OF PUBERTY. 403 



jiecl. But inJibulatio7i * and caftratlon muft have 

 arifen from jcaloufy alone. Thefe ridiculous 

 and cruel operations have been invented by 

 gloomy and fanatical tyrants, who, actuated by 

 a mean envy, and a defire of monopolizing na- 

 tural pleafures, enadled and enforced thofe bar- 

 barous and bloody laws, which make privation 

 a virtue, and mutilation meritorious. 



Boys are infibulated by drawing the prepuce 

 forward, piercing it, and putting a fnall cord 

 throup;h the holes, which remains till the cica- 

 trice of the oppolite fides be formed : .The cord 

 is then removed, and a ring fubflltuted in its 

 place, which is made of fufhclent llrength to lad 

 as long as the perion who ordered the opera- 

 tion pleafes; and fometimes it remains for life. 

 The eallern monks, who take on the vow of 

 chaftlry, employ a large ring, which renders a 

 breach of their oath impollible. We fliall afcer- 

 Vv'ards mention the metiiod of infibuiating 

 females. It is impo{ribie to imagine any thing 

 too ridiculous upon this lubjc<il:, which has not 

 been praclifed by fome men, cither from mo- 

 tives of pa f lion or of luperftition. 



During infancy, there is fometimes but one 

 tefticle in the fcrotum, and fometimes none. We 

 mud not, liowcver, conclude that children in 

 this lituation are totally dcftitutc of theie parts. 

 It often happens, that the tellicles remain in the 



C c 2 abdomen, 



♦ This word fij^iifics the operation. of lyJng or fcwing parts 

 tpgelhcr. 



