148 PLAIN PACTS POR OLD AND YOUNG 



children, as well as older people, undoubtedly have a 

 powerful influence in stimulating the development of 

 the sexual passions. This subject is again referred to 

 under the heading, "Chastity." 



Obscene books and papers, lewd pictures, and evil 

 communications are telling causes which will be further 

 noticed elsewhere. 



Senile Sensuality.— As with childhood, old age 

 is a period in which the reproductive functions are 

 quiescent, unless unnaturally stimulated. Sexual life 

 begins with puberty, and, in the female, ends at about 

 the age of forty-five years, at the period known as the 

 menopause, or turn of life. At this period, according 

 to the plainest indications of nature, all functional 

 activity should cease. If this law is disregarded, dis- 

 ease, premature decay, possibly local degenerations, 

 will be sure to result. Nature cannot be abused with 

 impunity. 



The generative power of the male is retained some- 

 what longer than that of the female, and by stimulation 

 may be indulged at quite an advanced age, but only at 

 the expense of shortening life, and running the risk of 

 sudden death. Says Parise, ''One of the most impor- 

 tant pieces of information which a man in years can 

 attain, is 'to learn to become old betimes,' if he wishes 

 to attain old age. Cicero, we are told, was asked if he 

 still indulged in the pleasures of love. 'Heaven for- 

 bid!' replied he; 'I have forsworn it as I would a 

 savage and a furious master.' " 



Some learned physicians place the proper limit of 

 man's functional activity at fifty years, if he would not 

 render himself guilty of shortening his days by sen- 

 suality. Other reasons for this course will appear 

 hereafter. 



