UNCHASTITY 279 



The author has met only two cases of this sort. In 

 one, a boy acquired the habit of masturbation through 

 experiencing voluptuous sensations while climbing, the 

 ultimate effect of which was an obstinate case of epi- 

 lepsy. Another lad experienced a high degree of sex- 

 ual excitement when spanked by his teacher ; and in still 

 another case, the excitement resulted from horseback- 

 riding. 



Influence of Stimulants. —The use of stimulants 

 of any kind is a fruitful cause of the vice. The influ- 

 ence of tobacco is so strongly shown in this direction 

 that it is doubtful if there can be found a boy who has 

 attained the age of puberty, and has acquired the habit 

 of using tobacco, who is not also addicted to this vile 

 practice. Candies, spices, cinnamon, cloves, pepper- 

 mint, and all strong essences powerfully excite the gen- 

 ital organs, and lead to the same result. 



It should be further added that there is evidence 

 that a powerful predisposition to this vice is trans- 

 mitted to the children of those who have themselves 

 been guilty of it. 



Sexual Perversion.— Dr. Hammond remarks as 

 follows upon this point: 



''I am pursuaded that a nervous constitution and 

 excessive nervous susceptibility going on to debility, 

 tend to induce the habit of 'mental masturbation,' as 

 well as both natural and unnatural excess in sexual 

 indulgence. The strong, the phlegmatic, the healthy, 

 the well-balanced temperaments— those who live out- 

 doors and work with the muscles more than with the 

 mind— are not tormented with sexual desire to the 

 same degree or in the same way as the hysterical, the 

 sensitive, the nervous— those who live indoors and use 

 mind much and muscle very little. Dr. Boteler, who 



