FECUNDATION. 335 



dilatation, when the penis attains its maximum of rigidity, 

 there is a certain amount of obstruction to the outflow of 

 blood, by compression of the veins, and that the rigidity is 

 increased by contraction of the trabecular muscular fibres of 

 the corpora cavernosa. 



During erection, the penis becomes exquisitely sensitive, 

 especially at the glans ; introduction of the organ into the 

 vagina, pressure by the constrictor muscle, and friction in- 

 crease this sensibility, until the venereal orgasm occurs. At 

 this time, there is a peculiar and indefinable sensation, al- 

 most immediately followed by spasmodic contractions of the 

 vesiculsa seminales and the ejaculatory muscles, and, at the 

 climax of the orgasm, the semen is discharged from the ure- 

 thra with considerable force. This is followed by a feeling 

 of lassitude, a general sense of fatigue of the generative or- 

 gans, flaccidity of the penis, and it is some time before the 

 venereal appetite can be again excited. Although this is the 

 physiological mechanism of a seminal discharge, friction of 

 the parts is not absolutely necessary, as is shown by the oc- 

 currence of orgasm during sleep, which is liable to take place 

 in healthy men after prolonged continence. 



After the seminal fluid has been ejaculated during inter- 

 course, the generative act, as far as the male is concerned, is 

 accomplished. It now remains for us to study the action of 

 the female, and the process by which the spermatozoids are 

 brought in contact with the ovum. 



Action of the Female. If we can credit the statements 

 made to physicians in their professional intercourse and 

 we have no other reliable source of information there are 

 some females, in whom the generative function is performed, 

 even to the extent of bearing children, who have no actual 

 knowledge of a true venereal orgasm ; but there are others 



Biologic, dans sa seance du 27 aout, 1864, p. 16) was the first to distinctly ascribe 

 erection to dilatation of the arteries of supply, under |he influence of the nervous 

 system, without obstruction of the veins. 

 152 



