CHAPTER LXXXVI 



DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE SYSTEM 



General remarks — Male generative system — Endemic funiculitis — Female 

 generative system — Tropical puerperal fever — Sutika — References — 

 Addendum — Ante- and post-natal pathology — Addendum references.j 



GENERAL REMARKS. 



In this chapter we propose to include a few general remarks upon 

 the male and female generative systems. The subjects will be 

 merely touched up an, as space forbids anything else. 



MALE GENERATIVE SYSTEM. 



In Chapter III., p. 77, we have invited attention to the effects of 

 climate upon the generative organs, and have noted that they act 

 more vigorously than in the Temperate Zone, and that venereal 

 excess is distinctly more deleterious in the tropics than in temperate 

 climates. We have also noted that puberty in boys appears at an 

 earlier age in the tropics than in other climates. 



In Chapter V., p. 118, we have touched upon the subject of 

 Eugenics, and have mentioned the ill-effects of alcoholism, syphilis, 

 gonorrhoea, and tuberculosis, the effects of which are much the same 

 as in other climates, but as regards the first we have set forth 

 its evils in Chapter X., p. 175. In reference to syphilis, it is very 

 common, and its primary, secondary, tertiary, and inherited effects 

 can be abundantly seen among natives, as may be judged from 

 Chapter XCVII. Gonorrhoea is very common among all classes of the 

 population and all races. The clinical features are the same as 

 observed in temperate zones, but complications are much more 

 frequent, owing to the native patients consulting a doctor only when 

 the disease is of long standing. We have seen several cases of gono- 

 coccus septicaemia with endocarditis ending fatally, and also several 

 cases of so-called ' gonococcus rheumatism.' It may be noted that 

 among certain natives there is a general belief that the disease is not 

 of sexual origin. African porters firmly believe that it is due to pro- 

 longed marching. There are also various curious superstitions in 

 connection with it. In Abyssinia, according to Annaratone, natives 

 believe it is contracted by passing water on the ground illuminated 

 by moonshine, or by passing water where dogs have previously 

 urinated. Occasionally true cases of non-gonorrhoeic urethritis are 



1938 



