UNCHASTITY 301 



quency of the emissions, and thus hasten the injury 

 which they are certain to accomplish if not checked; 

 as neglect to relieve the bladder and bowels at night, 

 late suppers, stimulating foods and drinks, and any- 

 thing that will excite the genital organs. Of all causes, 

 amorous or erotic thoughts are the most powerful. Tea 

 and coffee, spices and other condiments, and animal 

 food have a special tendency in this direction. Certain 

 positions in bed also serve as exciting or predisposing 

 causes; as sleeping upon the back or the abdomen. 

 Feather-beds and pillows and too warm covering in 

 bed are also injurious for the same reason. 



In frequency, emissions will vary in different per- 

 sons, from an occasional one at long and irregular 

 intervals, to two or three a week or several— as many 

 as four in one case we have met— in a single night. 



The immediate effect of an emission will depend 

 upon the frequency of occurrence and the condition 

 of the individual. If very infrequent, and occurring 

 in a comparatively robust person, after the seminal 

 vesicles have become distended with seminal fluid, the 

 immediate effect of an emission may be a sensation of 

 temporary relief. This circumstance has led certain 

 persons to suppose that emissions are natural and bene- 

 ficial. This point will receive attention shortly. 



If the emissions are more frequent, or if they occur 

 in a person of a naturally feeble constitution, the imme- 

 diate effect is lassitude, languor, indisposition, and often 

 inability to perform severe mental or jjhysical labor, 

 melancholy, amounting often to despair and even lead- 

 ing to suicide, and an exaggeration of local irritation, 

 and of all the morbid conditions to be noticed under 

 the head of ' ' General Effects. ' ' Headache, indigestion, 

 weakness of the back and knees, disturbed circulation, 



