelier, in the following condition : — Much debilitated, 
 xmsteady in hit walk, easily chilled, and taking cold 
 very quickly, wandering pains all over his body, .skin 
 dry, memory impaired, digestiim difficult, extix^mities 
 cold, scrotum relaxed and testicles soft— ver}' sensi- 
 tive, and often causing a dull pain, a.s if they were 
 forcibly compressed ; the semen (from the account he 
 
261 
 
 gave of the last Hocturnal emisions be had experienced) 
 clear, aqiieos, and inoderoas ; semeuul polhitions with 
 the last drop of uriue, which were clanimy, and passed 
 with difficulty, aad excited a sensation of tickling in 
 the neighborhood of the anus, which extended to the 
 orifice of the urethra. He often had diarrhoea, but, at 
 other times was very costive, and his stools were parsed 
 with difficulty and jiain. He did not, hovrever, often 
 pass semen while at stool. 
 
 " I discovered, several days following, the. presence of 
 semen in M. D.'s urine, and catheterism showed an ex- 
 cessive irritability of the urethra, especially In the 
 neighborhood of the prostate, which, on examination, 
 was found slightly enlarged, Kearly a tablespoonful of 
 blood foUov/ed the withdrawal of the catheter. The 
 circumstances did not leave the least doubt on my mind 
 as to the state of the mucous membranes in the vicinity 
 of the ejaculatory ducts ; and consequently, I imme- 
 diately performed cauteriaation, from the neck of the 
 bUidder as far as the membraneous portion of the urethra. 
 
 ' Twenty days afterwards, M. D. left Montpelier for 
 Italy, and when he returned, three months aftei-wards, 
 he was completely cured — no involuntary seminal emis- 
 sions having afterwards appeared. His urine was trans- 
 parent, and could be retained seven or eight hours, 
 without inconvenience ; its discharge took place without 
 effort, and was not accompanied by any remarkable 
 sensation. Lastly, the patient's impotence, which had 
 been present nearly twelve years, had given place to a 
 virility previously unknown to him ; I need hardly state 
 tl.at his physical and moral energy had shared in this re- 
 generation. 
 
 " I have often had occasion to notice the connection 
 that exists between the spennatic and urinary organs ; 
 and I have shown that there is scarcely a cause of sper- 
 matorrhoea which does not act more or less on the blad- 
 der and kidneys. 
 
 " The cause I am now investigating affords us numer- 
 ous examples of this connection — of which the case I 
 have just related, is a remarkable instance— the irrita- 
 tion of the urinary organs having been developed very 
 rapidly, having shown very marked symptoms, and 
 having existed alone dui'ing several years. The patient 
 
262 
 
 was only eighteen years of age when he first became ad- 
 dicted to masturbation ; at this early age the uriuary 
 urjrans al-ne possessed activity, and therefore they alone 
 were able to suffer disturbance of their fimctioas ; on 
 this account the symiitoms were confined for a long time 
 to the urinary organs. The character of the symptoms 
 showed that they arose from a chronic state of inflamma- 
 tion, or from au acute irritation of the urinary organs, 
 and this state must have extended also towards the sper- 
 matic organs. Thus, the increased sensation of the kid- 
 neys, and the extreme irritaljility of the bladder, would 
 give a very clear idea of what took place in the spermatic 
 organs at the period of puljerty. As soon as the testicles 
 began to act, they fell under the same influence as the 
 kidneys ; the seminal vesciclcs were in the same condi- 
 tion as the bladder ; in other Avords, the semen was se- 
 creted in large quantities, and was retained a very short 
 tune in its reservoirs. Being, therefore, imperfectly 
 formed, the usual effect on the erectile tissues produced 
 by its presence, did not take place, and coitus was im- 
 possible at the age of sixteen. 
 
 " The occurrence of impotence at so early an age is 
 sufficient to show that diurnal pollutions had already 
 commenced, although the patient did not discover them 
 for a long time aftenvards. He was still, however, able 
 to practice masturbation ; and this is a circumstauce 
 which has great effect in preventing persons addicted to 
 the vice from renouncing their fatal habits. At a later 
 period, nocturnal pollutions, which occurred after a few 
 days' care, shook the patient's resolution. This is a 
 much less s-erious circumstance than the one just men- 
 tioned, but, at the same time, much more common. At 
 length the patient left off his habits, and his nocturnal 
 pollutions disappeared ; yet the disorder of his health 
 continued to increase. His prudence, exercised too late, 
 did not arise from the strength of his will, but from the 
 weakness of his genital organs. The disappearance of 
 hLs nocturnal emissions did not arise from the remedial 
 measures used, but from the increase of his involuntary 
 diurnal discharges, of which he only became aware long 
 aftenvards. These common errors are the more danger- 
 ous, >jeoause medical practitioners are apt to participate 
 In them. 
 
263 
 
 " In the case of M. D. the irritability of the canal wad 
 very great, aud the effect of the cauterization was cor- 
 respondingly prompt and decided." 
 
 The above case is a very near type of the one froui 
 my own note-book, and "which is tiic first case that 1 
 have presented. The age at which they commenced 
 the habit of Onanism was the same ; my own patient, 
 however, was married soon after he arrived at age. 
 Both cases are highly instructive and important, for, 
 when a parent finds their child is laboring under such a 
 difficulty in the frequent passage of urine, they should, 
 without delay, inquire into the cause. By so doing, the 
 accruing difficidties that will arise from the advancing 
 disease, can be averted. 
 
 The next case also is an important one, as it shows 
 how readily spermatorrheal symptoms may be thought 
 to indicate almost every other disease, and, of course, 
 the real difficulty is seldom discovered, unless the sur- 
 geon is one of practical experience in these complaints. I 
 am indebted, (says M. LaUemand), for the following re- 
 markable case to the kindness of Dr. Daniel of Cette :— 
 
 "On the 26th of May, 1836, I was called to F., a 
 baker, aged twenty-two ; 1 found him in bed, in tho 
 following condition : — Great moral prostration, carried 
 even to a hatred of existence, prostration of strength ; 
 anaenisQ ; lips pale and shriveled, remarkable palidity, 
 eyes sunken, expression of countenance dull, great ema- 
 ciation, skin hot and dry, pulse small, voice hoarse and 
 so low that it was with "^difficulty a few words could be 
 heard by approaching the ear, constant cough, scarcely 
 permitting an instant's repose, general wandering pains, 
 most severe in the loins and the sides of the chest, great 
 irritability of the stomach — vomiting being excited after 
 taking almost any kind of liquor or solid food. 
 
 " At first, I thought that I recognized in this patient 
 the symptoms of phthisis laryngea, complicated with 
 chronic gastritis ; but the examination of his chest and 
 abdomen did not support this opinion. The epigastrio 
 region was not painful on pressure ; the respiratory mur- 
 mur was heard all over the chest, and percussion emitted 
 
264 
 
 a hoalthy sound, except luider the lett false ribs, whore 
 it was slightly dull, aiul the patieut felt pain. 
 
 " His debility did not permit lue to practice abstrac- 
 tion of blood ; and, indeed, the pleuropneumonia of the 
 \cft side did not seem either very extensive or very 
 acute ; I therefore ordered a large bli^iter to be applied 
 over the afi'ected spot, and prescribed a solution of tartar 
 emetic and a strict diet. The pain in the side disap- 
 peared, and two days afterwards the stomach could re- 
 tain milk and barley-water. Still nothing explained 
 the patient's emaciation, his almost total loss of voice, 
 hoarseness, and constant cough. His parents attributed 
 these symptoms to hereditary phthisis, and mentioned 
 that several members of the family had died of that dis- 
 ease. Minute and repeated examination of F's chest, 
 however, assured me that this was not the case. 
 
 " On the other hand, the symptoms were very severe, 
 and I could not discover any visceral lesion sufhcient to 
 account for them. In this state of uncertainty, your 
 views on spermatorrhoea attracted my attention. 1 im- 
 mediately questioned the patient respecting his pa^t life, 
 and learned that at the age of seventeen, he practiced 
 masturbation with such fury, that he had frequently 
 
 Eassed aqueous semen, mixed with blood. Frigntened 
 y these incidents he had corrected himself completely. 
 But after about a fortnight's abstinence, he noticed that 
 his urine contained a deposit of thick, whitish, liocculeut 
 matter. He never attached any importance to this, al- 
 though during four years he observed it constantly, and 
 noticed that it was more abundant after he had been 
 much fatigued in his business. He observed also, that 
 the last drops of urine were thick and viscid, and that a . 
 small quantity of viscid matter generally remained at 
 the orifice of the urethra. 
 
 " His bad symptoms first commenced at this time ; 
 his erections and desires entirely disappeared, and, by 
 the time he had attained the age of twenty-one, he was 
 obliged to give up his employment, and shortly after- 
 wards, his symptoms becoming aggravated, he was 
 unable to quit his bed. I examined his urine, and found 
 it in the condition he had de-^cribed — the deposit con- 
 tained in it being about an ounce in quantity. I noticed 
 that his testicles were soft, and his scrotum flaccid. Ho 
 
265 
 
 agreed to my proposition of cauterizing the prostatic por 
 tion of the urethra, with eagerness, and I performed it 
 on the following day. The eflect of the cauterization 
 was rapid. The second night afterwards the patient 
 slept soundly ; the third day a change was observed in 
 the voice, and erections occurred during the night. 
 On the fourth day the patient was able to get up and 
 take some light food, which was well digested ; his wan- 
 dering pains had disappeared ; and by the ninth day af- 
 ter the cauterization, the patient's strength had returned. 
 Tonic regimen and the use of sea-bathing confirmed hia 
 restoration." 
 
 The next case especially exhibits that singular ten- 
 dency of these diseases, if they go on unchecked, and 
 which are sure to end in confirmed insanity. It gene- 
 rally commences with the hallucination, that they are 
 about to be defrauded, that everyone are aware of their 
 disease, consequently they are despised, and finally, that 
 they will be assassinated, for they are certain, they 
 thmk, that society generally are leagued against them, 
 and that they are the most ill-used persons living. 
 
 "At the beginning of April, 1836, M. Emile G. was 
 sent to consult me, by Dr. Cauviere, of Marseilles. He 
 was twenty-five years of age, and had attracted noilce 
 from the brilliancy of his intellect. At twenty-one years 
 of age he had been admitted an advocate in a highly- 
 flattering manner. He stooped much, and, though his 
 bony sy.stem seemed to announce a strong constitution, 
 Lla limbs were small and his muscles soft. His haii 
 was black and thin, his skin pale, and his face without 
 expression. His eyes were dull, and constantly cast 
 down ; his voice weak and husky, and his general ap- 
 pearance announced great timidity. His legs were 
 constantly in motion. 
 
 " I learnt that M. G. had contracted the habit of 
 masturbation at school at twelve years of age, and that, 
 whilst studying law in Paris at the age of nineteen, he 
 found a change in his character commencing ; this T 
 will describe in his own words *— 
 
 " * At first I felt a gradually-increasing disgust of 
 
266 
 
 everjrthing, and a constant sense of ennni. From that 
 period I only saw the dark side of life. Thoughts of 
 suicide soon afterwards occurred to me, and this state 
 of mind continued for twelve months, after which other 
 ideas took the place of those respecting suicide. I con- 
 sidered myself a subject of ridicule, and fancied that the 
 expression of my countenance or my manner excited an 
 insulting gayety in the persons I met. This notion each 
 day acquired new strength ; and often, when in the 
 street, or even when at my own house, or in a room sur- 
 rounded by my relations and friends, 1 fancied I heard 
 insults which were aimed at me. I think so still. At 
 length, as my state became worse, I thought that every 
 one insulted me, and I still think so. If any one ex- 
 pectorates or blows his nose, coughs, laughs, or puts his 
 handkerchief before his face in my presence, 1 experience 
 the most painful sensation. Sometimes I feel enraged ; 
 but more frequently a depression of spirits, ending in 
 involuntary tears. 1 look at no one, and my eyes are 
 never fixed on any object. "Wrapped up in my own 
 thoughts, I am inciifterent to all external impressions. 
 These signs are evidently those of imbecility. I admit 
 that I may have had — aiid that I may even now have — 
 hallucinations, but I am fully persuaded that these ideas 
 are not without foundation. I am convinced that the 
 expression of my countenance has something strange in 
 it ; that people read in my looks the fears which agitate 
 and the ideas which torment me, and that they laugh at 
 this unhappy weakness of intellect which they ought 
 rather to pity.' 
 
 "The patient experienced a sense of heaviness and 
 oppression in his head, and, although fatigued by slight 
 exercise, was constantly in motion. Two years before 
 he consulted me he began to correct himself by degrees, 
 and for nine months he liad entirely renounced the 
 practice of masturbation ; yet, notwithstanding this, his 
 state daily grew worse. His digestion was disordered ; 
 he suffered from obstinate constipation, and his erections 
 and venereal desires had left him for a long tin:ie. Yet 
 he did not mention the last ftiets — in the written state- 
 ment of his case — to me ; they were minor evils ; one 
 idea alone absorbed him — the conviction that he was an 
 •bject of contempt and ridicule to all who approached 
 
267 
 
 him ; this idea was aggravated by their knowledge of 
 his impotence and by shame for the cause which had 
 produced it. 
 
 ■ " This patient's urine usually contained an abundant 
 flocculent deposit, resembling a thick decoction of barley ; 
 it decomposed very rapidly, and emitted a disagreeable 
 smell. After every stool the point of the glans' penis 
 was covered with a' clammy, viscid matter, resembling a 
 thick solution of gum. 
 
 " These circumstances confirmed me in the idea that 
 involuntary seminal discharges alone opposed the pa- 
 tient's recovery. The frequent emission of the urine, 
 the sensibility of the spermatic cords, of the testicles, 
 and especially of the urethral mucous membrane and 
 the injected state of the orifice of the urethra, made me 
 attribute these evacuations to irritation of the spermatic 
 organs rather than to relaxation. As, however, the 
 patient refused to submit to cauterization, I ordered him 
 iced-milk mixed with spa-watej.', cold lotions, &c., but 
 he found himself much worse after the use of these 
 means ; all his symptoms were aggravated, and his 
 urine became thicker, and left a glaring deposit ad- 
 hering to the bottom of the vessel. 
 
 " At length, on the 23d of April, I persuaded M. G. 
 to submit to cauterization, and I performed it immedi- 
 ately, chiefly on the neck of the bladder and the prosta- 
 tic portion of the urethra ; nothing particular occurred, 
 except tiiat the inflammation of the urethra, which fol- 
 lowed the application, was not entirely removed for three 
 weeks. This, I believe, arose, in a great measure, from 
 the severe weather which prevailed at the time. I or- 
 dered two or three warm baths to be taken in a week, 
 a few warm injections and demulcent drinks. 
 
 " At the expiration of a month, the patient took plea- 
 sure in going out, and occupied himself in gardening ; 
 he felt stronger, and took longer walks ; he was able to 
 employ himself longer without fatigue ; he also experi- 
 enced nocturnal emissions, preceded by erratic dreams 
 and lively sensations. At this he was at first alarmed, 
 but he gained courage when he saw that he was not in- 
 jured by them. 
 
 " I had not seen him for more than a month, when one 
 day he called on me, quite dispirited, to say that he 
 
208 
 
 should never get well, as he was relapsing into his for- 
 mer habits. I blamed him, but at the same tioie 1 ex- 
 plained to him that the fact was a proof of his having 
 regained his former virility, of which he should make 
 more proper use. 
 
 " M. G's mother came to me soon after, to speak of 
 the propriety of marriage for her son, whom she saw ex- 
 posed to various dangers. I easily persuaded her that 
 before deciding on marriage, it would be necessary for 
 him to be firmly assured during a considerable period of 
 his perfect and decided recovery. M. G. had then re- 
 gained his spirits, his boldness and his position in society, 
 and eighteen months afterwards, all his functions being 
 performed with energy, he married. Six months after 
 his marriage I heard that his health had not for a mo- 
 ment been disordered. 
 
 " With this patient 1 received the following consulta- 
 tion from Dr. Ksquirol : — 
 
 " ' The undersigned cannot mistake a case of hj'po- 
 chondriasis which has lasted three years. It is evident 
 that the nervous affection was produced by the habit of 
 masturbation to which the patient was addicted from 
 the age of puberty, and of which he only succeeded 
 in breaking himself seven months since. * The hypo- 
 chondriasis continues very obstinately, as the cause 
 which produced it acted for a long time, and very seri- 
 ously weakened the nervous system. The undersigned 
 attributes the little success attending medical treatment 
 to the unfavorable weather, to the indocility of the pa- 
 tient, who lives in seclusion and in physical and moral 
 torpor, and to the weakness of his mother, who allows 
 herself to be led away by the sight of false or exagge- 
 rated sufierings. The means advised are those usually 
 ordered in cases of hypochondriasis :— Tonics, anti- 
 spasmodics, leeches to the anus, purging, change of 
 scene, traveling, sulphuretted baths, sea-bathing, &c.' 
 
 " Dr. Esquirol sums up liis opinion in conclusion, aa 
 follows : — ' I must repeat what I have said above— weak- 
 ened evacuation is the cau.se of the disease, and every- 
 thing which can strengthen the nervous system, will 
 be useful. It was clear that masturbation had been the 
 first cause of the physical and moral derangement, called 
 hypochondriasis ; but the patient had renounced this 
 
260 
 
 vice during nine montlis, and his state became worsa 
 daily, instead of improving. It wsts evident, therefore, 
 that some other cause acted in keeping up the disorder; 
 and it was just as evident that this cause was involun- 
 tary diurnal discharges. 
 
 " It is not necessary for mo to show that masturbation 
 can, acting alone, induce involuntary discharges, or that 
 the cure was due to cauterization only, although its ef- 
 fects were not manifest for a month after the application 
 of the caustic ; but I must insist on the pathological 
 condition of the genital organs exciting these involun- 
 tary evacuations, since they have been too frequently 
 ascribed to a state of debility or relaxation of the 
 tissues . The tonics ordered by Esquirol had produced no 
 benefit. 
 
 " ' I have described the symptoms which led me to sus- 
 pect acute irritation of the prostatic portion of the ure- 
 thra, and I have shown the injurious effects of cold 
 lotions, iced-milk, spa-water, &c. It was then, not by 
 causing contraction of the orifices of the ejaculatory 
 duets, that the cauterization produced its beneficial ef- 
 fects, but by dispersing the chronic engorgement of the 
 mucous membrane. The advantage derived from warm 
 baths during convalescence corroborates this opinion.' 
 
 " In M. G's case a predominating symptom attracted 
 the attention of the practitioners ; hence they looked on 
 the disease as being hypochondriasis, monomania, or 
 hallucination, continuing after the separation of its ex- 
 citing cause, and becoming consequently, an idiopathic 
 affection. I have, however, shown that all the functions 
 had been altered more or less ; I should add, that the 
 digestion was the last to bo re-established perfectly. 
 Such mistakes are very common and very serious, and 
 I cannot too strongly impress their importance on the 
 attention of the profession. 
 
 _" Esquirol justly stated, the hypochondriasis took its 
 origin from masturbation ; that the nervous system was 
 weak and excited. But he mistook the cause which kept 
 up this condition of the brain. When masturbation has 
 not iiKlueed involuntary seminal emissions, recovery soon 
 follows, on Itaving off the habit which has destroyed the 
 health. Within a week the patients begin to experience 
 a notable improvemont, and in a very short time they 
 
270 
 
 are hardly recognizable, whatever may have been the 
 degree of weakness to which they were reduced. 
 
 '• But when Dr. Esquirol wrote his opinion, seven 
 months had ehip.sed, during which ]\I. G's conduct had 
 been irreproachable, and when I saw him two montha 
 after, his state was even worse, although he had never 
 resumed his former habits. The symptoms were, how- 
 ever, kept up by involuntary diurnal discharges. 
 
 " The effects of cauterization were very conclusive, 
 and so soon as its curative action was felt, the patient 
 of his own accord, took various kinds of exercise, and 
 sought out the different amusements which had been 
 in vain ordered for him previously ; he entered into sp- 
 ciety, and did, without being pressed, all that he had 
 before refused to do ; his ideas, and his necessities al- 
 tered in proportion as his functions were re-established. 
 " It is in vain that we say to the so called hypochon- 
 dria} — Amuse yourself, employ your mind, go into .-society, 
 seek agreeable conversation ; so long as we have not re- 
 moved the cause of his disorder, he is unable to profit 
 lay our counsels. How can we expect that when a man 
 is fatigued by the least exercise, he shall occupy him- 
 self with walking or gardening 1 Hoav can we desire 
 him to go into society, when the simple presence of a 
 woman intimidates him, and recalls all his former mis- 
 fortunes 1 How can we expect him to enjoy conversa- 
 tion when he loses its thread every moment 1 When 
 his memory loaves him, and he feels his nullity 1 We 
 persuade him to seek amusements and pleasures, but are 
 they such to him 1 Is not the happiness of others, his 
 greatest punishment 1 Because he is unable to follow 
 our advice, we accuse him of unwillingness, and we wish 
 to compel him. Let us first remove the cause of our 
 patient's disea.sc, and we shall soon see that his character 
 and conduct will change, and that he will return to hia 
 natural tastes and habits. 
 
 " It is not long, in such cases, before we are em- 
 barrassed by questions about the pi-opriety of marriage 
 being put to us. This is a matter which is serious in 
 all its aspects, and on which the least scrupulous should 
 not pronounce, without having had sufficient assurance of 
 their patient's health is now not the only one, nor is 
 even his future happiness alone implicated ; the fate of 
 
27J 
 
 the innocent being who is about to bo associated with 
 him is the matter of chief importance, .and justice to 
 her demands that we do not counsel matrimony until 
 Bufflciently long proof has been given that our patient's 
 re-establishment is permanent." 
 
 The above case will satisfy every one who are afflict- 
 ed, or who have been subject previously to the habit, 
 or to the emissions, and may be, wb>> have married, 
 without having first been cured, b^t who think they 
 are well enough ; vet they do no*" feel exactly as they 
 should; or they may have be^^^'^der treatment, and 
 supposed themselves conval^^<^"t ; but yet the testicle 
 on the left side is weaker ;^' and hangs lower than the 
 other, or than it shor';' the veins, no aoubt, are en- 
 larged, or when yo; ^""^^ ^^"^ testicles m your fingers 
 the!-e is a feelinc'-'^'^f worms collected together. Both 
 testicles mav "^ ^P^P^^'^fi' '^^"^ sometimes they swell and 
 f-el tcndo- f Pc<'ia% if tlie person has been indulging 
 in sT^iri^ "^I liquors, or has a severe cold ; the desire for 
 conr •,, ° finally grows less ; the person becomes weak, 
 Will soon go to an early grave, probably an idiot, 
 ril through these different stages there is either a 
 Visible or invisible loss of semen, which must be 
 stopped, and as I have just said, should satisfy every 
 one there is no time to be lost, or thev may be past re- 
 covery, for, so long as the spermatorrhoea continues, no 
 cure can be expected, but, on the contrary, the patient 
 must go on from bad to worse, notwithstanding all that 
 can be done for him. In addition to what I have said 
 as to the origin of this vice, I will insert what M 
 Lallemand says on the same subject : — 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 CAUSES OF ABUSE 
 
 " These may be divided into two classes : — First, 
 causes inherent in man, or those acting from within j 
 these may be considered as predisposing causes ;• 
 
272 
 
 secondly, cxterna-1 causes, or those arising from a'^ci- 
 deutal circumstances, and these may be considered aa 
 exciting causes. 
 
 " Inlcrnal or predisposing causes.— Of the first class 
 5t causes, the mejt important is undoubtedly due to the 
 buman organization. \n the lower animals tlie male 
 and female live t^ogcthcr, as if there were no differeaee 
 ot sex, except d^^^g the short rutting season. This 
 period passed, pcrfc.., calm is restored. In the human 
 species, the secretion o-.,e,uen constantly goes on, from 
 he time of maturity unt,.^,,treme old age ; the secre- 
 tion may, indeed be increa.., ^^ diminished by excite- 
 ment or repose of the organs , ^^,^ ^^^^. f ^}^ 
 It is never entirely suspended as ' „ „„ f, p^«i"u 
 tissues are healthjl Still, this v^^^^^KL^t -.^'^1"''^. 
 fact has been much neglected • its apphll^"'^ important 
 
 " The foria of the superior extremities p." isevment. 
 race also possesses a considerable influence ^^ 0"ui'}n 
 posing to abuse. Many animals are always fit'^.''^'^''''' 
 cundation, .spermatozoa being found in them ai _^" 
 seasons. They are, however, unable to excite semini. 
 impressions without the aid of the female. Other ani- 
 mals, again, which, during the rutting season, show an al- 
 most incredible amount of erotic fury, are still unable, by 
 their own actions, to cause spermatic discharges ; their 
 form alone prevents this, for they often attempt it, and 
 a few even succeed. It is well known with what fury 
 apes are addicted to raa.sturbation — the ape being, of all 
 the lower animals, the nearest to man in form. To this 
 origiual disposition, more perfect in man than in any 
 other animal, must be added the influence of patho- 
 logical causes. 
 
 " I have already spoken of the irritation caused by 
 ascarides in the rectum, of the erections they excite, and 
 of the abuses induced by them. We shall see, by and 
 by, that herpetic eruptions on the penis and prepuce 
 may produce the same eff'ects, and I shall show also, 
 that an accumulation of sebaceous matter, between the 
 prepuce and glans, may have a similar influence. I 
 must also mention irritation of the cerebellum^ as in- 
 ducing serious abuse, of which I shall give cftses in their 
 proper pkce. 
 
 " There is even some connection between the organ? 
 
ot generation and distant diseases; for Dr. Desportes 
 has mentioned a kind of angina which is frequently pre- 
 ceded by a considerable increase in the venereal desires, 
 and, consequently, by a disposition to all kinds of 
 abuses. Pulmonary phthisis also is often attended by 
 considerable venereal excitement. It may a^ well 
 then be at once admitted, that causes predisposing to 
 masturbation exist in the human organization itself. 
 
 '' External or exciting causes. — Of these I shall lay 
 particular stress on such as act before puberty, because 
 they have hitherto attracted very little attention. The 
 most anxious parents believe that there is no occasion 
 to watch over the actions of their children with regard 
 to their genital organs, previously to the epoch of pu- 
 berty ; and few, even of our own profession, are led to 
 suspect bad habits before that period. This is a fatal 
 error, against which it is necessary to be on our guard ; 
 numerous causes may give rise to abuses at a much 
 earil<ir period — infancy being hardly exempt from them 
 
 *' I saw one unfortunate child, which, while still at the 
 breast, nearly fell a victim to the stupidity of its nurse. 
 She had remarked, that handling the genital organs ap- 
 peased its cries and induced sleep more easily than any 
 other means, and she repeated these manouvres without 
 noticing that the sleep was preceded by spasmodic move- 
 ments. These increased and took on a convulsive cha- 
 racter, and the child was losing flesh rapidly and be- 
 coming daily more irritable, when I was consulted. At 
 first I attributed the disorder to worms, teething, &c., 
 but my attention being attracted by certain signs, I 
 examined the genital organs, and found the penis erect. 
 I was soon told all, for the nurse had no idea she was 
 doing wrong. It was necessary to dismiss her, for her 
 presjence alone sufficed to recall to the child's memory 
 sensations which had already become a habit. Time 
 and strict watching were required before these early im- 
 pressions were entirelj' effaced. 
 
 " Dr. Deslandes relates two similar cases, and Pro- 
 mar Halle, in his lectures on hjfgiene, used to mention 
 ■'uch ; Chaussier too told mc of several that came 
 
271 
 
 under his notice ; and both these observers believed such 
 cases to bo less rare than they are usually considered. 
 These xnanouvres quiet the children very readil}^ and 
 nurses alwaj^s endeavor to obtain quiet at any sacrifice ; 
 they have no idea of the consequences of their conduct. 
 At a later period, children are exposed to the same 
 dangers, on the part of the servants having them in 
 charge ; and in these eases it is not of ignorance that 
 the attendants are to be accused. Many patients have 
 consulted me who owed their disorders to this cause ; 
 and in Case 61, I have shown the influence which such 
 early habits exerts on after-life. 
 
 "In some children there is a kind of precocity of 
 sexual instinct, which lead.s to very serious results. In 
 these it often happens that the sexual instinct arises 
 long after puberty ; such children manifest an instinctive 
 attraction towards the female sex, which they show by 
 constantly spying after their nurses, chambermaids, &e 
 These freaks of children are usually laughed at, but if 
 they were regarded with more attention, it would be- 
 come evident that the sexual impulse has been already 
 awakened. 
 
 " Rousseau, in his confessions, has well described the 
 influence which early sexual impulse exercised on his 
 whole life, and I have received numerous confidences of 
 the same nature, which, however, it would be of no 
 service to relate here. One case, however, is so re- 
 markable, that an abstract of it may be instructive :— 
 
 CASE XXII. 
 
 "M. D., the son of a distinguished physician, between 
 five and six years of age, was one day in summer, in the 
 room of a dressmaker who lived in his family ; this girl 
 thinking that she might safely put herself at her ease 
 before such a child, threw herself on her bed, almost 
 without clothing. The little D. had followed all her 
 motions, and regarded her figure with a greedy eye. 
 He approached her on the bed, as if to sleep, but he 
 soon became so bold in his behavior, that, after having 
 laughed at him for some time, the girl was obliged to 
 put him out of the room. This girl's simple imprudence 
 produced such an impression on the child, that, wh 
 
275 
 
 he consulted me, forty years afterwards, he had not for- 
 gotten a single circumstance connected with it. The 
 continual occupation of his mind by lascivious ideas, 
 did not produce any immediate effect, but, about the 
 age of eight, the most insignihcant occurrence served 
 to turn his recollections to his destruction. Having 
 mounted one day on one of the movable frames which 
 are used for buckling coats, he slid down the stem which 
 supports the transverse bar, and the friction occasioned 
 caused him to experience an agreeable sensation in his 
 genital organs, lie hastened to remount and to slide 
 down in the same manner, until the repetition of these 
 frictions produced effects which he had been far from 
 anticipating. This discovery, added to the ideas con- 
 stantly before him, gave rise to the most extraordinary 
 abuses, and, after a time, to excessive masturbation. 
 
 " I need not mention all the miseries which followed 
 this fatal passion ; it will be sufficient for me to relate 
 the means to which he had recourse for its correction. 
 He slept on a very hard bed without a shirt, in order to 
 avoid friction, and covered by a single coverlet sus- 
 tained by a cradle ; his arms were raised, and crossed 
 above his head ; a servant remained by his side during 
 the night, with orders to awake him if he changed his 
 position. When he got up, he put on next his skin a 
 shirt of mail weighing twenty- two pounds, resembling 
 those worn b.y the knights of old, except that it had no 
 sleeves, and that it was attached, at its lower extremity, 
 to a silver basin, fitted to receive the genital organs, 
 and provided with openings for the thighs. This shirt 
 of mail was in front, in order to be easily put on and 
 taken of : and when on, it was laced up with a steel 
 chain, a padlock being attached to the end, the key of 
 which was kept by the servant, who had orders not to 
 give it up on anj' pretence whatever. Guarded by the 
 silver basin, the genital organs were completely re- 
 moved from the touch, a little opening only being left 
 for the discharge of the urine. As a still greater pre- 
 caution, the patient had caused four sharp points to be 
 fixed in front of this case, in order to directly oppose 
 any erection. This apparatus he continued to wear for 
 nine or ten years, although it frequently caused inflam 
 tnation of the testicles and spermatic cords, by itf 
 
27f.- 
 
 pressure. Notwithstanding all these precautions, the 
 patient's moral and physical condition were deplorable, 
 which led me to suspect the presence of diurnal pollu- 
 tions. 
 
 " I should observe, that in all cases of which I have 
 just spoken, the children were five or six years of age— 
 at most eight — that they did not show signs of puberty 
 for several years afterwards, and that they were not ex- 
 posed to the influence of bad example. Their sexual 
 ideas were, therefore, spontaneously developed several 
 years before the development of the genital organs. 
 The same precocity is often observed in children of the 
 other sex. Of this I shall treat more fuU^ hereafter ; 
 at i^resent 
 
 CASE XXIII. 
 
 I shall merely call attention to the case related by 
 Parent Du Chatelet, of a little girl, who, after the age 
 of four years, gave herself up to the most unbridled 
 abuses. 
 
 " From these facts, an important scientific conclusion 
 may be adduced, viz : that in many children the geni- 
 al instinct shows itself with much energy, many years 
 before the age of puberty. 
 
 " A no less important practical precaution presents 
 itself, viz : that the age of puberty should not be 
 ■waited for, in order to surround children with prudent 
 circumspection and to prevent their curiosity from be- 
 ing gratified. 
 
 " Many parents are remarkably careless on the latter 
 point ; they permit children of both sexes to play to- 
 gether, promiscuously for hours, without any surveil- 
 anee, provided that they are removed from all danger 
 »f accident, and that their noise is not annoying. The 
 confidence of many parents, also, in the ignorance of 
 their children, makes them careless of the marks of 
 rami I iarity which are given to each other in their pre- 
 Bence ; children's sleep is not always so real or so sound 
 as it seems. 
 
 " It is sufficient to point out those facts— every per- 
 son can deduce the conclusions ; and now 1 hasten to 
 consider a question, the gravity of which has been al- 
 
277 
 
 lowed bv all who have written respecting masturbation 
 
 — I meWn, the influence of example in educational 
 establishments. 
 
 " If I may judge from my own observation out of ten 
 persons whose health has beeu deranged immediately or 
 recently from the effects of masturbation, nine first con 
 tracted the habit at school. AW that 1 have read on the 
 subject has led me to conclude that this proportion is not 
 exaggerated. A child brought up in the bosom of his 
 family is, it is true, surrounded by many causes sufficient 
 to arouse his curiosity and excite his imagination ; but 
 such causes act accidentally, and in an isolated manner — 
 they only produce a serious effect on a few ardent imagi- 
 nations ; a thousand circumstances may remove the at- 
 tention from them. At school it is admitted that such 
 causes do not exist ; but there are others less numerous 
 and less varied, but which operate in a much more active 
 and continuous manner ; the effect of these are direct 
 and almost inevitable. The child finds on his first ar- 
 rival a focus of contagion which soon spreads itself 
 around him ; the vice is established cndemically, and is 
 transmitted from the old pupils to those newly arriving. 
 If a few privileged individuals escape being initiated, 
 they are only such as do not experience any gi-atifica- 
 tion. But their time will come at a later period — when 
 the passions make themselves felt — the same circum- 
 stances will be presented to the mind under a less dis- 
 gusting aspect. 
 
 "I shall not enter into details on this subject; but 
 from all that has come to my knowledge from various 
 and direct sources of information, I do not hesitate to 
 affirm that nowhere are obscene books circulated more 
 freely and boldly than in educational establishments ; 
 that the origin of the vice is not solely in the scholars, 
 but also in the ushers and servants ; that the abuses are 
 not always confined to masturbation, and that they are 
 not always propagated by example or persuasion, but 
 are sometimes enforced by threats and violence. Let it 
 not be thought that I am now speaking of rare and ex- 
 ceptional cases, or that I exaggerate — I possess multi- 
 plied and convincing proofs of my assertions ; I would 
 not either that I should be misunderstood. I am far 
 from denying the advantages of education in a publi< 
 
278 
 
 Behool, and 1 am ready to admit that the competition 
 among a number of children produces emulation, forma 
 the future cha.racter, early shows each his own value, 
 and lays the foundation of friendships which endure 
 through life." 
 
 A too sedentary life is injurious at all ages, especially 
 in childhood, when there exists such constant desire for 
 exercise and change. Gymnastics, therefore, should on 
 this account alone occupy an important position in the 
 system of education ; but they must be viewed under a 
 much more serious aspect. Nothing can prevent the 
 genital organs, at the time of their development, from re- 
 acting on the economy and giving rise to new sensations 
 and ideas. It is impossible to prevent the attention 
 from being attracted by the impressions caused by these 
 organs ; impossible to restrain the imagination and to 
 prevent it from frequently dwelling on such impressions. 
 The slightest circumstance may in such a case, lead to a 
 fatal discovery, even if the information be not transmit- 
 ted directly and enforced by example. How are such 
 discoveries to be prevented, or rather how are their re- 
 sults to be guarded against 1 Study gives us no aid 
 here ; indeed, the continued sitting necessarily heats the 
 organs, already too excited. The eyes may be fixed on 
 the book, the ears may appear to listen to the master, 
 but who can guard against the wandering of the im- 
 agination 1 At night it is still worse ; no surveilance 
 can prevent this. There exists only one means capable 
 of counteracting it, and that is, muscular exercise, carried 
 so far as to induce fatigue. This alone is able to deaden 
 the susceptibility of the newly acting organs which ex- 
 cite the economy; exercise alone, by requiring matter 
 for the repair of "the muscular waste it causes, withdraws 
 a stimulant from the genital organs, and induces sound 
 and refreshing sleep. 
 
 Dr. McDonald says, M. Lallemand speaks of the col- 
 leges and private schools in France, but that he regrets 
 to say that his statements apply with nearly their 
 whole force to the schools of England. Vice is common 
 in them ; neglect of physical education, and the contract- 
 ed nature of the studies to which pupils are confined in 
 our classical seminaries — the understanding being unap- 
 pealed to, and the reasoning faculties unexercised — the 
 
279 
 
 natural sciences neglected, and the whole of the pupil' 
 life untJil the ago of seventeen, employed in the study of 
 the de-ad languages — are matters of vital importance, ta 
 •which society has only recently begun to direct its atten- 
 tion. He says also, that M. Lallemand enters very 
 fully on the subject of education as conducted in France, 
 and well exposed the errors of the system. Most of his 
 remarks apply to our own educational system, yet as 
 the subject is not strictly medical, and as, moreover, M. 
 Lallemand has treated it at considerable length, I think 
 it best to refer those of my readers who may wish in- 
 formation on it, to the original work. 
 
 These remarks will apply to the schools everywhere, 
 in all other countries, and especially can I say so in re- 
 spect to the schools on this continent. 
 
 CHAPTER Xn. 
 
 VARIETIES OF ABUSE. 
 
 " I think it will be useful for me to give a few details 
 respecting the different kinds of abuse which have como 
 under my notice, and of which I have seen the hurtful 
 influence on the genital organs. I shall omit all such 
 remarks as have not a strictly practical bearing. 
 
 " We have already seen the dangers to which com- 
 pression of the urethra, to prevent the discharge of 
 semen during ejaculation may give rise, (Case 35), of 
 Lallemand. In the case I have related, it seems likely 
 that a rupture took place in the mucous membrane, be- 
 cause the patient felt, at the instant, an acute pain, and 
 the following day a discharge commenced, which con- 
 tinued until the application of the nitrate of silver. 
 Soon after the commencement of the discharge involun- 
 tary seminal emissions occurred, attended with serious 
 symptoms. It was immediately behind the glands that 
 this patient compressed the urethra, and it is quite con- 
 ceivable that the sudden and violent distention of the 
 canal might cause a tear in the mucous membrane ; bul 
 
280 
 
 this ia not always the case. One of my patents writes 
 aa follows : — 
 
 CASE XXIV. 
 
 "*At the age of fourteen I practiced masturbation 
 three or four times a week, and sometimes frequently 
 during the day. In order to prevent the discharge of 
 semen, I compressed the root of the penis firmly. No- 
 thing escaped at this time, but I soon observed that the 
 semen was discharged with my urine the first time I 
 passed it. I followed this practice for about two j'cars.' 
 
 '"Diurnal pollutions soon appeared, and grew more 
 and more serious. The remainder of the case preseuta 
 nothing which is not met with in all cases of sperma- 
 torrhoea. What I wish to call attention to here is, that 
 the compression was made close to the orifice of the 
 ejaculatory ducts, and that the patient thought at first 
 that his manoeuvres were not followed by any loss of 
 semen, although he at length discovered the contrary. 
 Fournier and Begin report a similar case : — 
 
 " It was that of a young man, who, at the moment of 
 ejaculation compressed the most remote parts of the 
 urethra, so that not a single drop of semen could escape ; 
 yet the result was the same as in ordinary cases. Not- 
 withstanding his precautions, his strength diminished, 
 and his disorder made just as rapid progress as if the 
 seminal emission had been perfect. 
 
 " The following is even a more remarkable case. I 
 shall allow the patient to speak for himself: — 
 
 CASE XXVI. 
 
 " 'I am thirty-two years of age, and I have had noc- 
 turnal emissions from the age of fourteen ; I have also 
 Buffered from discharges while at stool, for ten years. 
 The cause of these pollutions cannot be referred to 
 ma.sturbation, for I have not practiced it twenty timea 
 during my whole life. The pollutions are rather owing 
 to reading obscene books, for they commenced soon 
 
281 
 
 after. At first, ejaculation was preceded by dreams, 
 and accompanied by active erections and acute sensar 
 tions, the semen being ejaculated with force. I tried 
 various means to prevent these discharges. I have 
 slept, during whole nights, with my penis dipped in 
 cold water, or compressed between two pieces of wood 
 formed for the purpose. I have tried to keep myself 
 awake in order to prevent an emission, because, when I 
 succeeded, the following day I felt stronger ; but, after 
 two or three nights, sleep always overpowered me. I 
 often awoke, however, in sufficient time to prevent the 
 catastrophe of my dreams, but frequently it was too 
 late ; on such occasions, to delay the discharge or to 
 render it less copious, I compressed the base of the penis 
 firmly ; but it seems that these compressions greatly 
 injured the parts, without preventing or diminishing the 
 discharge, which took place inwardly, as I have often 
 been convinced by inspecting my urine. From that 
 period the pollutions have no longer been preceded by 
 dreams, and the sensations have left me, so that I am 
 not now aroused from sleep. My erections diminished, 
 and have even latterly ceased entirely. For three years 
 erections have rarely accompanied the emissions ; when 
 they do occur, I am always less fatigued. There is one 
 thing which I have not been able to understand, and 
 which wUl, without doubt, appear absurd to you ; it is, 
 that I experience pollutions without erection, sensation, 
 or the escape of semen by the urethra. I believe that 
 the discharge passes in a retrograde direction and be- 
 comes mixed with urine, because the next morning I 
 find little globules, a cloud and filaments in that fluid, 
 just as formerly, when I prevented ejaculation by com- 
 pressing the root of the penis ; whilst my urine contains 
 nothing during the day or the next morning, when I 
 have not experienced these pollutions. On waking 1 am 
 perfectly aware of what has occurred, by the sweat that 
 covers my face, the fatigue I feel in all my limbs, the 
 headache and dizziness that aflfect me, the dark circles 
 that surround my eyes, &c. I have tried cold and iced 
 applications with slight benefit. For some time the 
 pollutions were rarer, and were accompanied with erec- 
 tion and sensation ; but soon they became as before, and 
 emission did not take place outwardly. These internal 
 
28-2 
 
 nollutions huve always been the most weakening 
 vVhenover I succeed in passing the night without sleef* 
 my urine is transparent in the morning, and I feel 
 strong. After several nights without sleep, I generally 
 have an energetic emission, which fatigues me little ; 
 but soon those without erection and without external 
 discharge return, and then I always feel worn out on 
 waking.' 
 
 " This patient's medical iittendant would not believe 
 in the possibility of pollution without the external dis- 
 charge ; but it seems clear that the patient really had 
 internal emissions without perceptible discharge ; that 
 is to say, that the semen passed into the bladder, and 
 was discharged with the urine, as had occurred before, 
 when ejaculation was prevented by pressure on the pe- 
 reneum. This compression was made in front of the 
 ejaculatory ducts, and was very often repeated. It seema 
 therefore likely that it was the frequent repetition of 
 these manoemTcs that at length caused the spontaneous 
 passage of the semen into the bladder. But this is a 
 question to which I shall have occasion to return. 
 
 " Yet all these manoeuvres scarcely differ from the vari- 
 ous means recommended by some surgeons for prevent- 
 ing noctmTial pollutions;, and we may then perceive 
 how little confidence is to be placed in the instruments 
 invented for that purpose, and the inconveniences to 
 which they may give rise. It seems likely that the dan- 
 gers would be nearly the same, in whatever part of the 
 penis the compression is made ; except if there be suffi- 
 cient space in the urethra, between the point compressed 
 and the ejaculatory ducts, to contain all the semen, it 
 would be discharged directly the compression is re- 
 moved. When, on the other hand, the compression is 
 made immediately in front of the orifice of the ejacula- 
 tory ducts, the semen flows back, at least in a great 
 measure, so as to induce the patient to believe that the 
 discharge had been stopped, or, at all events, in a great 
 measure diminished, and to induce a degree of security 
 which leads to further abuses. 
 
 '• But to return to the description of the abuses 
 which have been admitted to me by so many other pa* 
 tioats :— 
 
283 
 
 CASE XXVII. 
 
 " One of these informed me, that about the period i>£ 
 puberty, while hanging one day by his arm, ho experi- 
 enced an energetic erection, accompanied with pleasure, 
 and that by his efforts to raise his body, he caused an 
 abundant seminal emission*! This was the first. The 
 next day he repeated the same motions, and noticed 
 the same phenomena, and from that time he knew no 
 other pleasure. From the principles which had been 
 early instilled into him, he would have thought himself 
 degraded by connection with a female, or by the least 
 manual contact with his genital organs ; but his con- 
 science was quiet with regard to these practices, because 
 they had not been forbidden him. He continued, there- 
 fore, to hang by the hands, from the furniture, doors, 
 &c., without being suspected by any one, and fell by de- 
 grees into a state of debility and wasting, equal to those 
 caused by the most unbridled masturbation. After a 
 time, from weakness the patient lost the power of hang- 
 ing, and his voluntary emissions ceased ; but they were 
 soon replaced by nocturnal emissions, which were very 
 difficult of cure. 
 
 CASE XXVIIl. 
 
 " The following are a few passages from a letter 1 
 have recently received : — ' Being of an ardent tempera- 
 ment, I abused myself from the age of eight years, by 
 practicing masturbation, or rather, by still more hurtful 
 manoeuvres. By compressing the penis between my 
 legs, or against the seat on which I was sitting, I pro 
 duced excitement, which was commonly followed by the 
 discharge of a few drops of viscid and transparent fluid. 
 This practice I repeated several times a day, up to the 
 age of sixteen, when I ceased entirely, having been 
 frightened by the discharge of nearly pure blood, which 
 occurred several times. From this time I only sought 
 natural enjoyments, but 1 found it impossible to obtain 
 a complete erection. This state was attributed tc 
 vreakness, and was combated by tonics, stimulents, 
 and even irritants of all kinds, which have done mo 
 much injury. 1 used also cold bathing and cold lotions 
 
'2M 
 
 CASE XiiX. 
 
 '• I have Been an officer of high rank who bad fallen 
 nto the same condition, from the practice of similai 
 uanoeuvrcs. He experienced the first sensation against 
 the leg of the table, at the early age of ten years, and 
 continued for several years to employ the same means. 
 
 CASE XXX. 
 
 " I have already related the case of another child, 
 who allowed himself to slide down a wooden pole, and 
 the deplorable influence which this circumstance ex- 
 ercised on the remainder of bis life. 
 
 " In a few of my patients, horse-exercise caused the 
 first seminal emissions. I shall relate, by and by, the 
 case of one of those who knew scarcely any other plea- 
 sare, and who became quite impotent at the age when 
 virility generally is the greatest. The extreme sus- 
 ceptibility which the genital organs manifest at the 
 period of puberty, should prevent horse-exercise from 
 being commenced about this time, as is usually done. 
 It should be begun a few years earlier, or a few years 
 later. 
 
 " I have already spoken of the danger of allowing 
 children to sleep on the abdomen, (see Case 33, Lalle- 
 mand.) 1 should add, that many of my patients thus 
 contracted habits which ruined their health. Inde- 
 pendently of the inconveniences to respiration, diges- 
 tion &c., which arise in this position, erections are 
 favored. The least friction awakens new sensations, 
 and, once on the track, progress is soon made. Some- 
 times recollections have caused the choice of this po- 
 sition ; of this I have related a remarkable example, 
 (see Case 34, Lallcmand); at other times, scruples early 
 instilled by a sage foresight, but which the violence of 
 the impulse has at length succeeded in eluding, have in- 
 duced it. 
 
 CASE XX3a. 
 
 *• Thus, 1 have been told, respecting one of my pa- 
 tients, that he would euSer death rather than defile 
 
285 
 
 himself by touching the genital organs ; yet, for five or 
 six years, he seldom passed a ni;jht without working 
 his own destruction while lying on his abdomen. It is 
 not necessary for me to enter into a description of the 
 other means by which patients have sought to satisfy 
 their genital impulses, without transgressing the re- 
 ligious and moral principles which had been taught 
 them from infancy. ^ufBce it to say, that if they have 
 succeeded in satisfying their consciences, they have not 
 succeeded in preserving their health. 
 
 " But to abstain from all direct action on the genital 
 organs, is not always sufficient to preserve the patient 
 from serious disorders. A purely nervous excitement, 
 awakened by other senses, or directly produced by 
 erotic, may bring the same results as the worst abuses, 
 if prolonged or repeated erections are caused by it. 
 The following arc a feAv such examples :— 
 
 CASE XXXII. 
 
 " A student aged twenty-two, born in Switzerland, of 
 sanguine temperament, and great muscular power, fell 
 into the most complete state of impotence, after having 
 been for some time exposed to ungratiiied excitement. 
 He had never practiced any solitary vice ; but violent 
 and prolonged erections came on, and were produced 
 during the day by the influence of the memory. These 
 erections caused abundant and frequent nocturnal em\s- 
 sions. Absence put an end to. the excitement. I'b? 
 nocturnal pollutions diminished by degrees, and at length 
 ceased entirely. Yet this patient fell into the samo 
 state of impotence as if he had committed the greatest 
 excesses in masturbation, and at the same time pre- 
 served the appearance of health and strength, fhs 
 cause of his impotence was evident on examining hi.^ 
 urine, and causing him to watch for diurnal poUutiotji 
 while at stool, but the cure of these pollutions was only 
 perfect after two years' treatment. 
 
 CASE XXX III. 
 
 " I have seen another case of the same kind, in a 
 young man who passed from a state of habitual priapism 
 
286 
 
 to one of absolute impotence, without any other cauM 
 than violent excitement of the genital organs by an ar- 
 dent attachment ; he had never given way to excess»of 
 any kind. 
 
 CASE XXXIV. 
 
 " I also had under my care an English officer, who 
 left Calcutta in perfect health, and arrived in London 
 jompletely impotent, after having suffered during two 
 months from almost constant excit'ement, caused by the 
 presence of a female on board ship. This state, so op- 
 posed to that which had preceded it, continued for two 
 years — the whole of this time not being marked by the 
 least sign of virility. It is scarcely necessary to add that 
 this state was produced by diurnal pollutions. 
 
 " I related a case a few pages back, in which noc- 
 turnal pollutions were caused by reading an obscene 
 book ; and I have seen a multitude of cases of this na- 
 ture. From these I conclude, that in certain very ox- 
 citabl6*individuals, reading such works, the sight of 
 voluptuous images, lascivious conversation, in a word, all 
 things that can excite or keep up irritation in the sper- 
 matic organs, are capable of producing the same effects 
 as actual abuse, even when the will is sufficiently power- 
 ful to prevent the thoughts from leading to the acts. 
 On the other hand, an abundant secretion of semen with 
 importunate erections, irritation of the urethra and pro- 
 state, alwaj's results under such circumstances, and 
 those favor the occurrence of nocturnal and diurnal pol- 
 lutions, as serious and perhaps more difficult of cure than 
 those produced by masturbation, because it is impossible 
 to act directly on the memory or imagination. 
 
 " It is not sufficient then to prevent all material action 
 on the genital organs ; it is necessary also to prevent all 
 erotic excitement of the senses and all concentration of 
 the ideas on lascivious objects. Fortune's favors are so 
 distributed, that numbers live in absolute indolence 
 without being blamed by the world, because they de- 
 mand nothing from any one. This inaction produces 
 results, the only remedy for which that I am awaro of, ig 
 daily fatigue of the body by various kinds of cier- 
 
287 
 
 CHAPTER XIJI. 
 
 EFFECTS OF ABUSES. 
 
 The effects produced by the different kinds of abuse 
 of which I have been treating, vary according to the age 
 of the patient, his idiosyncrasy, and the different organs 
 chiefly affected. I have laid particular stress on the 
 causes which may lead to bad habits some time before 
 puberty, I must now consider theh* effects during this 
 period. 
 
 " The symptoms arising from masturbation in the 
 child, (says Lallemand), have been always hitherto 
 confounded with those produced in the adult ; they pre- 
 sent certain distinctive characters, however, which re- 
 quire our consideration. However young they may be, 
 children lose flesh and become pale, irritable, morose 
 and passionate ; their sleep is short, disturbed and 
 broken. They fall into a state of marasmus, and at 
 length die, if not prevented from pursuing their course. 
 Examples of suoh a termination are so well known that 
 T forbear to quote them. 
 
 "Analogous symptoms are shown in the adult — follow 
 nearly the same course — and may lead to the same ter- 
 mination ; but in infancy, more or less severe nervous 
 symptoms are superadded, which are not fouud in those 
 who commenced the practice after puberty, or which at 
 least are not in the latter case manifested to the same 
 extent ; such are spasms and partial or general convul- 
 sions, eclampsia, epilepsy and paralysis, accompanied 
 with contraction of the limbs. These phenomena were 
 present in all the children whose cases 1 have noticed, 
 and numerous similar facts have been published by dif- 
 ferent authors. Contractions of the limbs have been 
 well investigated by Dr. Guerston. and he notices that 
 they especially affect such children as are lank, un- 
 healthy looking, nervous and worn out by bad habits. 
 The following case is sufficiently remarkable :- - 
 
 CASE XXXV. 
 
 " In 1824, a woman brought her son, eight years old, 
 t.o the hospital St. Eloi ; h« had lost the use of his lowcf 
 
288 
 
 extrciaitics for some months. The limbs were fixed, 
 drawn together, and all the mus(;les contracted. The 
 child wa^ extremely thin, and his intellect was much 
 disturbed. Masturbation, the cause of all these di.-;- 
 oiders, had only been discovered by his mother a fev/ 
 weeks before she placed him under my care, but she had 
 used every means she could devise to prevent it without 
 clTeet. After two or three trials I found that it was of 
 no use trusting to the straight, waistcoats and othec 
 means usually employed, and accordingly 1 determined 
 to pass a gum-elastic catheter into the bladder, and to 
 fix it so that the patient .should be unable to withdraw it. 
 The presence of the foreign body excited inflammation 
 of the urethra, as I expected ; when this occurred 1 
 withdrew the instrument, but replaced it as soon as the 
 inflammation had subsided. I kept up in this manner a 
 constant state of inflammation for a fortnight, which ren- 
 dered the parts so painful that the child was unable to 
 touch them. This treatment produced more deci.'iive 
 success than I had ventured to hope. Within eight days 
 the lower extremities had regained sufiicient strength 
 and mobility to allow the child to get up ; and in 
 another fortnight he was able to run about the yards 
 1 then sent him away, threatening him with a return of 
 the same treatment if he relapsed. The pain caused by 
 the catheter seemed to have removed all the other im- 
 pressions, for his health continued good, and growth 
 followed its ordinary course. 
 
 " I have since employed the same means in many 
 cases with just as much success, and I think it more sure 
 than any other, because it is impossible to rely on the 
 patient's will or on the assiduity of those who are ap- 
 pointed to watch over him. Jn children too it leaves an 
 impression on the memory which is often suflicieut to 
 destroy the empire of habit and to prevent a return to 
 the former manoeuvres. 
 
 " But to resume the consiileration of the symptoms 
 observed in children: In childhood, seminal emissions 
 are never experienced, but, novertlieles.^, the patients 
 fall into a state of marasmus, to which some even suc- 
 cumb. These effects, like those observed under the 
 same circumstances in the female, have induced some 
 authors to leave out of their consideration the seminal 
 
2Sl> 
 
 discharges which are proi.luced by the same acts at a 
 later period. They have iittributcd the debility, which 
 follows all abundant discharges of semen, to the nei voua 
 excitement and convulsive motions which usually ac- 
 company the discharge. 
 
 " The accidents observed before puberty are evidently 
 only due to the etlects on the nervous system, and the 
 same sensation accompany voluntary emissions after pu- 
 berty ; it is natural to suppose that the nervous system 
 plays as active a part then as in childhood. I willingly 
 admit the importance of this nervous exhaustion in 
 whatever manner it may be supposed to operate ; and, 
 supposing even that its action on the economy ^is just as 
 important as during childhood, (which is not'the case, 
 as I shall pr<!sently show). This is no reason why the 
 actual discharges should not be taken into account, 
 seeing that they greatly modify the character and con- 
 sequences of the nervous disturbance. 
 
 •' I have already noticed that the symptoms produced 
 by abuses during childhood, present a spasmodic cha- 
 racter ; this character, without doubt, is derived from 
 the predominance of the nervous system at that time, 
 rendering children so alive to external impressions. 
 This excessive sensibility also explains the great dis- 
 order of the economy which children suffer from such 
 manoeuvres. 
 
 CASE XXXVI. 
 
 " Deslandes relates a case, showing that any action 
 of the same kind may produce the same effects .at this 
 early age. He says, 'An observer Avorthy of credit, 
 Dr. Nurambeau, has communicated to me the case of a 
 child who procured himself similar sensations by drawing 
 out the navel. His health became much disordered 
 from the effects of this strange habit, which had such a 
 power over him that coercive measures were required for 
 its correction. It is worthy of remark that this patient 
 showed neither erection nor any other phenomenon of 
 the generative organs which at all referred to sexual 
 intercourse. The oi-gans of generation, therefore, had 
 no influence in producing the sensations experienced 
 by this child; but the repeated titilatiou of a very 
 
290 
 
 ■ensitive part produced the same disorder as mastur 
 bat ion.' 
 
 *' It was proved in the debates on a recent criminal 
 trial, tliat death may be caused by prolonged tickling 
 of the sole of the foot. Nervous disorders, arising from 
 such proceedings, may then be carried so far as to cause 
 death, and from this may be imagined the effects of the 
 multiplied convulsive shocks which irritable children 
 produce, by acting on the most sensitive organs in the 
 iconomy. Every excessive loss of semen also, even 
 A^hen uuaceomijanicd by sensation, is followed by de- 
 oility, and this may be carried so far as to cause death. 
 I have related several such cases in the beginning of 
 .his work. 
 
 " There exists, then, two distinct causes — nervous 
 iisturbance and debilitating discharges, and both these 
 ict at once when seminal emissions are produced by the 
 influence of the will. It is not to be wondered at that 
 both these causes should produce nearly the same 
 symptoms, because they bcith weaken the economy. 
 The action of the first on the nervous system is direct 
 and immediate, and the symptoms that result from it 
 are of a more spasmodic character. It is very easy to 
 confound these two causes when they act simultane- 
 ously ; but I have just shown that they can be con- 
 sidered separately. The following reason shows the 
 importance of so doing : — 
 
 " Whenever we succeed in entirely putting a stop to 
 the habits of abuse in children, we may make sure of 
 obtaining their return to health, and that very quickly. 
 This I have remarked in all the cases of children that have 
 come under my care. I do not mean to infer that the 
 disorder done to nutrition during the progcss of develop- 
 ment is easily repaired, but that the acute symptoms 
 rapidly disappear, and that all the functions are quickly 
 re-established. If the effects produced are active and 
 serious they cease very rapidly, as soon as the cause is 
 removed, and return to health becomes certain. Unfor- 
 tunately matters do not follow so simple a course after 
 puberty. 
 
 "What I have just said respecting children, applies 
 equally to females ; this is easily shown by examining 
 the cases in which excision of the clitoris has been per 
 
291 
 
 formed for the cure df nymphomania. The state of 
 these unfortunates must have been deplorable indeed, 
 to justify the resort to such means ; yet they recovered 
 very rapidlj'. 
 
 •' Why in these two classes of cases, is the cure certain 
 and the return to health rapid, as soon as the vice has 
 been mastered 1 It is that the cause of the weakness 
 immediately ceases to act on the economy. Why is it 
 that so many men continue to waste away after they 
 have entirely left off their habits of abuse ? It is be- 
 cause diurnal pollutions have commenced, which are 
 even more debilitating than the abuses which gave rise 
 to them. 
 
 " Dr. Deslandes and many others have discovered that 
 there is a great difference "in the conditions of persons 
 who have practiced masturbation for some time, and 
 then renounced it ; but they have not sought the expla- 
 nation of this fact. It is, however, very important to 
 know why some are cured rapidly and completely, while 
 others continue to suffer and languish during the re- 
 mainder of their lives. The symptoms experienced by 
 the latter are those produced by diurnal pollutions. But 
 if we inquire why some should be affected by diurnal 
 pollutions while others are exempt, we discover that we 
 have been comparing two very different classes of pa- 
 tients. The one class conquered their bad habits by the 
 force of their will — the other class were compelled to 
 renounce them by impotence. The former resisted their 
 desires while they were yet active : they required much 
 perseverance and moral energy in order "to succeed. The 
 latter only left off as they were less tempted — the pro- 
 gressive disease in their erections being due to the pre- 
 sence of undiscovered diurnal pollutions. 
 
 " Such patients deceive themselves as to the cause of 
 their changing their habits, and are astonished at not 
 finding any benefit arise from such change. Some of 
 them even remark to their medical attendants that it is 
 after they have left off their malpractices, that their 
 health has become altered. 
 
 " All these circumstances, embarrassing at first sight, 
 are easily explained on a little reflection. At first the 
 genital organs are heaJthy ; the constitution is un- 
 injured ; no seminal emissions occur except those that 
 
arc induced voluntarily, and the activity of the di- 
 gestive orgjuis permits a rapid n-pair of the lo.9SfS. But 
 as soon as irritation is set up in tlie .spermatic organs, a 
 large quantity of somen is secreted, and escapes every 
 day, and several times a day, without the patient's 
 knowledge. The digestion is disordered ; the erections 
 and voluptuous sensations diminish, because the semen 
 is less perfectly formed ; the provocations are, there- 
 fore, weakened by degrees, and the patient renounces 
 without difficulty habits which only inspire him with 
 disgust, lie wonders that his heailh still continues to 
 grow worse, for he has not discovered that he passes 
 daily, by often repeated evacuations, more semen than 
 he formerly passed in a j)erceptible manner, and he does 
 not take into account the difficulty felt by his economy 
 of repairing these frequent discharges. We must not 
 then confound those whose virility leaves them, with those 
 whom the power of their will eau.ses to recover, and 
 we must not be surprised at seeing the alteration in the 
 habits of each followed by very different consequences. 
 
 " In order to make the distinctive character of these 
 two j)ositions clear, 1 have laid stress on their most 
 striking points. But there are numerous slight shades 
 of distmction which 1 have not mentioned ; for in- 
 stance, in some cases the two classes of phenomenon 
 occur successively in a very distinct manner, at very 
 near periods. Many patients having corrected them- 
 selves once, find their health promptly re-established. 
 But when, after recovering their strength, they have 
 relap.sed into tiieir former habits, on renouncing them 
 a .second time, they obtain no benefit. These different 
 results, under apparent similar circumstiinccs, can only 
 be explained by the occurrence of diurnal pollutions in 
 consequence of the return to habits of abuse. 
 
 " Case 31 is a clear and perfect proof of the correct- 
 ness of this explanation. The patient recovered twice 
 after having twice conquered his passions ; but the 
 third time he only gave it up through disgust, ami his 
 health continued to deteriorate until cauterization ar- 
 rested the diurnal pollutions from which he sutVered. 
 
 " There are many circumstances which interfere with 
 the good resolutions of tho.se addicted to masturbation. 
 After a few days of !»bsolute continence, attained with 
 
203 
 
 aiacb difficulty, tlioy frequently suffor from nocturnal 
 pollutions, tkc more frequent aud the more abundant in 
 proportion as the sperniiitic organs have boon much ir- 
 ritated ; the patients always feel more debilitated by 
 these involuntary discharges than by those which they 
 previously excited. Instead of combating these pollu- 
 tions by suitable means, or after having employed one 
 or two plans unsuccessfully, they think they will be able 
 to diminish the evil by recurring to their former habita 
 at distant intervals, and they thus relapse, increasing 
 still more the irritation of the parts. Soon after diurnal 
 pollutions commence and rapidly produce their effects ; 
 but as these are not discovered, the patients rejoice to 
 find the nocturnal discharges gradually disappearing ; 
 but their health daily grows worse. This thej' cannot 
 comprehend, and are frequently led to imagine that 
 they have mistaken the cause of their disorder." 
 
 Many authors have noticed the indifference which 
 persons, addicted to masturbation, show towards the op- 
 posite sex. This sentiment is, indeed, very common in 
 those who have carried their abuses to a great extent; 
 but I do not think it arises, as has been stated, from the 
 long habit of solitary vice ; at all events, I can assign a 
 more direct cause for this indifference, viz. : the relative 
 impotence of the patients — I ssij, relative impotence, be- 
 cause they possess sufficient power of erection to permit 
 the practice of masturbation, but not enough to admit 
 of sexual intercourse ; and such patients seldom mani- 
 fest any dislike to the opposite sex until they have ex- 
 perienced several disappointments, the remembrance of 
 which constantly haunts them. Their views change 
 immediately that the diurnal pollutions which kept up 
 this impotence are arrested. 
 
294 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 EFFECTS OF TEAIPERA^IENT, IDIOSYNCRASY, fcO. 
 
 The effects of abuses vary mucfi in their ciiaractera 
 and intensity, according to the individuals attacked. 
 Some persons are uninjured by the most unbridled 
 abuses, even when long continued, whilst others are 
 very quickly disordered by slight abuse. In this re- 
 spect 1 have witnessed very opposite cases with every 
 variety of intermediate degree. 
 
 Temperament seems to have little influence in pro- 
 ducing this inequality of resistance. Strength or feeble- 
 ness of constitution is not of so much importance aa 
 might be supposed. The very unequal power of the 
 genital organs affords the only satisfactory explanation. 
 I shall refer to this point more fully when treating of 
 venereal excesses. 
 
 Idiosyncrasy .—hi the same individual, all the organs 
 are not equally affected by abuse ; this is shown by the 
 frequent predominance of certain symptoms which give 
 to tne case a particular appearance, and are apt to lead 
 to grave errors of diagnosis and treatment. I have re- 
 lated many cases in which this occurred. The presence 
 of special symptoms, wherever a generally debilitating 
 cause acts on the economy, arises from inequality of 
 development or of activity', existing in certain organs. 
 I shall at present only consider the direct and immediate 
 action of abuses on the genital organs, so as to show the 
 mode in which they produce noctui'nal and diurnal pol* 
 
 UtiOQS. 
 
295 
 CHAPTER XV 
 
 URETHRAL DISCHARGES. 
 
 Attacks of blennonhagia (clap) are more frequenS 
 in persons addicted to masturbation than is generally 
 supposed. Cases of this kind have frequently fallen 
 under my notice. In the greater number of these pa- 
 tients the discharge was small in quantity, viscid and 
 nearly transparent, or very slightly colored. It scai'cely 
 differed in appearance from the prostatic secretion ; but 
 in many patients the discharge was abundant, more or 
 less colored, and attended with pain in the urethra, es- 
 pecially during the passage of urine. Several suffered 
 from all the symptoms of a contagious biennorrhagia. 
 
 CASE XXXVII. 
 
 " In others the same symptoms recurred two or three 
 times, and in one patient the discharges re-appeared as 
 many as five times, always from the same cause. It is 
 worthy of notice that there existed a kind of iutermittance 
 in the habits of the last mentioned patients ; after haying 
 been moderate, or even quite continent for some time, 
 they recommenced masturbation with fury, and the 
 urethral discharges supervened on these relapses. Two 
 of my other patients suffered from stricture of the ure- 
 thra after one of these attacks of biennorrhagia, just as 
 occurs after contagious biennorrhagia, and in one of 
 these cases the stricture was very tight and very difficult 
 of cure. r • i 
 
 " I should remark that I am now speakmg of patients 
 who had never had sexual intercourse, and that I leave 
 out of the question such as had suffered from cutaneous 
 affections, in which the urethral mucous membrane 
 might have participated. I must add that thirteen of 
 Buch patients had not reached the age of puberty when 
 the discharges occurred. 
 
 " These discharges, not having been excited by any 
 virus, or by any constitutional disposition, must be re- 
 ferred to the effects of masturbation. Many of them 
 havuig occurred before the age of puberty, it is evident 
 that they could not consist of semen. 
 
 i 
 
2!K> 
 
 CASE XXXVJII. 
 I'KOSTATITIS. 
 
 " Sevei-iil of my jwitiVnts suffered from retention of 
 urine, iifter the must frightful abuses ; and it was ueces- 
 BHiy to relieve some of thtm with the catheter. In one 
 patient an abscess formed in the prostate, and discharged 
 through the pereneum. 
 
 " I have related many cases of acute and chronic cys- 
 titis, of which masturbation was the sole cause. 
 
 EMISSIONS OF BLOOD. 
 
 " Some of ray patients had carried their passions so 
 far as to provoke emissions of pure blood, or of semen 
 mixed with blood. Authors contain many such cases, 
 which show that the pathological condition of the ure- 
 thra has extended itself to the lining of the seminal ves?i- 
 cles. Other patients suffered from more or less severe 
 attacks of hematuria ; many experienced irritation of the 
 bladder and kidneys, attended with an abundant secre- 
 tion of bloody urine and constant desire to pass urine — ' 
 Rometimes even micturation was involuntary. Thus the 
 inflammation or irritation caused by masturbation may, 
 like that accompanying blennorrhagia, extend by de- 
 grees, until it reaches the kidney. It will be easily be- 
 lieved that the irritation does not extend In this direc- 
 tion only. 
 
 ORCHITIS, 
 
 '* I have seen several cases in which the patients suf- 
 fered from acute attacks of orchitis, after furious mas- 
 turbation ; and frequently such orchitis has required 
 v«ry active treatment for its relief. In one case the pa- 
 tient had not reached puberty when this occurred. In 
 many such cases no doubt accessory circumstances eX' 
 isted, althougii the patients attributed the development 
 of the orchitis only to masturbation. Others more 
 slightly affected, experienced pain in the testicles and 
 jpermatic cords, accompanied with swelling of the 
 spididymis. Others, again, suffered a painful sense cf 
 
.ensioii ; they felt as if the testicles were held in a vice, 
 or squeezed by a hand of iron. In many, the least con- 
 tact of the parts with the clothes was insupportable, 
 and the weight of the testicles caused very severe drag- 
 ging pain. In all such cases the patients were obliged 
 to wear suspensory bandages, and often to guard the 
 testicles from friction with cotton, wool, or swans'-down. 
 
 " These symptoms which I have considered separatel}-, 
 generally occur together, and often form varying groups 
 which present special appearances depending on the 
 predominance of one of the symptoms. Sometimes the 
 patients mention one circumstance only, because that 
 one alone has attracted their attention ; but when 
 questioned, they recollect many others which appeared 
 trifling by the side of the more serious one. It is also 
 important to remark, that diurnal pollutions generally 
 follow very soon after the appearance of these symp- 
 toms, and'that the patients are A long time without dis- 
 covering them, and sometimes only detect them when 
 taught what to expect. 
 
 " The more we reflect on these morbid phenomena and 
 the course of their appearance, the more striking is the 
 resemblance between the effects of excessive masturba- 
 tion and those of blennorrhagia. I admit that the 
 symptoms do not always present the characters of well- 
 marked inflammation, but they at least show those 
 of active irritation of the parts. It is easy enough to 
 give a clear explanation of what passes in all cases of 
 this kind, with perhaps some slight shades of differ- 
 ence. The testicles secrete more semen, which is im- 
 perfectly formed ; the seminal vesicles participating ir 
 the state of irritation of the neighboring organs, do not 
 easily bear its presence — they contract more readily, as 
 they are more easily affected by external impressions. 
 Hence it becomes more and more difficult to avoid 
 nocturnal pollutions. After a little time, diurnal pollu- 
 tions occur and become more and more frequent and 
 abundant ; that is to say, there is a constant disposition 
 in the seminal vesicles to contract spasmodically and 
 expel their content«s. 
 
 " On the other hand, the semen, ill secreted by the 
 teeticles, and remaining a shorter time in its reservoirs, 
 •ecomes thinner and more watery ; and by degrees, as 
 
•298 
 
 it loses its physiological characters, it also loses its 
 normal properties; it becomes, therefore, unfit to |./o- 
 duce its effects on the seminal vesicles. The erection? 
 are consequently less energetic and less lasting, and 
 after a time incomplete and fleeting, whilst, in the end, 
 in severe cases, they disappear altogether. Hence the 
 embarrassment and timidity of such patients in the 
 company of females, and the fear they experience of 
 finding themselves in a position to expose their impo- 
 tence ; and hence their indifference and even aversion 
 for the sex, and the constantly increasing difficulty they 
 experience in changing their habits. Such abuses, 
 then, because their effects remain long after the habits 
 have been altered, bring on symptoms, of which the 
 cause is unsuspected. This is the reason why the health 
 of some continues to deteriorate, whilst that of others, 
 are re-established as soon as they have renounced their 
 malpractices. This is why tonics, aphrodisiacs, cold 
 bathing, and iced drinks, produce effects so different 
 from those expected. 
 
 " There are undoubtedly cases,in which the spermatic 
 organs are weakened and relaxed. I shall relate several 
 instances of this in a future chapter ; but we shall then 
 see that such a state arises from primary relaxation of 
 habit and rather from want of use of the organs, than 
 from their abuse. 
 
 " In concluding my remarks on the subject of mastur- 
 bation, I may observe, that it is the most dangerous of 
 all vices of this nature, because it is the most difficult 
 to discover and to prevent, and because it does not re- 
 quire any assistance for its consummation. From the 
 cases I have seen, I conclude that the irritation excited 
 by such manoeuvres very easily induces involuntary dis- 
 charges ; that the appearance of nocturnal pollutions in 
 those who attempt to abandon the vice, often causes 
 them to r-eturn to their former habits, and that the di- 
 minution of virility which follows, far from favoring the 
 patient's amendment, frequently hinders it by proving 
 an obstacle to their having sexual intercourse, while it 
 does not prevent them from continuing their bad prac- 
 tices. This circumstance is a powerful cause of the dis- 
 orders which attend such as are reduced to vicioni 
 habits." 
 
299 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 EROTOMANIA AND SATYRIASIS. 
 
 These affections are generally confounded together, 
 yet the difference is very considerable, though their 
 manife-ctations are similar. There is an unnatural sex- 
 ual desire in both of them, which is often so unconsola- 
 ble, that gratification is attempted at any sacrifice. 
 They are produced by disease, as has been shown in the 
 preceding Chapters of this work. 
 
 Satyriasis is caused by a disease of the sexual organs, or 
 the adjacent parts, which keep them in a constant irrita- 
 tion, often so great as to prevent proper sleep and caus- 
 ing the greatest uneasiness at all times, producing a most 
 furious excitement ; those which are most likely to pro- 
 duce satyriasis are the piles, ascarides, bladder, and the 
 urethra or prostate gland. Dr. Curling remarks, that 
 
 " The irritation attending the morbid condition of the 
 mucous membrane of the prostatic portions of the ure- 
 thra, tends in a very material degree to excite both the 
 excessive seminal discharge and the secretions of the 
 Ijrostate, and to produce that morbid craving for indul- 
 gence and abuse which persons who have brought them- 
 selves to this state find so difficult to repress and resist. 
 
 " It is well known that any imtation at the orifice of 
 an excretory duct usually acts as a stimulus to the se- 
 cretion of the gland. Thus, hm-tful matter in the 
 duodenum produces a flow of bile ; and a foreign body in 
 the conjunctiva, as an inverted eye-lash, a discharge of 
 tears ; so it is with the testes when irritation exists at 
 the orifices of their excretory ducts. The disorder at 
 this part, moreover, appears to react on the brain, and 
 to become in part the cause of the patient's mind being 
 constantly occupied with subjects of sexual excitement, 
 and of his indifference and apathy to other matters ; so 
 that the local disease induced by abuse powerfully aids 
 in perpetuating the mischief; and, judging from the 
 experience which I have had in these cases, is the object 
 to which our treatment should be first directed. 
 
 " In all of these cases reasoning is of no use whatever .• 
 the cause must be removed or the disease will continue 
 
for the patient can no more control himself than he coula 
 if he was laboring under a diarrhoea or fever. 
 
 "This is a truth, I fear, not sufficient!}' impressed on 
 the minds of medical men. One would be loath to offer 
 any apology for the viciws habits and indulgences to 
 which, it is well known, old men are occasionally ad- 
 dicted—a melancholy example of the kind, in the higher 
 ranks of life, having lately been brought under public 
 notice. I cannot but think, however, that, in many in- 
 stances, these canes are not undeserving of professional 
 sympathy, and that the erotic longings— which some- 
 times coTitinue to distress the aged long after the period 
 at which, in the course of nature, they should have 
 ceased— depend as much on physical infirmity as mental 
 depravity, the former inciting and producing the morbid 
 desires. If these propensities were regarded and treated 
 as symptoms of disease, (and that they frequently occur 
 in ccmnection Avith affection of the urinary passage, is 
 we'll kiK)wn to practical surgeons), I believe they would 
 often subside, and the distressing results to which they 
 lead would be altogether avoided." 
 
 Erotomania differs from satyriasis as respects the seat 
 of the disease, as the former is in the brain arul not in 
 the genitals directly, for they are only afil'cted in a 
 secondary manner. 
 
 Dr. Copeland is A'ery clear in his distinction of the two 
 diseases ; but 1 will hero say, nymphomania, to which 
 he refers, is the same disease in the female as satyriasis 
 in the male. He says, 
 
 " Erotomania— Monomunie erotique of Esquirol, is 
 characterized by an excessive love of some object, real 
 or imaginary. It is a mental affection in Avhieh amoroua 
 ideas are as fixed and dominant as religious ideas are in 
 religious momomauia or melancholia. Erotomania is 
 very different from satyriasis and nymphomania. In 
 the latter the mischief is in the reproductive organs ; in 
 the former it is in the mind. The one is a physical, the 
 other a moral disorder. 
 
 " Erotomania is the result of an excited imagination, 
 unrestrained by the powers of the understanding : sa- 
 tyriasis and nymphomania proceed from the local irri- 
 tation of the sexual organs, reacting upon the brain, 
 and excitmg the passions beyond the restraints of ren* 
 
PLATE 2^. 
 
 :£r^. 1% 
 
 ^^;'% 
 
 Fi^. U 
 
 
303 
 
 son. In the former, there ia neither indecency nor the 
 want of chastity ; in the latter, there is unrestrained 
 expressions of sexual desire and excitement. The oneia 
 commonly caused by ungratitied or disappointed affec- 
 tion excited in a virtuous mind ; the other, by inordi- 
 nate irritation or indulgence of the sexual passion. 
 
 " In erotomania, the eyes are bright, the manner and 
 expressions tender and passionate, and the actions free, 
 without passing the limits of decency. Self and selfish 
 interests are all forgotten in the devotion paid, often in 
 secret, to the object of the mind's adoration. A state 
 of ecstasy often occurs in the contemplation of the per- 
 fections which the imagination attaches to the sub- 
 ject of its admiration. The bodily functions languish 
 during this state of moral di.sorder; the countenance 
 becomes pale and depressed ; the features shrunk ; the 
 body emaeiated ; the temper unquiet and irritable ; and 
 the mind agitated and despairing. The ideas con- 
 tinually revert to the loved and desired object ; and op- 
 position or endeavors to turn them in a different direc- 
 tion ordy render them more concentrated and determined 
 in their devotion. At last, parents and fortune are 
 abandoned, social ties broken asunder, and the most 
 painful difficulties are encountered, in order to obtain 
 the object of admiration. 
 
 " In some cases the attempts made by the patient to 
 conceal and overcome this atfeetiou, occasion a state of 
 irritative fever, with sadness, depression, loss of appe- 
 tite, emaciation, &c., Avhich has not inappropriately 
 been termed by Lorrey, Erotic Fever, and which, after 
 continuing an intermediate period, may even terminate 
 fatally. 
 
 " When a young person becomes sad, absent in 
 mind, pale and emaciated, sighs frequently, sheds tears 
 without any obvious reason, is incapable of any mental 
 or bodily exertion, scarcely speaks to any one, loses ap- 
 petite, &c., it is suflBciently evittent that the mind is 
 inordinately possessed by some desired object. If a 
 Btrong effort be not made to dispossess it of the pre- 
 dominant sentiments, or if the object of desire be not 
 obtained, the symptoms become still more distressing. 
 The corporeal functions languish, the eyes sink, the 
 pulse becomes weak and irregular, and the nights dis* 
 
not 
 
 turbed and sleeplt3»s. At last a form of slow hoctie is 
 produced^ and t&c weaker organs, especially the lungs 
 and heart, are the seat of slowly-produced drsease ; the 
 whole frame is blighted, and the patient sinks from tho 
 injurious influence of the mental affection on the vital 
 orpans- 
 
 '• This form of moral disorder may increase, and 
 affect the intellect in a much more serious manner, 
 until general insanity or mania is developed ; and, with 
 the progress of time, it may at last terminate in de- 
 mentia or incoherent insanity. In each of these, the 
 primary character of the disorder, or the original moral 
 affection, will still continue to be manifested by the 
 frequent suggestion of the same train of ideas, or re- 
 currence to the object of devotion." 
 
 I need not impress the importance of the selection of 
 a proper phj'sician in all of the cases, which I have so 
 fully treated on, in the foregoing pages, for I think the 
 facts therein presented, and tho immense deal of suffer- 
 ing and fatality, which has and still is caused by the 
 Ehysicians not understanding the pi'oper treatment — 
 om the lack of the necessary practice — will put all who 
 are unfortunately afflicted, or who have any friends or 
 relatives in such a position, on their proper guard, and 
 where the most worthy among so great a number — say- 
 ing nothing of their fitness to be employed — can be found. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 THE INFLUENCE WHICH DIFFERENT ARTICLES HAVE — 
 MEDICINES AND OTHERS — IN PRODUCIN& AND CURING 
 SPERIVIATORRHCEA AND IMPOTENCE. 
 
 There are not many medicinal substances that act di- 
 rectly on the genital organs ; some of those thftt do eo, 
 are beneficial, and some of them highly injurious. From 
 tho immense deal of imposition practiced both by the 
 quacks and regular practitioners, I have con.-luded to 
 present a few remarks and extracts, that others may o«> 
 
805 
 
 oape their base productions, and thus save the confle- 
 quent injury that their use would be sure to cause. 
 
 There has always been an ignorant notion existing 
 among the people generally, that physicians were ac- 
 quainted with the secret specification of certain medi- 
 eines on the generative functions, which would arouse a 
 sexual ardor under almost any circumstances, and in or- 
 der to play upon the credulity of the public, and at the 
 same time better their pecuniary circumstances, have 
 originated the various cordials, elixirs, stimulants, &c., 
 which are so much advertised, in order to attract the 
 attention of those who are troubled with emissions, sem- 
 inal weakness, imiwtency and sterility. None of them 
 are, in the slightest degree, capable of performing what 
 Is promised ot them. 
 
 It is only very recent that a discovery has been made 
 of certain dn-.gs which will produce the most astonishing 
 beneficial action, in those cases suffering from loss of 
 power, yet each individual case requires its being ad- 
 ministered with a skillful hand, after a full statement of 
 the case has been presented, and it is to be hoped the 
 knowledge of the ingredients will be kept from those char- 
 latans who only know how to prescribe for all alike, 
 notwithstanding the differences presented in almost 
 every case. 
 
 Purgatives are thought by almost everybody to act 
 only upon the bowels, but mstead of that, as I have al- 
 ready shown, irritation from spasmodic contractions of 
 the rectum extends to the seminal vesicles, and produce 
 just as great and distressing diurnal pollutions as those 
 which arise from mechanical compression of the same 
 organs ; so that of ascarides, diarrhoea, &c., produce 
 emissions, they as a matter of course will be caused 
 by drastic purgatives, because they act chiefly by irri- 
 tating the large intestine, and which bring on in the 
 rectum and neighboring parts a more permanent state 
 of irritation, aud consequently excite an unnatural flow 
 of urine by irritating the bladder. Now, the spermatic 
 ducts and prostate gland are close to the rectum, and 
 are just as much afiected as the bladder — which is one 
 reason wh}-^ patients are injured instead of being benefit- 
 ted by using such a mode of treatment — because they are 
 costive, which they generally are. T have had a great 
 
r>or. 
 
 many patients from physicians who so foolishly adopted 
 such ticatiJieiit, in a worse state than they were before 
 they visited them. 
 
 NARCOTICS. 
 
 I have often been obliged to prohibit patients the use 
 of tobacco, liquor, coU'ee and tea, and as evidence that 
 other surgeons also have found some or all of them in- 
 jurious 1 will here insert some of their remarks. 
 
 CoJJ'ec — M. Lallemand says, aflfects the cerebro-spinal 
 system, and that attention has not been paid to its ac- 
 tion on other organs. T.'iken in moderate tjuantities, it 
 excites the bladder and kidneys, increases the secretion 
 of urine, and renders its discharge more frequent. It 
 acts in the same manner on the spermatic organs, aug- 
 ments the venereal desires, favors erections, and accele- 
 rates ejaculation. Taken in excess, however, it pro- 
 duces injurious effects. 
 
 Tea. — M. Lallemand is supported in his views of the 
 action of tea by Dr. McDougal, and is satisfied its ef- 
 fects are very similar to coHee. lie further says, there 
 are many other agents besides those he has mentioned, 
 which excite or increase involuntary seminal discharges. 
 
 Tobacco. — This article produces similar effects on a 
 great many persons to opium and other narcotics. At 
 first they often stimulate, but afterwards they weaken 
 ihe sexual organs, so much so as to cause complete impo- 
 ;ency. This no doubt is caused by the relaxation of 
 ihe ejaculatory ducts. 
 
 In the thirteenth Annual Report of the Massachusetts 
 State Lunatic Asylum, there are excellent remarks on 
 tobacco, which I cannot refrain from inserting. After 
 the remarks on.the injurious effects of alcohol it goes on 
 to say, — 
 
 "Alcohol is not the only narcotic which thus affects 
 the brain and nervous system. Opium produces delirium 
 tremens, and probably insanity. Tobacco is a powerful 
 narcotic agent, and its use is very deleterious to the 
 nervous .system, producing tremors, vertigo, faintnoss, 
 palpitation of the heart, and other serious diseases. 
 That tobacco certainly produces insanity, I am not able 
 positively to observe ; but that it produces a prcdispo- 
 
307 
 
 Mtion to it, . am fully confident. Its influence on the 
 brain and nervous system generally, is hardly less ob- 
 vious than that of alcohol, and, if used excessively, is 
 equally injurious. The young are particularly suscepti- 
 ble to 'the influence of these narcotics. If a young man 
 hecomes intemperate before ho is twenty years of age, 
 he rarely lives to thirty. If a young man uses tobacco 
 while the s^-stem is greatly susceptible to its influence, 
 he will not'^be likely to escape injurious effects that will 
 be developed sooner or latei*, and both diminish the en- 
 joyments of life and shorten its period. 
 
 " The very general use of tobacco among young men 
 at the present day is alarming, and shows the ignoranco 
 and devotion of the devotees of this dangerous practice 
 to one of the most virulent poisons of the vegetable 
 world. The testimony of medical men, of the most re- 
 spectable character, could be quoted to any extent to 
 sustain these views of the deleterious influence of this 
 dangei-ous narcotic. 
 
 " Dr. Rush says of tobacco, ' It impairs the appetite, 
 produces dyspepsia, tremors, vertigo, headache and 
 ejnlepsy. It injures the voice, destroys the teeth, and 
 imparts to the complexion a disagreeable, dusky brown.' 
 
 " Dr. Boerhave says, that, 'Since the use of tobacco 
 has been so general in Europe, the number of hypo- 
 chondrical and consumptive complaints have increased 
 by its use.' 
 
 "Dr. Cullen says, 'I have known a small quantity 
 snuffed up the nose to produce giddiness, stupor and 
 vomiting. There are many instances of its more vio- 
 lent cflFects, even of its proving a mortal poison.' 
 
 " Dr. Darwin says, ' It produces disease of the sali- 
 vary glands and the pancreas, and injures the power of 
 iigestion by occasioning the person to spit off the saliva 
 yhich he ought to swallow.' 
 
 " Dr. Tissott once saw the smoking of it prove fatal. 
 
 C.\SE XXXIX. 
 
 "Dr. Pilcher details the particulars of a case of a 
 medical student whom he had been requested to see 
 ' This gentleman suffered under all the symptoms of 
 phthisis. There was mneo-purulent expectoration 
 
308 
 
 night sweats, &f,. Tho mucous membrane of the 
 throat, epiglottis, and the neighboring parts, were coat^ 
 ed with a brown fur. The patient had been an im- 
 moderate snuff-taker; ho was told to discontinue the 
 enuff— he did so, and recovered.' 
 
 ' Dr. Chapman says, ' By a member of Congress from 
 he west, m the meridian of life, and of a very stout 
 frame, I was some time since consulted. He told me 
 that from having been one of the most healthy and fear- 
 less of men he had become sick all over and timid as a 
 girl. He could not even present a petition to Congress 
 much less say a word concerning it, though ho had long 
 been a practicing lawyer, and served much in legisls^ 
 tive bodies. By any ordinary noise he was startled or 
 thrown into tremulousne-ss, and afraid to be alone at 
 night. His appetite and digestion were gone ; he had 
 painful sensations at the pit of the stomach, and unre- 
 lenting constipated bowels. During the narrative of 
 his suffering, his aspect approached the haggard wild- 
 ness of mental distemperature. On inquiry, 1 found 
 that his consumption of tobacco was almost incredible 
 by chewing, snuffing and smoking. Being satisfied 
 that all his misery arose from this poisonous weed 
 Its use was discontinued, and m a few weeks he entirelv 
 recovered. '' 
 
 CASES XLI AND XMI. 
 
 " Distressing as was this case, I have seen others, 
 trom the same cause even more deplorable. Two youno- 
 men were in succession brought to mo for advice, whom 
 1 found in a state of insanity, very much resembling de- 
 lirium tremens. Each had chewed and smoked to- 
 bacco to excess, though perfectly temperate as regarded 
 drink. Iho further account given me was, 'that in 
 early life adopting this bad practice, it grew with their 
 
 frowth. Dyspepsia soon occurred, attended by great 
 erangemeut of the nervous system, and ultimately tho 
 mania, I have mentioned ; but I have also seen the same 
 condition very speedily induced.' 
 
309 
 
 " Dr. Franfilin says, ' He never used it, and nevof 
 met with a man who did use it that advised him to fol' 
 low his example.' 
 
 " The venerable John Quincy Adams, in a recent 
 letter on the subject, says, that in early life he used 
 tobacco, but for more than thirty years he had discon- 
 tinued the practice. ' I have often wished,' says he", 
 ' that every individual of the human race, affected with 
 this artificial passion, would prevail upon himself to try 
 but for three months, the experiment which I have 
 made, and I am sure it would turn every acre of to- 
 bacco-land into a wheat-field, and add five years to the 
 average of human life.' 
 
 " Some cases have come imder my observation which 
 show the injurious effects of tobacco where no evil was 
 suspected. 
 
 CASE XLIII. 
 
 " A respectable merchant, who abstained wholly 
 from ardent spirits, applied to me for advice. He com- 
 plained of great weakness, tremor of the limbs and 
 joints, with lassitude, general prostration of health, and 
 depression of spirits. Knowing that he used tobacco 
 freely, I advised him to discontinue it entirely ; he soon 
 became better, and after a time was wholly relieved 
 from these disagreeable symptoms. 
 
 CASE XLIV. 
 
 " A distinguished clergyman informed me that ho 
 had been an extravagant snuff-taker ; that for years he 
 had a disagreeable affection of the head, and his health 
 was not good. He did not attribute either to the use 
 of snuff, but thinking it a filthy habit and a growing 
 evil, he resolved to leave it off. He was surprised to 
 find that the diflBeulty in his head almost immediately 
 left him, and his general health became quite good. 
 
 CASE XLV. 
 
 " A gentleman of athletic frame, and about twenty* 
 four years, of age, applied to me for advice. He com- 
 plained of insufferable faintness and distress of stomach. 
 
310 
 
 morning sickness, vomiting, trembling, and prostration 
 of strength. He diminished his tobacco considerably, 
 and was immediately better, but had not resolution to 
 abandon I he i)ernicious practice. 
 
 " In our experience in the Hospital, tobacco in all its 
 forms is injurious to the insane. It increases excitement 
 of the nervous system in many cases, deranges the stom- 
 ach, and produces vertigo, tremors, and stupor in 
 others. It is difficult to control its u.se with the insane, 
 and although considerable sufi'ering comes from its en- 
 tire abandonment, it cannot be generally allowed with 
 safety 
 
 " One patient, while at labor, found a quantity of to- 
 bacco, and hid it in his bed. He used it freely, became 
 sick, lost his appetite, and confined himself to his bed, 
 completely intoxicated. After some days, diligent 
 search was made, and a store of tobncco Avas fouml in 
 his straw bed; when this' was removed he almost imme- 
 diately recovered, and in a few days he was as well as 
 before. 
 
 CASE XLVII. 
 
 " A person who carac into the Hospital a furious ma- 
 niac, soon became calm, and improved favorably. Ho 
 labored in the field with propriety, and exhibited every 
 indication of a favorable convalescence. Suddenly with- 
 out any apparent cause, he again became very violent 
 and insane. It was soon discovered that he had in some 
 way obtained tobacco. After he ceased to use it, ho 
 again became calm and convalescent. 
 
 CASE XLVlir. 
 
 " An aged lady was brought to us very insane. Tho 
 practice of her friends for some time, had been to give 
 her ardent spirits to intoxicate her at night, and tobac- 
 co and simlf, in unlimited quantity, for the da}'. All 
 these were withdrawn at once ; her sufferings for some 
 days were great, but after a time, she became calm, 
 and got better as soon as the influence of this excitement 
 v,-aa over. 
 
311 
 
 ** It is very natural to suppose that an article possess- 
 ing the active properties of this fascinating narcotic, 
 ehould produce most deleterious eifocts upon health — 
 particularly upon the brain and nervous system. 
 
 " The uninitiated cannot smoke a cigar or use tobacco 
 in any form, without unpleasant effects — how then can 
 it be possible that a poison so active can be used with 
 impunity'? The stomach and brain, subjected to such 
 influences, will become diseased, and show their effects 
 as certainly as if alcohol were used. 
 
 " If asked my medical opinion, which was safest, four 
 glasses of wine or four quids of tobacco, daily 1 I should 
 saj', unhesitatingly, the wine. Of the two evils, this 
 would, in my opinion, be the least. Tobacco is the 
 strongest, most dangerous narcotic — the habit of its use 
 is the strongest and most diflScult to overcome, and the 
 influence felt from it most baneful and destructive to 
 health." 
 
 Opium, of course, is much worse than tobacco, as the 
 exhaustion it produces is not so readily recovered from, 
 for if its use once cause impotency, it is quite doubtful 
 if he can be restored to his former powers. 
 
 I will close this article bj' quoting what M. Lallemand 
 says, in a number of his cases, on its effects in decreasing 
 and otherwise affecting the sexual desires. 1 very often 
 have patients affected in the same way. 
 
 CASE XLIX. 
 
 " I have a young man of very nervous temperament 
 at present under my care, in whom nocturnal and di- 
 urnal pollutions have brought on pain in the loins, pal- 
 pitation, difiiculty of breathing, &c., symptoms which 
 were supposed to arise from disease of the spinal cord, 
 cardia) affection and commencing phthisis. Among the 
 exciting causes of these involuntary discharges, the 
 effects of smoking occupy the chief place. The follow- 
 ing is the patient's statement : — 
 
 " ' At twenty years of age I wished to accustom my- 
 self to smoking ; but a day never passed without my ex- 
 periencing complete intoxication, attended with vomit- 
 ing, vertigo, and trembling of the limbs. I continued 
 the habit, however, and I soon began to perceive that 
 
312 
 
 my sight became weak, and that I lost my memory ; 
 my hands shook, and my digestion became much dis- 
 ordered. I noticed also great debility of the genital 
 organs ; my erections ceased ; and at the age of twenty- 
 two 1 found myself completely impotent.' 
 
 " This patient had rarely practiced masturbation, and 
 had never committed any excess when he first began to 
 smoke ; his health had previously been excellent. It 
 is, therefore, evident, that the impotence as well as the 
 other symptoms, arose from tobacco. Impotence at the 
 age of twenty-two can only be produced by involuntary 
 seminal discharges, provided there be no physical disa- 
 bility. In the present case, there was no doubt on the 
 point, the patient himself having discovered diurnal and 
 nocturnal pollutions. 
 
 " The action of tobacco on those Avho smoke for the 
 first time, is too Avell known to require description ; more 
 or less disorder of all the functions, varying according 
 to the constitution of the individual, invariably arises 
 from it ; and this disorder always presents more or less 
 of the characteristics of poisoning by narcotics. These 
 effects go off by degrees, as the patient becomes habitu- 
 ated to the use of tobacco, and generally after a time 
 cease to be manifested at all. Some nervous and ex- 
 citable individuals are unable to accustom themselves to 
 the habit, as in the case just mentioned ; in others, 
 again, smoking becomes an artificial habit, which in 
 many cases is almost a necessity. 
 
 '* But this empire of custom has its limits, beyond 
 which the narcotic influence re-appears. In such as are 
 not easily affected, this acquired habit is generJiUy sup- 
 ported with impunity ; but even then, if it be indulged 
 in to excess, it must after a time bfe injurious. Thus it 
 is that the most accomplished smokers often experience 
 vertigo, cephalagia, anorexia, &c., when they have re- 
 mained long in an atmosphere densely filled with smoke, 
 which is then drawn into the lungs, and probably pro- 
 duces worse effects than when merely drawn into the 
 mouth, or swallowed, as in smoking. 
 
 " In a word then, if the power of habit can prevent the 
 momentary effects of smoking from showing themselves, 
 the frequent repetition of the use of tobacco produces 
 more lasting effects on different organs. Disorder ftf the 
 
313 
 
 digestive orgaus is well-krl0^yn as occurring in inveterat'e 
 smokers — that of the genital orgaus l^as uot hitherto 
 been noticed." 
 
 Dr. McDonald says, that " Many inveterate smokera 
 among his professional friends have mentioned to him 
 the diminution of their veneral desires, as one of the 
 effects of tobacco." 
 
 • 
 
 CANTHAEIDES. 
 
 The application of a blister on a particular part of the 
 body will not only increase involuntary seminal dis- 
 charges, but will cause them. Cantharides v?ill do this, 
 whether used as a blister or administered as an internal 
 remedy, because it will cause an inflammation of the 
 bladder and the contiguous parts of the body to such 
 an extent as to prevent the passage of the urine. This 
 is the reason that physicians have administered this drug 
 in cases of seminal discharges and impoteucy, supposing 
 them to be caused from atony or a relaxation of the 
 genital organs. But of the hundreds that have come to 
 me, after its use, not one had received the slightest bene- 
 fit ; but, on the other hand, had been injured to such an 
 extent as to be troubled with a constant bearing down 
 and other pains in the region of the bladder, obliging 
 them to pass urine (in one bad case,) as often as ninety 
 times within the twenty-four hours. Many patients le- 
 ceived an increase of all their symptoms, and impotence 
 taking the place of the weakness of the genitals. In- 
 jecting the urethra produces the same result. 
 
 If a physician does not understand the nature of a dis- 
 ease, I am surprised that he would have even the re- 
 motest idea of undertaking to cure it, much more doing 
 so, for if they did understand it, they would not use 
 cantharides, for instead, as they suppose, no doubt, of 
 the disea-se — Emissions — being caused by a weakness of 
 the organs, they are produced by irritation, and will in- 
 crease instead of being removed, unless that irritation 
 and cause is removed, which can never be done by this 
 nor any other medicines ; yet, see patients every day 
 that have been under the care of physicians, or used all 
 of the remedies which are so much lauded in the papers 
 as being the only cure. 
 
314 
 
 The public have long labored under the great error of 
 supposing canthjfridcs would create or restore power to 
 the genital organs, and a desire for sexual gratitication, 
 to an extent that would satisfy the purposes not only of 
 those who really needed something of the kind ; but it 
 has been given for base purposes in many a case, I have 
 no doubt. Many a female case has been presented to 
 me of gi^at sufferings, caused by its use. 
 
 There has been very recent discoveries of harmless 
 medicines, which are surprisingly effective in cases of 
 impotency, sterility, and weakness of the generative 
 system ; but I administer it, of course, in accordance to 
 the peculiarities of each case. 
 
 CAMPHOR. 
 
 This is a good antidote for the injurious conse- 
 quences of the use of cantharides ; but its use for th« 
 cure of spermatorrhoea often causes injury. 
 
 As an instance of its injurious efiFects, M. Lallemand 
 says, " One of his patients who put camphor between 
 the prepuce and glans penis, sutitred so much from di- 
 urnal pollution as to endanger his life." 
 
 It is a drug which quacks use, and I have found in 
 a great many patients, after having used their remedies, 
 an augmentation instead of diminution of their symp- 
 toms 
 
 NITRATE OF POTASS. 
 
 I consider this almost as injurious and dangerous as 
 cantharides ; but notwithstanding all its injurious effects, 
 almost all doctors, and nearly every quack remedy, 
 especially for the cure of gonorrhoea, gleet, tc., in- 
 corporate it with their other drugs. In the inflamma- 
 tory stage of these diseases it is supposed to have a 
 sedative effect. It is considered a diuretic, because it 
 increases the flow of urine, thereby stimulating the 
 kidnej's. But if it would stop there it would not causa 
 30 much barm, for it produces hematuria, pain, and iu- 
 
315 
 
 flammation of the bladder, consequently swelled tes- 
 ticles, and increase of, or will originate an inflammation 
 of the urethra and prostate gland. As further proof 
 of its injurious effects I will insert a case mentioned by 
 M. Lallemand : — 
 
 " A merch^t of Genes, wishing to take a purgative, 
 tfent to a druggist for an ounce of sulphate of mag- 
 nesia. By mistake an ounce of nitrate of potass was 
 returned by the messenger and taken. Violent inflam- 
 mation of the urinary passages, accompanied with a dis- 
 charge resembling bleunorrhagia (clap) resulted, swell- 
 ing took place in about the centre of the urethra, and 
 when the acute stage of inflammation had passed off", a 
 circumscribed induration, which obstructed the dis- 
 charge of urine, remained. Twenty years afterwards 
 the patient still suffered from this obstruction, for the 
 formation of which there had been no other cause than 
 the inflammation produced by the nitrate of potass. 
 The patient had never had bleunorrhagia, either before 
 
 " It appears then the nitrate of potass acts as a stimu- 
 lant of the whole urinary apparatus ; and it is at least 
 probable that it produces the same effect on the sper- 
 matic organs. I am led to this opinion partly by an- 
 alogy, but chiefly because more than forty of the pa- 
 tients whom I have treated for involuntary seminal dis- 
 charges, had taken nitrate of potass in some form or 
 other; and all, without exception, found themselves 
 worse afterwards. Many of them also observed the 
 same effects from preparsttion of squill, and, in fact, 
 »r after, and had never suffered any injuiy of the part, 
 ill other diuretics." 
 
 ERGOT OF RYE. 
 
 This article is generally used by physicians to e.Tpe- 
 lite delivery in females, by increasing the action of the 
 fomb. It also acts as a stimulant to the male genitals, 
 by creating an inflammation of them, which of course 
 
 E reduces seminal emissions. It is a dangerous and 
 ighly injurious di-ug. 
 
316 
 
 PHOSPHORUS 
 
 This is the most dangerous of all the articles J have 
 ret mentioned, and therefore should never be the light 
 of for a moment, especially by those who arc not per- 
 fectly well acquainted with its action. Its efifects are 
 similar to cantharides, only a great deal more energetic, 
 which renders it so much more dangerous, for its inju- 
 ries are not easily recovered from 
 
 There are various preparations of this mineral, which 
 have been and still are used by a great many physicians 
 in the treatment of spermatorrhoea. In what respect 
 they consider it beneficial, I do not know, unless as a 
 tonic ; that is what it is given for, no doubt. As a tonic 
 for the system, it is useful in the proper cases, but as 
 to any special benefits, or any particular influence di- 
 rectly on the genital organs it possesses, I think is very 
 indefinite and unsatisfactory indeed. Almost every pa- 
 tient who comes to consult me, after having been under 
 previous treatment, has used one or the other of its dif- 
 ferent preparations. 
 
 CHAPTEk XVIII. 
 
 THE MECHANICAL MEANS ADOPTED FOR THE PREVEN- 
 TION OF SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 
 
 The reader will have noticed what some of my pa- 
 tients experienced, by compressing the urethra at dif- 
 ferent places, from in front of the testicles, back as far 
 as the anus, for the purpose of preventing an erection 
 of the penis and the semen from being ejected. I have 
 also copied cases from M. Lallemand, Avhere the same 
 means had been used by his patients. Fournier and 
 Begin both had patients who had adopted the same 
 mean? to prevent the Femen from escaping, thereby, a;* 
 
311 
 
 they thought, effeetkig a cure. The different rneana 
 jidopted to attain this end, I will now mention. 
 
 CASE LII. 
 
 A few years ago I had a patient, aged about thirty, 
 who had, among the rest of his numerous successful 
 remedies, adopted this one, and for a long time he sup- 
 posed he had rid himself entirely of the harassing and 
 dreaded nocturnal pollutions. At night, on going to 
 bod, he would wind a piece ot tape losely around the 
 penis while it was in its natural state. This would 
 cause pain, when the penis became erect during the 
 night — which it did at that time when an emission took 
 place — and wake him from his sleep. For a long time 
 ne did not see any semen escape from the urethra, and 
 he flattered himself — though he had grown weaker and 
 thinner — he had hit upon a very simple but sure cure. 
 One morning, however, he discovered in the bottom of 
 the vessel a thick mattery substance, which led him to 
 examine the urethra, when he discovered what he was 
 satisfied was semen, gradually oozing out, after he had 
 passed urine. By examining the urethra after stool, he 
 discovered the same thing, and, as his erections had 
 ceased for some time, as well as all feelings of venereal 
 excitement, he knew the semen was gradually escaping 
 almost constantly. The physicians he had before con- 
 sulted, not benefiting him in the least up to the time he 
 applied his own remedy, he very wisely came to the 
 conclusion not again to put himself under their charge. 
 This was his situation when he applied to me. In a few 
 weeks I cured him of his pollutions, and in a year after, 
 he was a married man, in all the enjoyment of good 
 health. 
 
 A great many of my patients have adopted difi'erent 
 means for the attainment of the same object- -that is, the 
 28cape of semen. Some have applied pressure on the 
 pereneum by means of a pad ; some have placed grooved 
 pieces of wood on each side of the penis, with tape 
 wound around it ; others again have procured rings 
 to fit the penis ; but the result in every case has 
 been to cause the semen to flow into the bladder 
 instead of out, through the urethra, which would not 
 
31: 
 
 have caused half as rauch injury as resulted from tbo 
 former. 
 
 In Cape 37 of M. Lallemand's work, the patient rup- 
 tured the urethra by compressing it to prevent the dis- 
 charge of semen, and which was followed the following 
 day by a discharge resembling a gonorrhoea, and which 
 he only succeeded in curing by cauterizing the canal. 
 In this case this one compression created so much irrita- 
 tion as to immediately cause involuntary emissions. 
 The strangulation or compression of the urethra causes 
 so much irritation at the orifi^'cs of the seminal ducts 
 that it produces an inflammation in that part of tho 
 canal which extends itself either way, and, finally, if 
 the practice is continued for only a short time even, 
 will cause a stricture, (and in some cases I have found 
 as many as three in different parts of the canal which 
 were irritable and otherwise very bad), in addition to 
 the diurnal pollutions, an inflammation of the prostate 
 gland. 
 
 CASE LIII. 
 
 In one of my cases, a man of about forty years ot 
 age, was so severe that it ulcerated and endangered his 
 life. The bladder is sure to become involved also, as 
 will be seen, when you consider the amount of the for- 
 eign substance that is being constantly thrown into it 
 The inflammation of the bladder, in these cases, is often 
 of the severest nature, and sometimes requires a long 
 time, with the most energetic troatment, to restore it to 
 its natural state. 
 
 Ever3' human being, with an intellect sufficient to 
 enable them to distinguish between right and wrong, will 
 at once brand those who continue to use such mechani- 
 cal treatment, in defiance, and regardless of such unde- 
 niable proofs, of the certain injury to those persons who 
 may be so unfortunate as to accidentally adojit their 
 mode of tr-jatment, as arrant knaves and inipc stors, or 
 ignoramuses, that would do mankind a better turn by 
 Etreet-sweeping than the practice of an honorable pro- 
 fession. Such, however, I am sorry to say, are baso 
 enough to advertise appliances of the above description, 
 as great inventions, and the only thing that is capable 
 
o 1 
 
 of eflfecting a cure. One impostor, to more easily mis- 
 lead the ignorant, says, " the meaical faculties in Eu- 
 rope use them." The assertion is a base falsehood; 
 the public will rightly judge such a character. 
 
 When any person is so unscrupulous as to say, that 
 there is no one else but himself capable of effecting a 
 cure, of whatever complaint he may mention, it seems 
 to me the public would be unanimous in condemning 
 him as an impostor, for no one but a knave would have 
 the effrontery to arrogate to himself such superiority 
 over all others. There is a falsehood on the very face 
 of all such declarations, which humanity at this en- 
 lightened daj' should be able at once to discover. The 
 treatment, remedies, of all such persons, cause a thou- 
 sand times more injury than the disease itself, as I 
 think these pages sufficiently prove. 
 
 M. Lallemand sa^'s, " An ti- venereal treatment is 
 frequently also employed for patients who have suffered 
 oaerely from blennorrhagia, and in a verj' numerous 
 class of cases it produces a serious increase of the irrita- 
 tion in the genital organs, and causes the appearance or 
 exasperates the effects of involuntary spermatic dis- 
 charges." Cases of this nature often present consider- 
 able difficulties of diagnosis ; and the solution of these 
 obscurities is always of much importance in determining 
 the treatment to be followed. 
 
 Anti-venereals are not the only therapeutic agents 
 which produce such unfortunate effects ; those which a 
 blind routine of practice employs in cases of blennorr- 
 hagia have not been less injurious. Among these it is 
 especially necessary for me to mention astringent in- 
 jections, copaiba, cubcbs, tonics, and bitters, employed 
 too soon, or in extreme dose.'«. All these means act 
 more or less by exciting the genito-urinary organs ; it 
 is, therefore, easy to understand that their untimely or 
 immoderate use must favor an extension of the inflam- 
 mation from the urethra to the mucous membranes, 
 which are continuous with it. 
 
 " Lastly, spermatorrhoea is often made worse by th« 
 very means employed for its removal, and among these 
 may be ranked* eold baths, ice. tonics, bitters, sulphur- 
 baths, &c. 
 
 "The further we advance the more plainly we shall 
 
320 
 
 jee how necessary it is for the difiFerent forms ot sper- 
 matorrhoea to be described as simple affections — how 
 necesj-ary it is to regard tl era in all their aspects, and to 
 take account of all the circumstances which assist in 
 producing them. In practice we find it indispensable to 
 weigh well all the points connected with a case of sper- 
 matorrhoea, before deciding on any diagnosis, prognosis^ 
 or especially on our treatment." 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 NYMPHOMANIA PRODUCTIVE OF MONOMANIA AND CRIME — 
 MASTURBATION PRACTICED BY FEMALES — REMARKS 
 SHOWING ITS DREADFUL EFFECTS ON THE CON' 
 STITUTION. 
 
 The following extraordinary case of Nymphomania 
 was related to me by one of the most prominent phy 
 sicians of this city : — 
 
 Miss , of a wealthy and highly respectable family, 
 
 residing in one of the thousand-jjalaces of avenue, 
 
 attracted my attention while engaged in my professional 
 attentions to a member of the family, by marked respect 
 at first ; soon, however, her manner changed to sociable 
 familiarity. Yet I only regarded this as a clever display 
 of a brilliant mind, highly educated. Subsequently, tho 
 pathetic execution of several love songs, sung to ma 
 while, apparently by accident, alone with her, led me to 
 observe her conduct narrowly, which the lingering ill- 
 ness of my patient gave me ample opportunity to do. 
 By closely scrutinizing her conduct, I discovered every 
 possible means resorted to, to secure my company and 
 attention.- Thus, from day to day I observed the de- 
 velopment of criminal passions, in this beautiful crea- 
 ture. Tho slightest accident soon directed my atten- 
 tion to the real cause, not until, however, after frequent 
 ^nd extravagant demonstrations of a criminal passioui 
 
321 
 
 heated by an ardent temperament, perpetrated the 
 warmest and most eloquent declaration of love. 
 
 The affair now assumed an alarming aspect. I being 
 her senior and a married man, I reasoned, remonstrated, 
 threatened to disclose the whole conduct to her parents, 
 which only fanned the j^assions to a blaze. 
 
 The accidental discovery of the cause occurred in this 
 way : — In going to my patient's sick-room I passed, one 
 warm evening, the bath-room, the door of which stood 
 ajar ; a glance revealed the secret of this strange con- 
 duct. 1 saw this poor creature sitting in a bath, which 
 her mother told me that she too frequently used as a cold 
 sitting-bath, asking my opinion of the propriety. 
 
 1 observed, after the bath, her conduct was invariably 
 modest. The cause of this strunge conduct then was 
 inflammation and excessive irritation of the genital 
 organs. 
 
 After a consultation with the parents, I explained to 
 her, her situation, which I was always compelled to do, 
 immediately after the cold hip-bath, to prevent the 
 immodest conduct of the absolutely insane young lady. 
 
 This then, sir, is the case for which 1 wrote you the 
 note asking your plan of treatment, which, I am happy 
 to acknowledge, speedily restored my unfortunate patient 
 to perfect health, and who is so grateful to you, as I 
 deemed it my duty to tell her confidentially that you 
 was the savior of her virtue, of her health, and of her 
 happiness. 
 
 She begs you will accept the accompanying $100 note, 
 with the wish that j'ou will give her the opportunity to 
 make her personal acknowledgments. 
 
 Yours, truly, M. D., 
 
 Bleeckerst., N. V. 
 
 Nciv York, June 11, '52. 
 Dr. Larmont: 
 
 Dear Sir, — In answer to your request of the publi 
 cation in 3'our popular work, of the interesting case of 
 nymphomania, for which I consulted you, 1 am happy 
 to inform you that the young lady feels so greatly in- 
 debted, that for the sake of humanity and in considera- 
 tion of your invaluable services, she cheerfully consenta 
 to your request- 
 
322 
 
 It is not necessary, of course, to ask to ctnceal every- 
 thing that would lead to suspicion who our patient is, 
 as the delicacy of a charming, talented and admired 
 young lady, would suffer the deepest mortiQcation, al' 
 though her conduct was the direct consequence of jjliy- 
 sicul disease. Accept my kindest regards, 
 
 Yours, truly, M. D., 
 
 Bleeckcr st., N. Y. 
 
 This case is one only of a number which has passed 
 under my own knowledge. The complaint produced 
 what we might call a species of monomania. Whether 
 the ardent temperament ! an over-healthy or very vigo- 
 rous constitution ! ascarides or worms in the rectum ! 
 or masturbation, is the cause, the result is the same. 
 Such — yes, many cases like this, do exist, and parents 
 and guardians should be able to obviate a criminal 
 result, by arranging a proper marriage ; or, if pro- 
 duced by any foreign excitant, as masturbation, or tho 
 troublesome and tormenting little worms, the experi- 
 enced physician in the cure of these complaints, should 
 be consulted, without a day's delay. By adopting these 
 timely remedies, they may not only save their child or 
 relative from an ignommious and horrible end, but 
 themselves from everlasting disgrace. 
 
 Onanism particularly exists among females ; and 
 that too, to a very alarming extent. It is scarcely pos- 
 sible for an unprofessional person to conceive the long 
 train of ills it produces, it is a knowledge of this 
 fact, as I have stated in the preface to this work, that 
 induced me to present to the world truths which will 
 serve as a saving monitor to the unsuspecting of both 
 sexes. 
 
 We address these few pages to mothers and guardians, 
 with the two-fold view of furnishing them with the 
 means of preserving the morals of their daughters, and 
 of sparing them the pain and sorrow of seeing them 
 wither and perish at an age whvii they ought to bo tho 
 ornament of their domestic circle, and enjoy health and 
 happiness. This life-destroying habit, will enable pa- 
 rents and guardians of joutli, to recognize by number- 
 less symptoms, the gradual disease which is hurrying 
 
323 
 
 them to the tomb ; and I must reiterate a pevious asser- 
 tion, that I cannot but hope this work will be the mcana 
 of saving many from a lingering suicide. Let every 
 mother, lather, and' guardian, therefore, read this work, 
 and they can learn from it, whether their children or 
 charges are safe from this vice, or have strayed from 
 the paths of health and chastity. 
 
 Have you ever seen a lovely flower, when the least 
 breath would scatter its leaves to the winds of heaven, 
 md yet retain its original loveliness 1 Such a flower is 
 the innocent child which is on a brink so perilous, that, 
 unless warned at once, is sure to perish and leave sor- 
 rowing relatives to mourn its loss. 
 
 Health and beauty are not the only blessings to be pre- 
 served ! All moral feeling, all proper sentiments, the 
 happiest gift of intellect, and every hope of happiness 
 will surely be destroyed. 
 
 These individuals who yield themselves up to the en- 
 joyment of solitary pleasure, to secret pernicious habits, 
 soon exhibit more or less the symptoms of tabes dorsalis 
 —a species of consumption. At first they are not trou- 
 bled with fever ; and, although they may still preserve 
 their appetite, their bodies waste away ; walking par- 
 ticularly wearies them and produces profuse perspira- 
 tion, headache, ringing in the ears, derangement of the 
 serves and brain, and terminating with stupidity. The 
 (tomach becomes deranged, the patient is pale, dull and 
 indolent ; their eyes are hollowed, their bodies thin, 
 .heir legs can no longer sustain them ; they are totally 
 flnhinged, incapable of any exertion, and in many eases 
 ittacked with palsy. The weakness and constitutional 
 .rijury thus produced are the reasons why such patients 
 !)ear less easily those diseases which all are subject to. 
 The chest particularly becomes aff"ected, indigestion 
 •somes on, the most robust girls are soon rendered weak ; 
 ind sometimes a slow fever, a raj^id consumption, or 
 apoplexy, soon terminates the scene. 
 
 Such are some of the evils produced by solitary im- 
 prudence — evils which have attracted the attention of 
 some of the most celebrated physicians of antiquity, as 
 Hippocrates, Coden, Celsus, which I have already 
 quoted at length, Areteus, Atius, &c. Other physicians, 
 who have enjoyed great celebrity in modern times, con- 
 
firm the observations of the ancients, and increase the 
 frightful catalogue of ilft which the medical writers x>f 
 antiquity had described. Men of such celebrity as 
 Sanctorious, Lommius, Ht'ffman, 45oerhave, Van Swie- 
 ton, Kloehof, Mechel, HuUer, and Harvey, all of whom 
 have described in vivid and fearful colors the diseases 
 of those who are addicted to solitary vices, must con- 
 vince the most skeptical. Hofleland , speaking of young 
 girls who are the victims of this fearful vice, says — " She 
 is a withered rose, a tree whose bloom is dried up ; she 
 is a walking spectre." 
 
 "How many persons," exclaims the venerable Portal, 
 a physician who published * Observations on Pulmonary 
 Consumption,' *' have been the victims of their unhappy 
 
 Eassions ? Medical men every day meet with those who, 
 y this means, are rendered idiotic, or so enervated, 
 both in body and mind, that they drag out a miserable 
 existence ; others perisli with marasmus, and too many 
 die of a real pulmonary consumption." 
 
 We have the most indubitably awful proof under our 
 own eyes every week, by reading the deaths reported in 
 the different cities, Koifice the preponderance of deaths 
 of those over ten years, from consumption, apoplexy, 
 marasmus, and epilepsy, and you must be convinced 
 there is some unknown secret cause, to hurl so many 
 into eternity every day, from these diseases. 
 
 In a work upon the terrible malady of Kickets, the 
 writer says, while speaking on a particular form, that 
 young persons who yield tiiemselves up to tlie seduction 
 of solitary pleasures are often the subjects of the disease, 
 and he cites a number of cases which came under his 
 own observation. Among them, he mentions that of a 
 young female of seventeen who died suddenly of tliem, 
 and which v/ere brought ou by masturbation. These 
 are his words — " I saw a young girl of seventeen, of 
 puny stature, but who became so rapidly curved, that 
 m six months she was quite hurhp-backed. The chest 
 was thrust in at the base of the breast-bone ; there was 
 a complete hollow at tiie region of the stomach, while 
 the belly protruded," 
 
 A justly celebrated physician of Lyons, who gave 
 himself up for many years to deeds of benevolence and 
 humanity, the sensible author of a work entitled * Mo* 
 
325 
 
 dium of the Heart,' M. A. Petit, seein,^ the number of 
 maladies whicSi the indulgence of solitary habits pro- 
 duced, thought it was necessary t« erect a monument to 
 me of the victims of this vice, not only to avert its 
 danger, but to attest its power in the production ot 
 pulmonary consumption. In his preface he says — " Let 
 It be known that pulmonary consumption, whose horri- 
 ble ravages in Europe ouglit to give the alarm to all 
 governments has drawn from this very source its fatal 
 activity." And then, in the most eloquent verses, he 
 speaks of the last moments of an unfortunate victim 
 whom he himself witnessed, and whom the tomb of 
 Mont Cindre had closed upon, while yet in the very 
 spring of life. This example is one which has occurred 
 in our own times, and the tomb is placed on one of the 
 fertile mountains which border the Saone on the north- 
 west, in approaching Lyons, and the unfortunate %ictim 
 who has there found her last resting-place is not yet, in 
 all probability, become part of that dust which has re- 
 ceived her. Her miserable error had doubtless been of 
 too long duration ; the blow her constitution had re- 
 ceived, was too deep. 
 
 Baron Boyer, in his ' Treatise on Surgical Diseases,' 
 believed that this constitutional injury may even be 
 prolonged to old age, when this kind of abuse allows its 
 victim to attain it ; and that is a secondary cause of 
 many of those cases of dry gangrene, which are observed 
 at that period of life. 
 
 These solitary habits in mauy females produce a 
 swelling of the neck, from the force and frequency of 
 those convulsions which so often follow the repetition of 
 this imprudent act, as well as by the arrest of blood 
 which it occasions in the principal vessels of the neck, 
 in the same way as is observed in epileptic patients. 
 The complexion assumes a yellow tint in some, while 
 others find their skin become covered with scurf. 
 
 Professor Kichard reports in his ' Chirurgical Noso- 
 graphy,' a very remarkable example of the power of 
 this cause in the production of eruptions : — "A lady had 
 at the same time this pernicious habit and an eruption 
 of blotches. She was advised to discontinue the practice ; 
 Bhe did so, and they disappeared. She again took up 
 the habit ; the eruption again made its appearance ' 
 
326 
 
 her reason again taught her the error of her ways, and 
 she once more conquered the penchant, and she was.uever 
 again trouhled with those blotches which had so dis- 
 figured her." 
 
 C>omc persons are troubled with cramp in the stomach 
 and pains in the back ; some will have pains in the loins 
 and kidneys ; others sutler from pains in the upper part 
 of the nose, in the summit and back part of the head, in 
 the groins, as well as in all the limbs ; lucorrhoea or 
 whites, acrid and irritating discharges of different kinds, 
 fluxes, hemorrhage of the womb. While some are 
 aflBicted for the remainder of their life by relaxation and 
 fall of this organ — pains, at first vague and undefined, 
 then fixed — sometimes dull, at other times excruciating — 
 are in others but the signs of scirrhus or cancer of the 
 womb itself. The belly becomes enlarged, hard and 
 distended ; the eyes are surrounded with a leaden-hued 
 circle ; the enamel of the teeth assumes a grayish white 
 color, and no longer presents that exquisite polish nor 
 that ivory tint which has caused them to be compared 
 to pearls encased in roses. 
 
 A number of painful ulcers are sometimes found on 
 the tongue and the interior of the mouth. A lady had 
 abandoned herself to all the intoxicating enjoyment of 
 solitariness. When she gave way to these excesses her 
 mouth was filled with ulcers of the most distressing 
 kind ; when she ceased from these imprndent acts, 
 these ulcers disappeared. The flesh loses its solidity, 
 and becomes flaccid, paleness ensues, wasting wrinkles, 
 inaptitude for all kinds of work or exercise, take the 
 place of the freshness, the soundness, the grace and ac- 
 tivity of the body ; the bosom, Avhich by its exquisitely 
 developed beauty, shows that the age of puberty and 
 love has arrived — the bosom, wliose fullness in the 
 young mother shows that it incloses an abundance of 
 that nourishment so necessary to the tender state of 
 man's infancy ; in those who yield to this habit, ex- 
 hibits nothing but the meagre outline of what it should 
 be, and cries aloud the truth — speaks of nothing but 
 eteniity. If suoh persons enjoy health, they must lose 
 it ; if they are attacked with illness, their restoration to 
 health is diflicult ; if they are so fortunate as to recover 
 they are ever liable to bo again assailed. Proper habits 
 
32T 
 
 are no less necessary for a perfect restoration to health 
 than proper sleep, exercise, and pure air. 
 
 Solitary vicious habits have great influence in develop' 
 ing scrofulous diseases. The white swellings which ap- 
 pear in various parts of the body, and filled with a 
 white humor, inclosed in a membraneous bag, formed 
 from the muscular tuniclcs, are very common : and wo 
 cannot doubt that this disorder, which is a species of 
 scrofula, owes its increase to the misfortunes that ai-e in- 
 separable from war and its attendant privations. But 
 what ravages has it not made among persons who have 
 destroyed their constitution by the deadly incentives of a 
 vicious solitude ! The hospitals in Europe teem with 
 subjects worn out by the suppuration of these tumors, 
 who owe their frightful fate to this habitual vice. The 
 degeneracy of morals, the absence of principle, and the 
 contagion of example, united with unavoidable priva- 
 tions, have multiplied the forms of scrofulous swellings, 
 which were very rare, and of which the cure is attended 
 with the greatest difficulty, in proportion as these com- 
 bining causes continue. 
 
 Human nature will always be human nature ; and 
 necessarily will be mixed up with both vice and virtue. 
 Was not this vice common among the Jews since it so 
 forcibly drew down the attention of their Legislator, 
 who felt himself compelled, in order to restrain its pro- 
 gress, to bring home to the imagination of his people 
 the terrible example of Onan, mentioned in the first part 
 of this work 1 
 
 The celebrated Joubert, chancellor of the University 
 of Montpelier, one hundred and fifty years ago, com- 
 plained also, in his Treatise on Popular Errors, of the 
 calamities that this very vice entailed on its votaries of 
 both sexes. Finally, is it not true in this nineteenth 
 century that many dissertations are published on this 
 same subject "? 
 
 The vicious (solitary) habits then are, beyond a 
 doubt, unhappily too common ; but who can say, they 
 were less so in by-gone times \ But, however that may 
 be, there is no abatement in their eflFect. For if we 
 except poisons and some few frightful maladies, the 
 human system has no greater cause of destruction to 
 dread than their sinful secret vices. 
 
828 
 
 Sydenham says, " The organs of respiration are tlia 
 w^eakesfc of ail those belonging to the human race ; two- 
 thirds of mankind die of diseases of the lungs ; and the 
 most common period in which young persons resort to 
 these vicious habits is precisely that wherein the chest 
 exhibits the greatest susceptibility. There is, more- 
 over, a species of consumption to which women are 
 greatly exposed by the very nature of their constitution, 
 each as tuberculose and lymphatic consumption." 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 f.IFE, WHA.T IS 1t1 — IT IS MERE EXISTENCE WITHOUT 
 HEALTH. 
 
 Poets have described life to be the dream of a sha- 
 dow — a species of flight ; have feigned that the gods 
 did not make man a present of life, but that they rather 
 sold it to him. Our life may be truly said to be the 
 dream of a shadow ; but this shadow has feeling— is 
 endowed with understanding, and by acting wisely, the 
 dream may be rendered a long and happy one. 
 
 That our existence is fugitive, the rapid succession of 
 years, the flight from infancy to youth, from youth to 
 old age, and from old age to the dust that follows it, 
 abundantly testify. But we are in possession of a means 
 of giving to this varying existence — which has so mani- 
 fest a tendency to its own destruction— a more fixed 
 character ; and that is moderation, the source of all 
 virtue and of all happiness. The Author of our being, 
 in granting us life, appears indeed to have surrounded 
 it with numerous duties ; but duties are not burthen- 
 Bcme, when those by whom they are imposed furnish 
 their tributaries, at the same time an inexhaustible 
 treasure, by which they may be freed from them. With 
 this treasure we are well acquainted ; it is deposited 
 within us ; we are allowed free acccs* to it, and indeed, 
 are enjoined to draw from it ; and if mankind would 
 »nly make use of it, if they wouM boldly render them- 
 
329 
 
 aelves subservient to their reason, they would soon 
 discover that nature was really desirous that they 
 should be happy. 
 
 It must nevertheless be admitted, that if Heaven haa 
 granted to man the splendid gift of reason, it has at 
 the same time rendered it very necessary for him. No 
 other animated being is subject to such numerous 
 diseases, none die from such variety of causes, and none 
 bear within them so many germs of evil as himself. li 
 he knows not how to use those means which have been 
 bestowed upon him for preserving himself from them. 
 
 But if we may look upon life as the dream of a 
 shadow — if it be no more than a fugitive existence — if 
 we may in some degree saj', not that the Supreme Being 
 has sold life to us — for that would be impious, if taken 
 literally — but it would still seem that it may be so said 
 of those, and that dearly sold too, who have given 
 themselves up as victims of a solitary vice. 
 
 Independently of the disposition of the human species 
 towards so many different affections, each individual 
 has a particular tendency to one or more kinds of de- 
 struction, by the unequal division of strength, whereby 
 the organs of which they are endowed ; and the truth 
 of this is daily attested in our intercourse with the 
 world, when we hear that such and such a one has a 
 weak stomach, a delicate chest, &c. ; and as the weakest 
 organs are the first to suffer from the influence of the 
 causes of disease, and as there can be none more power- 
 ful than evil practices, it may be safely predicted of all 
 persons yielding to the delirium of solitary vice, the kind 
 of malady their imprudence will bring upon them. In 
 vain it wiU be believed, that we do not bear within our- 
 selves the "beau ideal" of human organization; and 
 even though so extreme a favor might have been 
 granted to some indi^dduals, it, nevertheless, cannot be 
 contended that such a perfect organization is unaltera- 
 ble. Even Thetis herself could not render AchiUes in- 
 vulnerable throughout the whole of his body. 
 
 Bickat, in his General Anatomy, advances a similar 
 opinion, and which has now for a long time been esta- 
 blished. He says, " Life is a great exercise, which 
 keeps by desires the various organs in motion, and 
 which leads at length to their repose — this repose is 
 
330 
 
 death. But each organ arrircs there more or less soon, 
 according to the desire of strength with which it is in- 
 vested — proportioned to the greater or less disposition to 
 exhaust it — in the course of this great exercise." 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 MASTURBATION PRODUCES EFFECTS UPON THE FEMALE i 
 EASILY DISCERNED BY THE GENERALITY OF PEOPLE. 
 
 Persons who are devoted to secret vicious habits, 
 whether they be characterized by the delicacy or the 
 too great activity of the nerves, may rest assured that 
 they will become epileptic, subject to fits, to palpitations, 
 and all other nervous affections. 
 
 Any one who may observe a woman who has not been 
 irreproachable in such secret practices, of an apathetic 
 charactea, weak and languid appearance and pale com- 
 plexion, you may be assured that sne will become idi- 
 otic. Mankind cannot imagine the effect these prac- 
 tices have on the present generation, or the destructive 
 influences and consequences that will ensue to those in 
 future. 
 
 If pale and sickly children could only be preserved in 
 their early innocence — if those whose parents have fallen 
 victims to pulmonary complaints, could only be kept 
 ^haste — if persons who are subject to consumption, would 
 only loftd a life of purity, we should soon discover that 
 Buch disorders of the chest are neither so hereditary nor 
 infectious as they are supposed to be. If the innocent 
 offspring that I have cured of venereal affections, knew 
 the cause of their infirmities and sufferings — their 
 tnaimings through their whole lives — they would curse 
 — (and I think properly so, too) — the very beings — the 
 very parents — who, as instruments in the hands of Di- 
 vine Providence, gave them their existence. 
 
 My extensive experience, in treating all classes, ages 
 and sexes, for venereal affections, has not only convinced 
 we, but has proven, that a large mojority of th« 
 
ool 
 
 scrofulous diseases have been directly produced by the 
 parents or ancestors having had venerciial diseases.^ and 
 did not — though they may have supposed so — have the 
 poison entirely eradicated from the system. All per- 
 sons, then, who have ever had any disease of a venereal 
 character, should know — by applying to me — whether 
 anything of the kind is still lurking in their system, 
 awaiting an opportunity — from some peculiarly exciting 
 cause — to show its hydra head. All judicious persons 
 will certainly not lose any time in attending to it. 
 
 Many of the offspring of venerea.1 affected parents, die 
 in infancy ; many are dead when born ; but those who 
 do linger, and drag out a short and painful existence, 
 merely jwstpone their existence a little longer, only to 
 descend at a later period to an early and disgusting 
 death. 
 
 I will hasten from this painful subject to one more in 
 consonance with chastity, and refinement of the feelings 
 nature intended us to be possessed of. 
 
 Every animated thing — the plant, the brute, the hu- 
 man species — are born delicate and fragile, and grow up 
 in strength ; the tender shoot of the oak becomes a hardy 
 tree ; the weakest infant — if its source is healthy — a 
 soldier, a laborer, a vigorous man — if nothing be done to 
 prevent it. If nature sleeps, languishes, or is deceived, 
 it knows when to awaken and retrieve each error — if it 
 be not incessantly thwarted or crushed — no matter by 
 what means. The Author of nature has traced out its 
 steps, has dictated its laws ; and a premature death, the 
 melancholy con.sequence of evil practices, is only one of 
 the rules of his immortal code ; let them, therefore, bo 
 engraved on the heart. 
 
 How much it were to be desired, that persons would 
 not so frequentl}' despise themselves in the world, and 
 that they would not invariably attribute to family dis- 
 ease, or the contagious nature of consumptions, that 
 which is traceable to vicious habits alone. Persons bom 
 of healthy parents, of sound constitutions, and who 
 themselves are quite robust, and always breathing a fine 
 air, find the chest affected by their evil habits, and the 
 grave opening before them, long before their time ; 
 while, on the other hand, they on whom heaven seema 
 only to have bestowed a very short life, are preserv<'d, 
 
332 
 
 by a purity of eoiidnct, to the limits of extreme old 
 age. 
 
 Far then from asserting that persons afflicted, as pre- 
 viously mentioned, are to be despised or blamed ; 1 think, 
 on the contrary, that with some (as I have there stated.) 
 it is more the result of an unhappy destiny than merited ; 
 and that every motive of benevolence urges to pity, and 
 a relief of their condition. The blame we may feel dis- 
 posed to attach to some persons for their bad formation. 
 Vou will remember, I have mentioned that rickets aro 
 caused by masturbation — can only be addressed with 
 justice, to those whose childhood and youth have not 
 always been free from reproach. It is easy to distin- 
 guish between those whom we ought only to pity, and 
 those whom we ought, at the same time, to blame. 
 The former have the head large, relatively to the rest 
 of the body, and the arms long — as it were, drawn out — 
 the latter do not show these peculiarities. They first 
 are usually gay and lively, while the second, on the con- 
 trary, combine with their deformity extreme stupidity 
 and inertness. All functions, except respiration, are 
 well discharged by the former ; with the others, all are 
 accomplished badly and languidly. These always ap- 
 pear to be laboring under a severe malady, and are in- 
 capable of any toil ; while those are wholly free from 
 this appearance, and daily engage in occupations more 
 or less difficult — in study, in the cultivation of science, 
 and the practice of the arts. 
 
 What will become of a lady's beauty when her health 
 is deeply impaired 1 It can only bloom and disappear 
 like the withered form and faded color of a flower nipped 
 in the bud ; or, to make use of another comparison, like 
 the ruins of a temple destroyed by profane hands. It 
 loses the elegance and majesty which delighted the 
 imagination and inspired respect long before years and 
 decay would have impaired those qualities. A young 
 woman is this temple, and must expect to lose all the 
 attributes of beauty, when once she gives herself up to 
 this most destructive of all passions. The growth of 
 the body, the development of the figure, all grace and 
 freshne.-<s, will disappear ; for this error spares no churms. 
 No doubt the words of a celebrated physician, respecting 
 a votary of this solitary vice, wiU recur to every mind — 
 
PLATE 25. 
 
 %.75 
 
 ^^.76 
 
 %77 
 
 Fiq. 78 
 
335 
 
 'She ia a tree withered while blossotning — a perfect 
 walking skeleton." , 
 
 What a (lififerent picture those young females pre- 
 sent who display so agreeably all the charms of their 
 tender and admired sex. Consider a girl at the ago 
 when the attractions of youth succeed the grace of in- 
 fancy ; happy is the maiden who preserves her primitive 
 purity, when, like an unknown lake, in the bosom of a 
 lovely country, her imagination as yet has only reflected 
 the heaven above and the verdure and the flowers 
 around. She appears to units in her person the rarest 
 charms of all the universe. 
 
 If man be the Lord of creation, snch a female is 
 surely the queen. But this grace, and this fresh and 
 fair complexion, are never to be met with in persons 
 eonsumed by disease ; and these portraits, presented to 
 us, under the name of goddesses, are those of persona 
 who have really existed. Thus Fontaine, when he 
 covered with roses and lilies the Venus whom Homer, 
 three thousand years before, had begirt with the en- 
 chanting zone, was no doubt thinking of the young and 
 virtuous La Sabliere. And probably Virgil was in- 
 debted to some princess of the court of Augustus for the 
 majestic air which excites our admiration in his Dido. 
 
 Can health and grace exist without innocence and 
 modesty 1 Chastity is the daughter of Modesty, and 
 therefore health cannot long be enjoyed without chas- 
 tity. Socrates said long ago, that a handsome body 
 gave promise of a noble soul. Some ancient philoso- 
 phers, have supposed the soul to be a kind of divinity 
 inclosed in our bodies ; certainly the sweetest rays of 
 the Divinity are found nowhere so conspicuously as on 
 the brow of a woman worthy the esteem and confidence 
 of her husband. One of the wisest men says, " The 
 beautiful of every description is beautiful of itself. It 
 exists in and of itself; praise forms no part of it. Thua 
 nothing becomes better or worse from the opinions of 
 
386 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 CAUSES OF FEMALE PROSTITUTION. 
 
 The same remarks that the reader has found in the 
 previous pages of this work, relating to the false mo- 
 desty heretofore exi.sting on the subject of masturbjation, 
 and which has stifled the horrid truth relating to it, 
 from sooner having become known to the world at 
 large, is applicable in the fullest sense to the awful sub- 
 ject now before us 
 
 It is, like masturbation, one of those subjects so 
 fenced and hedged around by ignorance and false mo- 
 desty, that the very silence and darkness allowed to 
 pervade and surround the disease, has continued to 
 propagate and augment its ravages. The least fa- 
 miliarity with the customs and habits of the city, or a 
 knowledge of a tithe of the haunts of vice, will reveal 
 the fact, that tens of thousands are living amongst us 
 by open and private prostitution. What might be con- 
 sidered as gross satire and superfincd didactic criticism, 
 might be translated and published, and the community 
 could not deny that it was a fair description of every- 
 day life, as it exists in the pseudo moral atmosphere 
 of almost every city and country. 
 
 The very virtuous and ignorant may occasionally 
 bear of some shocking case evolved in the horrid dens 
 which abound in the largo cities, or seeing some of their 
 bloated and disgusting inmates, may be thankful, with 
 complacency, that the vice is confined to those localities, 
 and to such self-degraded objects ; and as a writer in a 
 daily journal said, "If victims be necessary for such a 
 Moloch, would thnt such were the case." 
 
 While such a horrid evil exists, is it not surprising 
 that no remedy has been found and applied as a cure and 
 preventive 1 Those females, who, in their conventions 
 advocate the rights and claims of their sex, with an elo- 
 quence equal to the efforts of the sterner sex in their po- 
 litical struggles, have entirely overlooked this subject, 
 yet it more vitally concerns their honor and the welfare 
 of hiannnity. 
 
 Mr. Fowler has battled, and done well, with this mon- 
 
337 
 
 8ter, whose victims are iunumerable, and I learn has 
 been ably assisted by Mr. Wells, Air. Woodbridge and 
 Mrs. Gove, with a degree of womanly courage and 
 modesty, which cannot be too highly praised. 1 have 
 no doubt others would have joined in the noble work, 
 but for the erroneous idea, the more publicity you give 
 to the subject, the more would be its increase and dis- 
 semination. It is to be hoped, however, that this argu- 
 ment will be forever refuted, before many more victims 
 are sacrificed from its belief, for I am pained to say the 
 range of this could hardly be extended any further than 
 it is at the present time. 
 
 There is too much sickly sentimentality afloat, in re- 
 gard to the unfortunate females who prowl about tho 
 streets of cities in search of their prey. There are un- 
 doubtedly among them those who are the victims of 
 false promises, and of vile, heartless, and accursed se- 
 duction : but the numbei-, I think, is comparatively 
 small. It is, in fact, very seldom that men or women 
 descend at one step from virtue to the lowest condition 
 in vice. Persons in the height of passion, will slay their 
 oppressors or adversaries ; but the mind requires to be 
 familiarized with guilt, and the walls of virtue require 
 to be sapped and undermined, before they tumble to 
 pieces. Men neither become drunkards, robbers, for- 
 gers, nor counterfeiters, all of a sudden. They have 
 trained and habituated their minds to crime before its 
 commi-ssion. Their fall may appear rapid, but if the 
 truth were known, it has been by a road that they had 
 labored hard to prepare. It is just the same with fe- 
 male prostitution. The idea of a female that is vir- 
 tuous, at once betaking herself to the streets, is pre- 
 posterous. This, therefore, leads us to consider the 
 way by which females reach this sad state of abase- 
 ment. 
 
 Speaking of early vice, Mr. Fowler says, " I would 
 not defame my race, but facts extort the reluctant de- 
 claration, that few have more than the faintest concep- 
 tion of the fearful extent to which this vice (mastur- 
 bation) in all its appalling forms is practiced. It is the 
 destroyer of our youth of both sexes, and still more of 
 our husbands and wives." Chatecise, promiscuously, 
 every boy you meet, and then say, if nine out of every 
 
338 
 
 ten, from eight years old and upwards, do not practice it 
 more or less 1 and I have not the least doubt that 
 nearly every one does so, after they have arrived at the 
 age of puberty. No child is safe from this loathsome 
 habit ; and, as I have previously shown, our schools are 
 especially the nursuriea of this vice. 
 
 Mr. Woodbridge, in the 'Annals of Education,' says, 
 " The fatal vice is spreading desolation throughout our 
 schools and families, unnoticed and unknown." Our 
 boarding and day-schools are sources of untold mis- 
 chief. 
 
 A writer says, that " at West Point, the mental de- 
 bility occasioned by this vice was the reason why so 
 many of its students were unable to pass examination." 
 " But,'"' continues Mr. Fowler, " our families at least are 
 safe. Exclaims the fond mother, ' My daughter's na- 
 tive modesty is her shield of protection.' Would to 
 God this were so ; but facts wrest even this consolation 
 from us. They may be less infected ; yet women, young 
 and modest, are dying by thousands, of consumption, 
 of female complaints, of nervous or spinal affections, of 
 general debility, and of other ostensible complaints in- 
 numerable, and some of insanity, caused by this prac- 
 tice." 
 
 Mrs. Gove, in her * Lectures to Ladies on Anatomy 
 and Physiology,' says — " About eight years since my 
 mind v/as awakened to examine this subject, by the pe- 
 rusal of a medical work that described the effects of thia 
 vice when practiced by females. This was the first in- 
 timation I had that the vice existed among our sex. 
 Since that time I have had much evidence that it is 
 fearfully common among them. There is reason to be- 
 lieve, that in nine cases out of ten, those unhappy fe- 
 males who are tenants of houses of ill-fame, have been 
 victims of this vice in the first place. Professed Chris- 
 tians are among its victims." 
 
 Here, then, is the fountain from which prostitution 
 flows. Need we wonder at the number of its votaries, 
 or be surprised at the unhappy marriages of which we 
 daily hear, and at the frightful mortality amon^ chil- 
 dren in the early months of their existence'? How do 
 parents discharge their responsibility in guarding, by 
 caution and advice, their children, from this deplorable 
 
339 
 
 vice and its hideous consequences 1 In the familes of 
 Quakers, and in strict Catholic families where the 
 duties of the confessional are attended to, the uses and 
 abuses of the instincts, passions and affections aro 
 
 fiointed out to children, and they are taught to regu- 
 ate and control their desires and appetites. In most 
 famihcs, however, children are left unguarded against 
 the bad example of their elder associates, and habits 
 are acquired and formed, in innocence and in ignorance 
 of many evil consequences, either moral or physical. 
 
 It would seem sufficient to inform children of the 
 banefid effects of a vice which exhausts the body, de- 
 stroys the eye-sight, impairs digestion and circulation, 
 deranges the brain and nervous system in an astonish- 
 ingly short time, thereby impairing the mind, destroys 
 the possibility of a healthy offspring, and stamps the 
 face with its marks and signs as visibly as does the 
 small-pox. Let parents and guardians exert themselves 
 to avert this wide-spread and insidious contagion, and 
 use their influence to promote marriage, and our streets 
 will cease to be filled by wanton harlots and licentious 
 profligates. 
 
 My own practice is constantly presenting me with 
 the most heart. sickening cases of females who were once 
 of the highest respectability. The last case of this kind 
 was very recent. 
 
 CASE LIV. 
 
 It was that of a young female .teacher residing in this 
 city. Her ardent temperament was the cause of her 
 commencing the practice, which led on to the greater 
 vice of unchastit3% but still practicing masturbation at 
 frequent intervals, till, when she applied to me, she 
 Was a mere wreck, of what, she said, she once was. 
 Her case presented the symptoms which are portrayed 
 in so many of those cases, in the previous pages, involv- 
 ing the whole system. To effect a cure for her, required 
 patience and perseverance. 
 
 If the size of this little work would permit it, I would 
 detail a number of the female cases from my note-book, 
 as they are there entered in full, but as it wiU not, I 
 shall content myself with presenting the case of a young 
 
340 
 
 lady, which it pains me to say, was beyond the reach of 
 human ability to restore, or even to prolong her exist" 
 euce for any very great length of time. 
 
 About a year ago, a lady called at my oflBce, and after 
 inquiring if 1 was the doctor, and if so, whether I was 
 alone, that she might have an opportunity of privately 
 presenting the case of her sister to me, for my considera- 
 tion and advice. After requesting her to be seated on 
 the sofa, and showing a patient out by a side door, I 
 heard her statement, which I here copy in as few words 
 as possible. 
 
 ohe said, her sister was about thirty years of age, 
 and had been sick a long time ; but what the real diffi- 
 culty was, her folks could not find out, neither from the 
 physicians who her father had employed, nor from her 
 own statement. Her parents were in wealthy circum- 
 stances, and had spared no pains or expense in their en- 
 deavors for her cure. As her condition had grown 
 worse, while under the charge of their regular family 
 physician, they called in others for consultation, until 
 they had employed the most eminent practitioners of 
 the present age. She had the symptoms of almost 
 every chronic disease, which they of course endeavored 
 to remove. The cause which produced all this disorgani- 
 sation, however, they were ignorant of, and therefore 
 could not remove the effects. 
 
 After continuing in this miserable condition for a 
 number of years, she attempted suicide by taking lauda- 
 num, but her attendants made the discovery in time to 
 frustrate her designs, by the physicians applying the 
 stomach pump, and using counteracting remedies. In 
 a few days after this, she disclosed the real cause of all 
 her troubles to this sister, on condition that she would 
 not reveal it to her parents. Three of the most eminent 
 of her physicians were then made acquainted with the 
 secret, out their success was no better than before. She 
 nearly extinguished her feeble lamp of life, after she 
 found they could not be of any benefit to her, by a se- 
 cond over-dose of laudanum, but which was frustrated 
 in the same manner as before. Her nerves and mind 
 
341 
 
 had been so weak for a long time, that they had prohib* 
 ited her entirely from reading newspapers. One day, 
 by accident, she got one in her possession, "which con- 
 tained my advertisement; seeing which, she without 
 losing a moment, sent her sister to me. 
 
 If her parents had only known of her complaint Id 
 time, so that my services could have been engaged 
 early enough to have been of some avail, they might 
 have been saved the loss of their daughter, the heart- 
 rending scenes and trials, and a very large expense 
 Let no person, then, after reading this little unpre- 
 tending volume, allow a single day to pass, without 
 procuring for themselves, their children, or friends, that 
 professional advice which enables me to save thou- 
 sands from an untimely grave. 
 
 At the time the sister applied to me in her behalf, 
 ghe was wasted to a mere skeleton. Her stomach waa 
 60 weak that she could retain nothing but liquids in it. 
 The sight of a physician would bring on spasms. She 
 could only be restrained by force from practicing her 
 loathsome abuse. Her mind was extremely idiotic ; 
 fihe was, in fact, insane. 
 
 This being her situation, her case was hopeless, as she 
 could not endure or sustain any treatment that could 
 be of any permanent benefit, though her father offered 
 any fee for her restoration. 
 
 CASE LVI. 
 
 This female patient and a man, thirty-eight years 
 of age, who came to me in just about the same 
 Btate, something over two years ago, are the only pa- 
 tients I have ever had which I could not cure ; and I 
 have had many of the most deplorable patients whose 
 disease arose from self-abuse, and an innumerable 
 number of horrible and" loathsome cases of syphilis, 
 which had proceeded so far as to cause the destruction 
 of the bones of the limbs and face. 
 
 Dr. Larmon't: 
 
 Dear Sir,— It affords me no small degree of pleasure 
 to cheerfully bear testimony to your high private cha- 
 racter and standing ; and in a professional point of view 
 
I am proud to acknowledge your superior knowledge 
 and skill in the treatment of gonorrhceal, syphilitic and 
 ppermatorrhoeal diseases, as well as the various com- 
 plaints of females. In fact, sir, it is due to you, that I 
 should speak what I kno'v to be true ; that you are iu 
 this branch of the medical profession in advance not 
 only of the profession, but also in advance of your worthy 
 and illustrious preceptors, the great Ricord of Paris, 
 and the great Acton of London. 
 
 1 say this not to flatter., but because I have frequently 
 seen the happy results of your superior treatment in the 
 worst, most unpromising, and cases cast off and regarded 
 as incurable by able surgeons, in this and other cities 
 of the United States, and in Europe. 
 Yours, 
 
 Moet respectfully, 
 
 H. A. Smith, M. D. 
 
 As I have previously stated, the originals of the abovo 
 and other testimonials, can be seen at my office ; or, 
 those residing in the city can be seen personally, if re- 
 quired. 
 
 Dr. Larmont : 
 
 Dear Sir, — Your very extraordinary success in 
 gonorrhoea first led me to cultivate your acquaint- 
 ance and friendship. Nor do I regard your present 
 disinclination to make your plan of treatment publicly 
 known to the profession as ungenerous ; for what you 
 have toiled to acquire is yours, unquestionably, and* of 
 right. 
 
 You say in your last letter that you hardly know 
 whether to edit liicord's great work on Venereal — hero- 
 after, by adding copious notes, or give the profession one 
 entirely your own. 
 
 Now I regard all or nearly all the works since the 
 publication of Ricord's book, as copies, compilations, or 
 Benseless alterations of the above, Acton and a few other 
 valuable works. 
 
 In fact, doctor, we have all of us secrets in practice, 
 which we want to reap benefit from before allowing 
 others to enrich themselves by them ; yet I am happy 
 to learn your inclination to do the profession so great a 
 
:\\'] 
 
 benefit, and through them suffering humanity an ine«- 
 timahle kindness, by by-a»d-by puhlishing your vast 
 experience in treaiing diseases of the genito-urhiary 
 organs. 
 
 1 must again acknoAvledgo my indebtedness for the 
 valuable hints on gonorrhoea and its abortive treatment, 
 which 1 have found to give perfect relief in a few hours. 
 
 I am now about to go to Dublin to remain a few 
 days, and when I return to liOndon I will again write. 
 Vorv respectfully, 
 
 J. Curtis, F.R.S. 
 
 P. S. — I agree with you in denouncing unnecessary 
 surgical operations, and particularly the early opening 
 of buboes, which your plan precludes the necessity of 
 doing. J. C. 
 
 Ur. IArmont : 
 
 My Dear Doctor, — Yours of Feb. 21st I received 
 by our Havre steamer. You seem to regard unfa- 
 vorably the plan of cauterization in urethral strictures 
 I too must confess much disappointment in the indis- 
 criminate use of caustic, which I was early led into by 
 its popularity in Paris and Lyous. I think if Lallemand 
 had hved, that he would hove advanced very much the 
 unsuccessful treatment of Spermatorrhoea, which he 
 brought out of obscurity. Your mode of cure seems, in 
 such cases, very novel, and peculiarly your own. I will 
 give it a trfal, as it looks plausible. 
 
 So far as chancre is concerned I unhesitatingly say 
 you bear off the palm of victory in treating chancres. 
 We, on the continent, cure as surely as you, perhaps, 
 but by no means so soon. 
 
 Some of my brethren were skeptical in reading youi 
 cases, but Dr Hill assures me you are doing wonders 
 Au Kevoir, 
 
 Virtue Ami 
 
344 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 Certificates given me by the patients themselves, foi 
 curing them of Emissions, Seminal Weakness, Impo- 
 tency, and General Debility, after they had been 
 under the charge of a number of Physicians, and used 
 all of the quack remedies, such as Cordials, Elixirs, 
 Antidotes, jJrops, Compressions, and Mechanical la- 
 strnments. 
 
 CASE LVII. 
 
 , Conn., May 19th, 1852. 
 
 Doctor Larmont cured me of Emissions, and a Stric- 
 ture of the Urethra, in a few days, by local trQatmeut 
 only. 
 
 I commenced the practice of masturbation when about 
 twelve years of age, and continued it till within a few 
 months. I am a member of the church of Christ, and 
 did not suppose I was doing anything more than to sat- 
 isfj% in an innocent way, the promptings of an ardent 
 tcm])eramont. 
 
 The disease had become so general as to cause indi- 
 gestion, extreme nervous debility, irregularity of the 
 bowels, swelling of the testicles, pain in pa.ssing urine, 
 and a disagreeably painful sensation of t^ie bladder. 
 My mind was affected to that extent, as to cause a par- 
 tial loss of memory. Before calling on you, I had taken 
 the advice of a physician in Rochester, New- York, and 
 two others in Boston, Mass., neither of whom could tell 
 me what was my real trouble. 1 forgot to say, my age 
 now is twentv-four. Wm. Cornell. 
 
 CA.se LVII I 
 
 , Conn., Juno 7th, 1852. 
 
 M. IjARMONT : 
 
 Dear Sir, — Yours of the 4th came duly to hand. 
 In repl}' I would say, I have had no omissions since I 
 saw you. Yours, respectfully, 
 
 I will only say, in reference to this case, that he is 
 
345 
 
 about twenty-six years of age, and commenced the prac- 
 tice of masturbation very young. Previous to his 
 coming to me, he had been under the charge of three 
 other physicians for a long time, notwithstanding which 
 his emissions occurred every week. He had attempted 
 connection with a female a number of times, but the 
 semen was ejected so soon, that he never could accom- 
 plish the act till I had cured him of the emissions. He 
 put himself under my treatment in March, having in 
 compeication, indigestion, costiveness, a breaking out on 
 his face, and nervousness. 
 
 U , New York, June gOth, 1S52. 
 
 Sir, — I write and let you know about myself. I have 
 not had any more of the emissions since I wrote you last 
 
 Yours, M. 
 
 M. Larjiont, Esq. 
 
 This gentleman came to me in October, 1851.' In 
 January, 1852 he wrote me he had within that time had 
 two emissions : his next letter is the one above given. 
 He was about twenty-eight years old, and had, previous 
 to coming to me, been so affected generally, as to cause 
 indigestion, costiveness, great debility, affected memory, 
 and a hanging down of the testicles. 
 
 Dr. Larmont : 
 
 My emissions have been stopped by you in two or 
 three weeks, after having been under the treatment of 
 others for years. My health was never better. 
 Thankfully and confidently yours, 
 
 J S D 
 
 New York, Jan. I5th, 1851. 
 
 This patient had been married a little over a year be- 
 fore coming to me, but was so impotent that he had up 
 to this time been unable to cohabit with his wife, al- 
 though his general health was not much affected. Ho 
 was 23 years old when married, and wsis :m1\ i-od to it 
 
346 
 
 by his physicians as being the only cure for him. Well, 
 when he could not cohabit, they advised him to go 
 south a year for his health, and he did so ; and when he 
 returned was no better. He then came to me, and the 
 above certificate tells when he was able to perform his 
 family duties. He would be happy to verify the above 
 to any one that will call upon him personally. 
 
 CASE I.XI. 
 
 Milwaukie, Wis., Aug. 8th, 1850. 
 Dr. Laraiont : 
 
 Dear Sir, — Having arrived in Millwaukie I with 
 pleasure fulfill my promise of writing to you. 
 
 I am hapj^ to inform you I have received great benefit 
 from your medicine, and am in a much better state of 
 health. 1 am, sir, most respectfully, 
 
 Yours, &c., 
 
 J. E D. 
 
 This young man applied to me in July, about four 
 months after the above letter, he wrote me again, say- 
 ing he had had no emission, although he had lost a part 
 of his medicine,, and wanted me to send more, if I 
 thought it necessary. I did not send anything, but 
 wrote him to let me know if all was not right. I have 
 not since heard from him. He had been treated in 
 Europe before coming to me. His age was twenty. 
 
 CASE I.XII. 
 
 O , New York, June 18th, 1851. 
 
 M. Larmont : 
 
 Dear Sir, — I feel it my duty to inform you of my 
 health since I saw you. I have had but one emission, 
 and that was a few weeks after I got homo. 
 I am, most respectfully, 
 
 Yours, Y . 
 
 This young man was about the same age as the next 
 preceding one, and was much troubled with priapism, 
 weakness of the stomach, deranged bowels, and those 
 
347 
 
 tell-tale pimples on tlie face. I had a letter from hin 
 List fall that he was entirely well. 
 
 CASE LXIII. 
 
 L , Indiana, Oct. 6, 1850. 
 
 Dr. Larmont : 
 
 Sir, — I received yours in due time, and commenced 
 using 3'our pills as you prescribed, just four weeks since, 
 and they have had the desired effect, as far as night 
 emissions are concerned ; but there is yet a looseness of 
 the bowels. Just befere getting them I had a spell of 
 sickness— bilious diarehcea ; but I am now in perfect 
 health, and getting stronger. 
 
 I remain yours, sincerely, C . 
 
 This patient had been afflicted with a chronic diar- 
 rhoea more or less for a year ; he was emaciated, and 
 without a doubt, a rapid consumption would have soon 
 carried him out of this world if he had not seen my 
 advertisement, and applied to me at the time he did. 
 I had a letter from him a few months after the above, 
 saying, he was married, and in good health. His age 
 was thirty-three. 
 
 CASE LXIV. 
 
 Dr. Larmont cured me of a long-standing seminal 
 weakness, and emissions, complicated with stricture, 
 and that too in a fortnight, so that I had but one emis- 
 sion after commencing his treatment. I had previously 
 been under treatment to no benefit. 
 
 C. J. C , Brooklyn. 
 
 July 1st, 1851. 
 
 This patient was nineteen years old, and of a scrofu- 
 lous constitution. 
 
 CASE LXV. 
 
 Dr. Larmont: 
 
 You cured me of gonorrhoea of some time dura- 
 tion, by a suigle local application, which was compll/ 
 
348 
 
 cated with a bad stricture. By my early improper 
 habits I was afflicted with emissions and great debility, 
 which were both al?o cured by you in a short time. 1 
 had been for a long time under previous treatment to no 
 
 benefit. F R . 
 
 Now York, Juno 23d, 1S51. 
 
 This young man was twenty-three years old, and 
 belonged to Nova Scotia, but came on here for medical 
 advice, and has procured a situation in one of the 
 largest establishments in this city, where he can be 
 seen by the afflicted at any time. 
 
 CASE LXVI. 
 
 For over nine years, I was troubled with seminal 
 emissions, which caused a general derangement of my 
 system, such as nervousness, affected memory, costive- 
 ness, depression of spirits, &c. Within the above time 
 I used all the advertised remedies for these complaints, 
 and was under the care of two other doctors, all to no 
 benefit, till I came to Dr. Larmont, who has cured me 
 entirely, having had only one emission since coming 
 under his charge. My health is now as good as it ever 
 was, yet it is only two months since I was cured. 
 
 A D . 
 
 New York, Sept. 23d, 1851. 
 
 The above patient was troubled with a constant dis- 
 charge of semen and mucus, arising from an inflamma- 
 tion along the whole canal of the penis, and particularly 
 in the region of the seminal orifices and neck of the 
 bladder. This complaint often involves these parts and 
 the prostate gland, not only seriously, but so much so 
 as to endanger life ; therefore, not only is the correct 
 treatment necessary, but it must in many cases be 
 prompt and decisive. All those interested will here- 
 after be able to understand the danger of cordials, 
 elixirs, mechanical instruments, and all quack reme- 
 dies. 
 
349 
 
 CASE LXVII. 
 
 New York, March 3d, 1851. 
 Dr. Larmon*; : 
 
 You have cured me in a few weeks of great debility 
 and nocturnal emissions that I was troubled with for 
 years. 1 have had but one emission since being under 
 your care. I was under treatment a long time before 
 calling on you, and that without benefit. 
 
 W H . 
 
 This man was a journeyman tobacconist, and chewed 
 as many as six papers of tobacco within the twenty-four 
 hours, and, in addition to that, smoked a number of 
 cigars. I was obliged to gradually break him of this 
 destructive habit, as his nervous system had been 
 brought by this enormous use of tobacco, the weekly 
 emissions at night, and the escape of semen while at 
 stool — produced by the slightest straining — to the most 
 deplorable condition imaginable 
 
 CASE LXVII J. 
 
 I hereby certify that Dr. Larmont, 42 Reade street, 
 has cured me of three bad strictures, which, with the 
 gradual wasting away of the semen, and emissions at 
 night, caused impotency and very great weakness of 
 my whole body, costiveness, nervousness, impaired 
 memory and depressed spirits — all of which he has 
 cured me of in a few weeks without my having had one 
 emission, after commencing his treatment, which waa 
 without any medicine. P N . 
 
 New York, Nov. 25th, 1851. 
 
 The above case was an extremely dangerous one, yet, 
 it will be seen, my treatment acted upon him almost 
 like a miracle. I often astonish myself at the rapid 
 cures, and especially when I am not ebliged to use a 
 particle of medicine in many of this kind of cases, not 
 even to regulate the bowels, for they seem to correct 
 themselves immediately. 
 
350 
 
 case i. xix 
 Dr. Larmont: 
 
 You have cured me in a few weeks of an old seminal 
 weakness disease that other physicians had treated, 
 without benefit, for a long time. I was very weak, and 
 had emissions very often, but since your treatment, 
 have had only one. My health is better than it has 
 
 before been for j'ears. F G . 
 
 New York, March 4th, 1851. 
 
 This case waa nearly a type of the preceding one, 
 and, as I have never taken a certificate for a cure of 
 any patient who had not been treated by from one to 
 twenty other physicians, I shall copy many of them 
 without comment, for my professional duties are so 
 arduous that my time will not permit me to make the 
 comment I otherwise would and should. My readers 
 will understand by this that all of the certificates I 
 publish are for cures that had been abandoned by 
 others, or considered incurable. 
 
 CASE LXX. 
 
 Dr. Larmont cured me of stricture, seminal emissions, 
 chancres (syphilis,) and vegetations (warts) in a short 
 time, without scarcely any medicines. I had been 
 under other treatment for some time, to no benefit. 1 
 was weak, and my system entirely disordered. I have 
 had but one emission since being under his charge. I 
 have now been cured four months. John M . 
 
 New York, October 21st, 1851. 
 
 CASE LXXI. 
 
 Chicago, December 19th, '51. 
 Doctor, : 
 
 Dear Sir, — Received yours, but not able to write, 
 being under treatment of sore eyes. I think that I am 
 pretty much freed from the emissions. It has been four 
 months or more since I had a discharge or felt like it. 
 I feel much better than I did, and feel much relieved. 
 My flesh don't twitch as much as it did. Once in a long 
 time I still feel something wrong in the pit of my sto- 
 
351 
 
 maeh, otherwise I think my complaint is pretty maeh 
 stopped. I am still careful about my food. 
 
 Yours, M P 
 
 My readers will discover that the language of the 
 above is quite erroneous, but I prefer to always give the 
 exact language of the patients themselves. His age 
 was thirty, and his case was a very severe one ; he had 
 previously been treated, both in this and other coun- 
 tries, for a number of years. 
 
 CASE LXXII. 
 
 Ohio, December 16th, 1851. 
 M. Larmont, M. D. : 
 
 Dear Sir, — So long a time has elapsed since I have 
 written to you, that t presume you had given up all 
 idea of hearing from me again. I was married, on the 
 day I wrote you was set for it ; yes, married. This will 
 surprise you, when yo^ reflect what I have said ; but it 
 is, nevertheless, true. I no more expected to be able to 
 perform Avhat is expected of every married man than I 
 expected to swim from New York to Liverpool. I did 
 not, as I supposed I would, have an emission before an 
 entrance was effected, and not, I think, until the proper 
 time ; but, notwithstanding your advice to have con- 
 nection but once a week, I have had connection some 
 five or six times, in less than a week. I have no further 
 doubt about my case. A''ery respectfully, 
 
 H. D S . 
 
 The letter previous to this one, was written some six 
 months before. As will be seen by his letter, he was one 
 of those who look on the dark side of everything, and 
 could not be convinced that he was well till he had been 
 married some time. He had great reason to doubt, how- 
 ever, for he had been unmercifully plucked by the regu- 
 lar physicians, as well as the innumerable charlatans 
 abounding in all cities, for a number of years before 
 coming to me. His semen having wasted away for so 
 long a time, left him entirely impotent, before my 
 treatment. He had all the other symptoms accompany- 
 ing these extreme eases. 
 
852 
 
 CASE LXXIII. 
 
 C , New York, Dec. 1850. 
 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I took your advice .and did not put off the marriage- 
 day as 1 thouglit I would have to when I saw you at 
 your office, on my return from Philadelphia. After re- 
 turning home, I applied myself to j'our directions, and 
 was more surprised at the rapidity of my recovery than 
 you was sanguine of your ability to cure me. I hopo 
 you will excuse me, for the fear I expressed that yon 
 might be one of those numerous impostors, who assume 
 the name of doctor, and swindle those unfortunate vic- 
 tims who are ignorant of the pretenders and quacks in 
 your city, Philadelphia, Boston and Albany, who swin- 
 dled me out of a large sum of money, besides leaving 
 me in a worse state than when I commenced their loath- 
 some nostrums. Well, as I said before, the wedding 
 day came and passed, and instea(^ of failing to cohabit 
 as often as you said I might, I have overstepped the 
 bounds very materially, but will pay a more strict ob- 
 servance to your directions hereafter. It is now about 
 four months, and I feel as strong and well as any man ; 
 my flesh is returning, so that my weight is iuci-eased 
 about thirty pounds. You of course received the bal- 
 ance of your fee, or you would have written me before 
 this time. Yours, thankfully, 
 
 R_ G. M— .. 
 
 This gentleman was about thirty-five years old, at the 
 time he placed himself under my charge, and was totally 
 impotent — the semen wasting away by degrees, bowels 
 disordered, troubled with flatulency, a gulping of wind 
 from the stomach, indigestion, a buzzing noise in the 
 head, dizziness, and a faint kind of weakness in the 
 stomach. In about five months' time he had recovered 
 his strength, which he possessed at the time of his 
 writing to me. 
 
 I could go on, and fill a volume like this little book, 
 with extracts from the letters of patients that I have 
 never seen even, acknowledging my curing them, the 
 same as those herein copied. Enough of them, together 
 with the certificates also copied, will satisfy any person 
 
353 
 
 however long he may have suffered, or the many phy- 
 sicians aad remedies they may have employ«d, that my 
 treatment is not only certain, safe and mild, but proba- 
 bly the only sure mode of cure, at present known. The 
 subject requires me to be plain in my language, and 
 some may, therefore, consider me egotistical, still the 
 tiuth nevertheless requires it. 
 
 As a concluding part of this work I shall copy a few 
 of my certificates of the unparalleled cures performed by 
 me of the other class of private diseases known as vene- 
 real, so that those who are unfortunately afflicted with 
 these dangerous, hereditary and flesh-destroying poison- 
 ous diseases, can have more than the full proof of what 
 1 assert I am doing daily. 
 
 I overlooked two certificates of very remarkable cases 
 caused by masturbation, and which the gentlemen who 
 received that benefit from me, which saved their lives, 
 and the ruination of their families, wished me to 
 publish with their^ull names, the better to convinco 
 the extremely skeptical. I have published them a great 
 number of times in the newspapers, within the last two 
 years. 
 
 CASE LXXIV. 
 
 New York, December 5th, 1849. 
 Dr. LarmoxNT : 
 
 Dear Sir, — I must say that I consider you a rare 
 dispenser of health, for, after spending over $300, 
 (three hundred dollars), with the physicians of this city, 
 Boston and Baltimore, for the cure of impotency, emis- 
 sions and general debility, all the time getting worse 
 under their treatment, I fortunately saw your advertise- 
 ment ; and this is to certify that, after being under your 
 care about a month, I found myself entirely cured and 
 once more a man. I send this in order to let those af- 
 flicted know where they can get a speedy and permanent 
 eure. Yours, truly, 
 
 James Salisbury, Mate. 
 
 This man had been manied about five years, but had 
 lio children. 
 
354 
 
 CASE LXXV. 
 
 Bbi.oved Doctor : New York, Oct. 1st, 1849 
 
 If I was the possessor of a thousa-nd gifts, 1 would 
 ask you to accept every one of them, besides Che small 
 fee which I paid you, its a slight recompeuse for your 
 invaluable services in curing mc of the most deplorable 
 effects of self-abuse, commenced when I was young. 
 The emissions at night, and leakage of the semen, cos- 
 tiveness, indigestion, and, as I said, all the effects of the 
 masturbation, you have cured me of in a few weeks, 
 after I had been under half-a-dozen physicians for some 
 Bix j^ars, besides using every qu^cj. xiedicine adver- 
 tised, all, of which cost me hundrt 13 oi a..Uars, my little 
 all, besides what I could spare, a^tor svnporting my 
 family. The friend you had cure\. thai %ent mc to 
 you, 1 cannot thank enough. Yours, °orevei 
 
 case i.xxti. ** 
 Dr. Larmont : 
 
 I was under the care of three physicians for a 
 year, and used everything I could hear of, such as 
 the swindling remedies, so impudently advertised by 
 the pretended doctors, for the cure of syphiltic ul- 
 cers on my body and face, which were covered, and 
 very painful. I took the disease by a razor cut, in the 
 hands of a barber, affected with primary eyphilis. My 
 whole system was terribly affected, and the urinary or- 
 gans and lower part of my body pained me constantly. 
 Instead of my Avater being natural, it was like matter, 
 and followed by a milky discharge. After suffering so 
 long, and still getting worse, I was sent to you, and 
 thank God, that through him you saved me from a lin- 
 gering, disgusting disease, and an awful death. 1 am 
 happy to say, you have cured me in a few weeks, so that 
 I now look and feel younger by ten years than 1 did 
 when affected. 
 
 William Ferguson, Perth Amboy, N. J. 
 New York, Feb., 27th, 1851. 
 
 This case speaks volumes in favor of my Faria and 
 London treatment '^ venereal diseases, as there are no 
 
PLATE 26. 
 
 79 
 
 
 jPtg^i 
 
357 
 
 remedies employed by any one else in this countrj' or 
 Europe, that are so rapid in arresting and destroying 
 these poisonous diseases. My remedies do not interfere 
 with the business of any one. And as a proof that I do 
 not use mercury, this man was in the water nearly 
 every day, as he is an oj^sterman. I often have patients 
 that cannot get off of their beds, from pains and weak- 
 ness, up and attending to their business in less than a 
 week, for instead of reducing them, I tell them to eat 
 as much as their appetite craves. This man has now 
 been well about two years, and his health is as good aa 
 it ever was. 
 
 case lxxvii. 
 
 Dr. Larmont : 
 
 Dear Sir, — About one year and a half ago, I con- 
 tracted a chancre, (pox), for the cure of which I applied 
 to a number of physicians without receiving any benefit. 
 After being under their care for this length of time I 
 applied to you, when I was covered-with ulcers. After 
 being under your charge for four weeks, I was entirely 
 restored to health, and have never been better in my 
 life than since then. John Rollison, Jr. 
 
 New York, May 11th, 1850 
 
 This certificate was given to me by him, about nine 
 months after the cure, on his coming to me for the cure 
 of a primary aflfection, he had caught a couple of weeks 
 previous, and which he had had about a week. In a few 
 days he was entirely well of this new infection. His 
 weight at the time he gave me this certificate, was forty 
 pounds more, than when I cured him nine months before. 
 
 case lxxviii. 
 
 Dr. Larmont: 
 
 You cured me of a gonorrhoea of some time stand- 
 ing, complicated with an acute swelled testicle, in a few 
 hours. I have continued my work, and yet the testicle 
 has nearly resumed its natural size in thfs short time. 
 
 P. Broadiiead. 
 New York, August 20th, 1850. 
 
sr,8 
 
 The above Trill satisfy any one that my vegetable ap- 
 plication not only brought away his clap in a few hours, 
 Dut cured him of the most painful aflection, swelled 
 testicle, that ever accompanies this disease. 
 
 Now, just compare this simple, but only rapidly effi- 
 cacious treatment, as yet known, with that which is 
 followed — almost universally followed — by the Profes- 
 sion. The first thing they would do for you, would be 
 to restrict your diet to mere nothing, make you gulp 
 down salts and senna, or some other powerful laxative ; 
 the next, they would apply from five to twenty-five 
 leeches to the affected part, and if there was a general 
 fever, apply the lance, and rid you of so much blood, 
 that it would take you a long time to recover your 
 strength. Well, after the inflammatory symptoms had 
 subsided, then you would be ready for that, to them, 
 heroic remedy, the stomach-revolter, copaiva, mixed up 
 with cubebs, turpentine, nitre, &c., &c. In the course 
 of three or four weeks the inflammatory symptoms 
 would probably be gone, and the chronic state assumed ; 
 then would have to come the injections, such as the nitrate 
 of silver, sugar of lead, zinc, tannin, alum, &c. In the 
 course of another few weeks the discharge probably 
 would bo so much reduced as to leave merely a little in 
 the morning, such as a drop, or the lips of the canal 
 glued together at that time, and may be, just before 
 passing urine. Every physician who knows anything 
 of these diseases, will now tell you, there has a stricture 
 formed in the canal, which must be cured, or it will put 
 an end to your existence in a most distressing manner 
 Suppose a person don't care for all these pains, 
 dangers, and loss of time, he would be placed in rather 
 a peculiar situation if he was married, or the wedding- 
 day appointed, surely. Those who have ever had this 
 complaint, and been under their treatment, know this 
 to be a correct statement of thousands of cases. 
 
 case lxxix. 
 Dr. Laumont : 
 
 Dear Sir, — This is to certify, that you cured mo of 
 a gonorrhoea in one day. I had previously had the dis- 
 ease for some time. D. M. Cokcyn. 
 New York, June 8th, 1850. 
 
359 
 
 CASE LXXX. 
 
 This is to certify, that Dr. Larmont cured me of a 
 
 fonorrhoea, chancres, (syphilis), and a large intlanacd 
 ubo, without the bubo being opened. He drove it 
 away entirely in a little while. The gonorrhoea he 
 stopped in a few hours. 1 had the disease some time be- 
 fore coming to him. Cassimer Deroud. 
 New York, July 20th, 185C. 
 
 CASE Lxxxr. 
 
 This is to certify, that Dr. Larmont cured a gonorrhoea 
 for me, by a local application, after I had been under 
 the treatment of another doctor for some time, con- 
 tinually getting worse. W. N. Craft. 
 
 New York, March 13th, 1850. 
 
 CASE LXXXII. 
 
 Dr. Larmont stopped a gonorrhoea for me at two 
 different times, by one local application at each time. 
 
 New York, April 8th, 1852. 
 
 CASE LXXXIII. 
 
 Dr. Larmont cuned me within twenty-four hours, of a 
 
 gonorrhoea, without pain, by a single local application 
 [e done the same about nine months since. 
 
 L. L 
 
 New York, Feb. 18th, 1852. 
 
 CASES Lxxxiv — V, VI, VII, VIII, and ix. 
 
 I first came to Dr. Larmont after I had been under a 
 number of physicians for a weakness of the canal of the 
 penis, caused by a gonoiThoea not being cured soon 
 enough, as I had not been properly cured for some 
 three years. Dr. Larmont then cured me in a few 
 days, and has in five other cases done the same withia 
 twenty-four hours, with one local application. 
 
 J. T. W . 
 
 New York, July 26th, 1851. 
 
360 
 
 CASK XC. 
 
 Dr. Larmont: 
 
 You cured inc of a gonorrhoea with a single appli- 
 cation, and four doses of medicine, in twelve hours. 1 
 had before had it for six months, all the time taking 
 
 medicine. Wm. iVJ . 
 
 New York, Sept. 6th, 1851. 
 
 CASE XCI. 
 
 This is to certify, that Dr. Larmont, of 42 Reade st , 
 cured me in two weeks of syphilis, after I had been 
 
 under the charge of Drs. H , P , W , R , 
 
 S , C , and R , for more than a year, with- 
 out getting any better, notwithstanding their giving 
 me mercury, polassia, copavia, &c. J. M . 
 
 New York, March 25th, 1852. 
 
 Those afflicted with syphilis, can judge of the impo- 
 sition and swindling practiced upon the innocent though 
 ignorant persons, by pretenders, assuming the title of 
 physicians, the better to palm off by long advertisements 
 in the papers, their quack nostrums, for this patient, 
 and many others who nave given me these different cer- 
 tificates, used the two prominent ones, besides being 
 under a number of family and special practice-doctors. 
 It will be seen, that all combined could only rid him of 
 his money, and not the disease. 
 
 CASE XCII. 
 
 About two years ago, I called on Dr. , alias 
 
 and , of D street, on the appearance of a go- 
 norrhoea, who agreed to cure me in a few days, but in- 
 stead of that, after using injections and medicines for a 
 long time, he ended it by leaving me with a gleet and 
 stricture, which he kept on treating me for, till I had 
 been under him for about eight months, and paid him 
 
 about $20. I left him and went to Dr. F st., 
 
 and was under liis charge for about three months, and 
 paid him about $:30. But, as I was getting worse, I 
 
 left hira, and went to Dr. , A street, staid under 
 
 him about six months, and paid him about $50, and 
 
361 
 
 while under him, I got so bad that I could not pass 
 
 urine only in di-ops, as or , had not passed a 
 
 bougie into the bladder at all, but only down to the 
 stricture, which was all they could do. One of them 
 told me I would forever remain impotent. 
 
 When I had an emission at night no semen could 
 pass. I always paid strict attention to all of their di- 
 rections, as I had postponed my wedding-day three 
 separate times. I then called on Dr. Larmont, 42 
 Reade St., who soon passed a bougie into the bladder 
 without pain, and found three permanent indui-ated 
 strictures. In two months from the time he commenced 
 his treatment, I got married ; my procreative organs 
 became natural, and my wife enciente. 
 
 I hereby say, and am willing to take my oath, that 
 I fully believe no other surgeon or physician could have 
 cured me but Dr. Larmont, or, at any rate, without 
 cutting the urethra open for at least five inches, the 
 Btrictured portion of the penis ; as I had consulted four 
 or five other doctors who gave me that opinion. 
 
 J. H. A 
 
 New York, Dec. 3d, 1851. 
 
 This gentleman was presented, in due course of time, 
 with one of the finest of boys, by his excellent lady, 
 both of whom are in good health. 
 
 CASE XCIII. 
 
 Dr. Larmont cured me without pain, of syphilis, of 
 some time standing, after I had used mercury for ten 
 days previous, and all the time getting worse, yet he 
 cured me in two days. A. Warino. 
 
 New York, Nov. 5th, 1851. 
 
 Doctor Larmont cured mc in a short time of gleet ani 
 strictures, without pain, which had existed for a number 
 of months, notwithstanding my having paid hundreda 
 of dollars, for the best medical services in the country, 
 all to no purpos« ; for an affection or ulceration of mj 
 
3G2 
 
 kidueys, which is the most harassing of diseases, for it 
 cannot be reached only by the action of medicines. 
 
 M G . 
 
 New York, May 10th, 1852. 
 
 v^Abt: xcv. 
 
 About eight months ago, I came to Dr. Larmont, with 
 a chancre and bubo, Avhich 1 had been treated for k) no 
 benefit ; he cured the chancre in a few days, but the bubo 
 he had to open. After he doctored me a few weeics for 
 it, and as it was not entirely well, and I had not much 
 to do, I went to the hospital, and staid there two mouths, 
 but still they could not cure me. I then returned to 
 Dr. Larmont, who cured me in a short time. 
 
 H. Chabot. 
 
 New York, May 3d, 1852. 
 
 CASE xcvr. 
 
 A year ago. Dr. Larmont cured me in two days of 
 chancres (syphilis) after I had been under other phy- 
 sicians for three weeks, but all the time getting worse 
 He has now done the same again within that short time, 
 
 notwithstanding I called on Dr. , corner C st. 
 
 and Broadway ; and was under his care for about three 
 weeks, and every day getting worse. 
 
 George B 
 
 New York, April 15th, 1852. 
 
 The above is another proof that quack remedies aro 
 impositions. 
 
 case xcvii. 
 Dr. Larmont : 
 
 I had been affected with an ulcerated leg, for some 
 three years or more, arising from an old syphilitic dis- 
 ease, in connection with the abusive use of mercury, 
 which laid me on my bed for a number of weeks, as it 
 rovered my entire leg from the knee down to the foot. 
 Previous to the leg being so allected, 1 had ulcers on my 
 body, head and face, for which I was constantly under 
 
PLATE 27. 
 
365 
 
 treatment by other physicians, to no benefit, as no soonei 
 than one place was healed, another showed itself. In 
 less than tw® weeks after commencing your treatment, I 
 was able to go out, and attend to my business, and have 
 been getting better, till I was well in body and mind ia 
 
 a few weeks. J. G. T . 
 
 New York, Dec. 9th, 1851. 
 
 CASE XCVIII. 
 
 I contracted a gonorrhoea about six months ago, and 
 applied to a number of physicians, besides using the 
 quack remedies, but still the disease run into a gleet, 
 which Dr. Larmont cured with one local application, 
 yet I, at the same time, had a stricture, which he also 
 cured. Wm. K. 
 
 New York, April 24th, l&o2. 
 
 CASE XCIX. 
 
 For a long time I was under Dr. M for the cure 
 
 of gonorrhoea, and kept getting worse. When I first 
 went to him he said he would cure me in a few days, aa 
 the disease had only just developed itself. I was unable 
 to work for some time, and when I came to Dr. Lar- 
 mont the inflammation of the bladder was so high as to 
 cause me to pass water thirty times a day. Dr. Lar- 
 mont cured me in a day, so that I went to work, and 
 am now as well as ever. George D , 
 
 New York, April Ilth, 1850. 
 
 M. Larmont, surgeon, 42 Reade street. New York, 
 cured me with one application, without pain, in a few 
 hours, of an old gonorrhoea. I had • been under the 
 charge of two other physicians previous to applying to 
 him, and used every one of the adrertised remedies, yet 
 all the time getting no bettei:. A friend that Dr. L. 
 had cured, sent me to him. Georqe S 
 
 New York, January 17th, 1851. 
 
36G 
 
 Dr. Larmont cured mo of an old syphilitic disease, 
 without mercury, in a short time, after I had been 
 under other physicians without benefit. 
 
 J. AUHCENBALT. 
 
 New York, November 14th, 1851. 
 
 About a year ago Dr. Larmont cured me of constitu- 
 tional syphilis, complicated with scrofula, without my 
 being obliged to relinquish my daily occupation. Be- 
 fore applying to him 1 had been under the charge of 
 
 Drs. L , M and B , for a long time, without 
 
 any improvement. I applied to each in the order here 
 named. It is now a number of years since I contracted 
 the infection. W. V. L . 
 
 New York, April 20th, 1852. 
 
 Dr. Larmont cured me in a few days of syphilis, aftei 
 i had been under three other physicians for a long time, 
 besides Dr. H , and still getting worse. J. Burns. 
 
 New York, January 20th, 1852. 
 
 For three years I had been afflicted with a gleet, 
 three strictures so bad, that at one time I could not pass 
 urine for twelve hours, and chancres, succeeded by con- 
 stitutional syphilis. All the time I was under treat- 
 ment in fhis and other cities, which cost me hundreds 
 of dollars, and great loss of time, till I called on Dr. 
 Larmont, who in a few days cured me of the ciiancres. 
 and in a few weeks of the syphilis, sore throat, and 
 other soreness. My throat was well in a few days, and 
 the pains left me after I had taken but three pills. The 
 gonorrhoea he brought away in one day, by one appli- 
 cation, and the strictures ho cured entirely in a few 
 days. James M . 
 
 New York, May 1st. 1852. 
 
86Y 
 
 Dr. Larmont cured me of a gonorrhoea and stricture, 
 of about six months' standing, in a short time. I had 
 been under the charge of a number of doctors, without 
 any benefit. John T 
 
 New York, January 7th, 1852. 
 
 Dr. Larmont cured me of an old gonorrhoea and 
 
 stricture in a short time, after Dr. M tried to no 
 
 purpose for three months. R S . 
 
 New York, October 31st, 1851. 
 
 From a badly-treated gonorrhoea, the discharge con- 
 tinued for a long time, finally terminating in a gleet 
 and stricture, with a weakness of the canal. After 
 
 being under Drs. R and D L., as well as a 
 
 number of physicians in other cities, Dr. Larmont cured 
 me in a short time by local treatment, without using 
 but very little medicine to strengthen the canal. His 
 treatment was without caustic or pain. B 
 
 New York, July 14th, 1851. 
 
 Charleston, S. C, is Mr. B's residence. 
 
 CASE CVIII. 
 
 Dr. Larmont cured me of an old gonorrhoea in a few 
 hours, by one application, without pain. I had been 
 under treatment before going to him. It is now some 
 weeks since the cure. G S . 
 
 New York, December 10th, 1851. 
 
 CASE CIX. 
 
 Dr. Larmont cured me of an old gonorrhoea, with 
 one application, without pain, in a few hours after I had 
 doctored for some time, as I had it for over six months, 
 before coming to him. R. W. W . 
 
 New York, Nov. 18th, 1851. 
 
368 
 
 CASE ex. 
 
 Tioga Co., Feb., 1852. 
 
 Dr. L.VRMOHT : 
 
 Sir, — The bubo is well. 
 
 Respectfully, yours, 
 
 H . 
 
 CASE CXI. 
 
 N , Mass., Feb., ^852 
 
 M. Larmont : 
 
 There is no discharge for some time, and think 1 
 am well. Yours, respectfully, 
 
 F . 
 
 CASE CXII. 
 
 Canada West, Dec, 1852. 
 DocTOK, — The sores are all healed. 
 
 Yours, C . 
 
 CASE CXIII. 
 
 Dr. Larmont cured me of an old gonorrhoea, with 
 one local application, after I had taken medicines, &c., 
 bo no benefit. R. Ironsides. 
 
 CASE cxiv. 
 
 New York, April 6th, 1850. 
 Dr. Larmont: 
 
 I suffered the most any one could with s^^philis, for 
 over four months. 1 ap})lied to a physician who said ho 
 would cure me in a week, as I had the sore only a day ; 
 but, instead of being cured in that time of the simple 
 chancre, ho done me no good, and the disease progrcs=ied 
 till I had two bubos, one he allowed to break, which 
 pained me awfully, and left five large hard bluo 
 places. After being laid up four months, I applied to 
 you from the advice of friends, and in three days I wa? 
 able to go to work ; and you cured me in a few days 
 longer, so perfectly, that no trace of it can be seen. All 
 who do not wish to be kept in bed by other physicians. 
 
369 
 
 as I was, should apply to you, and they are certain ot 
 
 L . 
 
 speedy cure. Yours, most obediently. 
 
 CASE cxv. 
 
 Dr. Larmont cured mo of constitutional syphilis, ul- 
 cers all over my body, and pains and debility, to such an 
 extent as not only to deprive me of work for a month, 
 but of sleep, only at short intervals of the night. 1 was 
 all the time from the first appearance of it, first under 
 
 Dr. , L street, to no benefit, then to two 
 
 Thom*psonian physicians, then to Dr's F & C , 
 
 and, still getting worse, I then called on Dr. Larmont, 
 in the situation stated in the first part of this certificate, 
 with the addition of gonori-hoca and stricture, which 
 they all in successi( n created without benefit. In one 
 week after Dr. Larmont took me in charge, I commenced 
 work, and increased in strength and health rapidly, till 
 I was entirely cured of the whole, in two months' time. 
 J — H — D . 
 
 New York, July l.t, 1851. 
 
 This is to certify, tnat after paying Dr. H — , of D — 
 street, for curing me of gonorrhoea in its first stage, 
 which he promised to do in three or four days, that ha 
 kept me taking the worst kind of medicines for two 
 months, and still I was getting worse. He refused to 
 return me my money, after he had tried everything, 
 mercury included, as he himself told me. I then went 
 to another place, and he still made me worse. I then, 
 through the advice of a friend, called on Dr. Larmont, 
 with a bubo and tho worst kind of gonorrhoea, which 
 pained me a good deal. Dr. L. cured me of the bubo in 
 a few hours, and of the gonorrhoea in a few days, with- 
 out pain or hiedrance. C . 
 
 New York, August 16th, 1850. 
 
 CASE cxni. 
 Dr. Larmont : 
 
 You have cured me as you said you would, of syphi- 
 Ufl, caught about a year and a half ago, and for the cure 
 
370 
 
 of which I was under other physicians a long time, at a 
 very heavy expense. This you have done without mer- 
 cury, or even requiring me to lay by from work a single 
 
 day. N. E. M 
 
 New- York, July 23d, 1850. 
 
 CASE cxvm. 
 
 This is to certify that Dr. Larmont cured me in a few 
 hours, after I had the gonorrhoea, since the first of May 
 
 last, and had been given up by Doctors J and H ; 
 
 the last gave me drops for about seven weeks. 
 
 Wm. B , 
 
 New York, July 20tfe, 1850. 
 
 This is to certify that you cured mo of a gonorrhoea of 
 the canal of the penis, and of the anus, in a few days, 
 after I had been under the care of another physician, for 
 over two months. Euoene C 
 
 New York, Sept. 11th, 1850. 
 
 CASE CXX. 
 
 Last December I contracted a gonorrhoea ; as soon as 
 I saw it, I commenced taking the different advertised 
 remedies, which I have used up to this time, or within a 
 day or two, till I came to Dr. Larmont, by the advico 
 of a friend, and who cured me without pain, by using 
 one application. The medicine I took previously had 
 only changed the disease into the chronic or gleety state. 
 
 George M. S . 
 
 New York, April 19, 1851. ) 
 
 Nine days after being cured. ^ 
 
 CASE CYXT. 
 
 Dr. Larmont cured mo of a gonorrhoea that I had 
 taken medicines for, for over two months, without benefit, 
 by a single application. 
 
 Ne^ York, April 26th, 1851 
 
371 
 
 case cxxii. 
 
 Dk. Larmont : 
 
 You cured me 3f a gonorrhoea with ono application, 
 after I had been under another physician over two weeks, 
 
 to no benefit. N. McM . 
 
 New York, Feb. 19th, 1851. 
 
 CASE CXXIII. 
 
 Six months ago, I applied to Dr. M and an- 
 other physician for the cure of a gonorrhoea. They gave 
 me medicines and injections, till it ended in gleet, which 
 Dr. Larmont cured me of, with a single vegetable appli- 
 cation, so that I was as well a» I ever was, in a few 
 hours. John W . 
 
 New York, Sept. 30th, 1850. 
 
 case cxxiv 
 
 Dr. Larmont : 
 
 You cured me with one local application in a few 
 
 hours, of a gonorrhoea. J. V. F . 
 
 New York, Feb. 1st, 1851. 
 
 CASES cxxv and cxxvi. 
 
 Dr. Larmont: 
 
 You cured me in a few hours of gonorrhoea, by your 
 local application, after J had been under another doctor 
 for some time. You also cured a female in a dav or 
 two, that had it. Welean Smith. 
 
 New York, Dec. I7th, 1850. 
 
 CASES cxxvn and cxxviii. 
 
 Dr. Larmont: 
 
 Dear Sir, — You cured me of a gonorrhoea of over a 
 
 year's standing, after another physician could not — by 
 
 your single local application. In two other cases you 
 
 did the same by one application. 
 
 Jersey City, Dec. 27th, 1850. 
 
372 
 
 CASE CXXIX. 
 
 N. H., Conn., March 29th, 1851. 
 Dear Sir ; 
 
 About five weeks since I called on you, and got 
 some remedies, which cured the female in one week, to 
 the great joy and satisfaction of the person, who had 
 taken medicine for three montlis to no purpose. 
 
 W G. 
 
 To Dr. Larmont. 
 
 CASE cxxx. 
 
 Albany, June 17th, 1851. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 The remedy you gave me cured my complamt. 
 Yours, in haste, 
 
 S. R . 
 
 To Dr. Larmont. 
 
 CASE cxxxi. 
 
 Dr. Larmont: 
 
 Dear S'r, — I am happy to say you cured me of 
 gonorrhoea m a day or two, with one apjtlication with- 
 out pain, after I had used the advertised remedies with- 
 out avail. I should here say, I had a stricture for 
 three years, which you also cured without caustic or 
 
 Eain, within two weeks. Through carelessness, in rub- 
 ing my eyes, I inoculated them with the gonorrhoea, 
 which 1 am thankful to you for curing in two days. 
 
 J. C. . 
 
 New York January 16th, 1850. 
 
 case cxxxii. 
 Dr. Larmont: 
 
 Dear Sir, — rAfter having been under treatment for 
 about three weeks without being cured of a gonorrhoea, 
 I called on you, and am happy to state, that you stopped 
 the discharge in five or six hours. 
 
 C. Laudy. 
 New York, April 26th, 1850. 
 
PLATE 28. 
 
 b\g. Si) 
 
 1^ 
 
 FL(f. 8< 
 
 .» 
 
 0(l 
 
 ^O o^ ""^ 
 
 ^\." 
 
 
375 
 
 CASE CXXXIll. 
 
 Last June I was affected with a venereal disease, and 
 applied to a ph^-sician for its cure. After being un- 
 der his care for about nine mouths, I became so much 
 worse, that one testicle was three times the usual size, 
 and very painful. I then applied to Dr. Larmont, 
 42 Reade St., who entirely cured me in a very short 
 time. N. F. E , Brooklyn. 
 
 New York, May 16th, 1850. 
 
 CASE CXXXIV. 
 
 This is to certify, that I applied to Dr. H , D 
 
 street, for the cure of a delicate disease in its first stage 
 He said he could cure me in a few days. I was under 
 him for a long time without being cured. I then went 
 
 to Dr. J , D street, with the same result. From 
 
 him I went to Dr. M — — , W street, with no better 
 
 success. The time I was uuder the treatment of the 
 above persons was from Febraarj' to October of 1849. 
 
 I then called on Dr. M , F street. Dr. R , 
 
 G street, and Dr. B , Broadway, and they told 
 
 me I could not be cured without an operation with the 
 knife. I then called on Dr. Larmont, 42 Reade street, 
 who told me he could cure me with medicines and local 
 applications, without mercury, which he has done. 
 
 J. H. Deaiarest. 
 
 New York, Feb. 23d, 1850. 
 
 My space and time will not allow me to add but a 
 few more names from the many certificates not men- 
 tioned in the previous pages, instead of copying them 
 in full, for I have already given so many of all the 
 diseases of a private nature, that all must be convinced 
 of the unapproachable and unparalleled cures ever 
 performed in this or any other country. I shall only 
 give this' additional one in detail. 
 
 CASE cxxxv. 
 
 For nearly four years, I had been afflicted with a gen- 
 eral derangement of the whole system, such as indigos' 
 
3T6 
 
 tion, costiveness, impaired memory, great sufiFering and 
 depression of spirits, a threatening destruction of the 
 virile power, or with impotency, swelling of the testicles, 
 seminal emissions, and a very frequent suffering and ne- 
 cessity of passing urine, both day and night, causing 
 loss of sleep, and with a stricture of the urethra. Dur- 
 ing the above time I was under the charge, and followed 
 the advice of a number of physicians, wearing trusses, 
 bandages, using cold baths, yet constantly getting 
 worse, till a friend sent me to Dr. Larmont, 42 Reade 
 street, who, I am happy to say, has cured me in less than 
 a month, by local treatment only. By the third night 
 after his treatment commenced, 1 slept without getting 
 up to urinate. I have been as well since the cure as I 
 ever was. I can recommend full reliance on his medical 
 and professional assurances. The bandages were all 
 immediately laid off, on coming to him. C. C. B. 
 New Yoi^, June 10th, 1851. 
 
 CASES CXXXVI ANB CXXXVII. 
 
 Mr. W. Fink and Mr. D. Harpen would be pleased 
 to verify to any one, in person, the truth, that Dr. Lar- 
 mont cured them by one vegetable application, in a few 
 hours, of very bad gonorrhoea, which had been under 
 treatment a long time previously. 
 
 I must acknowledge it is gratifying to receive such an 
 evidence of proof, as the short extract below — and the 
 letters in the foregoing pages — from brother members 
 of the profession. It is the highest proof that can be 
 rendered. 
 
 Rio Grande City, Texas, 22d July, 1852. 
 Sir: 
 I am informed that j'^ou have a preparation of great 
 use, in the cure of venereal affections, particularly stric- 
 ture and genital debility. Large quantities can be dis- 
 posed of, on this frontier. Our balsamic preparations, 
 do not fill the desired purpose, of a certain and s-pcedy 
 cure of gonorrhaa. 1 am a practicing physician, a 
 graduate of the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 
 and would be pleased to have the use of such remedies, 
 
317 
 
 if you are disposed to establish an agency in this coun- 
 try. Your directions in relation to terms, use, tc, 
 will be in all cases strictly followed out. 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 Thos. p. Linton, M. D. 
 Dr. M Larmont , New York. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 A. FFW WORDS OF ADVICE TO PATIENTS AFFECTED WITH 
 WHAT ARE GENERALLY TERMED "VENEREAL DIS- 
 
 I do not think it is necessary for me to present any 
 further remarks in reference to my own ability and su- 
 perior manner of curing all of these poisonous aflfectiona 
 — in an incredible (almost) short space of time — than 
 the unmistakable proofs presented by the large number 
 of certificates — covering every private infection or dis- 
 ease of the genital organs — acknowledgments from 
 physicians, and the editorial testimonials which will 
 complete the work. These notices were published with- 
 out my knowledge, as the notices themselves say, they 
 are representations of some of the most eminent physi- 
 cians who are acquainted with my practice. 
 
 I wish to put every afflicted person on their guard 
 against designing impostors and the quack or advertised 
 remedies which nearly fill a column of some of the city 
 papers, not only lauding their pretended virtues, but 
 with a baseness that is really surprising, assert that 
 they are the only known cure in the world. Such a 
 declaration alone should convince any one that they 
 are worthless and dangerous compounds, which my 
 numerous certificates so truthfully verify. In conclu- 
 sion, if any one, after reading this work, still places 
 confidence in quack remedies, they can go to any drug 
 store and get them made up for themselves at tha 
 trifling expense, probably, of twenty-five cents 
 
378 
 
 A SAMPLE OF THK INGKEDIENPS, COMPOSlNa THE DIF- 
 FEKENT AUTERTISED OR QUACK REMEDIES. 
 
 Red Drops. — This is a dangerous preparation, con 
 eisting of corrosive sublimate, dissolved in alcohol, and 
 colored with compound spirits of lavender. 
 
 Unfortunate'' s Friend. — Make a decoction of sarsa- 
 parilla root, rasped guaicum, elder flowers and resins, 
 of each a quarter of a pound ; mazerian root, burdocli 
 root, parsley root, and whortleberry leaves, of each two 
 ounces ; liquorice root, half a pound. Put them all to- 
 gether in one gallon of water, and boil in a covered 
 vessel down to a quart, and strain ; while the decoction 
 is warm add of balsam copaiva, sweet spirits of nitre, of 
 each half a pound ; powdered gum Arabic, white sugar 
 cubebs and carbonate of soda, of each a quarter of a 
 pound. Dose — a wine-glass full occasionally. 
 
 Every one will see by the above that all quack reme- 
 dies are composed of either mercury, copaiva or cubebs, 
 disguised by mixing them with other remedies. 1 have 
 a hundred dillerent prescriptions which 1 could give if 
 time and space allowed, every one of which contains 
 either the one or the other of these three articles, which 
 some combine with injections and washes, composed of 
 mercury, caustics, alum, lead, zinc, &c., under the head 
 of lotions. As another instance of the deception prac- 
 ticed in this and other cities in private practice, I will 
 mention the fact of one man having three offices, under 
 as many different names. 
 
 With three or four exceptions, there are no regularjy 
 educated physicians in this practice, besides myself, in 
 the city, notwithstanding the great number of names in 
 the papers assuming to be such. 
 
 Ricord of Paris, Acton of London, and every Euro- 
 
 r>ean surgeon and physician of standing who have pub- 
 ished w(jrks on private diseases, say there are five va- 
 rieties of primary syphilis, and two when they have 
 become constitutional : and that each kind requires a 
 different treatment. How persons, then, who havo 
 
319 
 
 not had the necessary txperience in the cure of these 
 diseases, expect to be able to rid their patients of such 
 a dangerous aflfection, every sensible unfortunate had 
 better find out before they put themselves under their 
 care. 
 
 Gonorrhoea, blcnnorrhagia or clap, is as distinct a dis- 
 ease from syphilis, and requires as distinct treatment as 
 emall-pox and cholera. Syphilis affects the system, but 
 the clap is local in its action, producing such local com- 
 plications as swelling of the testicles, phimosis, para- 
 phimosis, inflammation of the bladder, prostate gland, 
 stricture, bubo and gleet. The eyes may sometimes bo 
 affected sympathetically. 
 
 Each one of these stages or complaints require dif- 
 ferent treatment. All the medicine in the world cannot 
 cure a stricture, or gleet. The same medicines that 
 might be beneficial in a case of clap has no effect on 
 a gleet, or the nose or eyes when they have been inocu- 
 lated with the discharge. The eyes have been destroj-ed 
 in twenty-four hours by the rapid progress of the disease, 
 when direct inoculation has taken place. Any person, 
 then, who is acquainted with these diseases, and sells 
 a quack remedy as a cure-all, do so to get your money 
 — and without the remotest idea that you will be bene- 
 fited by taking them. 
 
 I have not given full descriptions of the various forms 
 of i'enereal diseases ; nor have I referred to my treat- 
 ment, or entei-ed into the details of the various modes 
 of relief. As I have often said, each case requires that 
 treatment which the symptoms and disease indicate ', 
 and medicines in the hands of the ignorant, irresolute, 
 or timid patient, docs more harm than good. In this 
 way only can we hope to rescue the aflJicted from 
 making a degrading application to a more degraded 
 quack, or the unfeeling and dangerous routine of tho 
 regular but inexperienced graduate. 
 
380 
 
 DON^r FAIL TO READ THIS ADVICE TO THE AFFLICTED 
 
 The momcut you discover that you have contractod 
 a private disease, or if you have had any affection of the 
 kind, at any time previous — even years before — and 
 which you have supposed you were cured of, by your 
 country or other physicians, apply to me for this reason. 
 Few physicians have ever been taught anything about the 
 treatment of venereal diseases. Even if they had, it 
 was that of the old mercurial or copavia remedies, and 
 which often causes more injury and suffering than the 
 original disease. Further — this, as well as more en- 
 larged works, too plainly show, that many are pro- 
 nounced cured — by inexperienced physicians — who get 
 married, the disease is reproduced by the time which 
 may have elapsed, and the extra excitement such an 
 event generally produces, and the unsuspecting victim 
 finds that he is yet affected, also the child, if the wife 
 happens to be pregnant. In some cases, the child may 
 not show any signs of being affected for some years after 
 it has been born. Sooner or later, however, it will 
 show itself in the whole circle, if the original complaint 
 was not entirely eradicated. Or if you have had an emis- 
 sion involuntarily. Sit down and write mo a full state- 
 ment, by giving your age and sex — single or married ; 
 when you had the suspicious connection, and when 
 you cohabited with your wife la^t. Whether Silious or 
 nervous temperament; complexion, habits, and occu- 
 pation. Then state the case, symptoms, duration of 
 illness, and supposed cause, and whether your bowels 
 are regular. Then refrain from everything that ia 
 stimulating ; keep the parts clean, and be careful not to 
 inoculate the eyes, nose, anus, or any other part, with 
 the poison. 
 
 I can then send you the necessary remedies by mail 
 or express — stato which you prefer — in time to check, 
 and permanently cure you at once, even if you are 
 in the remotest part of the Union or British Pro- 
 vinces. 
 
 All my packages sent are sealed, so as to be proof 
 B^uinst detection ; and as they are so rapid and con- 
 
381 
 
 venient in destroying the disease, you can cure yourself, 
 even amongst the most fastidious friends, with perfect 
 secrecy. 
 
 Letters for advice or treatment must contain fiv«j 
 dollars, or they cannot be noticed, as I am so much 
 occupied that I cannot even read letters that do not pay 
 me for my time. Those who reside in small or inquisi- 
 tive places, need only write the following on their 
 letters : " Box &i4. New York Post Office." I shall get 
 them just as safe as I would if my own name was super- 
 scribed on them. 
 
 Patients who apply personally, should be careful and 
 notice my office. 
 
 N. B. — My office is divided oflf into separate rooms, 
 so that patients are only seen by myself. 
 
 If I had supposed it would have been necessary, or in- 
 teresting to those who may find this unpretending work 
 sufficiently instructive to read its entire contents, every 
 letter and illustrative case included, I would have con- 
 tinued the letters and cases to as many more. Tho 
 reader or patient will please understand, however, that 
 I do not preserve any letters,, without the patients or 
 my coiTCSpondents desire me to publish them as addi- 
 tional proofe of m}' superior practice, for the purpose of 
 convincing those who may have given up all hope of 
 ever finding a physician who could cui-e them. I liavo 
 letters almost daily from such unfortunates who havo 
 been under the care of different physicians for years 
 and years, all this time, however, loosing strength and 
 health. If such persons could call in person, I could 
 present to them living proofs, as well as the written 
 ones, of the invariable success of my treatment. I will 
 therefore only say in conclusion, that I can offer you 
 such treatment, as it appears caoinot be obtained any- 
 where else in America. 
 
382 
 
 TREATMENT OF FEMALE DISEASES. 
 
 But a very few physicians correctly understand the 
 different complaints, the delicate constitution of femalea 
 are subject to. The most frequent complaints to which 
 they are liable, are the irregularity of the menses, and 
 prolapsus uteri, or a falling of the womb, accompanied 
 or produced by fluor albus, or whites. Either of these 
 diflBculties will cause consumption, if they are neglected, 
 or allowed to progress, and the proper treatment for 
 their cure not understood. 
 
 Those who wish to be cured of fluor albus, (whites,) 
 or prolapsus uteri, (falling of the womb,) can do so by 
 giving me a full statement of their case. 
 
 $5.00 consultation fee must be remitted when making 
 the application, or the value of my time will prevent ita 
 being noticed. 
 
 CERTIFICATES. 
 
 From a German Physician. 
 
 New York, December 12, 1853. 
 Dr. Larmont. 
 
 Dear Sir,— I know all about the best treatment of 
 the diseases upon which your work treats, as I resided 
 in France several years, but still know notliing equal to 
 the cures effected by you. 
 
 Respectfully, 
 
 DR. J. D. 
 
 From a Physician in Florida. 
 I treated myself a number of months for the cure of a 
 Chronic Gonorrhoea without success, and hearing from 
 patient of mine that Dr. Larmont had cured him and 
 others of his acquaintances in a very short time, I re- 
 solved — as I was to be married in three weeks — not to 
 
383 
 
 lose any more time, but to extend my visit as far north 
 as New York, and put myself under his care at once. 
 Jt is with the greatest pleasure that I bear witness to 
 his having cured me entirely, in forty-eight hours, and 
 of course advise all who are similarly situated to em 
 ploy him, to render them the same kind services. 
 
 Dil. A. G. 
 
 From an old Physician in Virginia. 
 It is with heartfelt gratitude that I state an additional 
 remarkable cure of Dr. Larmont, as he cured me in 
 less than two months of Impotency, with all its compli- 
 cated general derangements, which I had labored under 
 for many years, notwithstanding ail the treatment 
 which my position, as an old physician, enabled me to 
 obtain. It is about a year since the cure, and I there- 
 fore know it to be permanent, though my age is very far 
 advanced. 
 
 DR. C C. 
 
 I can only add short extracts from two or three other 
 Certificates of Cures. 
 
 I was treated by other doctors three months, for tho 
 cure of a Clap, but Dr. Larmont cured me in one day. 
 CASPER GEISINGER, 
 
 40 Delancy street. 
 
 I had been under the care of about thirty physicians 
 within twelve years, to be cured of Impotency and its 
 various complications, yet finally, I was obliged to go to 
 Dr. Larmont, who cured me in about two months. 
 
 J. S. R. 
 
 I was totally Impotent for over 8 years, the semen was 
 almost constantly oozing from the urethra ; I had been 
 under the care of a number of Professors in the Medical 
 Colleges, and eminent physicians in this and other 
 cities, and was given up as having Consumption, (hav- 
 ing a cough,) Heart disease, and almost every symptom 
 
38-1 
 
 of diseaso that the human system is afifected with, but 
 Dr. Larmont cured me entirely in about three monfeha 
 without cauterization. 
 
 F. S. 
 
 My brother and myself have used the humbug instru- 
 ment, which a doctor advertises will cure seminal dis- 
 eases, but I grew worse, and he became insane from the 
 seminal loss. We used them nearly two years. 
 
 G. A. Y., Connecticut. 
 
 Dr. Larmont cured mo of Diurnal and Nocturnal 
 emissions in one week, after I had been given up aa 
 incurable. 
 
 J. G. 
 
 I was cured by Dr. Larmont, of Impotency and Diur- 
 nal Emissions in one week, by local treatment only. 
 J. E. P., Vermont. 
 
 Constitutional Syphilis caused my body to be covered 
 with deep Ulcers. I paid the most eminent professor, 
 physician and surgeon in this country $100, and was 
 under his charge one year to no benefit, as my body was 
 the same when I went to Dr. Larmont, but he cured me 
 in about three months. 
 
 G. L., New Jersey. 
 
 We advise every person — whether married or single '- 
 to procure a copy of the Medical Adviser and Marriage 
 Guide, illustrated with colored anatomical plates, an i 
 numerous cases. The author, Mr. Larmont, Physi 
 cian and Surgeon, mails them free to any address on 
 the receipt of $1. 
 
385 
 
 Opinioiv3 ov the Press editorially, ami maji2 
 EMINENT Physicians, in favor of my superiok 
 
 ABILITY. 
 
 From the Rahway Advocate and Register. 
 We wish to call the attention of om* readers to the ad- 
 vertisement of M. Larmont, Surgeon, of 42 Reade 
 street. New York. We have seen the manusciipt of 
 his forthcoming work, and are satisfied that a know- 
 ledge of its contents will be the means of rescuing 
 thousands of individuals from an early grave. This is 
 also the opinion of a number of eminent New York phy- 
 sicians that we have met, who are acquainted with hia 
 new and superior mode of treating all diseases of a 
 private nature, for it is time that quackery should bo 
 suppressed. Ur. L's reputation for quick cures is well- 
 established, not only in the city, but in all the States, 
 the West Indies, the British Possessions, etc. 
 
 From the Essex {Elizabethtoivn,) Standard. 
 We are assured by a friend, in whose judgment we 
 place great confidence, that the doctor's forthcoming 
 work will be found worthy of the attention of all those 
 for whose benefit it is designed. 
 
 From the New Brunswick Times 
 We have known Dr. Larmont for a number of years, 
 and not only coincide with the above, but are well con- 
 vinced that the assertions made in his advertisement (in 
 another column.) may be relied on as strictly true. 
 Those interested, will, therefore, be able to shun th« 
 impostors who infest New York and other cities. 
 
 From the National Police Gazette^ New York, 
 We take pleasure in referring to the advertisement of 
 Dr. Larmont, in another column 
 
 From the Rahway Advocate and Register. 
 Dr. Larmont, of 42 Reade street, New York, has 
 fully satisfied us that stricture of the urethra is one of 
 
886 
 
 (Ho most dangerous complaints that man is afflicted 
 with. The reason is, every one is liable, for it is not 
 caused by private disease only, in more thac a tithe of 
 the cases ; another and greater reason is, its progress 
 and fatal development is so insidious that the victim ia 
 unconscious of danger, till he is at the brink of eternity. 
 
 From the Rahivay Advocate and Register. 
 Diseases of a private nature, as almost every person i? 
 avrare, are entirely dififerent from those of a genera* 
 character ; that is, the private one is entirely local at 
 first, but if alloAved to remain uncurcd for mure than a 
 very few days indeed, is absorbed into the system, and 
 of course becomes general, lo vviJLl be seen by Ur. 
 7.-armoiit's new advertisement, that he p-ablishes some 
 i emarkable certificates of immediate cvxcs. 
 
 Pi-om the Raktcay Advocate atid Ref^ister. 
 We are satisfied that there are many inrocent, or, in 
 other words, diseases of the generative system, which 
 all are liable to have however moral a life they may 
 lead, and we are further satisfied that a physician like 
 Dr. Larmont, of 42 Reade street, New-Yoik, who has 
 received his education from the highest sources, and who 
 has for years dovoted his entire attention to their cure, 
 is fully ablo to treat thorn successfully. 
 
 From the Essex {Elizabethtown) Standard, N. J. 
 
 We fully agree with the above editorial rotice, and 
 oan say further, that J3r. La.rjr.or.t'o advertisement, in 
 s.r.othor column, says no more than he does daily. 
 
 From the New Ycyrk Day Book. 
 An eminent physician of this city, who has been ac- 
 quainted with Dr. Larmont, of 42 lleade street, for a 
 number of years, assures us that his treatment of those 
 diseases, belonging to that specially arising from indis- 
 cretion, &c., is unequaled. We, therefore, fully indorse 
 the encomiums of the New Brunswick Times, Essex 
 Elizabethtown Standard, and Rahway Advocate and 
 Register, of N. J. 
 
387 
 
 We take pleasure in recording merit, aud especially 
 so when acknowledged oy those of the same profession, 
 and for that reason copy the above in reference to the 
 ability of Dr. Larmont, 42 Reade street. — Notice from 
 the Sunday Dispatch. 
 
 From the National Democrat. 
 
 Being convinced, from the highest professional as well 
 as other assurances, the encomiums of the New York 
 Day Eook, Essex Standard, New Brunswick Times, 
 Rahway Advocate and Register, (of New Jersey,) and 
 the Sunday Dispatch, are only an acknowledgment of 
 superior merit, we fully acquiesce in them in regard to 
 Dr. Larmont of 42 Reade street, New York. 
 
 Editorial Extract from the New York Staatszeitung. 
 Dr. Larmont's system of curing Venereal Diseases is 
 the quickest, cheapest, and surest of any with which we 
 are acquainted. Dr. Larmont receives patients of either 
 sex at his Office, 42 Reade street, corner Broadway. 
 The latest cures that have been effected by the Doctor 
 have established his reputation on so firm a basis, that 
 his time is fully occupied by the most respectable 
 patients. 
 
 From the New York Courier Des Etats Unis, July 28, 
 1853. 
 We suppose to do some service to the public in call- 
 ing their attention to the work advertised to-day in our 
 columns under the title of " Medical Adviser and 
 Marriage Guide." Its author. Dr. Larmont, is a sur- 
 geon whose name is already known throughout Europe, 
 and the work is written with as much conscience as 
 science. The Doctor does not think he has done enough 
 yet to humanity with his pen, for he can be consulted 
 every day for all kinds of diseases. 
 
 Editorial Notice of the Reform {German Daily.) 
 Dr. Larmont's method of cureing all Venereal Dis- 
 Wises, — as we are assured by many persons who hare 
 
888 
 
 had the advantage of his professional abilities— is th« 
 quickest and surest of all. We beg to call the attentioa 
 of our readers to his advertisement in another column 
 of our paper. 
 
 From the Empire City. 
 
 We warned our readers against the Quack impostors, 
 alias Doctors, tvho post up their decoy obscenities on the 
 lamp posts, fences, etc., in violation of the city ordinan- 
 ces ; and the better to prevent the afflicted from falling 
 into their snares, advise them to read Dr. Larmont's 
 advertisement in another column, and purchase his 
 valuable work, as we coincide fully with the Editorial's 
 of all the papers, referred to in his work. 
 
 The Medical Adviser. — This book, as published by 
 Dr. Larmont, purports to give a synopsis of the causes, 
 Byinptoms, and most certain cure of all those diseases 
 brought on by the indiscretions of youth and to which 
 they are especially subjected in a city like this. The 
 price is only one dollar. — National Police Gazett?. 
 
 Doctor Larmont's Work, advertised in another 
 column should be in the hands of every person old 
 enough to read. We know there are hundreds of 
 thousands who are bringing disease upon themselves 
 without knowing it, as family or general practitioners 
 have not the opportunity to investigate the cause of the 
 speciality of which this work treats. — National Police 
 Gazette. 
 
 * * We not only agree to all of the above, 
 
 but take pleasure in saying that Surgeon Larmont has 
 Bold thousands of his valuable work within a few months, 
 in the different sections of this great country. He mails 
 his Medical Adviser and Marriage Guide, with colored 
 anatomical plates, which every person should read, to 
 any address free of postage, on the receipt of one dollar 
 Send for it— iV. Y. Pick. 
 
 Testimonials from physicians of the most emioeat 
 ability can be seen, with his Diploma, at his office. N« 
 ODO now, after all these evidences, need go astray. 
 
HIGHLY IMPORTANT 
 
 TO THE MARRIED 
 
 AND THOSE CO.NTEMPLATI.XG MARRIAGE. 
 
 From the New York Atlas, of June 15, 1856. 
 Paris and London Medical Adviser and Marriaqk 
 
 Guide. 366 pages. Twentieth edition. 12mo., cloth. 
 
 Profusely illustrated with nearly 100 beautiful electrotype 
 
 engravings. By M. Larmoat, Physician and Surgeon, 
 
 New York. 
 
 Medical hterature has been greatly depressed by the fre- 
 quent periodical avalanches of medical books and pamphlets, 
 which have buried the truth in antediluvian darkness. The 
 false teachings of these works have misguided the public, de- 
 praved the taste and refinement of the young, and so dis- 
 torted nature's laws, as to cause them to be despised and tram- 
 pled upon. 
 
 "We therefore take the more pleasure, in a brief notice of 
 the Medical Adviser and Marriage Guide, in commending it 
 upon its real merits. It holds the mirror up to nature, in 
 good earnest, anatomically and physiologically. 
 
 To the young as well as to the married, it is replete with 
 interest and information. 
 
 The particular department treated of is that of the Genito- 
 CTrinary organs and their diseases, which are ably treated by 
 the doctor. 
 
 To the married and those who contemplate forming those 
 holy bonds, the work is of the most inestimable value. Price 
 $1, and four letter stamps, to pre-pay postage. 
 
 Surgery. — "We call attention to the notice of a work, on 
 our outside, by Dr. Larmont, an experienced surgeon of this 
 city. In curing the diseases to which the doctor pays his 
 particular attention^ he has no superior in this country, if he 
 has an equal. 
 
390 
 
 The following unsolicited editorial is from the National Po- 
 lice Gazette of January 16, 1857 : 
 
 Medical Adviser and Marriage Guide ; by M. Larmont, 
 corner of Spring and Mercer streets, New York City. This 
 work is an awful warning to those who run the risk of con- 
 taminating themselves by breaking the laws of nature and 
 society. It presents the whole anatomy of man in his rela- 
 tions to his family and offspring, and, seriously considered, 
 such a work if widely circulated might save the blood of a 
 large portion of the race from corruption and deterioration. 
 Price one dollar. 
 
 And was copied by the Neiv- Yorker Cfriminal-2jeitung and Bel- 
 letrisiisches Journal of February 4, 1858, as an editorial. And 
 by the New Y<n'k Staats-Zeitung of February 11, 1858, editor} 
 ally. 
 
 PARTICULAE NOTICE. 
 
 In consequence of recent complaints of patients who bar* 
 lost money letters, and other letters not having been an- 
 swered by us, I found, on inquiry, that there is an itinerate 
 Doctor traveling about the country, and in this city, by the 
 name of Larmont ; therefore I wish all letters to be directed 
 to my associate (who has been with me for several years), 
 Dr. E. Banister, box 844, P. 0., New York City, as formerly 
 
 M. LARMONT, 
 Pkysician and Surgeon. 
 
 N. B. — Patients are respectfully informed that our offisa 
 have been removed from 82 Mercer Street, corner of Spring;, 
 to 647 Broadway, up stairs (La Farge House block), om 
 block above the Metropolitan, and three blocks above ih« 
 St. Nicholas Hotel, New York City. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 PART I. 
 
 PAcn 
 Title Page 1 
 
 Card. OflSces and OflSce Hours. Post-Office Box. Ad- 
 dress ofAuthuDr. Special Notice. Copyright 2 
 
 Plate displaying a Front View of the Contents of the 
 Abdomen and Pelvis, and of the Organs of Genera- 
 tion in the Male 3 and 4 
 
 Full Explanation of the above Engraving 5 
 
 Preface to the Thirtieth Edition 6 
 
 Preface to former Editions 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 
 
 Description of Plates 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 
 
 Coats of Arms of America, Great Britain, and France. 
 
 Parti. Important Notice to Patients 18 
 
 Plate displaying a lull and accurate View of the Left 
 Section of the Female Pelvis in Heaitn, and of the 
 
 gans of Generation 19 an^ 20 
 
 explanation of the above Engraving 2l 
 
 odactiou, which all should read 22 
 
892 CONTENTS 
 
 THE ANATOMY OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS 
 OF THE MALE AND FEMALE. 
 
 PA(iB 
 
 Importance of a HealChy Conditioa of the Sexual Or- 
 gaus of the Miile and Female. Beainlfiil Mechan- 
 ism of 2S 
 
 Complicated Structure of ; Compared to a Watch ; Tes- 
 ticles ; Semen or Seed; Urethra; Bladder; Penis.. 24 
 
 The Kidneys. Anatomy of Kidneys. Location. 
 
 Right one, larger in the Sensual 25 
 
 Secretion of Salts by. Ureters ; Bladder ; Neck of 
 the Bladder ; Difference between Male and Female ; 
 Action of the Muscles of 26 
 
 Plate of the Anatomy of the Bladder, Penis, «!kc. . 27 and 28 
 
 Secretion of Urine, Crypts, Action of the Mind upon 
 the Secretion of. Scrotum 29 
 
 Muscles of Testicles; Nourishment of ; Destruction or 
 Impairment of Serious ; Roman Laws, in reference to ; 
 Action of the Papal Clergy in reference to ; Retention 
 of in the Abdomen 30 
 
 Spermatic Artery, Spermatic Cord, Tunica Vaginalis, 
 Epididymis 31 
 
 Quicksilver in. Spermatic Veins. Cases of Single and 
 Triple Testicles 32 
 
 Absence of at Birth, Size of. Hydrocele ; Rupture ; Tun- 
 ica Albuginea ; Cremaster Muscles ; Vas-Defc- 
 
 lens 33 
 
 Tubuli Seminiferi ; Number, Length and Size of. 
 Location of Epididymis. Vasa-Efferentia. Prostate 
 Gland. Ejaculatory Canal 34 
 
COXTKNTS. 393 
 
 T'AOK. 
 
 Testicles in the Foetus ; Their non-descent rare; uou 
 comljination of Semen and Water. Natural Quantity 
 of Seminal Flui-d in Sexual Congress. Spermatozoa • 
 of Hybrid Animals ; Incapacity to Grencrate 35 
 
 Conception of the Mule, Goat, Ewe, Chamois ; Cross- 
 ing of Fowls. General Rule regarding Hybrids. ,, . 36 
 
 Vesicula2 Seminales, Coats of, Ejaculatory ducts ; Pros- 
 tate Gland ; Caput Gallinaginis 37 
 
 Seminal Vesicles in the Boar, Rat, Beaver, and Guinea 
 Pig 3S 
 
 Excitement of the Passions ; Paia 5 Ejaculation of Se- 
 men by Man and Brutes. Fecundation ; Seminal 
 Reservoirs. Copulation of Animals. Absence of 
 Seminal Vesicles in the Lion, Panther, Cat,and Dog. 39 
 
 Size of Prostate Gland ; Location and Description ; col- 
 or of its Secretion ; Fluid of ; Prostate Gland ab- 
 sent in Bull, Buck, Ram, Goat, and the ruminatia. . 40 
 
 Plate of the Anatomy of the Bladder, Prostate Gland, 
 Seminal Vesicles, &c 41 and 42 
 
 la fishes. Prostate Double in the Elephant, Camel, 
 Horse ; Healthy Secretion Important. Appearance 
 of Diseased Secretion. Vehicle for the Semen. Dis- 
 ease of Prostate mistaken for Gonorrhoea by Phy- 
 Bicians, Surgeons and Professors, errors productive 
 of great injury. Eunuchs and Geldings 43 
 
 Secretion of Semen in Health. Semen, how Pre- 
 vented from Coagulation. Cowper's Glands. An- 
 atomy of the Urethra. Membranous 44 
 
 Membranous, Pendulous aud Bulbous Portions. Mus- 
 cles to Expel the Semen. Mucus Supplying the 
 Urethra . 4b 
 
 Entire Length of Penis. Penis, its Arteries and Nerves. 
 
39-* CONTENT;: 
 
 'ACE 
 
 Glans Penis, Seat of Pleasure. 4(5 
 
 Anatomical Plate of Penis and Bladder 47 and 48 
 
 Process by which the Semen is Ejected in Coition. Pas- 
 sion or Desire 49 
 
 Corpora Cavernosa. Erectors of the Penis. Great 
 Vein of the Penis. Absorbents of Penis. Puber- 
 ty, the Changes and Eflects it Produces in the Sys- 
 tem. Growth of Beards ; Hair on the Pubes in 
 both Sexes. Alteration of Voice, Muscles, Passions, 
 and Feelings 50 
 
 Increase of Size of Genital Organs. Desire for Coition, 
 when Developed, Affected by Mode of Living, Effect 
 of Climate on ; Age of ; Periodical Occurrence of De- 
 sire for Copulation in Animals ; Increase of Sexual 
 Organs of Birds during Love Seasons ; also other 
 Animals 51 
 
 Beneficent Designs of Instinct in Animals. Meat of 
 Animals in Heat ; Period of Heat ; Spring, Winter ; 
 Effects of in Sexual Desire of Beasts, Hot Climate, 
 Effects on Sexual Desire 52 
 
 jaian Endowed with God-like Reason. Constant Size 
 of Human Testicles. Secretion of Semen in relation 
 to Puberty. Eunuchs Castrated before Puberty. 
 How Affected. Desire iu Old Age, and Condition of 
 Seminal Secretion. Small Sexual Organs ; Effects 
 of ; Instinctive Desire in ]\ran. Sensations ,')3 
 
 Desires Excited by Sight and Touch. Local Sensa- 
 tions ; Sexual Instinct, the Cause of Attachment of 
 the Sexes; Love, Reason, Imagination ; Moral Feel- 
 ings. FeimU Generative Organs. External and Inter- 
 nal, Mons Veneris, Labia Externa, Peri/ieum, ClUoris, 
 Nymphoi, Vestibule 51 
 
CONTENTS. 395 
 
 PAQB. 
 
 MecUu9 Urinariiis. ILjmen in Virgins ; Garunciilce Myrti- 
 formes in Matrons. Internal Organs. Vaijuia, Uterus, 
 Ovaries. Fallopian Tubes, Copulative Organs, Vulva or 
 Pudendum, Description of. 55 
 
 Comparison of Clitoris with the Fenis. Oritice of Fe- 
 male Urethra and Vagina. Location of Hymen ; the 
 Vestibulum 56 
 
 Ten Anatomical Engravings, Descriptive of the 57 
 
 Female Generative Organs •. 58 
 
 Minute Anatomical Description of the Female sys- 
 tem of Generation— Containing a Description of the 
 
 Impregnated and Unimpregnated Ovum 59 
 
 Most Remarkable Cases 60 
 
 7he Vagina. Location of, Size of ; Composed of three 
 layers ; Glands of Duvernay in the Female resemble 
 Cowper's Glands in the Male 61 
 
 The Uterus or Womb. Peculiarities of ; Fallopian Tubes ; 
 relative position to the^ther organs 62 
 
 Ligaments of, broad and round 5 Cervix Uteri ; Os 
 Tincse, Cavity of the Uterus 63 
 
 Arbor Vitae ; Mucous Glands ; Dissimilar tissues of the 
 Uterus. Peritoneal Coat, Mucous membrane ; Fibrous 
 Coat ; Cruveilhier's opinion 64 
 
 Microscopic Observations of Roederer and Schwelgue. 
 Uterine Arteries and Veins 65 
 
 Anatomy and Physiology of the Fallopian Tubes: 
 Fmibriated portion of ; Orifice of ; Coats of 66 
 
 The Ovaries. Relative position of ; Size of 67 
 
 Graafian Vesicle, or Ovisac. Position of Ovum, Cor- 
 pus luteum 68 
 
 Function of the Ovario — Uterine System. Fecunda- 
 tion and Spermatozoa ; Passage of, into the Ova- 
 
396 COXTKNTS. 
 
 PAGB. 
 
 riiiru. Process of Impregnation. Aninion and Cho- 
 rion Membranes, Liquor Amnii G9 
 
 After-birth. Blood vessels of Foetus. Puberty com- 
 mences from the 12th to the 16th year 70 
 
 Eflfect of Climate on ; In Africa it occurs at the 8th 
 year, Persia 9th year. Jeweses menstruate earlier 
 than other females. Cessation of Menstruation. 
 Changes in the System at Puberty in both Sexes 71 
 
 Menstruation ; Symptoms of ; Its periodicity ; Duration 
 of ; Aristotle on 72 
 
 Sun, Moon, Stars, or other Planets have no Influence 
 on. Sexual Intercourse. Sexual Excitability. Physical 
 Changes in Men and Animals. Sensations of both 
 
 Sexes in Coition Plxpeuditure of Nervous power in 
 the Female 73 
 
 Comparative Effects of Coition in both Sexes. Semen, 
 its Peculiarities and Vital Ealowment 74 
 
 Conception, the Period of its (X^jurrence. Erroneous 
 Views of Authors upon ; Conditions necessary ; 
 Adaptability of the Organs of Generation for ; Result 
 of the Union of the Sexes 75 
 
 Proofs by experiments ; Malformation of the Male Or- 
 gans. Passage of the Ovum into the Womb. Nou- 
 rishment of the Foetus 76 
 
 Beautiful Engravings, showing the different periods 
 of the Growth of the Foetus 77 and 78 
 
 Full Description of Flates, representing i]iQ periods of Foetal- 
 gesiaiion 79 
 
 Remarkable Cures 8Q 
 
 Development of the Foetus. Time at which the Impregna 
 ted Female Germ enters the "Womb ; the Embryo ; 
 the Embryonic Membranes and Fluid ; Stages of the 
 
COXTENTS. 391 
 
 I'AGE. 
 
 Development of the Foetus ; Formation of the first 
 Bones ; Development of the Head, Eyes, Heart, 
 Lungs, Liver, Testicles, &c 81 
 
 Foetus ; Third Month, Fourth Month Sex Perceptible, 
 Signs of Life, Birth 82 
 
 Sterility, Causes and Cure ; Importance of Offspring ; 
 Laws of Nature ; Barrenness Readily Cured ; Causes 
 of Unfruitful Marriages ; Leucorrhoea, Fluor Albus, 
 (Whites) Gleet, Scrofula 83 
 
 Physical Adaptation of Young Married Persons. Divorce. 
 Bonaparte and Josephine. Excessive Ardor ; Conjugal 
 Enjoyments ; Abortion ; Miscarriage 84 
 
 Libertinism ; Self-Abuse or Masturbation ; Powerful 
 Medicines ; Ignorance of Physicians ; Quack Nostrums 85 
 
 Articles supposed to possess fertilizing virtues. Most 
 Auspicious Time for Conception. Falling of the 
 
 Womb. How to tell the Sexes of Children prior to birth. 8G 
 
 Prevention of Offspring. Dangers of Child-birth. Grave 
 Constitutional Diseases 87 
 
 Ignorance and Delicacy. Exposition of Ignorance. 
 
 Various Means used to produce Abortion or Miscar- 
 riage. Injurious Effects from the Use of Medicines 
 for, 88 
 
 Medicines and Mechanical Appliances to Prevent Con- 
 ception. Frequent Calls for. The only certain, 
 harmless. Convenient and Secret Method for. Con- 
 doms, Objections to 89 
 
 Prevention of Conception contrasted with Abortion. 
 
 Evils, Moral and Physical, of Abortion 
 
 SuflFering and Crime; How Prevented 
 
 Refusal of the Author to cater to Wicked Requests. 
 Sympathies of, . 90 
 
398 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAQK. 
 
 Nature Cannot be Perverted with Impunity , .... 
 
 The Natural Indulgence of the Sexes an Inipe^:a-tive 
 Law. Evils of Child-bearing. Family Discords, 
 Jealousy, and Suspicion of Infidelity 91 
 
 Causes of Illicit Intercourse, Rectitude of the Author's 
 Motives. How to Avert an Early Grave. Preven- 
 tive to Conception ; how obtained 92 
 
 Post Office Address of the Author. Important Truths. 
 Nurses, Children Sleeping with ; Child-bearing 93 
 
 Fruitful Months ; Twins ; Hair ; Color of; Miscarriages ; 
 Hymen; Epilipsy ; Violation ; Hermaphrodites... 94 
 
 Two Beautiful Engravings representing the Womb and 
 the External 95 
 
 Female Genital Organs, with Description of Plate 96 
 
 Bad Temper. Effects of Pregnancy ; Signs of; Ex- 
 cesses 97 
 
 Abstemiousness. Suckling ; Partner ; Choice iu Mar- 
 riage 97 
 
 Sickly Persons, Marriage of. Diseased Offspring, Age of 
 Father, Offspring how Effected by, Age of Mother, 
 Affecting Offspring, Marriages Among Blood Rela- 
 tions, Degeneracy of Royal Families, Spanish Race, 
 Scrofula, Effects of in the Bourbons, Families of Hol- 
 land, Austria, England, Queen Victoria, How Afflict- 
 ed 98 
 
 Persian Practice ; Marriage ; Rules for ; Perfect Fe- 
 male ; Description of; Indications of Malformation ; 
 "Woman ; Gait of. Significant 99 
 
 Matrimonial Rules Continued. Age for ; Twins ; Part- 
 urition 100 
 
 Beautiful Engraving of a Full Grown Foetus in the 
 Womb 101 and 102 
 
CON'TKNTS. 399 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Foetus ; Formaflon of. Nursing in Pregnancy ; Teeth- 
 ing ; R.'St>rablance of Offspring to ParentR 103 
 
 Pseudo Physiologists ; Seminal Vitality ; Sexual Pas- 
 sion ; Effects of in Offspring ; Transniissibility of 
 Parental Qualities ; Color ; Age ; Effects on Off- 
 s^pring ; Quackery and Quacks ; Modus Operandi of 104 
 
 Cities Infested with ; Pulses of the Purse ; Duties of a 
 Physician; Importance of Early Treatment of Dis- 
 ease ; Quack Nostrums 105 
 
 History of Dr. Quackey, Jr. ; Poetry on lOG and 107 
 
 History of Venereal Disease ; Definition of Term .... 107 
 
 Early History of; Jewish Laws in reference to ; Levit- 
 icus, chapters 13 and 15 ; Syphilis Confounded with 
 Leprosy by the Ancients , 108 
 
 Biblical History Regarding Gonorrhoea ; Mosaic Cere- 
 monies ; Solomon in Reference to Sexual Abuses 109 
 
 St. Paul's Views upon Matrimony ; Ubertius ; Death 
 of ; Bolonese Physician ; Views of ; Roman do. ; 
 Bell's Discovery ; Ricord's Views 110 
 
 Non-Virulent Affections ; Virulent do. ; Parisian Fe- 
 males ; Peculiarities of. Virgins Ill 
 
 Acrid Mucous Discharges ; Common Character of Mu- 
 cous Membranes ; Non-Virulent Discharge iu the 
 Male ; Discharges Peculiar to Females ; Leucorrhoea 
 Common 112 
 
 1 etition of a Congressman ; False Alarm ; Cleanliness. 113 
 
 Hygienic Treatment ; Case of Leucorrhoea ; Pregnan- 
 cy ; Barrenness ; Absence of Menstruation 114 
 
 Ce'ssation of the Function of; Acute a-4d Chronic 
 Suppression of; Females of Full Habits ; Treatment 
 of 115 
 
400 C0x\TENT3. 
 
 PACK. 
 
 Peculiarities of Temperament of Womeu ; Menstrua- 
 tion Reestablisb(!(l by Treatment ; Remedies 116 
 
 Electricity a Powerful Agent; Dr. Ash well in refer- 
 ence to ; Remedial Agents for ; Different Medicines 
 used for 117 
 
 Suspension of the Uterine Functions Fatal ; Gonorrhoea, 
 Blennorrhagia, or Clap, in the Male ; Derivation of 
 name ; Some Persons more liable to Contract it than 
 others ; Symptom of Clap 118 
 
 Engravings Representing Clap and Chordee ; Engrav- 
 ing Representing Gonorrhoea! Discharge Magnified ; 
 Engraving of Gonorrhoeal Opthalmia 119 and 120 
 
 Chordee ; Deformity of Penis ; Chronic Gonorrhoea ; 
 Gleet ; Symptoms of. 121 
 
 Nocturnal Pollutions from ; Danger of other Diseases 
 from ; Coition ; when Safe 122 
 
 Indiscriminate Coition 5 Danger of Inoculation from 
 Gleet ; Chordee, How Avoided 123 
 
 Treatment of; Retention of Urine; Inflaramaiion of 
 the Neck of the Bladder ; Buboes from Sympathetic 124 
 
 Swelled Testicle ; Symptoms of ; Not Dangerous 125 
 
 Diet and Remedies ; Gleet 126 
 
 Gonorrhoeal Rheumatism and Sore Eyes ; Gonon-hoeti 
 in the Female 127 
 
 Effect of upon other Functions ; Treatment 128 
 
 Beautiful Electrotype Engraving, illustrating Primary 
 Syphilis and Gonorrhoea in the Female 129 and 130 
 
 Excoriations of the Genitals in both Sexes ; Warning 
 Against Excessive Coition ; Strictures ; Sir Astley 
 Cooper on ; Spasmodic Stricture ; Sir Benjamin Bro- 
 die on , 131 
 
 Treatment of. lufiammatory Strictures ; Treatment of 132 
 
COXIT^NTS. 401 
 
 PAGE 
 
 £xcessivc Desire to Urinate ia ; Primary Strictures. . . 133 
 Mecbaaical Obstru-ctioa of Uriae in ; Symptoms of Stric- 
 ture IM 
 
 Engraving of Urethral Strictures 135 and 136 
 
 Bugbear ; Depletion of Purse ; M. Ricord 137 
 
 Genius of the Ago ; Yankee Part of Christendom : 
 
 Diseases of the Prostate Gland ; Symptoms 138 
 
 Engraving of the Bladder and Enlargement of the 
 
 Prostate Gland ; with Stricture 139 and 140 
 
 Chronic Inflammation of Neck of Bladder ; Induction 
 
 of other Diseases by ; Spirituous Liquors 141 
 
 Calls of Nature ; Observance of; IiTitation of the Testes 142 
 Engraving of Swelled Testicle ; with Explanation ; 
 Engraving of Severe Case of Hydrocele ; Engraving 
 Representing Vegetations or Warts on Penis. 143 and 144 
 Variocele ; Hydrocele ; Diseases of Kidneys and Ure- 
 ters ; Infiltration of Urine 5 Hemorrhoids 5 Irritation 
 of Vagina and Womb ; Vegetations or Warts ; Phy- 
 
 mosis and Para-Phymosis 145 
 
 Enlargement of Epididymis and Spermatic Cord ; Sy- 
 philis ; Symptoms of 146 
 
 Engravings Representing Phymosis, Para-Phymosis ; 
 Clap ; Chancres (Pox) ; Phymosis from Pox : Deep- 
 
 Seated Ulcers on the Scrotum 147 and 148 
 
 General Remarks on Syphilis ; Primary Symptoms 149 
 
 Chancre ; Description of ; Virus 5 Rabid Animals : 
 
 Small Pox ; Diseases of Bones ; Palate ; Nose ; Eyes 150 
 Eight Beautiful Engravings, Showing the Different 
 Stages of Development of Chancres (Pox). .151 and 152 
 
 Horrid Ravages of Syphilis ; Children Born with 153 
 
 Gonorrhoea! Opthalmia ; Frequency of Venereal Dis- 
 eases ; Transmission of Venerial Virus 154 
 
402 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Three Beautiful Engravings, Representing Syphilitic 
 Discharge Magnified ; Chancres in the Urethra 
 and Bladder ; and Syphilitic Ulcers on Tongue and 
 Throac 155 and 156 
 
 How to Prevent Syphilis and Clap ; IIow Contracted ; 
 
 Secondary, or Constitutional Syphilis ; When it Be- 
 comes so 157 
 
 False and Real Disease ; When Secondary Syphilis ; 
 When Manifest ; Skin Disease from 158 
 
 Syphilitic Affections of the Mucous Surfaces ; Tertiary 
 Syphilis 159 
 
 Ulceration of Bones ; Rheumatic Pains in ; Sore 
 Throat ; Syphilitic Affections of the Eye ; Rapid 
 Destruction from ; Symptoms of 160 
 
 Three Engravings, Representing the Destruction of the 
 Eye by Syphilis 5 Constitutional Syphilitic Affection 
 of the Eye, and Syphilitic hydro-sarcocele of Testi- 
 cle 161 and 162 
 
 Syphilitic Disease of Testicle ; Time of Occurrence ; 
 Perfect Curability of; Tertiary Syphilis; Nodes; 
 Periostitis; Exostosis; Caries; Tubercles 163 
 
 Syphilis in the Bones ; Three Varieties ; Illustration of 
 Cases 164 
 
 Four well- executed Engravings, Representing Nodes on 
 the Frontal Bone, Caries in the Teeth ; Ulcers on ; 
 and Destruction of the Nose by Syphilis. . .165 and 166 
 
 Special Notice of Injuries Received by Patients from 
 Inexperienced Physicians, Quacks, and their Reme- 
 dies 167 
 
 Part 2d. Caution to Patients 168 
 
 Prefac/) ; Character of the Work 16P 
 
CONTENTS. 403 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Preface continued : Evil Results from Onacism 170 
 
 latroduction ; Harm-oiiy of the Physical Organism 171 
 
 Appeal to the Public ; Bawdy Books 172 
 
 Self-abucse by Girls ; Causes of 173 
 
 A Few Words to Invalids 17-i 
 
 Two Engravings, Representing Opthalmia (Diseases of 
 Eyes), from involuntary loss of Semen — caused by 
 Self-abuse — and the Meagre Appearance of the Fea- 
 tures ... .175 and 176 
 
 Onanism ; Self-abuse ; Masturbation 177 
 
 Ignorance of Physicians on ; Individual Cases 178 
 
 Early History of the Disease ; Biblical Notice of ; False 
 
 Modesty 179 
 
 Ancient Writers on ; Hyppocrates on ; Areteus on. . . . 180 
 Symptoms of ; Galen ; Pliny ; Cornelius Gallus ; Titus 
 Ertherius, Death of in Copulation ; Actius ; Sane- 
 
 torius ; Soninius ; Celsus ; Tulpius 181 
 
 Blancard on Seminal Diseases ; Muys on ; Blindness 
 
 from ; Salmuth on ; Hoffman on 182 
 
 Effects from Excessive Indulgence ; Boerhaave on 183 
 
 De Senac on ; Ludwig on ; De Gottier on 5 Van Sv/ie- 
 
 ten on 184 
 
 Klokof on Mental Affection in ; Neither the Treat- 
 ment nor the Diseavse mentioned in Medical Colleges. 185 
 Suicides, Aflfected with ; Sexual Organs ; Influence of 
 
 Mind on ; Gaming Table 186 
 
 Sexual Desires Late in Life ; Sexual Instinct 187 
 
 Sexual Desires Absent in the Studious ; Sir Isaac New- 
 ton ; Intelligent Physicians 188 
 
 Injuries of the Brain, causing Impotency ; Baron Lar- 
 
 rey on ; Lallemand on ;• London Lancet 189 
 
 Unnatural and Excessive Loss ot"" Semen 190 
 
404 CONTENTS. 
 
 Vigor of Maubood ; Loss of ; The Onanist 191 
 
 Mind and General System AflFectfed by ; The Exemplary 
 
 and Virtuous Victims of 192 
 
 Spermatorrhoea Causing Disease of the Bladder, Kid- 
 neys, Urethra and Rectum ; Eunuchs ; Imperfection 
 
 of Mind and Body of 193 
 
 Cause of Spermatorrhoea 194 
 
 Occurrence After Fever ; DeWlity of Seminal ducts. . . 195 
 Medicines Causing the Disease ; Cantharides. Phosphor- 
 us ; Iron ; Opium ; Cases from my own Note Book ; 
 
 with Certificates of ray having Cured them 106 
 
 Two Striking Engravings, Representing Varicocele of 
 the Testicle from Self-pollution ; and Total Relaxa- 
 tion of both from 197 and 198 
 
 Headache from ; Affection of the Eyes from ; Moral 
 
 Teachings Inefficacious 199 
 
 Misanthropes ; Hermits, Case No. 1 ; Mr. S. ; Cure 200 
 
 Case No. 2, Mr. M. ; Cure 201 
 
 Case 3, Mr. P., New York ; Cure 202 
 
 Case 4, Remarks, Lallemand 203 
 
 Dr. Butini ; Dr. Bailey 204 
 
 Medicines and Treatment 205 
 
 Spermatorrhoea and Diseases of Prostate Gland 206 
 
 Injections, Copaiba, Cubebz, Nitre, etc. Cause Emis- 
 sions 20i 
 
 Case 5, M. De B.— , Lallemand 2QB 
 
 Diurnal Pollutions, Symptoms 209 
 
 Severe Constipations. 210 
 
 Baths, Cauterization 211 
 
 Constipation from Horse Exercise 212 
 
 Impotence of the Scythians • 213 
 
 Injury from Mechanical Appliances and Instruments.. . 214 
 
CONTKNTS. 405 
 
 PAGB 
 
 (jvm' 6, M. R., a Modicai Student, LallemtuKl 215 
 
 TTre-^ral Irritation 21G 
 
 Worrfls Cause of Seminal Losses ; Injury from False 
 
 btrficacy 217 
 
 Applications from Fathers and Mothers — Sperma- 
 torrhoea hereditary; Case 7, Lallemand 218 
 
 Cases 8, 9, 10, and 11 219 
 
 Cases 12, 13, and 14 220 
 
 Case 15, R. H. ; Dr. McDou.£?all 221 
 
 Periodical Returns of Seminal Disease ; Insanity 222 
 
 Death of a Hermit 223 
 
 Case 16 ; Dr. McDougall; Have great many like it 224 
 
 Blennorrhagia, Orehitis, Phimosis, Inflammation of 
 
 Bladder 225 
 
 Several other symptoms by which Spermatorrhoea may 
 
 be detected 226 
 
 Warning by first involuntary emission ; Greatest Causes 
 
 of Impotency ; Ignorance of patients 227 
 
 Impotency ; Sterility ; Infecundity 228 
 
 Fifteen Engravings, representing microscopical views 
 of Semen, and the Testicle injected with mer- 
 cury 229 and 230 
 
 Healthy semen; How long retained in the body. Healthy 
 
 animalcules ; Confidence iu Parents 231 
 
 Stricture, obstacle to seminal discharge ; continuance 
 
 of the disease 232 
 
 Inability to copulate ; Female tantalized ; microscop- 
 ical researches 233 
 
 Testicle ; Change of structure ; Case 17 ; Fruitless 
 
 marriages 234 
 
 Microscopic examinations ; How made 235 
 
 Transparency of Spermatozoa 236 
 
400 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGK. 
 
 Appearance of Animalcules 237 
 
 Spermatozoa in the Uretlwa ; Immense numbers of 238 
 
 Absence of Animalcules in the Teaticles 239 
 
 Absence of in Consumptives 240 
 
 Spermatozoa in the urine 241 
 
 Ditference between Pus and Semen 2 i2 
 
 Characteristic smell 243 
 
 Loss of semen at stool 244 
 
 The quantity of semen lost ; physical and mental effects 245 
 
 Report on to Massachusetts Legislature 24G 
 
 Compared to the vice of Intemperance ; idiocy 247 
 
 Prevalence of the vice 248 
 
 Personal appearance of those addicted to the vic3 ; 
 
 Treatise on the subject ; value of to the Public 249 
 
 Birth of Feeble-minded Children ; Servants teach Chil- 
 dren the practice 250 
 
 Atrocious Guilt ; Sleeping Companions of Children. . . 251 
 
 Modesty of Person ; Copland on Insanity 252 
 
 Melancholy 253 
 
 Lunatic Asylum 254 
 
 Evil Prevented by Publicity 255 
 
 Comparative Frequency of Insanity from, in the 
 
 Professions and Trades ; Sedentary Life 256 
 
 Engraving, with Explanations of Stomach ; Intoetines, 
 
 etc 257 and 258 
 
 Appearance of Masturbators 259 
 
 Case 18, M. D 260 
 
 Appearance of Urine 261 
 
 Errors of the Medical Profession 262 
 
 Frequency of Micturation ; Dr. Daniel ; Case 19 ; 
 
 McF 263 
 
 Misconception of the Disease 264 
 
CONTENTS. 40*1 
 
 PAGB. 
 
 Mental Hallucination ; Case 20 ; M. Emile G., Dr. 
 
 Cauirere 265 
 
 Indifference to External Impressions 266 
 
 Disordered Digestion 266 
 
 Cauterization 267 
 
 Marriage ; when advisable ; Dr. Esquirol 268 
 
 Hypochondriasis 269 
 
 Removal of Cause 270 
 
 Physician's Advice on Matrimony in reference to the 
 
 Bride ; Causes of Abuse, predisposing 271 
 
 Internal Causes of ; Rutting Season in Animals 272 
 
 The Ape ; Resembltince to Man ; Irritation of Brain. . . 272 
 External or Exciting Causes of ; Case 21 ; Dr. Deslandes 273 
 
 Rousseau ; Case 22 ; Son of a Physician 274 
 
 Shirt of Mail 275 
 
 Case 23 ; Parent Duchatelet 276 
 
 Educational Eetablishment 277 
 
 Gymnastics 278 
 
 Varieties of Abuse 279 
 
 Cases 24, 25, and 26 280 
 
 Dreams 281 
 
 Effects of Absence of Sleep 282 
 
 Cases 27 and 28 283 
 
 Cases 29, 30, and 31 284 
 
 Cases 32 and 33 ; Treatment ; Habitual Priapism 285 
 
 Case 34 ; English Officer 286 
 
 Effects of Abuses ; Case 35; Female 287 
 
 Straight Waistcoat 2«8 
 
 Abuses During Childhood ; Case 36 ; Deslandes. Dr. 
 
 Nurambeau 289 
 
 Nervous Disorders.- 290 
 
 Rapid Return to Health 291 
 
i08 CONTENTS. 
 
 FAGK. 
 
 Resolution? of the Afflicted 292 
 
 Suitable Treatment 293 
 
 Effects of Temperament ; Idiosyncrasy 294 
 
 Urethral discbarges ; Case 37 295 
 
 Case 38 ; Prostatitis ; Cystitis ; Emissions of Blood ; 
 
 Orchitis 296 
 
 Morbid Phenomena 297 
 
 Embarrassment of Females 298 
 
 Erotomania and Satyriasis ; Dr. Curling ; 299 
 
 Old Men Subjects of; Nymphomania . 300 
 
 Plate representing Wasted Testicle, from Excess and 
 
 Abuse, and Undescended Testicle, causing Impo- 
 
 tency 301 and 302 
 
 Unmistakable Signs of Erotomania 303 
 
 Fatality ; The Influence which different Articles have ; 
 
 Medicines and others, in producing and curing Sper- 
 
 matorrhcEa and Impotence 304 
 
 Purgatives ; Injurious Effects of 305 
 
 Narcostics ; Coffee ; Tea ; Tobacco ; Alcohol 30G 
 
 Nervous Influences of; Drs. Rush, Boerhave, CuUen, 
 
 Darwin ; Tissott on Tobacco ; Case 39 ; Dr Pilchor.. 307 
 
 Case 40 ; Dr. Chapman ; Cases 41 and 42 ; Dyspepsia. 308 
 Dr. Franklin, and Hon. John Quiucy Adams on use 
 
 of Tobacco; Cases 43, 44, and 45 309 
 
 Hospital Experience ; Cases 4U, 47, and 48 310 
 
 Opium ; Injuries from ; Case 49 311 
 
 Artificial Habits ; Power of Habit 312 
 
 Dr. McDonald ; Cantharides ; Effects of 313 
 
 Camphor ; Case 50 ; Nitrate of Potash 314 
 
 Case 51 ; Ergot of Rye. . .'. 315 
 
 phosphorus ; Iron ; Mechanical Means Adopted for 
 
 the Prevention of Seminal Emissions 31# 
 
CONTENTS. 409 
 
 TAGS. 
 
 Case 52 ; Strangury of the Urethra 317 
 
 Case 53 — Bladder complications 318 
 
 Anti-Venereals 319 
 
 Nymphomania productive of Monomania and Crime ; 
 Masturbation practiced by Females ; Remarks sliow- 
 
 ing its dreadful effects upon the constitution 320 
 
 Case 51, very interesting 320 
 
 Letter from an M.D 321 
 
 Onanism among Females 322 
 
 Health and beauty — how preserved 323 
 
 Pulmonary Consumption 324 
 
 Baron Boyer ; Prof. Richard 325 
 
 Cramp in Stomach ; Pains in Back 326 
 
 Human nature always the same 327 
 
 Sydenham. Life, "What is it ? It is mere existence with- 
 out health 328 
 
 Achilles. Biehat 329 
 
 Masturl>ation produces effects upon the Female ; easily 
 
 discerned by the generality of people 330 
 
 Offspring of Venereal Parents 331 
 
 Childhood and Youth. A Lady's beauty 332 
 
 Four engravings representing Venereal taint in the Oflf- 
 ppring ; Venereal Eruption ; Deep-seated ulcers in 
 the neck and throat ; Caries of the Cheek bone, 333 ana 334 
 Maiden purity ; Chastity, the daughter of modesty. 
 
 Socrates 335 
 
 Causes of Female Prostitution 336 
 
 Wells. Woodbridge. Gove. Fowler 337 
 
 Masturbation practiced by nine boys in tea 338 
 
 Heart-sickening cases in my own practice. Case 54... 339 
 
 Case 55 ; Attempted Suicide ,«,...- 340 
 
 Mere Skeleton, Case 56 ,,.o«.. ...... ... 311 
 
410 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Recommendatory Letters 342 
 
 Interesting Letter 343 
 
 Certificates given me by the Patients themselves, for 
 curing them of Emissions, Seminal weakness, Impo- 
 tency, and General Debility, after they had been un- 
 der the charge of a number of Physicians, and used 
 all of the quack remedies, such as Cordials, Elixirs, 
 Antidotes, Drops, Compressions, and Mechanical In- 
 struments 344 to 355 
 
 Three Engravings representing Sloughing Chancre, 
 Venereal Eruptions after Suppuration, Sypliilitic 
 
 Ulcers in the Heart 355 and 356 
 
 Cases, and Certificates of Cures from 356 to 363 
 
 Five beautiful Engravings representing Chancres. Pus- 
 tules on the Skin, G-angreene, Venereal Eruption on 
 
 the Penis, with Buboes 363 and 364 
 
 Certificates of Cures from 364 to 373 
 
 Three beautiful Engravings representing Syphilitic Ul- 
 cers on the Leg, Primary Syphilis from Inoculation, 
 
 and Tubercular Syphilis 373 and 374 
 
 Certificates of Cures 375 to 377 
 
 Advice to Venereal Patients 377 
 
 A Sample of the Ingredients composing the different 
 
 Advertised or Quack Remedies 378 
 
 Means of rescuing the afflicted 379 
 
 Don't fail to read this advice to the afflicted 380 
 
 Address of the Author ; Post Office Box 381 
 
 Unpublished Letters 381 
 
 Treatment of Female Diseases 382 
 
 Consultation Fee ^ Certificates 382 
 
 A Virginia Physician 383 
 
 Letters. A Patient's Advice to read the Medical Ad- 
 
 viSEK AND Makriage Guide 384 
 
 Opinions of the Press, Editorially, and many eminent 
 Physicians, in favor of my superioi" abilities. . . 384 to 390 
 
 1 15-8 4-4 
 
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