310 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



also of enlargements of the lymphatic and other glands, 

 ultimately of tuhercular deposits in the lungs and other 

 viscera, or of scrofulous disease of the vertebrae or 

 bones, or of other structures, more especially of the 

 joints." * 



Many young men waste away and die of symptoms 

 resembling consumption, which are solely the result 

 of the loathsome practice of self-abuse. The real num- 

 ber of consumptives whose disease originates in this 

 manner can never be known. 



Dyspepsia.— Indigestion is frequently one of the 

 first results. Nervous exhaustion is always felt by the 

 stomach very promptly. When dyspepsia is once re- 

 ally established, it reacts upon the genital organs, in- 

 creasing their irritability as well as that of all the rest 

 of the nervous system. Now there is no end to the ills 

 which may be suffered; for an impaired digestion 

 lays the system open to the inroads of almost any and 

 every malady. 



Heart Disease.— Functional disease of the heart, 

 indicated by excessive palpitation on the slightest exer- 

 tion, is a very frequent symptom. Though it unfits the 

 individual for labor, and causes him much suffering, 

 he would be fortunate if he escaped with no disease of 

 a more dangerous character. 



Throat Affections. —There is no doubt that many 

 of the affections of the throat in young men, and older 

 ones, which pass under the name of "clergyman's sore 

 throat," are the direct result of masturbation and 

 emissions. 



Dr. Acton cites several cases in proof of this, and 

 quotes the following letter from a young clergyman: 



''When I began the practice of masturbation, at the 

 age of sixteen, I was in the habit of exercising my 



* Copland. 



