Wichmann remarks, that it is at the commencement of the fine season of spring that the patients are most conscious of their situation. They owe this increase of their ills (says he) to that general procreative faculty which becomes more active in all animated beings at this period of the year. The more full the vesicles of semen, the more liable are patients to lose it. We must also remark, that most patients secrete prolific semen, and preserve their procreative power. This, however, requires the patient to have the faculty of erection; for, otherwise, he would be impotent. This was the case with an individual, whose case is stated by Henry Van-Hers.
A young man of rich family, and who had arrived at puberty, consulted this physician, avowing, that from the time he was ten years old, he had enjoyed frequent intercourse with young girls, who had excited him by their lascivious touches; adding, that from this period the power of erection had disappeared. He hadtravelled for a long time, and had received advice from several French physicians. He went to the Spa waters, and there his case was examined by Van-Hers. The sensibility and weakness of the genital organs were so great, that on the slightest touch, and without any desire for coition, or any sensation, there was a discharge similar to thin milk. This excretion continued both night and day, whenever he passed urine, or on the least rubbing of his shirt. A great many remedies had already been tried. Van-Hers regarded the disease as incurable, but the young man would not listen to his advice; and being very rich, he continued to travel in Italy, France, England, and Germany, in the hope of recovering his lost virility. He consulted many physicians. He then had recourse to quacks; and even tried the powers of magic: but all in vain. After six years of travel, he returned to Van-Hers, regretting that he had not taken his advice. The young man then returned home, deploring the advantages of a large fortune, which rendered him the victim of a precocious abuse of pleasure, of a kind of premature depravity.
Wichmann’s dissertation was but little known in France, when Sainte Marie undertook its translation; and not only this, but added many important notes, which have shed new light on diurnal pollution. Wichmann had said, as we have seen, that patients affected with this diseaseejaculatedthe semen. This expression was inexact, and has been rectified by M. Sainte Marie. The patients (said he) do not ejaculate the semen; but it runs away from them: it is not emitted with force. The characters which it presents had briefly been alluded to by Wichmann: his translator has stated them more clearly. According to him, the semen which runs away in diurnal pollution is paler, thinner, and more watery, than that which escapes when the act is attended with pleasure. Its odor, also, is fainter; and the stains it leaves on the linen are slight, superficial, and not very apparent. Wichmann had admitted the existence of a discharge from the prostate gland, which ought not to be confoundedwith diurnal pollution. Sainte Marie has attempted to point out the characteristics of this discharge. Those in whom it exists, (says he,) find the glans moistened in the morning when they rise with an unctuous substance: if they then compress the urethra from the root to the end of the penis, they press out some drops of a greenish, gluish, and slightly fetid fluid. They thus lose a little of this fluid after indulging in desires, or after erections which have not been followed by the act of venery. Sainte Marie considers it as probable that the mucus of the urethra then mixes with the fluid of the prostate gland, and forms a part of the discharge.
This author confirms Wichmann’s remarks on the general effects of diurnal pollution. He says, “Since I read his treatise, I have found this pollution in diseases of languor, which I could not attribute to a special or primitive alteration of any organ; and I have discovered, that a great many cases of hypochondria, of slow nervous fevers, of consumptions, were kept up by this kind of gonorrhœa, to which the patients, unable to observe themselves, had paid no attention. I have known several individuals, who have been affected with this diurnal pollution for a long time, without experiencing any marked derangement in their health: to them, it was an inconvenience; rather than a disease. But in these cases, diurnal pollution is not habitual: it only occurs when continence of days or weeks, an exciting or substantial regimen, long exercise on horseback or in a carriage, have accumulated semen in its reservoirs, or have irritated specially the genital organs: then the least effort to expel the feces causes the seminal vesicles to pour forth the surplus of fluid which they contain. Let not this state inspire too much security. Diurnal pollution is commenced: it is not yet serious; but it may progress, return every day at each evacuation, and finally produce all the bad results noticed by Wichmann.”
Wichmann said nothing in regard to the organic conditions of the diurnal pollution: he merely statedthat this affection was the result of debility. M. Sainte Marie, on this point, makes many interesting remarks. He considers diurnal pollution as sometimes the cause, and sometimes the effect, of dorsal consumption; and he considers this to be an affection of the spinal marrow. We will quote this passage:—Diurnal pollution (says Sainte Marie) is sometimes only an effect; the origin of which must be sought after in a serious and primitive alteration of an important system of organs. Thus, we must reason, for instance, in respect to dorsal consumption. It is said, that one remarkable symptom of this disease is an abundant discharge of watery semen, which comes sometimes at each emission of urine. Involuntary diurnal pollution is here only a symptom: it occurs, because the genital organs do not receive,from the spinal marrow, the nervous and well regulated influence which they require to perform their functions properly. Hence, the super-abundant secretion of semen—its unfitness for fecundation—the relaxation of the seminal vesicles, which allow it to escape so readily—the atony of the scrotum—the inconvenient pulling of the spermatic vessels—the weakness of the erections—impotence, &c., &c. The same state of the organs which deprives the genital organs of life, explains, on the other hand, the wasting of parts which respond to this sensitive centre—the thinness of the loins, thighs, and lower extremities—the debility—the paralysis of these extremities—the obstinate constipation, complained of by the patients, and which is similar to that of old men, yielding only to the employment of stimuli—the formications along the back—the incontinence of urine—the gangrenous eschars, which at a more advanced period of the disease form on the sacrum, hips, and trochanters. We might easily pursue this subject, and extend it to the most general symptoms of consumption, as deep melancholy, weakness and slowness of the pulse, disposition to faint, and all those marked symptoms which assimilate this disease to slow nervous fever; but this would estrange us from the principle we seek to establish—which is, that diurnal pollutionis sometimes the cause, and sometimes only the symptom, of dorsal consumption. Wichmann has treated only of the first: the second is connected with a general disease, and cannot be studied separately. These remarks of Sainte Marie will be admitted to be much more important, if compared with our remarks on the abuse of the genital organs on the spinal marrow, and with what we shall say hereafter on the power which this has on the same organs.
Swediaur, who was acquainted with and approved of Wichmann’s work, admits, in addition to the diurnal pollution described by this latter, and which he considers as arising either from relaxation or from irritation of the testicles and seminal passages—he admits, we say, a blenorrhœa of the prostate gland, the characters of which, as stated by him, are precisely similar to those of diurnal pollution. Blenorrhœa of the prostate gland (says he) is a morbid discharge of the mucus from this gland, sometimes mingled with the fluid of the seminal vesicles. It occurs particularly during the day, and without venereal desire. This disease is soon followed with general debility or weakness: this exhaustion is attended with emaciation of the body, and is followed by death, if the patient delays consulting a well-educated physician, as is too often the case; or if the proper remedies are not used in time. He admits, also, that the discharge from the prostate gland does not occur in some individuals, except when they go to stool; and that hardened feces, in passing through the rectum, press the prostate gland more firmly. The discharge is clear mucus, and of a particularly nauseous odor. Cullerier describes two kinds of spermatorrhœa: one with loss of semen and of the prostate fluid; the other, produced by constipation. He remarks—Persons who are habitually costive often see a few drops of semen ooze from the penis, while they are at stool. We have been consulted several times for cases of this kind. Some regard it as resulting from a relaxation, a debility of the genital organs: they imagine that their genital powers are lost, and that their procreative power islost. Others attribute it to old blenorrhœas, which havestruck in, as it is said. All, generally, are terrified at the effect; and quacks have often profited by its existence, to persuade patients that they were affected with an inveterate venereal disease, and thus to dispose of their remedies. This effect arises, as every one knows, from the pressure of the feces in the rectum on the seminal vesicles, and may be removed by removing the constipation.
This was the state of science, when Lallemand devoted himself to the study of the diseases of the urinary passages, and enriched it with many important remarks. As, in acute inflammations of the urethra, the irritation sometimes extends, following the course of the seminal passages to the testicles; so, in retentions of urine, produced by chronic inflammation of the prostatic portion of the urethra, the irritation extends more or less to the seminal vesicles and testicles, producing in the former normal contractions, and in the latter an excessive secretion, whence would result a spermatic flux. In patients thus affected, the ejaculation is very sudden: nocturnal pollutions are frequent—or, rather, the semen is expelled during the emission of urine, and of the feces. It is also more liquid, less odorous, and in short less elaborated than usual. In many patients, the venereal desires are nearly extinct; the erections are feeble, imperfect, or even impossible. This spermatorrhœa has general effects, analogous to those which have been attributed to other pollutions: the patients become timid, idle, indifferent to all which is not connected with their disease; all the functions of the economy languish, and are deranged; and, finally, both body and mind are degraded.
Lallemand has known all the phenomena which we have described to disappear, on curing the retention of urine—or, rather, the disease of the urethra which caused it—and relates cases of this character. Do not the remarks of this practitioner, compared with our remarks on convulsive spermatorrhœa, and particularly on the different states which the semen maypresent in this affection—do they not establish clearly, that in many, perhaps in most cases of spermatorrhœa, there is not relaxation, weakness of the seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts, but irritation or inflammation of these parts?
It would, then, seem well established, that the semen may be discharged without pleasure, without erection, and without ejaculation; and that this discharge may give rise to accidents analogous to those observed after all free discharges of this fluid, arising from any cause whatever. This fact, however, has been contested by different authors. Boerhaave says positively, that he has never known the semen to escape spontaneously, without solicitation; and that when such a case has been suspected, the fluid discharged was not probably semen; and that, farther, if this kind of spermatorrhœa exists, it must be very rare. Swammerdam, Hunter, and Haller, have expressed a similar opinion: the latter admits that a discharge may take place from the penis, under the circumstances mentioned above; he thinks, also, that this discharge comes from the prostate gland and seminal vesicles. But the fluid which escapes is only the mucus secreted by these parts—it is not semen; and unless opinions had been made up from wrong evidence, wrong consequences, it would not have been attributed to it. At present, the opinion that all cases of spermatorrhœa are only blenorrhœas, is still very prevalent. Descamps, physician at Castilliones, having brought before the Medical Society, in 1821, two cases of spermatorrhœa, the consequences of masturbation; Chantourelle, who was the reporter, raised some doubts, which the society seemed to admit, as to the nature of the discharge, thinking it was mucous, rather than spermatic. We, however, are disposed to think, that when the subject of diurnal pollution is better understood, it will be observed more frequently, and then its existence will not be denied. It is with the hope of contributing to this result, that we have dwelt so long on the subject.
If the imperceptible loss of semen may be followedby all the symptoms which are referred to it, it is evident that those authors who have advanced that the emission of semen should be counted as nothing in the influence of the act of venery, and that the nervous disturbance which attends it is the only cause of its consequences—those authors, we say, who assert this, have advanced too positive an opinion, and are consequently mistaken. The same may be said of those who ascribe the danger of venereal excesses simply to the discharge of urine. It is well ascertained, that those individuals who have carried the act of onanism to such an extent as to procure enjoyment without losing semen, have finally became diseased, and their constitution has been impaired. Instances of this might be cited. Fournier and Begin mention that of a young man, who, at the moment of ejaculation, compressed the remote parts of the urethra, so that not a drop of semen was lost. The fatigue, however, following efforts of this kind was very great, notwithstanding these exertions. Finally, the strength diminished, and the person wasted away as much as if the semen had been discharged. (Dict. des Sc. Med., Art.Masturbation.)
There is frequently some derangement in the functions of the testicles, in those who have lost the genital sense, where the penis is no longer capable of erection, or who are affected by one or other of the pollutions mentioned by us. But these organs may be affected more evidently. In many onanists, these parts are extremely tender, or more or less vivid pains are felt, which extend along the cord. These symptoms sometimes assume an evidently neuralgic character; and it may readily be imagined, that, in individuals affected with wandering pains, excesses in venery may fix them in these parts. This has been remarked in gout. Hallé and M. Guilbert observed, in a middle-aged man addicted to excesses of this character, a severe pain in the left testicle, unattended by swelling, which extended to the whole surface of this organ: this pain followed an attack of articular gout. Irritation of the testicles sometimes constitutesan attack of orchitis—that is, an inflammation, which, among other consequences, may be attended with the loss of these parts. Brodie has published two cases of this character. The first was that of a young man, thirty years old, who entered St. George’s Hospital in 1805, affected with pains in the left testicle. This testicle was soft, flabby, and one third smaller than that of the opposite side. The patient had never received a blow on this part, nor had he been affected with blenorrhœa; but he admitted, that for five years he had been addicted to onanism, and that a day seldom passed without his indulgence. Before wasting away, the testicle had been the seat of a swelling, which had been preceded by severe pains. These pains had continued to be felt, and the disease was attended with such a degree of moral depression, that the countenance of the patient assumed a sombre and melancholy character. This young man was treated by various remedies, but he left the hospital uncured. The other patient, on applying to Mr. Brodie, in 1820, was thirty-one years old. Here the two testicles were wasted, and the patient was impotent. This man stated that his intercourse with females began when he was fourteen years old; that he had indulged excessively for many years; that, when twenty years old, in consequence of external violence, he was affected with severe inflammation of the testicles; that this inflammation had been completely cured; and that the wasting of the testicles had commenced some time afterward. In three years, the testicles had shrunk to their present size. (London Med. and Phys. Journal, October, 1826.)
According to Morgagni, the too frequent return of venereal ideas will produce varicocele and hydrocele. Some authors, also, place venereal excesses among the causes of the first of these two diseases, and also of circosele. We have seen several cases of varicose dilatation of the spermatic cord and testicle in onanists. This fact is also confirmed by Breschet, in his memoir read at the Academy of Sciences, Jan. 13th, 1834. He thinks that circosele and varicocele are byno means diseases of adult and old age, but that they are seen most frequently in young men. These affections seem to him to be caused most particularly by venereal excesses. He adds, that the varicose tumors of the bursæ, and the organs they contain, are not only very troublesome, causing severe pain in the cord, but that in some patients they cause extreme melancholy.
One consequence of onanism, which has been omitted by Deslandes, may be stated here. We allude to the smallness of the genital organs. In several severe cases of onanism, which have fallen under the notice of Dr. A. Sidney Doane, of New-York, this important feature has been observed. The same fact has been remarked by Professor John W. Francis, of New-York; Professor Otto, of Germany; and by other eminent pathologists.
Excesses in masturbation and coition,in females, cause affection of the several organs much more frequently than in males. By too frequent titillation, the clitoris may become enormously large. This cause (says Bouillaud) may determine schirrous engorgement, or even a cancerous degenerescence of this organ. The most frequent alteration, however, of the genital organs of the female, which may be thus produced, is an inflammation of the membrane which lines the vulva and vagina. This inflammation is constantly indicated by a more or less abundant leucorrhœal discharge, and often by swelling, redness, and pain. When this discharge continues, which is often the case, it occasions in young females symptoms analogous to those of diurnal pollution. The complexion loses its color, and becomes yellowish; the eyes are constantly suffused, and the countenance is sad; the patients are feeble and careless; they generally experience gnawing sensations in the epigastric region; and, thinking that these are occasioned by hunger, are constantly eating. Sometimes, the appetite is voracious, and the digestive powers are preserved; but these are commonly soon altered. Severe and constant pains are often felt in the back and epigastrium; the body wastes; and a short, dry, and frequent cough,renders the patient, parents, and sometimes the physician, anxious as to the state of the chest. Add to these symptoms those already described, when speaking of the general effects of masturbation, and you have the state most frequently presented by girls addicted to this habit.
As females have no testicles, nor organs which, like the testicles in the male, serve to prepare and excrete the semen, they cannot have seminal pollutions: they, however, like men, are subject to voluptuous dreams, and then there may be a secretion, analogous to that which exists in them at the moment of the act of venery. May a too frequent return of this symptom have any influence on the health? The only remarks on the subject, to our knowledge, are to be found in Swediaur. He says, when speaking of diurnal pollution—I have seen, although much more rarely, similar diseases in the other sex. I have under treatment, at this moment, a female, twenty-eight years old, who, since her miscarriage, a year and a half ago, suffers from frequent involuntary nocturnal pollutions, excited by libidinous dreams, and attended with all the symptoms of the tabes dorsalis, described by Hippocrates, as a disease of the male. Even the lungs begin to feel this disease. She, however, has been cured.
Inflammation of the external organs of generation, and the fluor albus, resulting from it, is most generally, at least in young girls who have not arrived at puberty, a consequence of onanism. We are convinced, too, that if it were possible to arrive at the facts, we should find that the cause of fluor albus in adults was either recent or former abuses. Whenever we have addressed females on the subject, to ascertain this fact, our conjectures have been verified. This has frequently been the case with servant girls. We have seen several, who were so weakened by fluor albus, and the irritation of the sexual parts, that they have been obliged to quit their situations, being unable to do their duty. We will even say, that the most sincere of these girls have given me such information as to their habits, that we suspect most of this class of onanism.
Besides, all authors who have spoken of leucorrhœa and blenorrhœa in females, have mentioned excesses in masturbation and coition as among their most frequent causes. It would be easy to adduce general evidence and special cases in support of this proposition; but this would be useless.
For the same reasons, we may state, that diseases of the uterus may very frequently be determined by these excesses, and more particularly by those of coition. Daily observation proves that acute and chronic inflammations of the body and neck of the uterus frequently appear in those females who have indulged in premature enjoyments.
We have attended, for more than ten years, a lady affected with chronic metritis, arising from this cause. This lady had began to masturbate before she was eleven years old. She soon became affected with fluor albus, from which she has never been free since. When eighteen years old, she married a vigorous man, and then became addicted to another kind of excess. She now experienced constant pains in the loins, lower part of the belly, and in the groins: she was also troubled with a disagreeable feeling of fatigue in the upper part of the thighs, and experienced as it were a weight, as if something was constantly trying to escape from the sexual parts. The neck of the uterus, instead of retaining its usual situation, proved on examination to be almost at the external orifice of the vagina. Our advice, as to moderation and abstinence, was but imperfectly followed: she was so addicted to onanism, that, although she indulged lawfully, and was the mother of several children, she continued in this habit. It may readily be imagined that she did not derive much benefit from my advice: in fact, the symptoms mentioned above, and many others, still continue. Similar cases are related by other authors, and have fallen under the notice of almost every practitioner.
In this case, there was evidentlyprolapsus uteri, or a falling of the womb: the neck of the uterus was almost at the vulva. This displacement, which is theusual consequence of inflammations of the body of the uterus, very often results, like it, from venereal excesses. This fact has been noticed by all writers on this subject. Schirrous and cancerous affections of the neck of the uterus, also, arise from this cause. Cullerier remarks, that uterine affections in females are loo frequently the sad and cruel consequence of solitary manœuvres. Richerand, after stating that premature or too frequent indulgence is a cause of cancer of the uterus, says, that of forty-seven females affected with this disease, eleven had indulged with males before the period of puberty, seven at this period, and most of them were barren. He adds, that those public girls who escape venereal disease generally die of cancer of the uterus. Bayle and Cayol have attempted to verify this assertion, by examining numerous cases, but they have obtained no marked result; which is not surprising, considering the number of causes, which, especially in hospitals, render such investigations useless. The influence of excessive indulgence, in producing such a disease, is very great. A short time since, we were called to a lady, who had a slight syphilitic ulceration of the neck of the uterus. She, however, still admitted the embraces of her husband, although they were painful, and were followed by a discharge of blood. The parenchyma of the neck, around the ulceration, was gradually engorged: it became schirrous, then cancerous, and the patient finally died. Probably, coition had great influence in developing this disease. Such a thing might happen frequently; for Ricord has shown, that superficial ulcerations of the neck of the uterus are frequent. The cancers which affect these parts, in public women, are, probably, often produced in this manner.
In the lady whose case has been mentioned, the act of coition produced a discharge of blood from the vulva. We have seen cases of a similar character, where the neck of the uterus presented no evidence of organic alteration to the touch. Females in whom this occurs should, however, be very careful in their pleasures, as this slight accident indicates a bad state of the system,and one which should be mistrusted. Sometimes, blood appears on return of coition, when females have not indulged for a long time. Rondelon cites an instance of this. It occurred in a lady from whom her husband had been absent for three years: at the end of this period, he returned. The frequency of coition the first night caused excessive uterine hemorrhage. A similar accident may result from this act, and a fortiori from its abuse, during or just before the menstrual period. Very serious hemorrhages have often occurred in consequence of excessive copulations. Tissot states—In 1746, a girl, twenty-three years old, submitted to the embraces of six Spanish dragoons, at a house near the gates of Montpelier. She died the next day, from excessive hemorrhage of the uterus. A similar case has been related by Virey. We know (said he) that a public woman, who submitted in one night to twenty-one soldiers, the next day died, with hemorrhage of the uterus. This was a dark, thin woman, in the flower of her age. (Dict. des Sc. Med., vol. xiv., p. 339.) Onanism causes in young women, and even in children, a discharge of blood from the vulva. This fact was mentioned by Duges. The blood lost is then never abundant, and the occurrence is by no means serious.
The irritation produced or kept up by too frequent coition, is very often the cause of sterility. Even as, generally speaking, an inflamed surface refuses to absorb substances applied to it, so irritation of the uterus and vagina renders them unfit for impregnation. Thus, then, libertinism, instead of adding, as we might think, to the chances of fecundation, acts in a contrary manner. Marc remarks, that two hundred public girls do not produce more than two or three children annually. Farther: it seems well ascertained, that if these girls resume a regular life, they again become fruitful. The English, wishing to people Botany Bay, transported there a large number of public women. Those who were sterile in their own country proved fruitful, when subjected to the rigid laws of marriage. Is it not notorious, too, that among the public girls, thosewho bear children are not those most frequently liable to become mothers? De Chanes, physician at Macon, has established, by statistical researches, that but few conceptions take place in the early months of marriage—that is, when the congress of the sexes is most frequent, and causes the most irritation. Villermé has ascertained the same to be true in the early days, and even the early weeks, after marriage. Hence, this learned physician regards the fecundity of copulations as being inversely as their frequency. It may, then, be stated as a fact, that females may become barren, in consequence of venereal abuses.
These abuses are not only injurious, as opposing reproduction, but they also injure, by causing a deterioration of the human family. Marc asserts, that the few children born of prostitutes rarely have the strength and health of those born in lawful wedlock; and that the mortality of the former is fifty per cent greater than of the latter. Too early marriages are attended with results similar to those arising from libertinism. Aristotle mentioned this fact. Delafontaine, first surgeon of the last king of Poland, attributes the extreme physical debility of the Polish Jews to these premature marriages. Marc says—It is proved, that the physical strength of the child depends, in the main, on the mother, rather than on the father; and this is confirmed, too, by referring to domestic animals. The height of the pony depends on the mare, rather than on the stallion. Mules, too, furnish a striking proof of this. The eggs of pullets, whatever may be the size of the cock, are much smaller than those of hens. Farther: it is well known, that females who become mothers before attaining their strength, generally give birth to small children, which are raised with difficulty.
We have seen in a former page, that men had recourse to artificial means to procure a semblance of coition. Accidents of a similar character have happened to girls; and they have been obliged to call in surgeons to their assistance. There are numerous instances, where foreign bodies have been introduced into the vagina, and particularly into the urethra, andcould not be withdrawn. We shall mention some of them. Pamard has reported that of a girl, thirty-one years old, who used an ivory whistle, three inches and a half long, and five lines round in its centre. This she introduced, not into the vagina, but into the urethra. One day, it entered so far, that she could not remove it. After many efforts, it was withdrawn, with polypus forceps. Another girl, seventeen years old, was less fortunate. She was in the habit of introducing a large piece of wood into the urethra. This instrument having entered very deeply, fell into the bladder. Faure was called, and was obliged to cut for it, to extract it. Rigal was obliged to do the same, to relieve a young girl, twenty years old, who used a wooden needle-case in masturbating. Needles and pins have often escaped into these passages. Morgagni asserts that it is by no means unfrequent in Italy for the lascivious girls to introduce into the urethra the golden pins worn in their hair, and that they sometimes fall into the bladder. This they conceal for a long time; but they are finally obliged, through pain, to confess their fault. Moinichien mentions a Venetian girl, whom Molinetti relieved of a golden needle, which had slipped from the hand into this organ. In 1751, Lachese, (according to Morand’s report,) was called to a girl twenty years old, who had introduced into the urethra a toothpick, which she had lost; and after two months, it was extracted. A happy circumstance favored Lamotte in a similar case. An old maid had introduced into the bladder a very large pin. Having sounded several times very patiently and attentively, Lamotte finally felt the pin distinctly. He sounded for the fourth time, when, by accident, it became engaged in the sound. Wishing to withdraw it, and finding some resistance, he introduced his finger into the vagina, and ascertained whence it proceeded. By skilful manipulation, he now succeeded in withdrawing it. These symptoms usually happen only in those who are imprudent, and who introduce into the urethra an instrument designed for an adjacent passage. The vagina is so short and large, that foreign bodies seldomremain in it. For such a thing to take place, certain conditions are requisite, which are not very common. This, however, is possible; and many cases of it are recorded. The following is mentioned by Dupuytren. A female consulted him for some derangement in the vulvo-uterine passage. On examination, a foreign body was felt, the nature of which could not at first be determined. The patient refused to give any information on the subject: by examining, however, it was found that the body presented a large opening or deep cavity. The tumefied walls of the vagina covering the edges of the kind of vessel, prevented its disengagement. After much effort, however, the body was removed; and it proved to be a pomatum-pot, which had been introduced by its base. (Additions à la Med. Operat., de Sabatier; vol. iv., p. 96.)
There are two indications, which embrace every thing relating to venereal excesses. The first is, to prevent the bad effects; the second, to remedy them. Topreserve, torecruit, is what these excesses require. Hence, some of the remedial measures must be hygienic, and others therapeutic. To these, we shall devote two chapters of this second part.
The preservative rules which relate to venereal excesses present fundamental differences, as to the success and facility of their application, according as reference is made to the act of masturbation or coition. Let us point out these differences.
Coition is an act, the mode and purport of which, considered in a scientific point of view, are legitimate; and which, consequently, is lawful, so long as the constitution and health are unimpaired. Hence, it should not be prohibited, except when abused—that is, when indulged in too often, or under circumstances which render it injurious. Except in these cases, it may be permitted, or even advised. When it is forbidden, the advice is generally understood, as it is commonly addressed to adults, children having neither the power nor the opportunity to indulge in coition.This advice may be easily followed, as the individual who indulges in coition to excess, may find it absolutely impossible to indulge: in fact, means to satisfy his taste can only be found by the concurrence of another. Hence, it is only necessary to shun this concurrence, to render this kind of excess impossible. To address one’s self to the reason of an adult—or, rather, of a young man—and to create for him, if he cannot create for himself, obstacles to sexual relations, these are the only two preservative indications which abuses of coition require. We have discharged the first, or have stated the mode of fulfilling it, by mentioning the bad consequences attending these abuses, and by making known the circumstances which render the act of venery injurious to those addicted to it. Hence, we shall not return to the subject. The second indication can find no place in a book, and consequently will not detain us. Our remedies, then, as to preservation, will apply exclusively to onanism. In a subsequent page, when we are treating of the restorative remedies, the distinction here laid down between this habit and coition will disappear; and we can then treat of all venereal excesses conjointly.
Although coition, if confined within certain limits, and under certain circumstances, may not be forbidden, this is not the case with masturbation. This latter indulgence has nothing legitimate in it; and nothing respectable—nothing which can palliate the veto of the physician. We are aware that onanism is not always necessarily followed by any inconvenience or danger; but, practically, this distinction disappears. But onanism, without regard to the mode, its frequence, or the individuals or circumstances under which it occurs, may always be considered an abuse, and, consequently, be earnestly proscribed.
This view of the subject rests on two facts: one is fundamental, and applies to all individuals, without distinction of age, sex, or constitution; the other relates only to those who are addicted to onanism, before they are perfectly formed and constituted. The first of these motives is founded on this, that whenthis practice is not actually bad, it may constantly be suspected of becoming so. When onanism once commences, it is difficult to say how far it will extend. The taste for it, and the facility of indulging in it at night, and often in the day, cause this habit to be in a measure indulged in without limits. It becomes so soon imperious, and the despotism it exercises is so absolute, that we ought always to attempt its prevention. It should be regarded as a scourge, and be treated as such, without waiting for the bad effects which may result from it. This course is still more necessary, when children, young patients, and individuals who have not attained their growth, are interested. When maturity arrives, the evil is possible; before it happens, it is probable, and often certain. Farther: our remarks on precocious enjoyments prevent our recurring to the subject.
Before speaking of the preservative means, a question presents itself. How can it be told when these means may be used? or, in other words, what are the signs which indicate that an individual is an onanist, or may become so? The suspicion may extend very far: in fact, every age is exposed to it, as onanism is possible from early life to old age: it, however, belongs to the age before puberty. A great many young girls and boys masturbate: hence, this maybe suspected of every one. This habit is less frequent, but it is far from being rare. The precautions to prevent onanism, and constant vigilance, should then be exercised constantly towards children and young people—in fact, towards all who are not of mature age. This rule is an important one; and cannot be neglected, without exposing one to danger and to deep regrets.
It would be desirable to ascertain the existence of onanism before its effects appear; but this is seldom the case. There is in children a kind of instinct which leads them to conceal this manœuvre, although they have not learned that it is an illicit act. The art with which they elude vigilance is often inconceivable. Watch where the child goes. Have an eye to him who seeks solitude—who remains a long time alone,and who cannot give a good account of himself. Be watchful about the periods of lying down and of rising. At this time, the onanist may be detected in the act. His hands are never out of bed, and his face is often hidden under the bed-clothes. Soon after lying down, he appears sound asleep: this circumstance, which always causes distrust in the experienced man, is one of those which contribute the most to inspire the parents with a feeling of security. The affectation of sleep in the young person may serve to detect him. When approached, he is frequently found red, and covered with sweat, although neither the temperature of the chamber, the weight of bed-clothes, nor any other cause, can explain this state: at the same time, the respiration is more hurried, the pulse is fuller, harder, and more frequent; the veins are larger, and the heat is greater, than usual; in fine, there is that kind of fever, of general turgescence, which usually attends the act of venery.
When the young person is disturbed suddenly, his hands, if he has not had time to remove them, will be found on or near the genital organs. The penis, also, may be found in a state of erection; or you may even find marks of recent pollution, which might be known by the peculiar odor arising from the semen, and which comes from the soiled fingers. Have an eye to those young persons, whose hands, when in bed, or during sleep, are in the position described: they are onanists, or will become so. The same is true in those who frequently have erections of the penis. This erection, and this attitude, are certainly not positive signs of onanism; but they are the probable, or precursory signs of it: they should not, then, be neglected. The stains of semen, on the bed-clothes or dress, may also increase suspicion. When the patients are very young, they are not very evident, the fluid which they emit not having the characters of real semen: the traces which it leaves, however, are too remarkable, not to cause suspicion as to their origin. In those who have attained the age of puberty, there would be nothing equivocal: the only question then would be, that they might beproduced by involuntary pollution. On this topic, we would remark, that this pollution seldom occurs before the age of fifteen or sixteen years, and is seldom frequent before twenty. When involuntary discharges of semen are frequent in young persons, you may be assured that they are the indirect results of onanism: hence, there is reason to regard stains of semen as positive proofs of onanism, when the patients have not attained the age of puberty; and as more probable signs of this habit, when older, if these stains be frequent.
A loss of color, or an earthy tint of the countenance—a violet appearance of the eyelids—a languid expression of face—an air of fatigue andnonchalance, when the patient rises from bed—a difficulty in getting up—are all signs which may lead to the discovery of this pernicious habit. Here we might trace the physical state produced by onanism, if this had not already been done. Unfortunately, it is consumption which sounds the alarm; and this disease must be advanced, too, before the parents seek the cause. Sometimes, the true cause is overlooked, and all remedies are directed to an imaginary one. We will admit, however, that it is not always easy to refer the wasting caused by masturbation to its real origin. A young man, although not addicted to onanism, may lose his strength, grow thin, and present, both morally and physically, the characters belonging to this habit: this effect is often produced by intestinal worms, by dentition, puberty, by a too rapid growth of the body, &c.; and likewise by some chronic diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, lungs, heart, &c. Hence, we should not be too quick to attribute to masturbation a state which may be produced by other causes. The practitioner who would pronounce too precipitately that a patient indulged in onanism, would commit an error which might be serious in more than one respect.
When a young patient presents signs of consumption, there is cause to suspect that onanism is the cause of it; and modes may be used to ascertain whether this be the case. Sometimes, the patient is watched, as has already been stated. Sometimes, we attemptto discover if any other cause has produced consumption; and when this cause is not found, the existence of onanism is supposed. The patient, for instance, presents all the symptoms of exhaustion, and these increase. We inquire if this state may not result from a want of nourishment, or from improper food—from hard work—from long watching—from melancholy, &c.; if it may not be caused by a disease about which the patient is silent, or by one of those maladies which produce effects similar to those of masturbation. Now, if the gradual sinkings of the patient cannot be explained by any of these causes; if he is weak, pale, thin, &c.; if, notwithstanding abundant and nutritious diet, a moderate degree of labor, the absence of all chagrin, &c.; if he presents no sign of disease—or, rather, if the first symptoms of diseases which he would present are not manifested until after the appearance of those of consumption; farther, if these diseases are too slight to have caused this state; if they cannot explain the numerous and varied symptoms observed, and particularly the countenance, the character of which is so significant, that it alone often reveals onanism: then we may consider, if not as certain, at least as very probable, that the patient is a victim to this habit, and we must act accordingly.
But, of all the proofs, it is most important to obtain an avowal of the habit from the patient. First, it removes all doubt; then it renders the action of the physician more frank, and consequently more efficacious. He is no longer fearful of wounding his feelings—of compromising his character, by showing a wrongly founded suspicion; of awaking the attention of the young patient to a subject of which he was ignorant, or of teaching it to him. Advice, remonstrances, punishments, and all the moral remedies, are now easily applicable; and if therapeutic or coercive measures are called for, the patient can no longer deny their utility, and reject their use. Finally, an avowal places the physician, parents, instructors—in short, all who have authority over the patient—in a position to proceed directly to their aim, and thereby attain it.
An avowal never takes place spontaneously: to obtain it is difficult. With males, one need not be so particular; but we must be careful with females. On this topic, no positive advice can be given: much must be left to thetactof the practitioner. We will only add, that we have more than once simply given advice; and we could see, from the manner in which it was received, that our conjectures were right. The physician, however, should always attempt to acquire the confidence of the onanist, to place him at his ease. They have no frankness when a person is stern, or when a moral lecture is expected. The physician should confine himself to his profession. In his eye, onanism should be regarded as a cause of disease—as a cause similar to an excess of labor, bad regimen—in fact, like any influence which might prove injurious to the health. If he should moralize, he would probably be debarred from that confidence which would enable him to give advice, and prescribe the resources of the art.
Masturbation is often overlooked, because it is thought that the hand is a necessary agent in producing it: this is far from being the case; as it may be indulged in, by both sexes, without the aid of the hands. When this is suspected, it is soon discovered, by the manners, face, and silence of the onanist: there is something unusual in the appearance of the patient, which is readily observed; and generally, also, the thighs are crossed, or, at least, are pressed closely together.
To prevent the development of the habit, and, when it is developed, to arrest it, are the two indications prescribed by hygeia. These two indications may be embraced in one—that ofpreventingthe occurrence of onanism. If, for instance, you have before you the case of two individuals, one of whom is not addicted to onanism, while the other may be, you shouldpreventone from continuing, and the other from commencing it. In the two cases, the means used have the same tendency; only when you wish to prevent the habit commenced, you have need of more efforts than in the first case, where it does not exist. Thesemeans are, then, preventive—essentially preventive; for, whatever may be their mode of action, they all tend to prevent the act. Although the prevention of onanism, and the arrest of the habit, are apparently different, yet we shall state the mode of attaining this double result, to avoid repetitions.
In masturbation, we must consider three things—the desire, the will, and the power. Onanism is not possible, where these three conditions do not exist: there is no wish without desire; and the latter is often completely mastered by the former, and both present no result, if there be no possibility of indulging. Hence, to prevent masturbation, and to arrest it, the desire, the wish, the power to indulge, must not exist. These are, as it has been seen, three distinct indications. It is sufficient to attain one of them. It is easily seen, that by appeasing the desire, the will is aided; and the obstacles opposed would be more efficacious, the less vivid the desire, and the weaker the will. It is, therefore, sufficiently understood, that the three indications we have mentioned, although very distinct, require each of them special means, the attainment of one of which renders that of the others useless, while they all can and may be pursued conjointly.
The desire of masturbation is very distinct from venereal desires, which may be felt without experiencing the other. This desire is special: it is that of onanism, and no other. The influences, also—the result of which is more or less proximate, and which is to excite the genital sense—are only theindirectandpredisposingcauses of onanism. The direct and efficient causes are those which lead to the indulgence of it, and the preferring of it to coition. Consequently, two indications relate to the desire of masturbation: one consists in preventing the exaltation of the venereal sense, or in appeasing it; and the second, in preventingor destroying the special causes of the desire of onanism. We proceed to study these two indications in succession.
1.Rules relative to the general or indirect causes of onanism.—The genital sense, and, consequently, the venereal desires, may be felt too vividly and too early, in consequence of different circumstances, which may be divided into two groups. Some belong to the human body, and consist in certain innate acquired arrangements of the organization, in consequence of which the venereal sense presents more or less susceptibility. Others consist in different influences, as education, food, climate, kind of life, &c.; which may act on the sensibility in general, and particularly on that of the genital system. We will begin with the rules connected with the former.
Of the innate or acquired causes of venereal excitement, and of the rules of preservation connected with them.—Some individuals seem, as it were, marked by their organization, to become victims of venereal excesses. In them, the genital sense is excited, and exercises great power, long before the usual period of its manifestation. In others, on the contrary, this sense is not excited until late: in fact, it is so slight, that even this excitement may be doubted. In the present state of the science, these differences can by no means be accounted for. In many cases, however the great development of certain organs, the increase of their vitality or their diseased state exercise considerable influence on the strength and precocity of the venereal sense.
Gall, and the phrenologists of his school, place amativeness in the cerebellum. They consider this organ as the legislator of the sexual parts, the seat of physical love; and assert that the differences in the mass and vitality of this portion of the brain, correspond exactly to the differences of the intensity of the genital desires. We will proceed to mention the different facts on which these physiologists formed their opinion.
Comparative anatomy furnishes them with no argument worthy of mention: in fine, facts contradictoryto Gall’s opinion may be derived from numerous classes of animals who have been deprived of their cerebellum, and yet have exercised the act of reproduction. This opinion applies only to man, and the mammalia resembling him. The relation between the development of the cerebellum and that of the genital organs, has furnished a more plausible reason: it has been adduced as an argument, that, in the encephalon, the fibres of the cerebellum are the last to appear distinctly; and this organ is not perfect, till from the age of eighteen to twenty-six years. A remark of Sœmmering, also, has been adduced, to show that the cerebellum, at the period of puberty, is to the cerebrum as one to five, while in infancy it is only as one to seven.
We have already seen that the genital sense is more powerful in males than in females. But it is said positively, that the cerebellum is commonly smaller in females than in males.
Phrenologists have also sought to establish a reciprocity of action between the genital organs and the cerebellum, by means of the results of castration, and also the influence which the development of the cerebellum may have on the testicles. Castration, (say they,) while it opposes the development of the sense of venery, prevents the cerebellum from gaining the size it would otherwise have attained. Observe, too, how much broader the neck in the bull is, than in the ox. They have also advanced, that if castration occurs only at a period when the cerebellum acquires its development, the genital sense may survive this operation; that, in some cases, it may reduce this organ to a state approximating atrophy; that the removal of one testicle from an animal, whatever may be its species, may produce atrophy, or some alteration in the lobe of the cerebellum, on the side opposite to the testicle removed. They have added, that the alteration of the cerebellum had caused a wasting of the testicles; and that, in the cases where one of the lobes only was disorganized, the testicle of the opposite side was alone affected. According to Gall and his disciples, the size of the cerebellum is discerned externallyby the size and breadth of the nucha. They remark, that this part of the skull is generally more convex in males than in females—in entire animals, than in those who have been castrated—in early life, and in those individuals who are distinguished for their salacity, more than in those who are not susceptible to the pleasures of love. Larrey pointed out to Gall a soldier, whose antipathy to females amounted to mania: the sight of a female caused in him violent convulsions, and almost fury. Spurzheim saw a similar instance in England. Now, in both of these individuals, the cerebellum was but slightly developed. The portraits of Newton, Charles XII., and Kant, according to Gall, by the narrowness of the neck, show that the organ of which we were speaking was but slightly developed in these great men, who history states had but little relish for venereal pleasures. Dispositions diametrically opposite, on the contrary, co-exist with an enlarged volume of the brain. The following is related by Gall:—
“A highly intellectual lady was affected from infancy with very passionate desires; and her careful education alone saved her from those excesses to which she was exposed by her violent temperament. When arrived at a more advanced age, she was left to herself. She attempted every mode to satisfy her burning passions; but enjoyment seemed only to irritate her. She was frequently almost in a state of mania. In despair, she left her house, quitted the city, and took refuge with her mother, in a desolate country, where the want of exciting objects, and the utmost severity, and the cares of gardening, prevented the evil. After a time, she returned again to a large city, was again threatened with relapse, and took refuge a second time with her mother. On returning, she came to see me at Paris, and complained to me in great despair. ‘On every side, I see images of luxury—in every place—at table, and even in my sleep, the demon pursues me. I shall either be mad, or die.’
“I told her briefly the natural history of the instinct of propagation. I called her attention to the form ofher neck. Although her head was very large, yet the diameter of the nucha exceeded the distance from ear to ear. She formed an idea of the cause of her state. I advised her to visit her mother again; to vary her occupations, so as to diminish the activity of her cerebellum; to apply leeches to the nucha, to diminish the irritation of this organ; to avoid all stimulating meats and drinks, &c. &c.
“I have seen at Paris,” says the same author, “a boy, five years old, who seemed sixteen, in respect to his corporeal strength. His genital organs were perfectly developed; his beard was strong; his voice was rough and hoarse: in short, he presented all the signs of virility.”
Dr. Gall was struck, also, with the development of the cerebellum in a boy ten years old, who had been detained in a house of correction at Leipzick, for having violated a young girl. He had also seen at Paris a young mulatto, less than three years old, who was remarkable in the same respect. He made advances, not only to young girls, but to women, and urged them to consent to his desires. His sexual organs, with the exception of long-continued erections, exhibited nothing remarkable. As he was surrounded by girls who indulged him, he died of consumption before he was five years old. His cerebellum was unusually developed; the rest of the head was of the common size. Gall has related other instances of the kind.
A case published by Dr. Chauffard, of Avignon, deserves to be stated here. This physician accompanied the prefect in 1823, in his tour to the departments, to examine those young men who wished to be discharged from military service. A stout farmer, with coarse beard and hair, and disagreeable odor, was undressed, being, as it was said, affected with a disease which he dared not name. It was at the close of December; the season was cold, and the room very chilly. No sooner was he undressed, than the penis began to swell. He was confused—he blushed—he turned his back to the assistants. He could not avoid the priapism; nor, finally, an emission of semen, which tookplace without a sensible diminution in the size of this organ. This man was ignorant and stupid, but he answered questions correctly. He said he was always tormented by continual erections, often followed by seminal emissions. He even admitted that he was accustomed to solicit them. His neck was short; broad, and thick; the posterior portion of the occipital bone presented a very marked slope: finally, the cerebellar portion of the cranium was very prominent, and much developed. This man was reformed. (Jour. univ. des Sc. Med., December, 1828.) We have also observed a very remarkable development of the posterior part of the skull, in a boy eight years old, who was addicted to masturbation for several years, and whose penis was almost constantly in a state of erection. This prominence so elongated the antero posterior diameter of the cranium, that the mother found it difficult to fit caps to his head.
One of Gall’s most distinguished pupils, Dr. Voisin, has tested phrenology, in a visit recently made to the convict galley, at Toulon. Renaud, the Director, informed of the scientific purpose of the visit of this physician, allowed him to examine the cerebral organs of 350 thieves, forgers, or homicides; among whom he had designedly distributed 22 other convicts, condemned for rape, requesting M. Voisin to discover them from this number, by examining the posterior part of the head. This gentleman picked out 22, 13 of whom only were condemned for violence. Thus, then, he had selected nine who were not guilty of this crime; and, on the contrary, had allowed to escape him nine who had been committed. Now, the nine wrongly selected were libertines, whom the Director admitted required to be constantly watched; and the nine, on the contrary, whom he had not detected, were guilty by accident, or when intoxicated: with them, libertinism was only accidental, and not organic.
A few experimental proofs have been invoked, in support of Gall’s opinions of the cerebellum. We will cite a remark made by Serres, as to those bulls killed by striking them on the back of the neck. “Thepenis, in those where the cerebellum was injured, oscillated very evidently during the experiment.” The same gentleman observed a very marked erection in a young horse, who was killed by plunging a knife into the cerebellum. Segalas has produced the same effect in Guinea pigs, by pushing a stylet into this organ.
The principal proofs, however, have been drawn from the action of the diseased cerebellum on the genital apparatus. Thus, the erection of the penis in those who die by hanging, has been attributed, by Gall, to the affection of the cerebellum in this kind of death. Cruvelhier has contested this explanation. He thinks it may be explained by the stasis of the venous blood. “Respiration,” says he, “is retarded, in consequence of the medulla oblongata; and hence results a semi-asphyxic state, favorable to erection. In hanging, there may be an affection of the cervical part of the medulla; and priapism has been observed more than once in lesions of this part.” Phrenologists have also shown, that this symptom often follows the application of a blister or seton to the neck. Another fact, to show the connection of the cerebellum with the genital apparatus, is that of a soldier, whose generative powers had disappeared, after the fleshy scalp of the occiput had been removed by the blow of a sabre. We doubt whether similar cases to this, which was observed by Larry, have often occurred; although Dr. Bischoff has advanced, that wounds of the back of the head, and blows on this part, have often been followed by inflammation of the genitals.
Peculiar excitement of these organs has more than once attended a disease of the cerebellum. We have already mentioned this fact; and the cases stated were selected as those where the affection of the cerebellum might be considered as produced by venereal excesses. In those now to be mentioned, the genital excitement is, or seems to be, the consequence of this affection.
Erection of the penis, with or without pollutions, has several times been noticed as a symptom of apoplexy of the cerebellum. This phenomenon may have been observed in some cases of this affection whichwe have cited. Serres was the first one to call attention to this phenomenon, in his Memoir on Apoplexy of the Cerebellum, inserted in the Journal of Experimental Physiology; the principal facts of which have been adduced in his work on the comparative anatomy of the brain. One fact is, that of a man, forty-six years old, who died with violent apoplexy of the cerebellum, during which satyriasis and ejaculation appeared, with swelling of all the genital organs. Similar cases, which it is unnecessary to state here, might be added. One of them was observed by Falret. “The priapism was presented to my observation with a very remarkable circumstance. The patient had been affected with apoplexy, and presented a complete paralysis of the left side of the body. Different nervous symptoms indicated that there was also great irritation of the encephalon or its membranes. This man, although half frantic, made amorous proposals to the female who attended him, and presented a semi-erection of the penis: this part, instead of being straight, presented a concavity, which looked towards the side not paralyzed. I regret that I could not examine the cadaver of this individual. The affection of the genital organs, in apoplexies of the cerebellum, might probably have been noticed in many cases, if it had been sought after.” It has not been noted, in any of the cases analyzed by Andral. Cruvelhier, also, has never noticed priapism, in a case of apoplexy of the cerebellum which he has seen; but he adds, that he would not dare to say that it has never existed—at least, temporarily. In fact, it may easily escape observation.
Hydrocephalic patients often show a great passion for venereal indulgences. Gall, in noticing this remark, observes, that of all the parts of the encephalon, this is the least changed in these individuals. Chauffard has seen a hydrocephalic patient, fourteen to fifteen years old, with an enormous head, who was addicted to masturbation, and spoke of the pleasures he derived from it.
An acute or chronic irritation of the cerebellum, or of its envelopes, may cause venereal symptoms morethan the alterations just mentioned. In a cadaver, brought from the hospital Bicetre to the amphitheatre, where the penis and testes were considerably swelled, the whole of the cerebellum was inflamed. One of the most interesting facts of this kind was reported by Chauffard. It was that of a man, fifty-three years old, of pleasant manners and mild character, who, in falling, struck his head against the bed-post. The inferior occipital region became inflamed; and subsequently, the habits of the patient were much changed: he became affected with satyriasis, and was so salacious, that he persecuted his wife and daughter, and all the females around him. This man, hitherto pious and modest, gradually became affected with the most violent erotic delirium, and finally committed the most indecent acts. During the next three months, this state increased; but, at the same time, his strength and intelligence failed. Finally, one day, after a violent fit of anger, occasioned by the refusal of his wife to listen to him, he became convulsed. The pain left the back part of the head, and affected the top of it. The left side of the body now began to be paralyzed; and the satyriasis was replaced by religious delirium, with constant mumbling of prayers. The patient died eight days afterward. According to Chauffard, at first, there was an affection of the cerebellum. When the state of the patient was changed, the organ of veneration was affected: this organ corresponds to the central posterior and superior part of the frontal bone, where the patient finally felt severe pain.
Was not the cerebellum, also, affected, in the following case reported by Sainte Marie:—“A merchant of Lyons, an educated and honorable man, seemed to be cured of an inveterate venereal affection, for which he had undergone a course of treatment with mercury. He, however, complained of restlessness, heat in the throat,pains in the occiput and nucha, and frequent erections. In 1812, after domestic troubles, he became affected with furious delirium. This state lasted three days, and terminated in priapism; during which, the patient had fourteen emissions in a few hours. Thissingular crisis resulted in a perfect calm: extreme debility, however, remained, which soon yielded to tonics and analeptics. Two years and a half afterward, this disease reappeared, under the influence of these same causes, and with similar symptoms. The termination was the same. There was a slight return of it after two years; but, this time, the patient escaped with slight erections, without much loss of semen.”
Facts of a similar character have induced several authors to attribute satyriasis and nymphomania exclusively to an innate or accidental state of the cerebellum. “The material condition of satyriasis,” says Voisin, “resides in the encephalon; and in all cases, the deranged manifestation of it depends on the nature and preponderating power of the cerebellum, or on those moral and intellectual causes which have favored the development of this organ—or, rather, on the external circumstances which at the moment of disease have brought it violently into action.” On the other hand, the localization of physical love in the cerebellum has been violently contested by excellent observers, particularly by Flourens and Bouillaud, who consider as the special function of this organ its presidence over locomotion. Bouillaud, particularly, has attempted to establish, by analyzing the observations of Gall and Serres, that they are not so conclusive as these authors asserted, and that they may be interpreted differently. Chauffard thinks that Gall has gone too far, and that his remark, that physical love and erections should not be attributed to the presence of the semen and the irritation which it causes, should be qualified by using the termexclusively. We also think, that, thus altered, Gall’s remark would be more just. The cerebellum has certainly a powerful action on salacity; but we shall see that each part of the genital apparatus exercises one equally great; and that, consequently, the organic principle of the state of rutting, and of venereal excesses, cannot be sought for solely in the encephalon.
In consequence of Gall’s opinions, many authors, among whom we will mention Chauffard, Voisin, andLonde, have thought it necessary, in order to subdue too great a degree of amativeness, to make applications directly to the cerebellum. Some attempts have seemed to justify this view of the subject. Sainte Marie says, that a physician of Lyons has cured inveterate nocturnal pollutions, by applying ice to the occiput and nucha before going to bed. A man, thirty years old, had three or four seminal emissions every night, which Lallemand had tried in vain to cure, by cauterizing the ejaculatory canals. Gensoult applied leeches and ice to the nucha: the pollutions were arrested, as if by magic. Serres, who reports this case, adds, that, since the publication of his memoir on cerebellar apoplexy, he has seen two cases of apoplexy, where erections appeared during the paroxysms. Both were cured by applying leeches and emollient cataplasms to the nucha. Might not narcotics be applied, endermically, near the cerebellum, to subdue the onanistic satyriasis? Might not belladonna, opium, &c., introduced in this manner, be used with advantage? Might not, also, the hair of the head be kept short, especially behind, and rest on a pillow of hair, instead of feathers? Setons and blisters, also, should be applied to the neck, in onanists, only with the utmost care; and they should be removed as soon as they are considered indispensable. Besides the irritation caused near the cerebellum, the influence of the cantharides is to be guarded against.
We have already stated, that there is a reciprocity of action between different organs: if there be one which exercises a marked influence on the other, the latter will in turn affect the former. This may be proved by the cerebellum, which sometimes becomes diseased after abuses of the genital organs, and sometimes communicates to these organs the over-excitement which is accidentally seated in it: the spinal marrow, also, confirms the fact.
Willis, who, before Gall, had sought to localize in the nervous centres the faculty of reproduction, had designated the spinal marrow as the organ of this faculty. Numerous observations, and many experiments,have lately given some credit to this opinion. Segalas, who produced erections of the penis in Guinea pigs, by introducing a stylet into the cerebellum, caused ejaculations by pushing this instrument into the spinal column, near the lumbar region. Serres repeated this last experiment, and the result was similar: he therefore concluded that the lower part of the spinal marrow acts on the secretory and excreting seminal apparatus, as the cerebellum acts on the genital sense. We shall see, also, that this opinion is too positive, as the lesions of the medulla exert a marked action on erection of the penis and the venereal sense, besides the influence on the ejaculation attributed to it by Serres.
A case, reported by Lenhossek, seems to establish, that compression and atrophy of the spinal marrow may oppose the development of the genital organs. This patient was twenty-four years old: he was thin, wasted, and his height was that of an individual twelve years of age. Neither his face nor genital system presented the characters of puberty. This individual died suddenly; and it was found, that in consequence of a malformation of the first and second cervical vertebræ, the diameter of the occipital foramen was contracted one half. The medulla oblongata had been compressed in this part, and its development was impeded. Might not the singular disease, observed by Larrey in Egypt, and afterward in Paris, be referred to an affection of the spinal marrow? Here the testicles gradually wasted; the patient lost the power of feeling venereal sensations, and also that of erections; the lower extremities shrunk away, and tottered; the face was discolored; the digestive powers and intellectual faculties were deranged. Does not this coincidence, of a considerable weakening of the lower extremities and the wasting of the testicles, indicate that this latter has been the consequence of an affection of the spinal marrow?
Dupuytren long since established the fact, that priapism was caused by a lesion of this organ. Numerous instances of this are found in Olivier’s work on the spinal marrow: they prove, that every part of the medulla,but particularly the cervical portion, when injured, may cause an erection of the penis. Potain, Renauldin, and Hedelhofer, have stated similar facts. This last author saw a man who fell upon his sacrum, and instantly had an emission. Professor Fages was in the habit of mentioning the following case in his lectures:—“An aid-de-camp of General Dumourier was affected with complete paralysis of the lower extremities, in consequence of a fall from his horse. This paralysis was attended with a great degree of priapism, which encumbered him very much, and caused retentions of urine, which were treated by the most active refrigerants. Going through Montpelier, on his way to Balaruc, he rested several days at the military hospital, where it became expedient to sound him. In order to do this, it was necessary to uncover the whole body, to expose it for some time to the cold air, and to apply to it cold water; and, even then, the sound had to be used promptly, otherwise erections would soon have supervened, merely by touching the penis, and by the presence of the sound in the urethra. The baths of Balaruc almost cured the paralysis; and as motion returned to the lower extremities, the priapism disappeared.”
Do not these facts show that the spinal marrow has a marked influence on the genital organs. We have already mentioned the opinion of Sainte Marie, who regards involuntary pollutions as sometimes the cause and sometimes the result of affections of the spinal marrow. May not an original or accidental state of this organ be, in some subjects, the indirect cause of venereal excesses? Remark the influence of a recumbent position, in producing voluptuous dreams and emissions of semen. Does not this singular effect depend on the heat of the spinal marrow caused by this position? This is possible, particularly if you consider the advantages derived in involuntary pollution, priapism, and satyriasis, from douches of cold water along the vertebral column, particularly on the lumbar and sacral regions, and also from the application of ice to these parts. Sainte Marie has sometimes arrestedthe spasm of the genital organs by frictions on the sacrum with bladders full of ice. We think, then, there are cases where these remedies may be used successfully to combat the habit of masturbation. Narcotic frictions and endermic applications may be made along the vertebral column, as we have said, when speaking of the cerebellum. In vigorous patients, leeches and cups may be applied to the loins. We will not allude here to the remedy recommended by many old authors, of a sheet of lead to the kidneys, for this cannot produce the refrigerant effect expected from it.
The organic conditions of venereal desire are confined neither to the cerebellum nor spinal marrow: they may exist, also, in all parts of the genital system, as we shall demonstrate.