140 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



constituted the rite of circumcision. The same practice 

 is followed by several modern nations dwelling in 

 tropical climates; and it can scarcely be doubted that 

 it is a very salutary one, and has contributed very mate- 

 rially to the maintenance of that proverbial national 

 health for which the Jews are celebrated. Eminent 

 physicians have expressed the opinion that the practice 

 would be a salutary one for all men. 



It is doubtful, however, whether as much harm as 

 good does not result from circumcision, since it has 

 been shown by extensive observation among the Jews 

 that very great contraction of the meatus, or external 

 orifice of the urethra, is exceedingly common among 

 them, being undoubtedly the result of the prolonged 

 irritation and subsequent cicatricial contraction result- 

 ing from circumcision in infancy. 



The maintenance of scrupulous cleammess, by daily 

 cleansing, is an imperative duty. 



In some countries, females are also circumcised by 

 removal of the nymphae. The object is the same as 

 that of circumcision in the male. The same evils result 

 from inattention to local cleanliness, and the same meas- 

 ure of prevention, daily cleansing, is necessitated by 

 a similar secretion. Local cleanliness is neglected by 

 both sexes. Daily washing should begin with infancy, 

 and continue through life, and will prevent much 

 disease. 



Castration.— This operation consists in the re- 

 moval of the testes of the male. It does not at once 

 obliterate the sexual sense, especially if performed 

 after puberty, but of course renders the individual im- 

 potent, or incapable of reproduction. Persons upon 

 whom it has been performed are called eunuchs. It 

 was a very common custom in ancient times, being 



T 



