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Nervous Vitality. 
 
 A BOOK FOR THE MALE SEX. 
 
 BY S. F. SALTER, M. D., 
 
 Author of " Woman and her Diseases" " Mulium in Parvo" 
 and Editor of the "Eclectic Star.'' 
 
 ATLANTA, GA. 
 
 ECONOMICAL BOOK & JOB PRINTING HOUSE. 
 I8 74 . 
 
JSfeiSrotL^ Vitality. 
 
 A BOOK FOR THE MALE SEX. 
 
 BY S. F. SALTER, M. D., 
 
 Author of "Woman and her Diseases" " Multum in Parvo" 
 and Editor of the " Eclectic Star." 
 
 3*02,£- 
 
 ATLANTA, GA. 
 
 ECONOMICAL BOOK 4 JOB PRINTING HOUSE. 
 I8 74 . 
 
~ 
 
 * 
 
 X 
 
 ^ 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, 
 
 BY S. F. SALTER, M. D., 
 in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 IN PRESENTING the following pages to the Male Sex, I 
 have had a two-fold object in view. First, a desire to ben- 
 efit the rising generation — to warn the youth of our land of the 
 evil — and teach them how to "shun it ; to prevent Disease and 
 the degeneration of the Race, and to lead, as far as may be, the 
 erring back into the path of virtue, and admonish them to 
 walk in it. My second object is, to benefit those who by the 
 indulgence of evil habits have become the victims of Disease 
 and a ready prey for charlatans and quacks whose only object is 
 to fleece them out of their money, and often leave them worse 
 in body and mind. 
 
 I am aware of the opposition, and of the prejudice, that I 
 have to overcome, and the censure that I am sure to bring down 
 upon my head, but all of these do not move me or turn me from 
 the great object of my life, which is to prevent and relieve suf- 
 fering. 
 
 Now, dear reader, after having given me a fair and impartial 
 hearing, if you are favorably impressed with the truths present- 
 ed, tell your friends, and aid me in the circulation of this pam- 
 phlet, and thus be the means of doing good to your fellow man. 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 
 
 ONE of the most important systems of the human frame is 
 the nervous. Upon a healthy nervous system depend a 
 healthy mind and body. Being the seat of intelligence, it ex- 
 tends its influence to every part of the body. The brain is a. 
 part of, in fact the great nerve center. To the brain belong the 
 intellectual faculties ; to the spinal nerve the vital powers re- 
 flected to the muscular system. Under ordinary healthy condi- 
 tions the two seem to exercise a mixed influence on all parts of 
 the body. For example, distressing intelligence often causes 
 the stomach to reject its contents, or refuse to receive more. — 
 Alarming news, fear, &c, cause the heart to flutter and palpi- 
 tate, and in some persons cause the bladder and intestines to 
 evacuate their contents. On the contrary, a proper degree of 
 corporeal exertion strengthens the muscular functions, while art 
 excess will debilitate. 
 
 That the several nervous influences are seated in the central 
 part of the nervous system, there can be no doubt ; for instance, 
 if by accident the circulation of a nerve or the continuation is 
 cut off from one limb, animal life and the intellectual operations 
 go on uninterrupted in the other part of the body. In some 
 animals the brain may be severed from the spinal nerve at a cer- 
 tain point and life still remain, but if the spinal nerve be pene- 
 trated or divided death is the result, thus showing the brain the 
 seat of intelligence, and the spinal nerve the seat of life. 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 5 
 
 The following are some of the many physical functions over 
 which the nervous system presides : 
 Digestion, the whole process. 
 I. Mastication ; 
 II. In Swallowing ; 
 
 III. In Digesting, and the Absorption of Chyle, and finally, 
 
 IV. The passage of the effete matter out of the body. 
 
 The existence of this influence is proved from the fact, that 
 separating the par vagum nerve destroys the powers of digestion. 
 Respiration, the mechanical act by which the thorax is enlarged 
 to admit of the introduction of air, depend upon the phrenic 
 and intercostal nerves. If these nerves be divided, or a liga- 
 ture applied to them, the changes in the blood produced by 
 respiration cease, and the animal dies. 
 
 Secretion, absorption, exhalation, and animal heat all are de- 
 pendent upon the integrity of the nervous system. The action 
 of the heart, sensation and voluntary motion, are dependant 
 upon the same influence. 
 
 This much I have written to convey some idea (to the general 
 reader) of the important influence exercised over the body by 
 the nervous system, and the great necessity of establishing and 
 maintaining a healthy condition of this vital principle. 
 
 When the nerve force is lowered all the functions of the sys- 
 tem are affected in proportion. It is to the influence over se- 
 cretions, especially of the seminal secretion, that I propose to 
 direct the attention of the reader. No secretion of the system 
 requires so much nerve force in the formation as this — one oz. 
 requiring more power than forty ounces of blood ; or, in other 
 words, the loss of one ounce of the fluid is equal to the loss of 
 forty ounces of blood. Need we wonder, then, that excesses 
 have such terrible influence both on the nervous and muscular 
 system. Of these excesses I will speak under their appropriate 
 heads. 
 
6 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 The brain is that part of the nervous system that supplies the 
 reasoning powers. We often hear the expression "a bad heart, 
 change of heart," &c, when the heart really has no emotional 
 power, only as moved by the brain. So, it would sound better 
 to say a bad brain, &c. Every thought, every action, originates 
 in the brain. Our muscles, with the exception of the heart, are 
 but servants of the brain. Extra excitement, anger, &c, cause 
 the blood to flow to and stimulate the brain ; thus, men commit 
 deeds under the impulse of the moment, that they would shrink 
 from with horror in a more calm and rational state. So, also, 
 do alcoholic stimulants influence the brain. Conscience is the 
 better part of our reasoning faculties — a regret for a wrong done 
 or an argument against what we know is wrong and yet intend 
 doing. We may drive this monitor of prudence and well-doing 
 away until we shut out the better part of our self, and our brain 
 becomes the abode of vice and sensuality. Passions predomi- 
 nate in individuals, but may be suppressed by education until 
 partially under control. Yet in a healthy person some passions 
 often get the better of their judgment. We are commanded to 
 shun even the appearance of evil, because we are not always 
 proof against temptation. In this way alone are our passions 
 controlled at all, by shutting out every influence calculated to 
 arouse them. 
 
BERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 ONANISM ; or Masturbation. 
 
 This is the artificial indulgence of the sexual passionjby 
 friction of the penis and scrotum with the hand. 
 
 As to how the practice arises, we are often at a loss to 
 determine, but I am inclined to the opinion that sexually 
 disposed children often invent it for themselves. Children 
 are often entrusted to nurses who are not always selected 
 because of their moral character ; especially is this true in 
 the South, where scarce any but colored nurses are em- 
 ployed. I have often noticed nurses carrying the child 
 with their hands under the clothing, and no doubt in this 
 way, by frequent handling, there is a premature develop- 
 ment of the sexual propensity. Boys often learn it from 
 companions who have acquired the habit. 
 
 The first case we have on record is that of Onan— Gen. 
 xxxviii chap., -9 and 10 verses. From this I derive the 
 appellation of Onanism. God slew Onan for this crime, 
 and the curse then pronounced follows its victims to the 
 present day. The vice is treated of under the name of 
 Onanism, Masturbation, Self -Pollution, Solitary Yice, &c. ; 
 but the means are usually the same ; and the practice, 
 unfortunately for the human family, is indulged by thou- 
 sands — male and female. The semen can not be emitted 
 
8 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 from either sex except by the artificial friction of the pro- 
 creative organs, a concentration of the mind upon amatory 
 subjects, as is often the case in dreams, or by animal mag- 
 netic heat, through the connection of the sexes. 
 
 Sexual intercourse is a species of magnetism, and pro- 
 duces an electric emission. When the semen with the 
 animal electricity is thrown off, the passions of the gen- 
 itals are appeased, the male organ loses its electricity, and 
 the passion subsides — just as the feathers of a quill, 
 charged with electricity stands erect, and falls down when 
 the current is withdrawn from the stem. 
 
 God has wisely ordained a way for the propagation of 
 the species by sexual cohabitation, and nothing but sexual 
 intercourse in the good old way, should be productive of 
 offspring ; and the emission of the secretion for the prop- 
 agation of the race by any other means than the natural 
 way, should be punished with ill-health, unhappiness, and 
 short life. Circumcision, in my opinion, was established 
 not only as a token of the covenant, but to prevent the 
 unnatural indulgence of the sexual passion — as with the 
 excision of the foreskin, the friction is attended with pain. 
 From this fact early marriages was the rule in the Jewish 
 tribes, and to this may be attributed the rapid increase of 
 the Israelites. 
 
 Masturbation detracts from the enjoyment of the nup- 
 tial rites, and tends to lessen the love for the opposite sex 
 in the holy office of wedlock. Circumcision was condu- 
 cive to health and healthy offspring, and well calculated 
 to perpetuate a race of people sound in body and mind. 
 Even to the present day, the Jews as a race, are remarka- 
 bly stout and healthy, and rarely become inmates of 
 lunatic asylums, and are comparatively free from sexual 
 diseases. Thus were they indeed an honor to God, being 
 in his own image — sound of mind and body. 
 
XERV0US VITALITY. 9 
 
 God knew, and so do masturbating men and girls, that 
 the desire for marriage is greatly lessened even to utter 
 abhorrence, by the practice of masturbation. Not so with 
 males or females unpolluted by this vice. The sexes are 
 to each other as magnets, whose greatest happiness is com- 
 parative misery, until joined in sexual love. A woman 
 can never be satisfied with a man who has no electric se- 
 men pass to electrify her. Xor can a man be satisfied 
 either by masturbation or with the other sex. unless he has 
 an electric emission of the semen. 
 
 The sexual passion is holy ; it was ordained and estab- 
 lished by God for the happiness of man and perpetuation 
 of the species created in His image. It is a rich blessing, 
 a noble gift of power to man to propagate the image of 
 himself and his maker, bestowed by the wise Creator and 
 Father of all ; and while God has instituted the natural 
 means of its rational gratification by creating an equality 
 of numbers of male and female, it should not be abused 
 by either sex, either by artificially procured emissions or 
 by futile attempts to utterly suppress its workings. To 
 marry, multiply and replenish the earthy was the command 
 of God — and how, but by the rightful gratification of the 
 sexual appetite can this command be obeyed \ 
 
 A great cause of self abuse lies in the delaying of mar- 
 riage. The doctrine that the sexual passion, heating, 
 raging and exacting as it often is. can be suppressed and 
 kept under by education, is false and pernicious, unless 
 that education is to furnish the desire only through the 
 medium of marriage. 
 
 Amativeness may be kept under by turning the mind 
 entirely from that subject, but if not gratified in the right 
 and natural way, it will in nine out of ten individuals find 
 vent through the channel of self-pollution, unless the indi- 
 
10 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 vidual has been educated to know its evil effects and resist 
 them. I am and ever have been an advocate of early mar- 
 riage, and if a proper selection of partners is made, this 
 is the surest road to happiness on earth. 
 
 To put off marriage, and then attempt to control ama- 
 tiveness in either man or woman, from the age of 15 to 
 25, through ten years of life, when the genital organs are 
 more active and more easily excited than at any other 
 time, while love is pure and sensibility strong, while the 
 mind [jFis inexperienced and prostitutes and self-pollution 
 open doors for the raging of passion to escape through, is 
 worse than folly. Tell the hurricane to suppress its wrath 
 before its fury is appeased; say to the thunderbolt to cease 
 while the cloud is yet filled with electricity ; tell hunger 
 to be quenched without food and thirst without water. 
 As well expect these to obey you as that the passion of 
 amativeness will be silent while unappeased and constant- 
 ly provoked to activity. 
 
 God instructed that the lightning should be attracted by 
 some magnet. Why not seek to punish it when the tree 
 is blasted by its touch ? He intended that the hungry man 
 should partake of food — why not punish him for eating 
 when he has been starving ? If not so then, why, when 
 God has created in man and woman a desire for each other, 
 be surprised, where marriage is delayed, there are rapes, 
 prostitution, stolen intercourse by the young and mastur- 
 bation. In the lightning seeking its magnet, in the hungry 
 man desiring food, and the thirsty water, we see a beautiful 
 illustration of the law of nature. Each principle in na- 
 ture seeks its own magnet. In the amative passion seek- 
 ing gratification in sexual intercourse, we behold an illus- 
 tration of the law, and were not obstacles to this present- 
 ed, prostitution and masturbation would be annihilated. 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 11 
 
 These monster evils have their foundation in the obsta- 
 cles which the customs of society lay in the way of the 
 natural and right gratification of amativeness through the 
 divine institution of marriage. I appeal to the candor 
 and good sense of all, and ask if the passions of men and 
 women, created by God, are raging to madness, whether 
 it would not be wise and well that marriage, at an early 
 age, should be inculcated and practiced. 
 
 The evils of masturbation are manifold to both sexes. 
 Its practice exhausts the activity of the body, enfeebles the 
 whole system, deteriorates the powers of the genital or- 
 gans, impairs the digestion and circulation, deranges the 
 brain and nervous system, engenders in the mind depravi- 
 ties of various kinds, prevents offspring in some cases, 
 and makes them feeble and infirm in others ; it lessens the 
 woman in the estimation of the man, and the man in the 
 estimation of the woman. It is death morally and physi- 
 cally. The practice of masturbation is clung to with te- 
 nacity by many because of the evanescent and fleeting an- 
 imal pleasure derived therefrom. These should not for- 
 get the truthfulness of the sentence, "There is a couch 
 which invites the repose, but to slumber upon it is death. 
 
 The misguided victim of his own folly may experience 
 in the act of masturbation a sensation of gratification en- 
 tirely and solely animal, and may for this transitory pleas- 
 ure continue the practice, but I warn him now that his 
 road of pleasure is the road of insanity, disease and death; 
 and if he flee not the enticing path, the vengeance of retri- 
 bution will be upon his head. 
 
 Masturbation as a cause of insanity, deserves special 
 attention. Nearly one-seventh of all the cases of insanity 
 come from this cause. The fact may seem startling, but 
 is nevertheless true. The practice is often freely confess- 
 
12 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 ed, and vigorously resisted. In the male the habit is easily 
 detected by the appearance. In the female it is not so 
 easily detected. The shy, timid, down-cast countenance, 
 combined with a debilitated appearance, relaxed tissues, 
 full veins, &c, arouse suspicion of masturbation. In 
 some females the effect is the development of the cellular 
 and adipose tissues, a gay and voluptuous manner ; in oth- 
 ers, debility and emaciation. 
 
 It is often the case that parents or friends do not suspect 
 the habit of masturbation to exist, and attribute the debil- 
 ity or insanity to some other cause. Frequently it is be- 
 lieved that religious anxiety has produced insanity, when 
 the cause was self-pollution ; because the first evidence of 
 derangement noticed was an extraordinary anxiety about 
 salvation, inordinate fear of future punishment, much 
 reading of the bible, relating " experiences," and going to 
 great lengths in religious meetings, and such like acts. 
 
 Careful watching of such individuals will almost invari- 
 ably prove trhem to have been masturbators for years, and 
 this was the cause of the development of ' 'religious anxie- 
 ty." The system and the mind or brain being debilitated 
 by self-pollution, they are unable to bear up under any 
 excitement ; and being conscious of sin in the act of mas- 
 turbation, their thoughts are turned to religion, and reason 
 gives way under the excitement. Hence it is not religious 
 excitement, but masturbation, that causes insanity. In 
 the same state, any other excitement will develop in men- 
 tal derangement. 
 
 Commit no sin against your own bodies. Encourage 
 pure, refined love ; marry the idol of your heart; love and 
 respect each other ■ and health, happiness and good old 
 age will be your reward on earth, and your children Will 
 rise up and call you blessed. 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 15 
 
 I have in the preceding lines endeavored to explain mas- 
 turbation, its cause, its prevention, and the evil effects 
 arising from it as a whole. I now beg to call the reader's 
 attention to the diseases or derangements that result from 
 its practice, and shall give them only as daily presented 
 to me in my practice. This is a growing evil. Silence and 
 false modesty can never overcome it ; therefore the sooner 
 we make known to our boys, especially, the evil effects, 
 the sooner we shall nip it in the bud, and turn them to the 
 path of morality and virtue through the heaven-appointed 
 and sanctioned institution of marriage. None of the fol- 
 lowing symptoms are overdrawn, but as before remarked,, 
 are but repetition of effects noted in my practice — no fan- 
 cy sketches, but pictures true to life. 
 
 SPERMATORRHEA. 
 
 This may be divided into several stages or forms, viz : 
 Nocturnal Emissions, Involuntary Seminal Emissions,, 
 Seminal Weakness. Nocturnal Emissions are the escape 
 of the semen during dreams. This may be of an amative 
 or voluptuous nature, and the discharge of the fluid result 
 as a crowning act of the dream, and the patient awakes to 
 find the emission has taken place, and himself weak and 
 exhausted. One dream and emission cost the system more 
 than half a dozen emissions in the natural way. 
 
 In riearly every case where self-abuse has been practiced 
 to any extent, the brain becomes afflicted with a morbid 
 passion, the sexual organs become easily excitable, the 
 powers of the entire body become weak; and hence in this 
 state lascivious dreams lead to emissions of the semen. 
 Nocturnal emissions may occur in those, who have never 
 practiced the habit, but not unless the mind during the 
 
14 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 waking hours has been occupied with amatory thoughts. 
 These emissions may come once in a month, or less fre- 
 quent, at first, but if the habit is continued they increase 
 to once a week, and then give way to almost constant dis- 
 charge. 
 
 Persons who are perfectly continent, and have never 
 practiced self-abuse, are subject to voluptuous dreams. 
 This is not confined to either sex. They go through all 
 the excitement of sexual connection, and experience the 
 final effects — emissions. This in perfect health, independ- 
 ent of excesses or self -abuse, is a sort of safety-valve, and 
 does the patient no great harm, especially those who live 
 well and do not labor. All that is necessary to cure this 
 class, is to give them mental employment, plenty of exer- 
 cise, and occasional salt-water bath, and avoid all sexual 
 thoughts. I refer of course to those who have these emis- 
 sions at long intervals, but when it is of almost nightly 
 occurrence, it demands our best treatment. 
 
 The dreams may be controlled in most cases by avoid- 
 ing all excitements of the sexual organs, turning the mind 
 from the subject, and concentrating it upon something of 
 an opposite nature. We are the same sleeping or awake, 
 and our dreams are but an index of our thoughts when 
 awake, and as a natural result, if your thoughts are pure 
 when awake, they will rarely be impure when sleeping. 
 
 Nocturnal emissions, as before remarked, are debilita- 
 ting and extremely injurious, except as stated. They are 
 but the beginning of a more serious complication in the 
 masturbator, and should warn him of the evil in store for 
 him if he persists in the practice. No time should be lost 
 in procuring proper treatment at this stage; if not, it soon 
 assumes alarming proportions, and results in involuntary 
 seminal emissions. These take place at any hour or time 
 
NEKVOUS VITALITY. 15 
 
 sleeping or awake. The effects of this are more horrible 
 than -nocturnal emissions. Consumption often results from 
 a weak condition of the nervous system ; insanity, or a 
 total loss of all sexual feeling — one of the three are almost 
 certain to follow, and often we have all combined in one 
 individual ; but should he escape with his life and aban- 
 don the habit, impotency or sterility is the result, or a 
 feeble, imbecile offspring. At this stage of the case, there 
 is almost constant dribbling of the semen — the slightest ex- 
 citement, the touch of a woman's hand, the exposure of 
 her neck, a wanton glance, an amorous thought, a lascivi- 
 ous painting, a voluptuous description — will produce an 
 involuntary loss of semen. Cohabitation is out of the 
 question — the patient could not control his emissions suffi- 
 ciently long to make the slightest penetration, and in the 
 way the semen passes from him he experiences no pleasure, 
 but still frequently practices masturbation to gratify an 
 insane desire. The mind becomes enfeebled, the memory 
 impaired, the flesh leaves the bones, the eyes wander in va- 
 cancy, inclination for conversation and society is lost. The 
 semen passes constantly at stool in the urine, and without 
 the slighest erection, all pleasure having long since depart- 
 ed. The genital organs often get inflamed and irritable — 
 he could not have connection if he would — the sight of a 
 female is disagreeable to him ; but the miserable wreck of 
 a man will practice masturbation in his sleep, unless his 
 hands are tied to prevent the manipulation. 
 
 At this stage, the mind becomes completely absorbed 
 with the idea of his wretched and loathsome condition, 
 haunted with the distressing thought that every one knows 
 his condition and despises and loathes him. Beset by a 
 thousand demons, from whom he cannot escape, he thinks 
 of suicide — troubled with bodily pains and mental agony, 
 
16 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 his sight becomes dim, his mind confused, ringing sounds 
 in his head, his constitution gives way, and he is landed in 
 a consumptive's grave, or chained in the cell of a mad 
 house. 
 
 The confessions of the miserable victims of masturba- 
 tion and involuntary seminal emissions inform me of all 
 this and more. Should I publish the testimony as I have 
 received it, word for word, even at death's door, you 
 would be astonished at the sad havoc this demon is mak- 
 ing not only among men but among women, for both sexes, 
 or members of both sexes, are alike guilty of this unpar- 
 donable sin, that leads to death through involuntary sem- 
 inal emissions. 
 
 I visited on one occasion a lunatic asylum, and noted the 
 effects in certain cases that were known to have been car- 
 ried there for this cause. I noted one poor wretch, a mere 
 skeleton, from whose genitals the seminal fluid was con- 
 stantly dribbling. With his hands pinioned to prevent the 
 touch, he with what remaining strength he possessed, was 
 constantly rubbing against any thing that would produce 
 the slightest friction. Another one, educated and gradu- 
 ated as a physician, yet a victim from his earliest years, 
 had defied all efforts to prevent the habit, and would man- 
 age to give vent to this consuming passion. 
 
 But why multiply this list of horrors so appalling — so 
 like unto fiction, but yet a reality ? Reader, if you are a 
 victim of this demon, pause ere it is too late — seek means 
 to eradicate the effects from your system, and live in fu- 
 ture as becometh one seeking health and happiness here, 
 and immortality hereafter. 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 17 
 
 DISEASES PEODUCED BY MASTUKBATION, 
 
 CONSUMPTION, 
 
 Is the result of masturbation and sexual excesses, in thou- 
 sands of cases ; being essentially a disease engendered by 
 a low state of nervous vitality, by which the blood is im- 
 poverished and divested of the red principle. Tubercles 
 are deposited in the lungs because of this depression and 
 want of power to take up and supply nutriment to the 
 blood and nervous system. Tubercles are never formed 
 where the blood and nervous system are in a healthy con- 
 dition. This can not be the case where masturbators keep 
 up a continual drain upon this vital principle. Consump- 
 tive masturbators soon occupy their last heritage on earth 
 — the grave, and are often mourned as the victims of cold, 
 over-work, &c. , when they are in fact self-murderers. 
 
 CANCEK. 
 That Cancer is often the result of masturbation, there 
 can be no doubt. I have in an extensive practice and 
 treatment of this disease met with several well authentica- 
 ted cases produced from this practice. These were cases 
 of cancer on the penis, produced by friction of the parts, 
 keeping up a constant irritation, and at same time the 
 blood, impoverished by the drain upon the system, was 
 more subject to those infiltrations or cell growths. 
 This is also effected through the nervous system. 
 
 EPILEPTIC FITS. 
 
 I am free to say nine out of every ten cases of epilepsy 
 2 
 
18 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 have their origin in masturbation. I have made the treat- 
 ment of this disease a speciality, and never fail where I 
 can keep them from practicing the habit, but I have had 
 two cases, that are now inmates of a lunatic asjdum, sim- 
 ply because I could not get them to break off the habit, 
 although I gave the most powerful remedies to control the 
 sexual passion, and at the same time warned them of their 
 danger; but, alas, too late, and a miserable death awaits 
 them. Epilepsy is, as all admit, spasms, having its origin 
 in some morbid derangement of the nerve centres, brain 
 and spinal column. In mastubators there is a species of 
 lesion or spreading out of the membrane that encloses the 
 marrow or spinal nerve. This lesion generally takes place 
 just below the point where the brain and spinal marrow 
 connect. When this is the case, epilepsy is the result. 
 Now the only way this can be cured, is to remove the ex- 
 citing cause, and give remedies that will act upon that 
 part of the nervous system involved. Remedial agents 
 are useless unless the cause (masturbation in this class of 
 cases) is abandoned. If this is removed before too late, 
 we can always cure epilepsy. 
 
 CHOREA, OR ST. VITUS DANCE. 
 
 This is a purely nervous disease — is often brought about 
 by the practice of masturbation. It is from the effects on 
 the nervous system, and in such cases can only be removed 
 by getting the patient to abandon the cause, and give rem- 
 edies that will give tone and strength to the whole system. 
 I have had quite a number of cases that originated in this 
 practice, and have never failed to cure. 
 
 PARALYSIS. 
 
 This is sometimes caused from masturbation, and sud- 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 19 
 
 lien shocks following. The brain and nervous system be- 
 ing impaired, loss of muscular power results. 
 
 DISEASES OF THE HEART. 
 
 Talpitation of the heart, sinking sensation, fainting, 
 &c, frequently result from masturbation. The principles 
 are the same; by weakening the nerve or controlling force, 
 you leave the system without defense against sudden 
 sJiocks, and hence we have heart derangements. 
 
 DYSPEPSIA-INDIGESTION. 
 
 This is a very common effect of masturbation and sexual 
 ^excesses acting upon the same principle, the nerve force is 
 lowered, the power cut off from the par vagum, and we 
 •are obliged to have an impaired condition of the functions 
 of digestion. It requires no elaborate argument to convince 
 the reader of this. 
 
 DYSPNCEA, 
 
 or shortness of breath is also the result of this practice. 
 The nerves controlling the mechanical part of respiration 
 being too weak to perform their functions, and we have 
 .hurried breathing, &c. 
 
 CONSTIPATION 
 
 Is a result also of masturbation, and in turn often becomes 
 an exciting cause of involuntary emissions, the hardened 
 and impacted faceas get up a species of irritation, and 
 being reflected to the genital organs emissions take place. 
 'The conditions of the bowels is highly important in treat- 
 ing seminal weakness. 
 
 DERANGEMANT OF THE KIDNEYS. 
 
 Frequently we meet with an irritable condition of the 
 kidney and bladder, prostrate gland and urethra, all from 
 
20 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 the effects of the miserable habit, They are the direct re- 
 sult of local irritation, and can only be overcome by 
 removal of the cause. 
 
 MENINGITIS, 
 
 Or inflammation of the Meningies, sometimes result from 
 over-taxing the nervous system through the channel of 
 excess in the natural way, or masturbation. 
 
 IMPOTENCY. 
 
 Among the terrible complications of this evil practice,, 
 is the entire loss of sexual feeling, or inability to have 
 connection with the opposite sex. A victim of self -pollu- 
 tion sees the evil of his ways, attempts to reform, but 
 rinds himself stripped of the greatest attribute of man- 
 hood. He is impotent ; unfit for married life, and sinks 
 to the lowest depth of despondency. 
 
 Before you abandon all thoughts of an honorable mar- 
 riage, first be sure you are impotent, and if so, make an 
 effort to be restored. Men sometimes fail once or twice,, 
 who are sure ; few as a rule. Again, you will fail with 
 one individual from disgust, fear, &c. Just get it into , 
 your head that you will fail, and fail you will. Confidence 
 in one's self is all important, and you should endeavor to 
 bring that to your aid. "While the masturbator can not 
 expect the full enjoyment of sexual pleasures at first, yet 
 where the power of sexual connection remain, I recom- 
 mend marriage as the remedy par excellence. 
 
 If you have cause to fear your powers are deficient f 
 seek the advice and treatment of an honorable physician 
 who has given such diseases or derangements special 
 attention, and knows what course to pursue. Above all 
 things, avoid those miserable quacks who advertise free 
 pamphlets and prescriptions. They seek nothing but your 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 21 
 
 money, and you will find to your sorrow that you are 
 worse than before. You may have the power of erection 
 and penetration, and yet not consummate the act perfect. 
 Self -pollution gets up an irritabe condition of the organs, 
 and the emission is premature. This may be overcome by 
 patience and rational treatment. Never let the excitement 
 run too high or continue too long' before you make the 
 attempt. Let all your surroundings be pleasant, and you 
 will soon overcome this difficulty, and be able to perform 
 this function. 
 
 There is in some cases an imperfect emission, and part 
 of the fluid oozes away after the act. This will require 
 treatment to overcome the Weakness or spasmodic stric- 
 ture, which is generally the cause. Impotency, except in 
 extreme cases, can be no excuse for not abandoning the 
 habit and seeking in marriage to obliterate every trace of 
 its demoralizing effects. Impotency as a disease, will be 
 treated of under that head. 
 
 To recapitulate — Masturbation or Self -Pollution long 
 indulged, causes Consumption, is productive of Cancer, 
 Epilepsy or Fits, St. Vitus' Dance, Meningitis, Indiges- 
 tion, Inflammation of Kidneys and Bladder, Paralysis, 
 Impotency, Dimness of Vision, Loss of Memory, Palpita- 
 tion of the Heart, Rheumatism, Insanity — and death as a 
 final. 
 
 As a member of the medical profession I know whereof 
 I speak. I have given a plain statement of facts ; and not 
 one who indulges in this practice, after reading this little 
 work, can lay the blame to ignorance. I am writing in 
 the interest of humanity, and have no doubt my motives 
 will be misconstrued and my work condemned by those 
 whose false modesty would consign thousands of promis- 
 ing youths to a premature grave. I care not for their cen- 
 
22 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 sure. A consciousness of having saved a single one from, 
 destruction, will overbalance the condemnation of those 
 strait-laced individuals who think it immoral to write on 
 such subjects. Away with all such nonsense, and let us 
 strive to understand ourselves, that we may shun the evil 
 and practice the good. 
 
 Having noticed the symptoms of masturbation, I propose 
 to give a pen pictnre of its votaries so that all may know 
 them. You have a mark which will be the more apparent 
 the longer indulged. Where this practice has been long 
 indulged there is a lack of appetite for breakfast. He will 
 feel meanly and act as though he had plundered a hen 
 roost. He will have a sneaking look, and act as though 
 every one knew of his guilt ; will be fond of being alone, 
 you can scarcely ever catch his eye ; his every action is 
 such as to indicate a fear to look the world in the face, 
 There is generally a moisture about the hands,, and some- 
 times blotches on the face. The better way for fathers to 
 do is to place this little pamphlet in his sons hands and ad- 
 monish him to avoid the errors of youth. Some of ih& 
 brightest intellects and most promising young men have 
 fallen victims to this polluting sin. Be warned in time, you 
 are not proof against its debilitating effects. 
 
 Having warned you of this evil I now call your attention 
 to others of alarming proportions and give you the con- 
 sequence of indulging therein. 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 23 
 
 PEOSTITUTION -ITS EFFECTS. 
 
 In the preceding pages I have advocated early marriage 
 as a preventive of masturbation and prostitution. I 
 am free to say that not one woman in ten who ply their 
 vocation do it from choice. They are generally driven to 
 houses of ill fame, through seduction, want or vanity, fash- 
 ion and love of fine dress send some there, while actual 
 want sends others. Once down there is no rising; society 
 shuts its doors against them, and if reform is attempted it 
 generally fails because the world turns the cold shoulder 
 to all such. So much for the cause, the effects are what I 
 have to deal with here. Leaving out the liability to disease 
 from promiscuous intercourse, it is injurious from its effects 
 upon the nervous system. As remarked in a previous ar- 
 ticle, sexual intercourse is a species of electricity, animal 
 magnetism. To be healthy, the act must be from desire 
 reciprocal, both parties entering into it with a will. This 
 is not the case in promiscuous intercourse. You pay your 
 fee and go through the operation and the result is a de- 
 pression of the nervous system, not experienced in the 
 lawful enjoyment of the marital right; so many tempera- 
 ments having connection with one individual engenders 
 disease. Nine out of every ten prostitutes are the victims 
 of infectious disease, and though you may escape it once 
 or several times, the risk is great and the chances are very 
 much against you. Another effect is, you encourage the 
 evil by patronising it, thus helping to demoralize others 
 and sow disease broadcast in the land, and are sinning 
 against your own souls. 
 
 Now, as in the days of Solomon, the prostitute "lieth 
 in wait as for a prey and increaseth the transgressions 
 
24 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 among men." "Now she is without, now in the street, 
 and lieth in wait at every corner." "Her lips drop as a 
 honey-comb, and her mouth is smoother than oil; but her 
 end is bitter as worm-wood, sharp as a two-edged sword ; 
 her feet go down to death, her steps take hold on hell. 
 Lest thou shouldst ponder the path of her life, her ways 
 are movable that thou canst not know them." Hearken 
 unto the wisdom of Solomon : ' ' Remove thy way far 
 from her; come not nigh the door of her house." 
 
 But, in spite of every warning, how many of the gay 
 and thoughtless, the reckless and light-hearted are led 
 astray and ruined forever. Once within the meshes, it is 
 hard to free yourself. Avoid it — live a pure and virtuous 
 life, and seek a companion for life that is calculated to 
 make you happy. This alone is the sure road to health 
 and happiness. If, in spite of the warning of God and 
 man, you will partake of stolen intercourse, I give you in 
 the following pages a list of diseases of which you are 
 likely to become the victim ; diseases which undermine 
 the constitution, lay the foundation for consumption, can- 
 cer, corroding ulcers and loathsome skin diseases in your 
 own person, and are transmitted to your offspring. Who, 
 I ask, is willing to bequeath to his children such a herit- 
 age ? and yet thousands do it ; and to this, in a great 
 measure, is due the degeneration of our race. Were med- 
 ical men less selfish ; were they willing to become, in part, 
 the educator of the people in pointing out these evils, I 
 have no doubt we would have fewer wrecks and a more 
 healthy, robust race of men and women. 
 
 LUES YENERA, SYPHILIS OR POX. 
 
 There are two forms of Syphilis or Pox — two distinct 
 classes of chancres that proceed from impure sexual inter- 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 25 
 
 course. The infecting indurated chancre is a form of 
 pox wherein a small pimple appears on the glands, penis, 
 or some other part of the sexual organ, gradually increas- 
 ing in size until a sore of considerable dimensions is form- 
 ed. Around the base of this chancre is a hard ridge or 
 ring, rising above the surface, with an induration in the 
 center, from which there is a slight discharge of matter. 
 If allowed to continue for a few weeks, this ridge or ring 
 assumes an indolent condition, becoming almost as hard 
 as bone. There is generally but slight soreness. The 
 glands in the groin enlarge but do not suppurate, (or in 
 common language, come to a head); in a few weeks the 
 mouth will probably get sore, little pimples forming on 
 lips, tongue and roof of the mouth; glands of the neck en- 
 large ; occasionally red spots appear over the body, which 
 give way to yellow or purple spots on the skin. The 
 mouth ulcerates ; sores appear on different parts of the 
 body ; the bones become involved and decay, and the mis- 
 erable victim becomes one mass of sores, internal and ex- 
 ternal. This is the course of the indurated chancre, when 
 left to itself. 
 
 The non-infecting or soft chancre appears in much the 
 same way, but is attended with more pain. The glands in 
 the groin swell and form bubos, which fill with pus or 
 matter, break and heal up. The penis swells, inflammation 
 runs high, and the urine is passed with difficulty — some- 
 times entirely suppressed, and death may result from fever 
 and inability to pass the water. This form of the disease 
 is more of a local trouble, does not infect the whole sys- 
 tem like the preceding, but if properly treated in its early 
 stages, may be readily eradicated from the system. 
 
 PERIOD OF ESTCUBATIOK 
 
 Both forms of chancre make their appearance in from 
 
550 NEKVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 three to fourteen days from the date of contact, coming 
 on in a few days in some, and later in others. The virus 
 from either chancre coming in contact with a mucus mem- 
 brane, produce a chancre of like character. Occasionally, 
 however, a soft chancre in a female will give rise to a 
 severe form of gonorrhea in the male, attended with bubo, 
 profuse discharge from the urethra, &c. 
 
 Syphilis is contagious, and may be contracted from 
 drinking out of the same vessel with a person who has 
 syphilitic ulcer in the mouth, from using same towel, &c. 
 Infants contract it from the mother's breast, and if the 
 virus is deposited in a cut or abrasion of the skin, it may 
 be taken up and conveyed to the system, on the same prin- 
 ciple that vaccination for small-pox produces a pustule. 
 Taking this view of the case, we can not be too particular 
 how we entertain strangers — especially in drinking after 
 them. I have had one or two well authenticated cases, 
 where wives have taken the disease just by sleeping in the 
 same bed, without any other connection ; but as I am the 
 first that I am aware, to note this, I do not know that it is 
 common. 
 
 A pregnant woman infected with syphilis will invariably 
 convey it to the embryo. Treatment should be energetic 
 and active from the first appearance. If discovered when 
 a mere pimple, burn it out with caustic potash, and little 
 else will be required ; but when it has run for some time, 
 you should lose no time in obtaining the best treatment to 
 be had. Under the regular treatment the symptoms may 
 be controlled in a few days or weeks, but they generally 
 give so much mercury that the system is mercurialized, 
 and the pox still left in the blood to break out under the 
 first depressing influence, when the mercury and syphilitic 
 poison both have to be eradicated, requiring from six to 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 27 
 
 twelve months' active treatment, under my system of 
 practice. 
 
 This is true of the indurated chancre ; and I will here 
 take occasion to say nine tenths of the victims of this dis- 
 ease never do get over it. It breaks down the nervous sys- 
 tem, impoverishes the blood, is transmitted from father to 
 child, and shows itself in scrofula, consumption, cancer, 
 ulcers, &c, even to the tenth generation. What child 
 would not curse the memory of a father who had doomed 
 him to a life of suffering ? 
 
 These are diseases that are sent upon us only as a pun- 
 ishment for illicit indulgence — consequently we have noth- 
 ing to fear if we keep aloof from those dens of infamy, 
 and avoid as associates its miserable victims. 
 
 GONORRHEA. 
 
 This is a milder type of venereal disease. It is the re- 
 sult of a sexual intercourse with a person affected with a 
 like disease or a soft chancre, as previously described. A 
 gonorrhea contracted from a woman who has a sof* 
 chancre, is the most severe, and gives rise to fever and 
 constitutional disturbances never met with in simple gon- 
 orrhea. The disease, in its incipient stage, is merely a lo- 
 cal affection, confined to the mucous membrane of the 
 urethra, but if long neglected, it becomes constitutional 
 or chronic, and is very difficult to overcome. 
 
 Symptoms. — The disease first makes its appearance with 
 an itching or tingling sensation, slight burning on urina- 
 ting. About this time, if a close inspection is had, you 
 may discover a slight discharge of thin, glassy matter, 
 transparent at first. The pain on urinating increases — the 
 burning is intense — the discharge assumes a thick, yellow 
 appearance. The glans penis become inflamed and swol- 
 
28 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 len, with, the edges of the external orifice thickened and 
 turned outward. The burning and irritation gradually ex- 
 tend upward — the bladder becomes irritated with a con- 
 stant desire to urinate. If contracted from soft chancre 
 the inguinal gland becomes enlarged and painful. The tes- 
 ticles swell, and spasmodic contraction or stricture of the 
 urethra ensue. The water is passed with difficulty, and 
 the patient is tormented with chordee, which is a partial 
 erection of the penis drawn downward as if by a cord. — 
 This is the true inflammatory stage. The buboes often 
 supurate and discharge a thick puss, and in some cases 
 continue to discharge for weeks, attended with more or less 
 pain. These are the common symptoms of a severe type 
 of Gonorrhea or Clap under ordinary circumstances; true, 
 we have cases that cause but little trouble more than the 
 burning and irritation in the urethra, with profuse dis- 
 charges. This form in a healthy man will wear itself out 
 in six or eight weeks without treatment, but is neverthe- 
 less contagious, and should be treated as soon as discovered. 
 
 Gonorrhea is contagious from the time of the slightest 
 appearance of the discharge, and continues so until every 
 trace of it is removed. 
 
 Of the complications connected with it I propose now to 
 speak. I point them out that you may avoid them if ever 
 its victim. 
 
 GONORRHEAL OPTHALMA. 
 
 From careless handling, the virus of gonorrhea is some- 
 times conveyed to the eye, causing the severest type of 
 inflammation of the eye, and in most cases entire loss of 
 the sight. There is a filthy practice among the ignorant, 
 of using the urine to wash the eyes when inflamed, under 
 the impression that it will cure them. This should never 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 29 
 
 be practiced, as there is great risk of permanent injury to 
 the eyes, even in a healthy subject. This form of sore 
 eyes have to be treated on same principle as the gonor- 
 rhea, and if not attended to without delay, there is no 
 chance to save the eye. 
 
 SWELLED TESTICLES. 
 
 This often results from using strong injections of lunar 
 caustic, and from riding horseback, being much on foot, 
 long walks, &c. I have met with cases that were very ob- 
 stinate, and the swelling reach an enormous size. Poul- 
 tices of tobacco are the best treatment — should be applied 
 at night, and perfect rest in a recumbent position observed. 
 Leeches are the best remedy where the inflammation and 
 swelling is great. 
 
 IRRITATION OF THE PROSTATE GLANDS. 
 
 Is one of the results of strong injections thrown into the 
 bladder, which, by passing over this gland, gives rise to 
 swelling of the gland, difficulty in urinating and at stool ; 
 in fact, I have met with cases where it was so much en- 
 larged as to almost close both the urethra and rectum. The 
 pain is so intense that life is but a torture. Irritation and 
 enlargement of the prostate requires prompt constitutional 
 treatment varied to suit the symptoms of the case. 
 
 IRRITATION OF THE BLADDER, 
 
 Results from same cause— often becomes so irritable as to 
 produce a constant desire to urinate, with severe, strangury 
 or bearing down pains. This requires a soothing constitu- 
 tional treatment, and sometimes it becomes necessary to 
 inject mucilaginous fluids to protect the walls of the blad- 
 der from inflammation and sloughing. 
 
30 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 FISTULA IN AM). 
 
 Often results from Gonorrheal inflammation, especially 
 where the patient is troubled with piles. I had a case un- 
 der my care some years ago that originated in a chronic 
 case of venereal. The discharge from the penis never 
 stopped until the fistulous opening appeared, and when 
 that was closed the gleety discharge from the penis again 
 made its appearance; on checking that the lungs became 
 involved, and nothing but the most rigid care and perse- 
 verence with treatment saved the patient from consump- 
 tion. 
 
 STRICTURE OF THE URETHRA. 
 
 This often results from using strong injections during 
 the height of the inflammation. It is "a condition of the 
 urethra where the walls are contracted and form a ridge 
 in a circle, contracting the apperture so as often to prevent 
 the passing of the urine at all, and at all times with great 
 difficulty. A radical cure of stricture can only be effected 
 by gradual dilation with proper instruments. I never use 
 the knife, and never fail to cure stricture. 
 
 GLEET. 
 
 This is a sequence of neglected Gonorrhea, and is caused 
 from a weak or relaxed condition of the mucous membrane 
 which throws off a discharge varying from a white to yel- 
 low or greenish color. It may continue for years, al- 
 ways keeping the parts weak and irritable. Gleet is also 
 an attendant symptom of stricture, and when this is the 
 cause it can never be cured until the stricture is removed. 
 
 VENEREAL WARTS. 
 
 From lack of cleanliness warts and excresences some- 
 times grow out around the head of the penis, often of a 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 31 
 
 large size. Tinct. chloride of iron applied with a camel- 
 hair pencil, three times a day, will soon remove them. 
 
 ULCERATION OF THE GLAND PENIS. 
 
 Sometimes results from the discharge being allowed to 
 remain in contact with the parts. A free use of soap and 
 water will prevent this, and if it occurs will demand treat- 
 ment as other venereal diseases. 
 
 There are several other complications that sometimes 
 occur, but are of such a nature as to require the personal 
 attention of a physician. 
 
 TREATMENT OF GONORRHEA. 
 
 Some writers condemn the use of injection in this dis- 
 ease at any stage, and considering the mischief that often 
 results from injections, I am inclined to agree with them. 
 However, in the first two or three days the following in- 
 jection will often cure it without a single dose of medi- 
 cine. It is prepared as follows : 
 Potass Permanganate, 6 grs. 
 Aqua Distil, 8 ounces. 
 
 Inject the urethra every three hours, for two or three 
 days. 
 
 Another good injection is — 
 
 Zinci Sulp., 8 grs. 
 
 Plumb Accet., 8 grs. 
 
 Sul. Hydras, 5 grs. 
 
 Aqua Rossa, 8 ounces. 
 Use as' above. 
 ^Another : 
 
 Zinci Chloride, 4 grs. 
 
 Aqua, 8 ounces. 
 Same as above. 
 
32 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 Another : 
 
 Ext. Hamamelis Fluid, 1 oz., 
 
 Aqua Dist., 8 " 
 
 Mix. Inject three times a day. 
 Should the discharge continue and the inflammation run 
 high, use the following internally as directed : 
 
 Ext, 
 
 Cubeba Fluid, 
 
 1 oz. 
 
 
 u 
 
 Buchu, 
 
 2 " 
 
 
 u 
 
 Hydrangea, 
 
 2 " 
 
 
 tt 
 
 Sweet Spts. Nitre 
 
 ,« 
 
 
 V 
 
 Sp. Lavender, 
 
 X 
 
 
 Add % pint '. 
 
 Holland Gin, and take one tablespoonf ul be- 
 
 fore each meal. 
 
 Keep the bowels active with 
 
 a good pur- 
 
 gative pill. 
 
 
 
 
 The following acts well in most 
 
 cases : 
 
 
 Ext. 
 
 of Cimifuga Fl, 
 
 2 oz. 
 
 
 u 
 
 Zanthoxylin 
 
 % " 
 
 
 (( 
 
 Populus Trem 
 
 i u 
 
 
 u 
 
 Baptisia, 
 
 1 " . 
 
 
 
 Holland Gin, 
 
 1 pint. 
 
 
 Dose : One tablespoonf ul three times a day. 
 
 m 
 
 For Chordee and Inflammation : 
 
 
 
 Ext. Humulus Fluid, 6 drachms. 
 " Gelseminum 2 " 
 
 Mix. Dose: 20 drops before retiring at night; 10 drops 
 three times a day in connection with either of the above 
 will be beneficial. 
 
 As a Purgative : 
 
 Podophylin, J£ gr. 
 
 Leptandrin, 3^ " 
 
 Take at night in water. 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 33 
 
 BALANITIS. 
 
 This is a serious form of inflammation of the Glands 
 Penis, and the internal surface of the prepuce. The symp- 
 toms are a sense of heat and itching about the parts. A 
 purulent discharge. On uncovering the glands a curd-like 
 matter is seen with patches of redness or excoriation. This 
 may take place independent of Gonorrhea, or it may be 
 complicated with bubo, or from the poison of a soft or hard 
 chancre. 
 
 Treatment. — The greatest cleanliness should be observed, 
 washing the part four times in every twenty-four hours. 
 
 Apply the following three times a day : 
 
 Permanganate Potass, 10 gr. 
 
 Water, 8 oz. 
 
 Apply on lint, and renew every four hours. At same 
 time take 10 drops of fluid extract gelseminum three times 
 a day. 
 
 IRRITABLE TESTES. 
 
 This is a condition that sometimes results from Gonorr- 
 hea. The scrotum and testicles become so irritable that 
 the very weight of the clothing is a perfect torture, the 
 pain striking through upon the slightest touch. The con- 
 dition of the patient becomes pitiable, indeed. It is a dis- 
 ease that there is no mistaking. 
 
 Treatment. — Bathing with cold water, perfect rest, with 
 a regular constitutional course of treatment, with tincture 
 of arnica locally. 
 
 RHEUMATISM OF THE TESTES, 
 
 Differs but slightly from Rheumatism in other parts of the 
 system. The pain is usually intense, and pervades the 
 whole organ. The treatment for this is also constitutional 
 and local. 
 3 
 
34 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 TESTITIS, 
 
 Or inflammation of the Testicles, may be either acute or 
 chronic. It is caused from gonorrheal inflammation, alco- 
 holic drinks, &c. 
 
 Symptoms. — Weight and pain in the cord and testicles, 
 uneasiness and pain in loins and groins, frequent desire to 
 urinate, swelling of testicles, scrotum firm and tense, and 
 the cord enlarged, great tenderness, nausea and vomiting, 
 with constipation of bowels, and fever. 
 
 The treatment should be active, and among the best 
 remedies is lobelia internally, and locally with an occa- 
 sional dose of gelsemin to keep down fever. Locally com- 
 mon salt, in the form of salt water bath, is good. 
 
 The chronic form differs from this only in being less 
 severe. The symptoms are the same, with treatment vari- 
 ed to suit the case. The use of a suspensary bandage is 
 almost indispensable in these cases. 
 
 WASTING OF THE TESTICLES. 
 
 This may be caused from mumps, or cold taken with 
 mumps, or from improperly treated syphilis, or masturba- 
 tion. 
 
 Symptoms. — There may be slight pain in testicles, main- 
 ly at night. Both the erection and venereal desire become 
 less frequent, and the seminal discharge diminishes until 
 none is secreted ; the testicles continue hard and decrease 
 in size until they nearly or quite disappear. 
 
 Treatment. — Remove the cause, avoid excesses, active 
 exercise, wear suspensary bandage, and seek skillful treat- 
 ment at once. 
 
 SCROTIAL HERNIA OR RUPTURE, 
 
 may be distinguished from hydrocele by the soft, elastic 
 feel, and the ability to push the enlargement up out of the 
 
NEKVOUS VITALITY. 35 
 
 scrotum. The only remedy is a well made truss, properly 
 adjusted. 
 
 HYDROCELE, OR DROPSY OF THE SCROTUM. 
 
 This may be confined to one side, and may continue to 
 accumulate until it attains an enormous size. More than 
 a pint and a half of water have been removed by myself 
 at one operation. Hydrocele may be due to inflammation 
 and consequent effusion of serum in the scrotial sack. It 
 commences at the bottom and enlarges upward ; may be 
 distinguished from hernia in the fluctuation and its grad- 
 ual enlargement. 
 
 Treatment. — When it has reached a very large size, tap- 
 ping is the only remedy, after which use camphor salve to 
 the scrotum, 1 drachm of pulverized camphor mixed with 
 an ounce of lard. Rub well in, three times a day. I have 
 often cured this disease when considerably advanced, 
 without tapping, mainly by constitutional treatment. It 
 should never be neglected when the first symptoms ap- 
 pear. Seek treatment at once ; you may thus save much 
 pain and inconvenience. 
 
 IMETIGO SCROTIALIS, 
 
 Or Tetter of the Scrotum. This is characterized by a pus- 
 tular eruption on the scrotum, attended with an itching so 
 intolerable that patients thus affected often are compelled 
 to scratch, regardless of company or any other considera- 
 tion ; in fact, it often causes constitutional disturbances, 
 sleepless nights, &c. In cases of long standing, a thorough 
 constitutional treatment is demanded. Recent cases will 
 yield to lotions of bi-carbonate of soda, one or two drachms 
 to the pint of water, applied three or four times a day. 
 
36 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 IMPOTENCE IN MARRIED MEN. 
 
 This may arise from a variety of causes. There may be- 
 an entire lack of sexual feeling or power, from imperfect 
 development, malformation, mutilation or absence of the 
 peois, hard study, mental anxiety, want of confidence,, 
 grief, disgust, excesses, almost invariably produce impo- 
 tency ; want of sympathy, want of feeling, disease, fever* 
 injuries of back of the head or spine, excessive labor, im- 
 moderate use of tobacco, opium, spirituous liquors — in 
 fact anything that impairs digestion and weakens the ner- 
 vous system ; imperfect erection, obesity. Men who be- 
 come too fleshy, find their sexual powers decrease. Stric- 
 tures of the urethra, hydrocele, hernia, &c. , are among the 
 causes. 
 
 Again. Repugnance, or want of sexual feeling on the 
 part of the wife, may operate to prevent the desire in the 
 husband. As remarked in a previous part of this work^ 
 there is a species of magnetic influence that operates in 
 exciting the sexual feeling. Where this is deficient in 
 one, it has an injurious effect on the other. Reciprocal 
 feelings go to heighten the pleasures of sexual intercourse. 
 There is occasionally in married men a feeling of indispo- 
 sition to sexual congress, which soon passes, and requires 
 no treatment. It is only those cases where the nervous 
 vitality is lost, or lacking, in part, that I have to deal with 
 here ; and in as few words as possible I will describe how 
 this is lost. 
 
 LOSS OF NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 Among the causes that produoe impotence or want of 
 nervous vitality, masturbation stands foremost. Of that 
 I have previously spoken. Next in the catalogue of causes 
 is excess in venery, or sexual indulgence. Upon this 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 37 
 
 point writers and teachers differ as to what constitutes ex- 
 cess. My own theory is, that no rule as to how often 
 one may indulge, can be laid down that will apply to every 
 case. What would be excess, and amount to exhaustion 
 in one, would not affect another. 
 
 Men have been known to have sexual intercourse almost 
 nightly for a number of years without impairing the 
 health, while others would exhaust their vital powers in a 
 few weeks. A safe rule, however, in a perfectly healthy 
 man and woman is, say, twice a week. Some men will 
 not be able to indulge so often as this, while others would 
 be perfectly healthy with this number, or even oftener. 
 Consumptives, or those disposed to consumption, will 
 hasten their end by free indulgence. In this class, once 
 in two weeks would be as often as safety would permit. 
 Those predisposed to heart disease, would do well to mod- 
 erate their desires in this direction. Men, whose occupa- 
 tion require mental study and close application, will not 
 liave much desire for sexual congress ; while others, who 
 live high and labor but little, will have their desires en- 
 hanced. This applies to young and middle-aged men ; 
 those who have passed their 45th year, need not expect 
 their feelings to remain strong as in youth, especially in 
 going to excess as in their younger days. 
 
 Physical development is no criterion upon which to base 
 a, man's sexual powers. Those of comparitive feeble frame 
 are often most amorous and able to perform more labor in 
 this direction than one of robust frame. It is all depen- 
 dent upon the amount of nervous vitality he possesses and 
 not upon muscular power. Some men imagine that the 
 feeling may be gratified whenever erection or inclination 
 occurs, and are thus led into excesses. As a safe rule, 
 once or twice a week, on an average, will be most condu- 
 cive to health. 
 
38 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 I have had one case under my care, who was far ad- 
 vanced in consumption, the result of marital excesses. He 
 had indulged from one to six times every twenty-four 
 hours, for a year, at the end of which time he was in con- 
 sumption, from which he never recovered, from the fact 
 that his vital powers were completely run down, and no 
 medicines were potent enough to get up a reaction in the 
 system. Aside from every consideration of health, it par- 
 takes more of the low and sensual than the intelligent 
 man. Where sexual intercourse is indulged to such an 
 extent, men allow sensuality to get the better of their judg- 
 ment, and thus not only ruin their own health but their 
 wives also. Always commence as you can hold out, and 
 by moderation in youth you will be better able to enjoy 
 the pleasures of mature years, and will have saved your 
 constitution from the miserable wreck we so often meet 
 with in men just turned the meridian of life. Moderation 
 in all things is best. 
 
 Treatment of Impotence. — The best treatment probably 
 in ordinary cases is purely hygienic salt-water bathing, 
 good diet, with tonic, to build up the general system. As 
 a tonic the following is excellent : 
 
 Cinchona, pul, 1 ounce. 
 
 Zanthoxylum " % " 
 
 Juniper, " % " 
 
 Holland Gin, 1 pint. 
 
 Let steep 24 hours, and take a tablespoonful before each 
 meal. Should this fail, seek the advice and treatment of 
 one skilled in treating sexual diseases. 
 
 WANING VITALITY IN THE AGED. 
 
 I am often consulted by old men complaining of want of 
 sexual feeling, just as if there were no stopping place I 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 6V 
 
 Aged men, although their sexual feelings may be strong, 
 should seldom indulge, as it is certain to have a deleterious 
 influence. How often do we see old men marry young 
 girls, and soon die the victims of their own excesses. The 
 idea of a man of sixty attempting to keep pace with a wife 
 of sixteen is preposterous, indeed. Yet, strange to say, an 
 old widower in nine cases out of ten will try for a young 
 wife, and if she does not repulse him he will soon kill him- 
 self, or cause enlargement of prostate gland, collapse of 
 the genital organs, and then becomes so jealous of his 
 young wife that life is a torment. The extreme nervous 
 depression that often follows sexual intercourse is more 
 than old age can bear with safety. This is the more true 
 in men than in women. Women frequently enjoy sexual 
 intercourse up to seventy-five or eighty. I remember once 
 interrogating an aged negress said to be over one hundred 
 years of age. In reply to the question at what age women 
 ceased to enjoy sexual intercourse, said I " must ask one 
 older than she!" 
 
 The children of old men are generally feeble, and defi- 
 cient in nervous vitality. Men retain the power of beget- 
 ting children to the age of fifty or sixty, rarely beyond 
 sixty. " The way of the transgressor is hard," and when 
 men have lived and enjoyed sexual intercourse to advanced 
 age, they should turn their thoughts to a higher purpose 
 than animal gratification. "Great folly appertaineth to the 
 first love, but great feebleness to the last." The chastise- 
 ment of those who love the sex too much is to love them 
 too long. 
 
 Coition generally makes the healthiest and strongest lan- 
 guid and drowsy for a time. Indeed, so decided is this 
 effect that men have even died during the act. This arises 
 from a sudden and powerful shock to the nervous system 
 
40 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 in a feeble frame. It is said of a noted philosopher when 
 asked at what age we should love ? said to a young man s 
 " Not yet I" and to an old one : " Not at all !" 
 
 Now, as regards excesses or frequency, when a person 
 feels more fresh and vigorous after indulgence; when they 
 sleep well, and the head feels free and easy, and the body 
 has its wonted elasticity, and the genitals are more vigor- 
 ous, then we may know that a natural want has been sup- 
 plied, and that no evil, but good, will result. Of course, 
 I have reference to the marital relation, and not to illicit 
 indulgence. As abstinence is the great duty of the single, 
 so moderation in sexual intercourse is a duty of the mar- 
 ried. 
 
 SEXUAL ABUSE IN MARKIED LIFE. 
 
 Some men after marriage seem to act on the principle 
 that excesses are all right if indulged in the married state, 
 consequently indulge night after night, until they find 
 their health failing, as also that of their wives. I have 
 had many consult me who had no particular disease but 
 a general feeling of lassitude, pain in chest, loss of appe- 
 tite in part and indigestion. They could not account for 
 it — had taken care of themselves, &c. When I find a case 
 of this kind I usually put the question, Are you married ? 
 How long since ? and I generally understand their cases 
 without another word. Occasionally the same symptoms 
 appear in the married libertine for the same cause — ex- 
 cesses. No matter how stout you are naturally, this con- 
 stant indulgence will tell on your nervous system, sooner 
 or later. 
 
 Young married people generally indulge more freely, 
 and this is often a cause of sterility. Over-indulgence im- 
 poverishes the semen, and impregnation does not take 
 place until their ardor has somewhat cooled; and often we 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 41 
 
 meet with cases where the wife's health is ruined for life, 
 in the first year of married life — laying the foundation for 
 lucorrhea or whites, inflammation of the womb, and ova- 
 ries, derangement of the menses, with all the train of 
 symptoms attendant upon their derangement. You should 
 govern yourself even in the first weeks, and live as if you 
 had a long life before you. Only in this way need you 
 expect to enjoy life to a ripe old age. 
 
 Excesses tell on both sexes, but usually a man will 
 break down first. A safe plan is to say one to three times 
 a week, from the very beginning, and you will find no 
 evil effects follow, if both parties are healthy. 
 
 In man only is sexual congress indulged as a pleasure. 
 All animal creation resort to it only to propagate their spe- 
 cies, and judging from appearances it is to them more of 
 pain than pleasure. Man, endowed with the highest order 
 of intellect, capable of the most exquisite enjoyment, and 
 yet will run into habits and excesses that will break down 
 his health or lower him as it were, below the brute crea- 
 tion. He that would use his wife as he would a harlot, is 
 no man at all. Joined together for life, begin as for life, 
 and rest assured what you lose in number, all things be- 
 ing equal, you will make up for in the increased pleasures 
 resulting from the magnetic influence of two healthy per- 
 sons. 
 
42 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 MAEEIAGE. 
 
 AT WHAT AGE SHOULD A YOUNG MAN ENTER 
 INTO THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT ? 
 
 This is a subject on which medical writers differ widely. 
 Marriage even for a boy is preferable to fornication or self 
 pollution, yet I hold that marriage should not be consum- 
 mated until at least twenty-one in the male, and seventeen 
 in the female. Marriage should only be entered into by 
 those who have arrived at a full development of their 
 intellectual and physical powers, as only such are calcula- 
 ted to bring forth full, healthy offspring. 
 
 Marriages for convenience or for family consideration, 
 are often productive of much evil. Never marry relatives, 
 as the offspring are almost sure to be severely afflicted, 
 deformed or demented. Love should be the moving power 
 in all marriages. No man should ever beget a child for a 
 woman he does not love, nor should a woman permit the 
 embraces of a man she cares little for. In the language of 
 a cotemporary, every child should be a love child, as well 
 as a lovely child, but where marriage is proposed and con- 
 summated for sinister motives, they are likely to be nei- 
 ther. A man wants in a wife a congenial companion — not 
 a singing bird or a drawing or dancing animal, yet a ma- 
 jority of women spend more time to learn these three 
 things than any thing else, and often marry men who can 
 appreciate neither. After forty few women care to dance, 
 and fewer can sing, and drawing has lost all its charms. 
 Rather, therefore, in selecting a partner, get one suited to 
 your circumstances and to your own qualifications. An 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 43 
 
 intelligent man — a man of learning, will find little conge- 
 niality with a woman who is deficient ; neither will a 
 woman enjoy life with a man her inferior in intellect. 
 Water will seek its level, and a fool will not enjoy life 
 with a sage. 
 
 There are some things which our republican ideas will 
 not entertain, but yet is too true to require argument — 
 blood will tell, and there can be no congenial feeling be- 
 tween the low and vulgar and the pure and refined. One 
 of the strongest arguments I ever heard used against uni- 
 versal salvation, was that a sinner in heaven would be in 
 a worse torment than he would in the lower regions, be- 
 cause there would be no congeniality or kindred spirits 
 there. It is a safe rule, that as soon after twenty-one 
 as you are able to provide for a wife, marry one of a con- 
 genial spirit, and life will be happy. 
 
 NERVOUS DEBILITY. 
 
 As the result of sexual excesses, we often meet with 
 cases of extreme depression of the nervous system. As 
 before remarked, the vitality of the whole muscular sys- 
 tem depends upon a healthy condition of the nervous sys- 
 tem. Nervous debility, then, is the opposite of nervous 
 vitality, and is the beginning of consumption, scrofula, 
 and many of the ills mentioned under the head of invol- 
 untary emissions, &c. Nervous debility, taken in its early 
 stages, is amenable to treatment. If left alone until the 
 whole system is undermined, then it becomes quite a for- 
 midable disease or derangement, and often baffles the very 
 best physicians. 
 
 Treatment. — Among the best remedies of the hygienic 
 class, is bathing in salt water — sea bathing when that can 
 be had, but if not so favored as to obtain this, a strong so- 
 
44 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 lution of salt in water, well rubbed in, once or twice a 
 day, will have a good effect. Let the diet be nutritious — 
 fish, eggs, butter (fresh), fat beef or mutton, &c. Regular 
 hours, with exercise in the open air, will all tend to a res- 
 toration of the vital principle. The medicinal treatment 
 requires a skill and judgment in treating, which none but 
 a physician, who has made it his study, is supposed to 
 possess. Therefore, I will not attempt to lay down any 
 course here. 
 
 I propose in the following pages to give symptoms of 
 cases treated, with the actual results. These cases will 
 be numbered, and while the statement is true in every par- 
 ticular, I am not at liberty to use names, as this unfor- 
 tunate class are such as to make it desirable to maintain 
 the strictest confidence. 
 
 CASE I. 
 
 This was a young man who applied to me in the early 
 part of 1870. The whole treatment was conducted by 
 letter, and I never have met the patient in person. I will 
 give, as near as possible, his own words, withholding 
 names, &c. 
 
 Under date of June 20th, he writes : 
 
 4 'My Dear Sir, — Having seen copies of your little pa- 
 per, (The Star) and judging from the manner in which 
 you write that you are conscientious, and not trying to de- 
 ceive the afflicted, I have been induced to open my heart 
 to you, and see if there is any hope for me. I am now 
 twenty-two years of age. My surroundings are of the most 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 45 
 
 flattering nature, and yet from early indiscretion, I am as 
 it were, a perfect wreck. I have been reared and educa- 
 ted by the best of parents and teachers, and but for the 
 sin of self -pollution should certainly now be happy. My 
 early years were spent on a Southern plantation, and 
 among the negro boys I learned this practice, which I 
 kept up without once knowing its evil effects, until some 
 three years ago I obtained a small pamphlet from some 
 Northern advertiser, which while it warned me of the evil, 
 was only a catch-penny affair, from whom I derived no 
 benefit whatever. I have been subject for several years to 
 nocturnal emissions, occurring almost every night, until I 
 find my health failing, and my mental faculties becoming 
 weaker from day to day. I now have loss of memory, 
 spots before my eyes, a dull heavy feeling in the back of 
 my neck, with the most horrible dreams. I have lost 
 nearly all desire for society or the female sex, and in a 
 word am a miserable wreck — mentally, physically and 
 morally. Now, what shall I do ? Can you do any thing 
 for me ? If not, in the name of humanity do not deceive 
 me. I apply to you as a Southern man, and the ugh not 
 personally acquainted with you, I am fully persuaded you 
 are honest. Write at once, and tell me truly, can you 
 cure me ? " 
 
 In reply to the above I wrote, assuring him of relief and 
 a permanent cure, if directions were strictly observed and 
 carried out for three to five months. Upon receipt of my 
 answer, he ordered a month's treatment, and on the first 
 of August writes : 
 
 " After using your invaluable medicine for one month, 
 I find myself much improved, and so much encouraged 
 that I am ready to place myself in your hands until you 
 say I am cured." 
 
46 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 Six months later he writes : 
 
 " I am happy to say that I am quite well. My sexual 
 system is all right, and I am now paying my addresses to 
 a beautiful and accomplished } T oung lady, with a view to 
 carrying out your suggestions — getting married, and trying 
 to live a virtuous and happy life. " 
 
 Three years later he writes : 
 
 " I am the happiest man in South Georgia ! I have a 
 fine boy two years old, perfectly healthy, and as smart as 
 a two year older ever was ; and allow me, my dear friend, 
 to give you the praise for all that I am, or ever expect to 
 be, as nothing but the prompt interference of your skill 
 saved me from a premature grave. May you live long to 
 do good, and enjoy its fruits. I do all I can for you in a 
 quiet way. " 
 
 CASE II. 
 
 Early in the spring of 1871, a young man consulted me 
 under the following circumstances. He had acquired the 
 habit of masturbation at a very early age, and had kept it 
 up at short intervals for six or eight years, until his condi- 
 tion was such as to excite fears for his sanity. It was be- 
 lieved by his parents that he was under conviction for sin, 
 to use Jkeir expressions, and that fear of his eternal con- 
 demnation was the whole trouble. About this time he 
 came in possession of a little pamphlet of mine, from 
 which he obtained a clue to the trouble. He at once wrote 
 me, detailing in a disconnected way his condition. His 
 vital powers were dribbling away — emissions were almost 
 constant, and he had all the train of symptoms attending 
 involuntary emissions. The whole trouble had settled in 
 his nervous system, and though his physical frame was but 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 47 
 
 little impaired, he was, so to speak, a perfect blank men- 
 tally. I was employed with but little assurance of suc- 
 cess. He continued under my treatment for upwards of 
 six months, and was discharged perfectly cured. I would 
 here warn parents that this religious derangement is not 
 always caused from the fear of being lost — but from the 
 brain being impaired, the nervous system is easily excited, 
 and often assumes this form of mental derangement. It 
 would be well in such cases to look beyond the symptoms 
 and see if, underlying all, is not a cause and that cause 
 masturbation. 
 
 CASE III. 
 
 Some years ago I was consulted by a young man, aged 
 eighteen. He was laboring under epileptic tits, and no 
 one had any idea of the cause that had brought them 
 about. Something in his appearance caused me to make 
 a close examination, and upon questioning him privately, 
 he frankly acknowledged the cause, and pledged me his 
 word that he would reform. I began treatment, and for 
 near twelve months he never had symptoms of a fit. 
 About this time, being from under my treatment, he re- 
 lapsed into his old habit, and in a few months was sent to 
 the lunatic asylum in this state, where he now languishes 
 a raving maniac. 
 
 CASE IV. 
 
 This was a man aged 25, and his trouble was sexual ex- 
 cesses with women. Commencing at an early age, and 
 being so situated that he could carry out the bent of his 
 desire, he indulged to an extent incredible. When he con- 
 sulted me, he was a living skeleton. Dyspepsia was a 
 convenient term under which he hid his shame, but really 
 seminal loss was the dyspepsia that was dragging him to 
 
48 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 the grave. Although a perfect wreck, I saw that he natu- 
 rally possessed a stout constitution, and without much en- 
 couragement undertook his case. Under the use of my 
 remedies he began to improve, and in twelve months he 
 was so much changed, that I did not recognize him when 
 he came to my office to thank me for what I had done for 
 him. He is now well, and my last prescription was mar- 
 riage, which he has applied, and the experience he has 
 had will enable him to steer clear of those terrible break- 
 ers that have wrecked so many lives, sexual excesses. 
 
 CASE V. 
 
 In May, 1871, a young married man consulted me by 
 letter. I found him in the last stages of consumption, 
 and of course beyond the help of medicines. In detailing 
 his case, he informed me that for near twelve months he 
 had from one to half a dozen sexual connections with his 
 wife every day, and at the end of that time found himself 
 in consumption, from which he died a few months after 
 consulting me. I give this case as a warning to those who 
 think their feelings and power of congress the only limit ; 
 but remember that any machinery strained to its utmost 
 tension will soon 3 r ield, and that the human machinery is 
 no exception to the rule. This is only one out of hun- 
 dreds that have come under my observation, desiring my 
 professional advice when too late for the skill of man to 
 reach them. 
 
 CASE VI. 
 
 Early in the year 1869 I was called upon by a young 
 man of prepossessing appearance. He stated that he was 
 laboring under a disease for which he could not account. 
 He had not had connection with a female at all, and yet 
 he had a discharge and constant irritation closely resemb- 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 49 
 
 Ting' a gonorrhea. Thinking at the moment he was en- 
 deavoring to play upon my credulity, I would not venture 
 an opinion, and being engaged I requested him to call 
 again. He did so, and upon questioning him I found that 
 lie was the victim of masturbation— that constant friction 
 had caused inflammation of the mucous membrane of the 
 urethra, and this caused the discharge. With a free use 
 of sulphate of zinc as an injection, with proper constitu- 
 tional remedies, I soon had him restored to health. 
 
 CASE VII. 
 
 In the month of May, 1872, I was consulted by a young 
 man laboring under general debility and wasting of the 
 testicles. They had diminished from ordinary size to the 
 size of a small chestnut. His sexual functions were well 
 nigh gone, his voice was assuming a feminine tone, his 
 whiskers were dropping out, and every thing betokening 
 a eunuch instead of a perfect man. Although stoutly de- 
 nied, I was convinced that masturbation was the exciting 
 cause, and I treated him accordingly. After several 
 months' local and constitutional treatment, I had the satis- 
 faction of seeing him so far restored as to discharge him, 
 and leave nature to finish the cure. He finally acknowl- 
 edged that he had been guilty of masturbation, but felt 
 too much humiliated to confess it. 
 
 I would remark in this connection, that wasting of the 
 testicles is a common result of this evil habit, and these 
 cases are very hard to cure, yet many cases can be entirely 
 restored. 
 
 CASE VIII. 
 
 I was consulted by a young married man some time 
 since, who was in a terrible strait. Although married for 
 two months, he had never been able to have connection. 
 
50 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 He stated that so often as he made the attempt he waa 
 seized with trembling and palpitation of the heart, and 
 entire loss of erectile power, making sexual intercourse 
 impossible. Nevertheless, he noticed profuse discharge 
 often after such attempts. Each succeeding attempt the 
 effort grew more hopeless, and in despair he called on me 
 to know if such a case ever was heard of, and if there was 
 any remedy. I found upon examination perfectly devel- 
 oped organs and intellectual head, and not much appear- 
 ance of excesses or abuses in any form, which he assured 
 me he was free of. Instead of taking a fee and drugging 
 this patient, I directed a salt water bath with considerable 
 friction to the spine at night, a teaspoonful of essence of 
 Jamaica ginger, and instructed him to wait until he felt 
 the desire without an effort, and that he need fear no pos- 
 sible failure. The result was that in forty-eight hours he 
 was all right, and by way of remembrance made me a 
 handsome present, instead of paying a fee, as I charged 
 nothing for my advice. In this case something unpleasant 
 or otherwise had caused a failure in the first effort, and 
 fear of a repetition, and want of confidence in himself, 
 caused all the trouble. Confidence in one's self is all 
 important in such cases. 
 
 CASE IX. 
 
 This was a man aged 22, six feet high, florid complex- 
 ion, and weighing 165 pounds, wearing a No. 9 boot, and 
 yet sexually he was a mere infant. The whole organs 
 were not as large as they should have been at five years 
 old. According to his statement they never had been any 
 larger, and he was almost devoid of feeling for the oppo- 
 site sex. A case so'novel and of so long standing, was of 
 a doubtful nature, and I merely agreed to do all I could 
 for him. Under my treatment in three months the organs 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 51 
 
 began to grow, after which I lost sight of him for a year. 
 At the end of that time he wrote, though not as well as he 
 could wish, yet he was so much improved that he confi- 
 dently looked for full development. 
 
 This was a very rare case, and I do not give it to say 
 that I can develop these organs where they are wanting, 
 but simply to say that extreme cases are often very much 
 improved under proper management. 
 
 SELF DIAGNOSIS. 
 
 I am often asked by letter : " How can I tell if I have 
 spermatorrhea, nervous debility," &c, and to enable this 
 class of enquirers to ascertain their true condition, I give 
 below a list of symptoms of each. 
 
 The premonitory symptoms of Impotence are : 
 
 Emissions accompanying the discharge of urine. 
 
 Emissions at stool. 
 
 Erections and emissions upon the slightest excitement. 
 
 Emissions under similar circumstances without erec- 
 tions. 
 
 Emissions at night while asleep. 
 
 Emissions in day time, without excitement or erections. 
 
 Semen in the urine, which may be seen floating about 
 when caught in a vial and held between you and the light. 
 This test should be made immediately after the urine is 
 passed. 
 
 Contraction or drawing up of the foreskin. 
 
 Dull pains in the organ of only a few moments' dura- 
 tion. 
 
 Varicocele, or varicose veins in the testicles. This can 
 be determined by the enlarged condition of the veins. 
 
 Pimples on face and chest. 
 
 Premature seminal discharge when sexual intercourse is 
 attempted. 
 
52 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 PRIAPISM. 
 
 This is an erection of the penis without any exciting 
 cause. 
 
 Decrease of sexual desire or enjoyment. 
 m Emission of a bloody looking matter or secretion. 
 
 Wasting of the penis or testicles. 
 
 Want of erections, or but imperfect erections. 
 
 In no" one case, probably, are all these symptoms pres- 
 ent, but in a great many a large majority of them are, and 
 are generally so well defined as to prevent mistake as to 
 your true condition. 
 
 I will now give you the 
 
 MUSCULAR SYMPTOMS 
 
 that precede general and nervous debility, and will remark 
 that in very many cases some of these symptoms never ; 
 appear, but in every case there are more or less of them atl 
 all times present, and when the}' are no time should bej 
 lost in seeking for remedies to eradicate the disease. 
 
 FIRST STAGE. 
 
 Increased appetite. 
 Gnawing and heat of the stomach. 
 
 Uneasiness or all-gone sensation before taking food, with 
 an unpleasant fullness after meals. 
 Want of appetite for common diet, a sort of longing, &c. 
 Heaviness in the stomach. 
 Increased pulsation at the wrist. 
 Flush face, unnatural redness of cheeks. 
 Sour stomach and belching. Heat in the throat. 
 The secretion of the liver diminished. 
 Wind on the stomach and bowels. 
 Colic, pain and griping. 
 Difficulties of breathing and cough. 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 53 
 
 SECOND STAGE. 
 
 We have distension of stomach and swelling of the 
 bowels. 
 
 Flabby condition of the bowels. 
 
 Excessive mucus secretion. 
 
 Fullness of blood in the head. 
 
 Irregular action of the heart. 
 
 Unnatural stools — sometimes constipated, and again too 
 loose. 
 
 Inflammation of the lower bowels, &c. 
 
 Loss of flesh. 
 
 Dead appearance of the skin. 
 
 Hollow, sunken eyes. 
 
 Extreme sensibility to cold or heat. 
 
 Loss of hair. 
 
 Rheumatic pains in various parts of the body. 
 
 Excessive mucus discharge from the throat. 
 
 Indolence — no desire to exercise or go in companj^. 
 
 Weakness and fatigue upon the slightest exertion. 
 
 The symptoms of the 
 
 LAST STAGE, 
 
 or mental symptoms, are found among the following, in 
 every case : 
 H * Restlessness, sighing, and want of energy. 
 
 Feeling of fullness in the head. 
 
 Change of tone of voice, nervousness, asthma, vertigo. 
 
 Want of appetite, dimness of vision. 
 
 Impaired sense of hearing, aversion to society. 
 
 Blushing and confusion when in the society of females. 
 
 Avoiding conversation, want of confidence. 
 
 Desire for solitude, want of power to affix the attention, 
 i Cowardly fear, depression of spirits, giddiness. 
 
54 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 Loss of memory, excitable temper, moroseness. 
 
 Trembling of the hands. 
 
 Pain in the back of the head and spine. 
 
 Pain over the eyes, disturbed sleep. 
 
 Strange, obscene, and lascivious dreams, hypochondria. 
 
 And as a finality, epileptic fits, insanity and death. 
 
 Doubtless many readers will say this picture is over- 
 drawn, and that I am endeavoring to frighten the reader 
 who may have been guilty of excesses, &c. Would it were 
 so ! Would to God there were no cases where this de- 
 scription apply ! Then we would have fewer cases of 
 insanity, consumption and death. 
 
 I know whereof I speak, and do not hesitate to say 
 that masturbation, sexual excesses, and venereal diseases 
 are doing more to degenerate the human family than all 
 other causes combined. And the only remedy for these 
 evils is in educating the rising generation to understand 
 their own system and the evil results of these vices, and 
 teach them that in early marriage and a virtuous life alone 
 are health and happiness to be expected. 
 
 CASE X.— CANCER 
 
 Some months ago I was consulted by a man whom I 
 found laboring under cancer of the penis in its most ag- 
 gravated form. His case was a hopeless one, and after I 
 so informed him, he urged me, as one speaking from the 
 brink of the grave, to write a book, and tell the rising gen- 
 eration the evils of promiscuous intercourse and self -pollu- 
 tion ; for, said he, "If I had never been led astray, I 
 would not now be the miserable wretch that I am. From 
 a case of syphilis, contracted years ago, have come all my 
 troubles, and now left without hope of relief, I must suffer 
 a thousand torments, from which my only escape is in 
 
NERA0TTS VITALITY. 55 
 
 death. In the cause of humanity I would plead with you 
 to warn others of this terrible evil." 
 
 His was a pitiable case, indeed, and the history of which 
 is briefly as follows : He contracted syphilis or pox, was 
 treated with mercmy, and pronounced cured, but remain- 
 ed so for only a few months, when a cancerous ulcer made 
 its appearance ; caustic was applied, only aggravating the 
 disease, and when he came to me his whole system was 
 contaminated, and a few months served to close his life of 
 suffering — all from the effects of promiscuous intercourse. 
 
 CASE XI.— CONSTITUTIONAL SYPHILIS. 
 
 A. B. consulted me April, 1873. He was literally cover- 
 ed with syphilitic ulcers, the result of disease contracted 
 ten years previous. Under the skilful application of mer- 
 cury he had been cured, as he supposed, and two years 
 after had married a most estimable lady. Six months 
 after marriage the original chancres appeared, and the 
 same old school remedies were applied, with a mitigation 
 of all the symptoms. About this time a child was born, 
 and presented many unmistakable evidences of the taint. 
 The wife, also, was contaminated, and it was my office to 
 administer t'o all three. Nearly twelve months have elaps- 
 ed, and they are, to all appearance, well — thanks to the 
 virtues of vegetable antidotes ; and yet nothing but the 
 most temperate mode of living, with close observance of 
 liygienic rules, will prevent constitutional effects hereafter. 
 
 In this connection, I would advise regular baths of salt 
 water and abstinence from alcoholic drinks, over stimula- 
 ting diet, and regular habits in all who have once had con- 
 stitutional syphilis. Any deviation is liable to produce 
 inflammation, and symptoms, if not a return, in some 
 form. 
 
56 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 CASE XII. 
 
 I was consulted in January, 1873, by a single man, who- 
 was laboring under stricture of the urethra, the result of 
 strong injections of lunar caustic in a case of Gonorrhea. 
 On examination of the passage, I found the stricture so 
 great as to prevent the passage of the smallest bougie, and 
 it was with the greatest difficulty that he could pass water 
 at all; in fact, when exposed to extreme cold, he couIcF 
 not urinate until he used a warm bath. I began treatment 
 by introducing a bougie up to the stricture, on the point 
 of which I used an ointment for the purpose of produ- 
 cing absorption. I allowed this to remain in contact, say 
 half an hour, daily. In a few days the stricture was so 
 much softened as to admit a number one bougie. Con- 
 tinuing the treatment by gradual dilation, I soon had my 
 patient cured. I would here remark that I have treated 
 quite a large number of cases of stricture, and have never 
 had to resort to the knife, having succeeded in every case- 
 by the introduction of medicated bougies and gradual di- 
 lation of the stricture, in connection with active constitu- 
 tional treatment. 
 
 CASE XIII.— GLEET. 
 
 J. N. consulted me December, 1870. He was laboring 
 under chronic inflammation of the urethra, which kept up 
 a constant discharge of a glarry white matter. He had 
 been thus afflicted for eighteen months, had consulted sev- 
 eral noted physicians, and had failed to obtain the slightest 
 relief. Suspecting stricture as one of the exciting causes.. 
 I introduced a bougie, and found no impediment. I then. 
 decided it was a case of chronic inflammation of the mu- 
 cous membrane of the urethra, and proceeding upon this 
 diagnosis I soon stopped the discharge, and with tonics 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 57 
 
 and local astringents I effected a permanent cnre. I of 
 course used active constitutional treatment to allay the 
 inflammation and irritation. 
 
 CASE XI V.— SYPHILIS. 
 
 Two months ago a respectable married man consulted 
 me under the following circumstances. He had noticed a 
 small pimple on the glands penis a week before, but had 
 given it no thought. Having had no connection with any 
 one from home, he thought pox out of the question. The 
 pimples enlarged, and formed an indurated chancre, un- 
 der which he was laboring when lie came to me. His sto- 
 ry was so improbable that I would not accept it until thor- 
 oughly convinced that he could have no object in deceiv- 
 ing me. I then enquired into his surroundings, and every 
 thing that could offer a solution of the mystery. He had 
 slept with no one but his wife, had washed with no one, 
 nor used the towels after any one else. He remembered 
 two or three weeks previous he had on visiting a neighbor- 
 ing city, sat down on a privy seat at a hotel. This was a 
 clue to the whole nwstery. Sitting on a seat where the 
 virus from an infecting chancre had come in contact with 
 the absorbients of the penis, the matter was taken up and 
 conveyed into the system, producing a perfect syphilitic 
 chancre — in fact as true a case of pox as ever was con- 
 tracted from a female so affected. I applied the usual 
 remedies of my practice, and by constitutional means hope 
 to overcome the disease in a few months. 
 
 I do not profess to be able to cure syphilis in a few 
 days, as some do, and if this is expected of me I shall not 
 undertake any case. ISTo physician can cure syphilis per- 
 manently in less than three months, if it has stood one 
 week after contamination ; and if it has continued a 
 
58 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 month, from six to twelve months will be required to cure 
 it and eradicate the poison from the blood. 
 
 CASE XY. 
 
 I was consulted some time in 1873 by a man who had 
 every symptom of acute Gonorrhea. He stated that he 
 had been married only a few months, and that he had had 
 no connection with any woman except his wife, not only 
 since marriage but for months before, and that he had 
 every evidence in the world that she was as pure as woman 
 as woman could be. I was somewhat at a loss to diagnose 
 this case, but requested him to go to his wife and ask if 
 she had ever noticed any unnatural discharge. Upon be- 
 ing interrogated she stated that for three or four days after 
 each period she had a very acrid discharge that caused an 
 itching, <fcc. Being of a scrofulous diathesis the poison 
 was thrown off in this way, and hence the inflammation of 
 the urethra. 
 
 CASE XVI. — FISTULA. 
 
 C. J., aged 25 years, consulted me in August, 1870. His 
 case was a very peculiar one. Two years previous he had 
 contracted a gonorrhea which baffled every mode of treat- 
 ment, the discharge continuing with but little intermission 
 for over twelve months. About this time an abscess form- 
 ed in the perenium, (or space between the scrotum and 
 anus) causing the most intense pain, and finally opening, 
 left a fistula or canal, opening into the bowels. The 
 strange feature of this case is, that as soon as the abscess 
 began to discharge, the gonorrhea disappeared, as also the 
 irritation in the penis. During the continuance of the fis- 
 tula, if from any cause it closed up and did not discharge 
 for some days, the itching and burning in the urethra 
 would again appear, and would only be relieved by open- 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 59 
 
 ing the fistula. I commenced treatment mainly with a 
 view to improve the blood, never attempting to stop the 
 fistula until the system was thoroughly prepared for the 
 change. In six months I had my patient well, fistula 
 healed without the use of the knife, and he is well to the 
 present day. 
 
 KNOW THYSELF. 
 
 In the preceding pages I have endeavored to give the 
 reader some idea of the evil results of immorality, as 
 shown in prostitution, self-pollution, &c. In doing this I 
 have had to use plain language, and no doubt shall bring 
 down upon my head the censure and condemnation of 
 many who believe evil comes only from learning what 
 evil is. This may be true, in some respects, but if with a 
 knowledge of evil comes a knowledge of its punishments, 
 then you have disarmed it of its power to harm those who 
 properly understand it. 
 
 The clergyman, the teacher, the parent, who are ready 
 to condemn this, must know that you can not make a be- 
 ing spiritually pure who is pl^sically impure. The man 
 covered with sores and scabs from syphilis, will not go into 
 the society of the pure, because he knows they shrink 
 from him in horror. Can you preach to such an one with 
 any prospects of success ? Would you dare eat and drink 
 with such at the Lord's table ? I must confess I would 
 not, and take the chances of disease in the act. Then 
 while you condemn me for trying to prevent sin, you are 
 powerless to stop it, when once its victims have become 
 diseased and degraded. 
 
60 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 Ah ! says one, } r ou appeal to their fears, and not to their 
 moral courage. So I do, and most of those who teach ap- 
 peal to no better part of the nature than fear. You urge 
 them to love God, because if they do not love and obey 
 him, then eternal condemnation and punishment await 
 them. I urge them to shun vice because of its punishment 
 here. Much of the disease and corruption of mind and 
 body is due to that false modesty which would keep from 
 the young a knowledge of themselves. None have a bet- 
 ter opportunity to know the evil effects of secret habits 
 than I ; and I should feel that I had not performed a duty 
 assigned me if I did not warn its victims of the conse- 
 quences. 
 
 We are, to a certain extent, creatures of circumstances 
 and education. T \Yho will attempt to say that an uneduca- 
 ted man stands an equal chance in the world with one of 
 education and refinement ? Then if education goes so far 
 to ensure the success of an individual in the ordinary 
 walks of life, wiry should we withhold and deprive them 
 of a knowledge that goes so far to insure their phj^sical 
 and moral welfare ? 
 
 At the risk of being termed quack, charlatan, &c I have 
 penned these pages, and I have no doubt that while some 
 condemn thousands will bless me for the same. Upon a 
 knowledge of ourselves much depends. Can we condemn 
 those who have never been taught? No, indeed, we are 
 taught that to shun evil and do good is commendable, but 
 if we are not informed what evils are, how shall we know 
 how to shun them ? This much I have written in defence 
 of my cause, and with a consciousness that I am doing a 
 good work, I send this little volume forth, trusting that as 
 4 'bread cast upon the waters, it may be gathered up many 
 days hence. " 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 61 
 
 SEXUALITY-The Origin of Love. 
 
 Disguise it as we may. there is no denying the fact that 
 in early life sexuality, or the sexual desire, is the founda- 
 tion of love in its true sense. Eunuchs never love the op- 
 posite sex — they are women haters. Females devoid of 
 sexual passion never love as those in whom this feeling has 
 its proper place. It is the passion — the principle — upon 
 which the human race depends. Then why attempt to 
 smother it and treat it as something that is evil, but rather 
 encourage its legitimate enjoyment in the marital relation, 
 and then we should have less of seduction and fornication 
 than we do in the attempt to treat it as an evil that we 
 must avoid, &c. The reasonable desire of the sex for each 
 other is, as before stated, a divine attraction, and it is only 
 in excesses and promiscuous indulgence that the evil lies. 
 We have nearly an equal number of males and females, 
 thus showing that for the well being of our race one wo- 
 man and one man only should have sexual congress. Were 
 it confined to this, and in legitimate channels, sexual dis- 
 ease would be unknown. I would not be understood as 
 encouraging the gratification of the sexual passions except 
 in the marital state, and then only within the bounds of 
 propriety. Promiscuous intercourse, infidelity, &c, are 
 the bane of the age, and their evil effects can not be 
 sufficiently understood except in active professional 
 life. Then, as sexual desire is the foundation of our exis- 
 tence, its legitimate indulgence is advisable, and in no way 
 can this be effected except in early marriage, and fidelity to 
 the marriage vow. I want it distinctly understood that I 
 condemn all indulgence outside of this relation, and never 
 prescribe it as a remedy for sexual debility in any other 
 way. 
 
62 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 COHABITATION. 
 
 A work on Sexual Science, by Prof. O. S. Fowler, ad- 
 vances the idea that cohabitation should never be indulged 
 except for the purpose of producing offspring ; that when 
 conception has taken place, no connection should be had 
 until the child is one year old, or fit to be weaned. As to 
 any man putting this theory into practice I am willing to 
 leave it for his wife to decide, and as they are generally 
 right on most questions I am willing they shall be the um- 
 pire in this case If any sane man should propose to put 
 this theory in practice he will find that it is not popular at 
 home. 
 
 Human beings have certain natural desires, and as I have 
 elsewhere stated they should be exercised in a legitimate 
 way as often as the laws of health, prudence and physiol- 
 ogy will permit. I am convinced that for healthy per- 
 sons, once or twice a week is within the. bounds of health, 
 where the desire is equal to it. Fowler cites as proof the 
 animal kingdom, as though men were endowed with no 
 higher order of intelligence than the instinct of the beast. 
 The animal creation co-habit when desire prompt, but 
 man, the higher order of God's creation, has more fre- 
 quent desire, and at the same time is endowed with the 
 faculty of resisting or controlling this feeling. 
 
 Woman, after all, should be the umpire to settle the 
 question as to frequency, and in most cases this will be a 
 sufficient guide to keep the husband within the bounds of 
 health and prudence. A man can not be forced — a woman 
 never should be, as sexual intercourse against her will is 
 no more than legalized rape. 
 
 But, says one, my wife never has any desire — then what 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 63 
 
 shall I do ? Must I abstain altogether ? In answer to 
 such an one I will say, if your wife is fully developed, 
 this want of sexual feeling is either an evidence of disease, 
 or a feeling of disgust towards you. If the latter, you 
 must learn her to love you, or seek a divorce, as you are 
 only making both unhappy. If disease is the cause, then 
 seek the advice of a physician who can remedy this defect. 
 The law divorces any one from another that has not the 
 sexual attributes. Why, then, compel those to live to- 
 gether in misery who have not the desire, or that submit 
 only because they think it a duty ? The offspring of such 
 are not what they should be; nor indeed can any offspring 
 be perfect in mind and body that are not the result of a 
 love embrace. 
 
 Stick to your straight-laced notions as much as you will, 
 there are scientific principles that govern even in the pro- 
 duction of offspring — principles underlying our whole na- 
 ture, a violation of which will tell in those who come after 
 us. A drunken man may beget a fool. The feelings and 
 passions that predominate during sexual congress have 
 much to do in forming the individual. A child the off- 
 spring of mutual love and reciprocal feeling, will stand a 
 fairer chance or inheriting those qualities than one the 
 result of a happen so. 
 
 Oh ! says one, this is freelove doctrine, special affinities, 
 &c. I deny the charge, in so far as advocating promiscu- 
 ous intercourse, or infidelity, but I do believe in free love 
 in the purest acceptation of the terms. None should marry 
 who do not love each other for their self alone, and of 
 their own free will, without any other consideration. 
 When this is the case, if the love is free and pure, we may 
 look for the highest order of domestic bliss, and offspring 
 superior to either parent in intellectual attainments. If 
 
64 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 we had more of free love, and less of mercenary love, we 
 should have more of domestic feeling and less of matri- 
 monial discord. 
 
 ADVICE TO YOUNG HUSBANDS, OR THOSE 
 ABOUT TO MARRY. 
 
 How much depends upon right management for the first 
 days after marriage, only those who have experienced it 
 can know. Be gentle, be kind ; undue haste — an exhibi- 
 tion of the animal over the intellectual passion or affection 
 on the first night maj^ with some temperaments, make an 
 impression that time can never efface. Behold what a 
 great fire a small spark kindieth, and govern yourself so 
 that you will never look back with regret. Undue haste is 
 often the means of producing disgust, pain, and want of 
 reciprocal feeling. Go slow — you have a lifetime before 
 you, and rest assured that gentleness and affectionate con- 
 sideration goes further with most females than most of us 
 are willing to admit. A hint to the wise is sufficient. 
 
 Not long ago a young man — a friend and former patient 
 of mine called on me for advice, as he stated, either as a 
 friend or physician. He had been married a week without 
 consummation, although desire on his part and capacity 
 was equal to any emergency, but on the part of his wife 
 repugnance and weeping was all that met him. Now, says 
 I, you never started right. Don't lay hold and attempt to 
 force a consummation, but gently draw her to your arms, 
 caress and fondle, and talk of other subjects until by a 
 natural drawing or reciprocal feeling takes the place of 
 this dread and hands-off feeling. With this advice enlarg- 
 ed upon, he departed and came back a few days after to 
 thank me for this bit of friendly advice. He had pro- 
 ceeded in a business-like manner, and was met in a spirit 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 65 
 
 the same ; or to say, if this is all you wanted with me I 
 am disposed to disappoint you. You must woo stronger 
 on the eve of consummation than at any time of courtship, 
 if you expect to be met with a reciprocal feeling. 
 
 QUACK ADVERTISEMENTS. 
 
 The country papers abound in advertisements of design- 
 ing men. The notices have as many taking heads as there 
 are advertisers. "Avoid Quacks," "Nervous Debility," 
 "Self Cure," "Impediments to Marriage," &c., &c. y are 
 among the style of headings to these cards. Some propose 
 to send receipts or prescriptions free, but they always con- 
 tain something you can get from no one but the advertiser. 
 Some of thein work upon the credulity of young men, get 
 a full confession, and then send nothing in return for ten 
 to twenty dollars. If you threaten to expose them, they 
 will coolly refer to your letter, which they will expose, 
 &c. Now there is no telling the amount of money that 
 goes from the South annually to this class of quacks, and 
 why ? Simply because the regular practitioners know 
 but little of the treatment of sexual weakness, and often 
 their prescriptions are calculated to do more harm than 
 good ; and those who understand these diseases and mean 
 well, have a natural timidity in advertising in competition 
 with these humbugs. 
 
 To cure this class of diseases requires more time and a 
 better range of remedies than regular practitioners possess, 
 consequently they give but little thought to them, and 
 
66 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 when applied to, treat them as mythical, or of very little 
 importance. Regular text books, until very recently, are 
 silent on these diseases ; and we find a Professor in one of 
 the first Medical Schools in America stated to his class 
 that Spermatorrhea was all a hoax — that an occasional 
 emission was healthy, even if it did come in a dream ; and 
 that the practice of masturbation was universal almost, 
 and was no great injury. 
 
 Now with such teaching as this, how can the new fledged 
 Allopath know how to treat Nervous Debility — a disease 
 which he is taught exists only in imagination ? This Pro- 
 fessor is possibly an isolated exception, but I do know 
 that physicians, as a rule, are sadly wanting in a knowl- 
 edge of these peculiar nervous derangements, and often 
 treat them in a manner to add fuel to the already consum- 
 ing fire. I have given this class of diseases much thought, 
 and have treated perhaps as many cases as any man of my 
 age; have been consulted by hundreds, and have a perfect 
 right to know whereof I speak. 
 
 Perhaps the reader has been led to believe he would 
 here learn what would cure him. In reply will say, I 
 would have to give almost as many different plans of treat- 
 ment as there are cases, and these in unprofessional hands, 
 it would amount to almost nothing. The object of this 
 work has been to point out the evil, and warn you against 
 a practice that must eventually work out your ruin. If 
 not carried too far, stop it at once, get a good vegetable 
 tonic, and perhaps } r ou will need no further treatment ; 
 but if the vital powers are on the wane, and nature is not 
 equal to the emergency, then apply to a skillful physician, 
 who knows what he is doing. Do not let a sense of shame 
 keep you from unbosoming yourself, but having sinned 
 -against your own body, first cease to do evil, and learn to 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 67 
 
 do well. Get your body, or all your organs, fully restored, 
 :and then see that you keep it free from the contaminating 
 Influence of self-pollution or illicit intercourse. 
 
 When the system has not suffered too much, the follow- 
 ing as a tonic acts splendidly : 
 
 Poplar Bark, (of the root) \ oz. 
 Golden Seal, i oz. 
 
 Peruvian Bark, | oz. 
 
 Gentian Bark, i oz. 
 
 Add the whole to a quart of good Holland Gin, shake 
 -well, and take a tablespoonful before each meal. Do not 
 shake after the first twelve hours. In addition to this, 
 keep the bowels regular, live on a nutritious diet, bathe 
 ike whole body frequently with warm salt water, if in 
 winter, or cold water in summer. And where the night 
 emissions are frequent and troublesome, sit for fifteen 
 minutes in a tub of cold water before retiring. Avoid all 
 exciting causes, or reading sensational novels, seek cheer- 
 ful company, sleep on a mattress and between cotton or 
 linen sheets. Avoid stimulants, and live temperate in all 
 things, and you will, if of naturally stout constitution, 
 require but little medicine in addition to the above tonic, 
 and hygienic rules. We have many valuable remedies that 
 act well, but as a rule they are such that require the 
 advice of a physician in their use. 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 SUPPEESSION. 
 
 Some who do not desire offspring are in the habit of 
 withdrawing, or otherwise preventing a free discharge of 
 the semen in the act of copulation. A more injurious 
 practice is hard to conceive, as it exhausts the system and 
 weakens the seminal ducts more than most people are 
 aware. 
 
 I have referred to the electricity or magnetic influence 
 that predominates in the act of sexual congress of the 
 sexes. When the semen is not discharged, it is like an 
 electric shock applied to the body with no power to throw 
 it off, consequently the shock becomes depressing, and 
 produces nervous exhaustion, general weakness, trembling, 
 &c, and if long continued will undermine the health of 
 both male and female who practice it. It is simply Onan- 
 ism in another form, and should never be resorted to. If 
 you can find no other means of curtailing your family, 
 you had better adopt the total abstinence rule, than to lay 
 the foundation for consumption and nervous debility, 
 which this will do if long continued. 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 69 
 
 DREAD OF OFFSPRING. 
 
 I must condemn in the strongest terms the foolish dread 
 or repugnance manifested by some to having children. It 
 is, to say the least, unchristian, and I might say, in some 
 cases, inhuman. I admit there are many cases where off- 
 spring are not to be desired ; from physical imperfection 
 of the parent, incurable blood diseases, insanity, &c. ; but 
 where none of these exist, I confess I never have been 
 able to see any just grounds for preventing offspring. 
 
 Some years ago I published a small pamphlet on this 
 subject, and many, mistaking my position, have applied to 
 me, when they could give no cause — only they did not 
 want children. I would take occasion here to state that I 
 give no advice to such, but refer them to the command, 
 *' Increase, multiply and replenish the earth." It is God's 
 appointed way for peopling this earth ; and none whose 
 physical, mental and moral condition is such as to leave a 
 reasonable prospect of bringing forth sound, healthy off- 
 spring, should attempt to prevent it. Some may with 
 good reason desire to prevent having so great a number 
 that they can not provide for ; this they can prevent by a 
 little precaution , and if they fail once in five years, they 
 will not have more than they are entitled to. 
 
 Married men and women in this enlightened day will 
 apply to a physician for medicine to produce abortion, 
 and apply with as much ease as though they were asking 
 for a simple prescription. Shame on all such ! It is unnat- 
 ural ; and no wonder children born in spite of such should 
 have hatred, malice, and if need be, murder, stamped 
 upon their intellectual being. To all such I would say, 
 
70 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 when you seek for means to produce abortion, you are 
 seeking a murderous weapon to use against your own* 
 child, and a means that will undermine your own consti- 
 tution, and sow the seeds of disease and death to your 
 body, and eternal damnation to your souls. 
 
 I hope I shall be fully understood on this subject, and 
 that while preventive measures are admissible, and a real 
 necessity in some cases, yet they are few and far between,, 
 compared with the number who are in every way compe- 
 tent to bring forth offspring. 
 
 INFIDELITY OF HUSBANDS. 
 
 As this work is intended for the male sex alone, and as 
 I have pointed out many of the causes of sexual debility., 
 and diseases of the sexual organs, recommending early- 
 marriage as a preventive, I cannot forbear enjoining the- 
 strictest observance of the marriage vow. The risk off 
 indulging in promiscuous intercourse is great, under any- 
 and all circumstances, aside from the immorality of the 
 practice, and for the married the risk -is double, as they 
 not only lay themselves liable to disease, but their partners: 
 also, and in many cases the unborn child. It has been my 
 province to prescribe for many married men thus diseased., 
 and I regret to say, in many instances the wife also. Being- 
 in honor bound to keep silent, yet I have often thought 
 how different it would be were parties reversed. You owe- 
 it to the woman, who, trusting you, has forsaken all others 
 
NERAOUS VITALITY. 71 
 
 and clings to you alone — you owe it to. posterity — you owe 
 it to yourself, to keep aloof from every indulgence of this 
 kind. 
 
 One healthy woman is equal to any man, sexually, or 
 at least can supply all that the laws of health will permit; 
 and if she is sick, or her vital powers run down, your mar- 
 riage vows bind you to abstain, and nurse her until 
 restored. It may require a little self-denial — curbing of 
 desire, but he is lacking in all that goes to make up the 
 true man, who is not willing to sacrifice this much for the 
 sake of the true and devoted wife. To do unto others as 
 you would have them do to you, is the rule that should 
 govern in this case, if no further. 
 
 Marry early, and keep your marriage bed undeflled. In 
 this way you shall keep your soul from trouble, and save 
 all risk of disease, and insure health and happiness in your 
 domestic relations. Never marry without love and com- 
 patibility, and where this predominates, any sacrifice is 
 easy — any self-denial can be made ; and when passions 
 shall have become blunted, and reason and mature years 
 shall have taken the place of the impetuosity of youth, 
 you can look back on a life well spent, and have no regrets 
 that you have lived a virtuous life — but rather thank God 
 that you have resisted all such temptations. 
 
72 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 DESCRIPTIVE ANATOMY OF THE MALE 
 SEXUAL OEGANS. 
 
 In a work of this kind, designed for the instruction of 
 the male sex, a description of the organs connected with 
 the generative functions, is almost indispensable. I will 
 give a plain, common sense description of each organ, and 
 the part they perform in the reproduction of our species. 
 This would have been aided by illustrations but for the 
 difficulty in the way of obtaining the cuts in this city in 
 time for the publication of the pamphlet. Having treated 
 solely of these organs in the preceding pages, I shall con- 
 fine myself to a brief but accurate description of the 
 same. 
 
 The importance of a healthy condition and proper per- 
 formance of the functions of these organs, cannot be 
 overated, as upon this, to a great extent, the health of 
 body and mind depend. They are of admirable construc- 
 tion, wonderfully made. Their anatomy is sufficient evi- 
 dence of the functions they were designed to perform, 
 and convince us that they were made to use and not abuse. 
 There is, I venture to say, no other organs of the body 
 that excite our wonder and admiration of their maclianism 
 more than the urino-genital organs of the male. Perfect- 
 ly adapted to the office they are to perform, and un equaled 
 in the delicacy of their texture and the minuteness of 
 their structure, all go to excite admiration, and this very 
 peculiarity of their structure, make them liable to various 
 diseases which will be found described in another part of 
 this work. 
 
 The male organs of generation are divided into the ex- 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 73 
 
 ternal and internal. The former consisting of the penis, 
 the urethra or canal leading from the bladder and opening 
 at the end of the former, the scrotum and testicles. The 
 scrotum is the sac membrane or pouch containing the tes- 
 ticles, or seed, as the common people term them. The 
 internal organs consist of a portion of the urethra, the 
 tubes arising from the testicles and conveying the semen 
 to the seminary vesicle or receptacle. The prostrate and 
 vence montamum in the prostrate region of the urethra 
 and connecting with all the urinary organs, as the kidneys, 
 ureters and urinary bladder. 
 
 The kidneys, the grand ennucitories of the body, are 
 glandular bodies, whose office is to secrete the urine and 
 uric acid from the blood, convey it through the ureters into 
 the bladder, and then it passes off through the urethra. 
 The kidneys are situated on either side of the spine, be- 
 low the two last ribs, and behind the stomach and bowels, 
 and outside of the peritonum or membrane that envelopes 
 the bowels. 
 
 When a man is erect the right kidney is below the liver, 
 and the left below the spleen. The right kidney usually 
 \sijs a little lower, and is slightly larger than the left. The 
 shape differs but little in man from those of the beast, 
 which you have no doubt often seen. 
 
 The secretions of the kidneys may be to a great extent 
 influenced by the emotions. For instance, fear will not 
 only cause an involuntary flow but will increase the quan- 
 tity in some men or children, and especially in dogs. I 
 have met with patients laboring under stricture that would 
 have their mind so constantly directed to their disease that 
 they would have frequent calls to pass the urine, and a 
 large quantity would be secreted. Whereas, when their 
 mind was diverted from their disease they would have 
 much less difficulty in this particular. 
 
74 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 THE URETERS 
 
 Conveys the urine from the kidneys to the bladder. They 
 are long hollow tubes, one on each side, passing downward 
 and inward to the back and lower part of the bladder. 
 
 THE BLADDER 
 
 Is situated in the lower part of the body, or in the pelvis. 
 It is of considerable size and admits of being distended to 
 a much greater extent than an} r one not familiar with it 
 would suppose. In man the bladder lies directly on the 
 bowels, but in woman the womb lies between this organ 
 and the bowels. It is oval in shape and is the receptacle 
 for the urine. It is composed of three coats, one of mus- 
 cular fibre, which enables it to contract and expel the 
 urine. 
 
 THE PROSTATE GLAND. 
 
 This is a gland in shape and size resembling a chestnut. 
 It lies below and behind the bladder, and directly in front 
 of the rectum. 
 
 THE URETHRA. 
 
 This is a membranous canal, and extends from the neck 
 of the bladder to the end of the penis. It is vascular elas- 
 tic, and its membranes very thin and nearly transparent, 
 without fibre, and within itself does not possess the power 
 of contraction or relaxation. It is, however, provided with 
 muscles that act in the expulsion of the urine, and the se- 
 men during copulation. 
 
 THE SCROTUM, OR BAG, 
 
 Is of skin, divided about the middle by a membrane form- 
 ing two cavities in each of which a testicle is contained. 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 75 
 
 THE TESTICLES, 
 
 Or organs which secrete the semen, are of the most intri- 
 cate construction of any organ of the human body. They 
 are supplied with blood by long tenuous vessels which arise 
 in the main arterial trunk, and are called the spermatic ar- 
 teries. The blood thus conveyed to them serves for the 
 elimination and secretion of the semen. This is eifected 
 by the peculiar power of the testicles, and gives those or- 
 gans an importance and value second to no other secretory 
 organs of the whole body. So much importance is attach- 
 ed to the proper performance of this function that men 
 often commit suicide because of the imperfection. Men 
 who have been castrated from any cause generally lose all 
 energy, mope and die, even though eveiy other function is 
 perfect. The same results follow amputation of the penis> 
 
 Eunuchs are persons castrated before puberty, and be- 
 fore the desire implanted by nature, and which springs up 
 at the age of puberty, has had a place in their mind. ^ 
 They of course are not so much affected, or subject to the 
 same degree of depression, that men are who having once 
 shared in the delight of sexual intercourse, are forever 
 debarred ; yet they have a disgust of life from witnessing- 
 the enjoyment of others in this natural channel — a pleas- 
 ure from which they are cut off. 
 
 Eunuchs never attain to full stature ; the voice is weak 
 and feminine, resembling that of children ; the limbs are 
 small, and the beard and whiskers do not appear, or if at 
 all, are thin and scattering. Their mental faculties never 
 attain to the vigor and penetration that belongs to the sex, 
 
 The testicles are generally two in number, one on each 
 side, yet cases are met with where there is only one, and 
 others where there are three, and one case I remember 
 where there were four w~ell developed but small testicles. 
 
76 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 Those who possess an extra number are generally over- 
 amorous, and soon suffer from excess, &c. 
 
 I have met with quite a number of cases where the tes- 
 ticles have not attained to full size, and where their power 
 of secreting semen is wanting. This is generally the result 
 of self-pollution before they have been fully developed. 
 I have had one case in practice where a man at twenty-one 
 had no longer penis and testicles than a boy of six or eight 
 years. Such cases, except in idiots, are not beyond the 
 reach of medicines, and it is worth a trial to attain the 
 position of a perfect manhood. 
 
 Wasting or shrinkage of the testicles may occur at any 
 age, usually retain their natural shape, but are soft and 
 unelastic. The appearance of the testicles in this state is 
 white, and the blood seems to be cut off from them ; the 
 secretion, if any, is devoid of spermatozoa, or the life- 
 giving principle in the healthy semen ; fatty degeneration 
 sometimes takes place. This affects the spermatic cord, 
 the nerves are shrunken, the blood vessels reduced in size, 
 and some of them entirety obliterated, as also the muscles 
 and organs become altered in shape, elongated and irreg- 
 ular, and diminished in size and weight. 
 
 Among the causes of this atrophy or wasting of the tes- 
 ticles, are imperfect circulation, local inflammation from 
 whatever cause. Excesses and masturbation are promi- 
 nent causes of wasting of the testicles. This is more fully 
 described in another part of this work. 
 
 Injuries of the back part of the head sometimes cause 
 atrophy, and sometimes it occurs without any apparent 
 cause. Mumps are said to cause wasting of these organs, 
 when from cold or other cause the irritation and inflam- 
 mation is transferred to the testicles. 
 
 Phrenologists contend, and not without good reasons, 
 that the sexual desire, or amativeness, is seated in the cer- 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 77 
 
 ebellum or back part of the brain; and the fact that blows 
 or injuries of this part will destroy the sexual feeling, goes 
 to prove the correctness of the position. 
 
 As before stated, the influence of the mind over ama- 
 tiveness, and amativeness over the mind, is so well estab- 
 lished, that argument is superfluous. If this symptom or 
 influence were better understood, we should often be able 
 to trace insanity to its true source, and be better able to 
 control it. 
 
 THE PENIS 
 
 Consists of a coovernous and spongy body, the latter termi- 
 nating in the glands, enveloped in a loose fold of integu- 
 ment. The absorbients are numerous, terminating in the 
 inguinal or glands of the groins. The spongy substance 
 of the urethra, which forms the 
 
 GLANS PENIS, 
 
 Is covered with an exceedingly thin skin or membrane, 
 under which are situated the very sensitive nerves, which 
 are the chief cause of both pleasure and pain in this part. 
 Sometimes the glands are not distended in the sexual con- 
 nection, though the whole penis is at its highest state of 
 turgescence. This is because they belong to the coover- 
 nous body of the urethra, and if that body be weakened 
 or paralyzed for any existing or previous cause, we have a 
 cause of impotency, which no treatment will remedy un- 
 less the cause is removed. Strong injections of caustic, 
 &c. , will produce this, and are to be avoided under all 
 circumstances. Stricture, which is the result of the 
 above, is another cause. 
 
 MALFORMATION OF THE PENIS. 
 
 We have met with one or two cases where the erective 
 
78 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 muscles of the penis were contracted or so short that when 
 rigid the penis looked downward, making sexual inter- 
 course impossible. This can be remedied by a slight ope- 
 ration, but requires the aid of a physician. 
 
 PHIMOSIS. 
 
 This is an unnatural constriction of the foreskin, so 
 that it cannot be drawn back over the gians penis. It 
 may be so from birth, and if so, a division of the foreskin 
 is necessary. If from disease, as is frequently the case, 
 apply equal parts of tincture lobelia and belladonna, if 
 there is no chancre. In case there is chancre, then it 
 must be split at once. 
 
 PARAPHIMOSIS. 
 
 This is a condition when the foreskin, having been 
 drawn back, constricts or tightens so it is impossible to re- 
 place it, thus acting as a cord, causing the penis to swell, 
 and finally prevents the unrine from passing. As a reme- 
 dial agent, tincture or ointment of belladonna is the best. 
 If this fails, call on a physician at once. Various other 
 derangements may exist, but they are rare and require 
 medical attention. 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 79 
 
 Concluding Eeniarks on Venereal Disease. 
 
 In the preceding pages I have briefly alluded to the dif- 
 ferent forms of venereal disease. 
 
 Since that was prepared I have had so many cases that 
 I have determined to give a more extended supplementary 
 note of the worst form, Syphilis or Pox, with the different 
 forms under which venereal ulcers appear. 
 
 As before stated, there are two species of Pox, the soft 
 chancre, which is most painful, but less dangerous to the 
 constitution ; and the hard or indurated chancre, which 
 contaminates the blood, bones, muscles, skin and whole 
 system. These two classes have each two distinct forms 
 of venereal ulcer or chancre 
 
 The indurated, as before described, has raised edges and 
 a depression in the middle. The second class of sores of 
 this species is the malignant phagendic or corroding ulcer, 
 without granulation, but a sore that gradually spreads, is 
 painful, and eats away the parts slowly but surely ; gen- 
 erally encircled wi f h a purple inflammatoiy ring, and for 
 destructiveness is one of the worst forms that we meet 
 with. 
 
 The third form is a kind of raised sore, elevated above 
 the surrounding surface, and is seldom single, but often 
 presents quite a number at a time. This is of the non-in- 
 fecting kind but often run into a serious form of the fourth 
 class, which is the painful sloughing ulcer of the non-in- 
 fecting kind. This will be found more fully described 
 under the head of "Syphilis," in another part of this pam- 
 phlet. The poison that produces syphilis is entirely differ- 
 ent from that of gonorrhea. The former possesses a speci- 
 
80 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 fic power of contagion which causes it to infuse itself 
 through the whole system, and its progress is more certain 
 and rapid. 
 
 In treating this disease, we must not only remove the 
 local cause, but we must act upon the system to throw off 
 the poison through the secretions, and eliminate it from 
 the blood. We must open all the channels of egress acting 
 upon the great secretory organs of the body. If we can 
 discover the pimple in time, and apply caustic potash, we 
 may effectually control the disease, providing absorption 
 has not taken place ; but the absorbents of the genitals are 
 so numerous and active that often the virus is taken up in 
 the system, and permeates the whole body ere much local 
 irritation is manifested. 
 
 These sores usually appear on the genitals, but they 
 may appear on. any part of the body invested with mucous 
 membrane, as the lips, nostrils, tec. The irritation of 
 these ulcers on the glan frequently produces a sympathetic 
 effect of the urethra, and then we have venereal gonor- 
 rhea. The testicles and scrotum are often severely affect- 
 ed. If the ulcer is limited to the external surface, the 
 progress is slow, but if deep-seated the destruction is 
 rapid and mortification sometimes ensues. 
 
 The venereal poison from the former classes of ulcers is 
 generally conveyed to the glands of the groins, and if of 
 the third or fourth class, we have buboes, or suppuration of 
 the glands, which, if not opened, will eventually break, 
 and discharge, it may be, for months. If of the first or 
 second class, then we have enlargement without suppura- 
 tion, and the poison is taken up and communicated 
 through the whole system by means of the circulation. 
 The blood once thoroughly contaminated, the solids of 
 the body are soon involved, and muscles, bone, and every 
 part of the frame show traces of the poison. The course 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 81 
 
 ■-of constitutional syphilis is about this : First, buboes in 
 the groins; then as evidence of the muscular and nervous 
 : system being involved, we have pains in the head, joints 
 «©f the shoulders, arms and ankles, scabs and scurfs in va- 
 rious parts of the body, sometimes resembling leprosy. 
 "The symptoms continue to increase, especially the pains, 
 which grow more intense day after day. Moles or knots 
 and ridges arise on the skull, shin-bones and bones of the 
 : arm, constant pain and irritation brings on inflammation 
 rand caries, or decaying of the bones ensue, producing ter. 
 vrible sloughing, and offensive malignant ulcers seize differ- 
 ent parts of the body, generally commencing with the 
 ithroat, extending to the palate and nose, destroying the 
 •cartilage. The skin about the breast and neck are now 
 covered with purple or yellow splotches, itching tetters, 
 • chaps or cracks in the hand, accompanied with terrible 
 itchings and a discharge of thin fluid. Husk or scales ap- 
 pear on the skin on the forehead and temples, and often 
 extend in strings or rows up into the hair. The hair falls 
 from the head and from all parts of the body where it 
 grows. The nails become uneven, thick, and often ulcer- 
 ate and drop off. The mouth and throat become infected, 
 hot painful and ulcerated, with slimy looking ulcers, f cetid 
 breath, the palate often entirely destroyed and hangs in 
 pieces, the upper and back parts often present one mass 
 of ulceration. The lining of the nose is involved, the 
 voice becomes hoarse and feeble, and swallowing becomes 
 quite difficult, and if the disease progresses, the nose is 
 entirely destroyed, and disgusting ulcers take the place of 
 that organ. The bones continue to inflame and decay, 
 and sometimes become soft and brittle. 
 
 I might fill page after page, and yet not tell all the hor- 
 rors of Jhis loathsome disease. True, we do not see many 
 
82 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 extreme cases in the country, and often though met witfr* 
 the nature and cause is unknown to the masses. Many 
 indolent ulcers and cancerous diseases are due to this 
 cause. The extent of the prevalence of this disease is un- 
 known to any but the medical profession. Its rapid 
 increase and its deplorable effects upon the rising genera- 
 tion are so apparent that it is time measures were takesa 
 for its prevention. If moral suasion and religious teach- 
 ing will not suffice — and time has proved they will not — 
 then let us have laws so framed that prostitutes shall not 
 spread the contamination under penalty of a life impris- 
 onment, or transportation, or some other adequate punish- 
 ment. 
 
 Provide for licensing and inspection, and disease can be- 
 in part controlled. What efforts are made to prevent the 
 spread of small-pox ? Yet here we have a pox more 
 destructive, more cruel in its ravages than even this loath- 
 some disease ; because the one disfigures the face for life., 
 and the other poisons the blood, and is transmitted from?, 
 one generation to another. 
 
 Much of the deplorable effects of syphilis is due to the 
 mercurial treatment. Physicians will propose to treat an& 
 cure syphilis in a few weeks, and by active application of 
 mercury, internal and local, they to all appearance, cure 
 the disease. In a few months the constitutional symptoms 
 begin to appear, and the poor victim has both mercury 
 and venereal poison to contend with. 
 
 I venture to say no case of pox can be permanently 
 cured in less than six months after it has once become 
 constitutional. Many resort to mercury, hot springs r 
 sulphur baths, &c. , in the vain hope of speedy relief, and 
 they may get it for a time, but the disease soon reappears,, 
 and they are worse than before. 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 83 
 
 We have in the vegetable kingdom remedial agents that 
 will overcome this disease, and if in its primary stage we 
 can arrest it in a very few days, and cure it in a few 
 weeks ; but if the secondary form, six months' treatment, 
 under favorable circumstances, will effect a cure; but if in 
 the tertiary stage, then twelve months or more will be re- 
 quired to cure it. 
 
 I do not solicit this class of practice — do not want it ; 
 yet I am compelled to treat many cases of constitutional 
 syphilis before I can relieve apparently different diseases, 
 but which are in fact the result of venereal poison. Wil- 
 ling at all times to do all I can to relieve suffering, I of 
 course treat all curable cases, furnish the very best of 
 medicine and advice, and give full instruction for the suc- 
 cessful treatment of the case at your own home. 
 
 No case will be taken upon any other than the terms 
 mentioned on last page of this pamphlet, and those writ- 
 ing me will save time and trouble by making a note of 
 this. I am permanently established, have a name and rep- 
 utation at stake, and shall deal fairly with all ; keeping all 
 letters or personal consultations strictly confidential. 
 
 I want to impress upon my readers the importance of 
 applying early. In no case will I undertake a case unless 
 I feel I can cure or benefit to the worth of the fees de- 
 manded. My whole life and energies are devoted to the 
 alleviation of suffering, and neither pains nor expense are 
 spared to effect a cure in every case. 
 
 Venereal poison can be eradicated from the system, if 
 we take hold with sufficient amount of faith and persever- 
 ance. This is much easier accomplished if the patient has 
 not been subjected to mineral or mercurial treatment. 
 
 In all letters of consultation enclose a postage stamp to 
 pay return postage.. Give post-office, county and State in 
 
84 NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 full, seal your letters well and address them plainly either 
 to myself or merely to " The Eclectic Dispensary, No. 53 
 Broad street, Atlanta, Ga." Answer the questions laid 
 down under the head of " Important Notice," and a clear 
 diagnosis will be given, as also a candid opinion as to what 
 can be done for you. 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 85 
 
 IMPOETANT NOTICE, 
 
 Persons consulting me will give answers to the follow- 
 ing questions, when it is not convenient for them to call 
 in person : 
 
 1st. Name. 
 
 2d. Age. 
 
 3d. Sex. 
 
 4th. Complexion, color of hair and eyes. 
 
 5th. Weight. 
 
 6th. Number of inches around the chest just under the 
 arms. 
 
 7th. Married or single, and if married, how long ? 
 
 8th. Have you children ? 
 
 9th. Are they healthy ? 
 
 10th. Have you suffered from venereal disease ? If so, 
 give name and nature, present symptoms, and all informa- 
 tion you can under this head. 
 
 11th. Have you been doctored much ? 
 
 12th. Have you taken much calomel, blue pills, or mer- 
 cury in any form ? 
 
 13th. Have you ulcers or sores ? 
 
 14th. "Were your parents related ? 
 
 15th. Have you committed excesses, indulged in mas- 
 turbation, or to a great extent with the opposite sex ? 
 
 16th. Is your family consumptive, &c. ? 
 
 Allow me again to assure you that all communications 
 will be strictly confidential, and all correspondence de- 
 stroyed as soon as answered. Address ail letters plainly, 
 either to 
 
 S. F. SALTER, M. D., 
 No. 53 Broad Street, 
 Or to " The Eclectic Dispensary," Atlanta, Ga. 
 
 No. 53 Broad Street, Atlanta, Ga. 
 
NERVOUS VITALITY. 
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 The author of this book is permanently located at No. 
 53 Broad Street, where he may be consulted daily from 8 
 A. M. to 12 M., from 1 to 5 P. M., and from 7 to 9 P. M., 
 Sundays excepted. Sunday hours from 8 to 10 A. M. 
 
 Dr. Salter has had an extensive practice and experi- 
 ence that falls to the lot of but few physicians, in the 
 treatment of sexual and chronic diseases. His system of 
 treating Cancers, Consumption, Liver Diseases, Dyspepsia, 
 Female Complaints, Diseases of the Sexual S} r stem, Dis- 
 eases of the Throat, some Diseases of the Eye and Ear — is 
 decidedly ahead of all others in the South. 
 
 Keeping pace with all the improvemeDts in medical sci- 
 ence, coupled with a thorough medical education, and 
 devoting my undivided attention to the practice, I am 
 free to say no better opportunity presents for the afflicted 
 to obtain prompt and permanent relief and cure for the 
 most obstinate chronic diseases. 
 
 I do not claim to be infallible, or to cure every case, but 
 I pledge myself to give a candid opinion in every case. 
 
 I charge nothing for consultation, either personal or by 
 letter. Strict confidence observed in every case. Enclose 
 a stamp when a reply is expected. 
 
 Address all letters plainly. Give your post-office, county 
 and State, and you will receive prompt attention. 
 
 I am also prepared to furnish accommodations for all 
 patients and visitors at nominal rates. 
 
 Address: S. F. SALTER, M. D., 
 
 No. 53 Broad Street, 
 Atlanta, Ga. 
 
INDEX 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Onanism, or Masturbation 7- 
 
 Diseases produced by Masturbation VZ 
 
 Prostitution — its Effects 28- 
 
 Marriage — At What Age 42/ 
 
 Know Thyself 59 
 
 Sexuality — The Origin of Love 61 
 
 Cohabitation 62 
 
 Quack Advertisements 65 ; 
 
 Suppression 68 
 
 Dread of Offspring 69 
 
 Infidelity of Husbands 70 
 
 Descriptive Anatomy of the Male Sexual Organs 72£ 
 
 Concluding Remarks 7S 
 
NERVOUS DEBILITY, 
 
 IN MALE OR FEMALE, 
 
 Successfully treated and permanent cures effected in 
 from one to tliree months' time. Average charges $5 per 
 month, including medicines. 
 
 Give full description of your case as directed in another 
 part of this pamphlet. 
 
 You can address either in my name, or simply to " The 
 Eclectic Dispensary," No. 53 Broad Street. 
 
 I am prepared to furnish board and lodging to all pa. 
 
 tients not afflicted with contagious diseases. 
 
 Address, 
 
 S. F. SALTER, M. D., 
 
 No. 53 Broad Street, 
 
 Atlanta, Ga. 
 
THE ECLECTIC STAR, 
 
 A first class eight-page monthly, 
 
 DEVOTED TO HEALTH, LITERATURE AND 
 MEDICAL SCIENCES. 
 
 The Star is in its fifth year of publication, and con- 
 ttains every month editorials on diseases and their manage- 
 ment, perfect gems of literature, poetry, &c. It is mailed 
 regularly to subscribers at 50 cents per annum ,in advance. 
 Also, a copy of this book, or 
 
 "WOMAN AND HER DISEASES," 
 
 As -a premium to all who send four cents extra to pay 
 postage on the books. Specimen copy of the Star free. 
 
 Address the Publisher, 
 
 S. F. SALTER, M. D., 
 
 No. 53 Broad Street, 
 
 Atlanta, Ga. 
 
EHEUMATISM. 
 
 I have made the treatment of RHEUMATISM a spe- 
 cialty for a number of years, and confidently assert that 
 I can cure every case where the joints are not ossified, or 
 the leaders permanently contracted. Ordinary cases cured 
 in from one to three months. My charges average $5 per 
 month, including medicines. Medicines carefully prepared 
 to suit the age and requirements of each case, carefully 
 packed and sent by Express to any point of the United 
 States. Where treatment is wanted immediately enclose 
 Five Dollars, with your description, and Medicine will be 
 sent at once. Address 
 
 S. F. SALTER, M. D., 
 ISTo. 53 Broad Street, 
 
 Atlanta, G-a. 
 
"MULTUM IN PARVO," 
 
 — OR — 
 
 PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTS AND REVELATIONS OF 
 THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO THE MAR- 
 RIED AND SINGLE OF BOTH SEXES. 
 
 BY S. F. SALTER, M. D. 
 
 I have a few copies of the above left, which will be 
 
 mailed free on receipt of ten cents. 
 
 Address, 
 
 S. F. SALTER, M. D., 
 
 No. 53 Broad Street, 
 
 Atlanta, Ga. 
 
DK. SALTER'S 
 
 LIVER PILLS. 
 
 Specially prepared for Torpidity of the Liver, Bilious- 
 ness, Dyspepsia, Enlarged Spleen. Eelieves and perma- 
 nently cures Constipation, Headache and Indigestion. 
 
 Dose for an adult, % to 3 pills at night. Slow in their 
 action. They seldom act before next day ; are perfectly 
 harmless, and may be given to a child or the most delicate 
 female. For a child, 3^ to 1 pill, according to age. 
 
 Price, plain 25 cents. 
 
 Sugar-Coated 30 cents. 
 
 A three stamp should accompany orders to be sent by 
 mail. 
 Prepared by the Proprietor, at 
 
 THE ECLECTIC DISPENSARY, 
 
 No. 53 Broad Street, 
 Atlanta, Ga* 
 
DR. SALTER'S 
 
 EYE LOTION. 
 
 A SPECIFIC FOR INFLAMED AND SORE EYES. 
 
 This is the best remedy, without exception, ever dis- 
 covered for inflammation or ordinary sore eyes. Will 
 cure the most obstinate case in from 24 to 48 hours. I 
 have warranted this preparation for years, and never had 
 a word of dissatisfaction, although prescribed in thou- 
 sands of cases. 
 
 If sent by mail, it is in the form of a powder, which 
 you can prepare by placing in a clean one ounce vial and 
 adding 1 teaspoonf ul of common spirits of camphor and 
 filling with water. 
 
 Sent by mail for 25 cents. 
 
 Address, 
 
 S. F. SALTER, M. D., 
 
 No. 53 Broad Street, 
 
 Atlanta, Ga. 
 
DISEASES OF THE EYE. 
 
 I am prepared to treat all curable cases of diseases of 
 the eye, and to operate on all cases requiring surgical aid.. 
 In Con junctivitis, Iritis, Chrome Inflammations, some cases 
 of Amarousis, Mucie, Volitantis, Granulation of Lids r 
 &c, I am entirely successful. 
 
 Terms of board, lodging and treatment given on appli- 
 cation. 
 
 DISEASES OF THE EAR. 
 
 Ortorhaea, &c. , successfully treated. 
 
 Address, 
 
 S. F. SALTER, M. D., 
 
 No. 53 Broad Street, 
 
 Atlanta, Ga. 
 

 SUSPENSARY BANDAGES 
 
 SO VALUABLE FOR ALL DERANGEMENTS 
 OF THE MALE TESTICLES. 
 
 Will be sent by mail prepaid at prices ranging from 
 
 75 Cents to $1.50. 
 
 They are beneficial in all cases of seminal weakness, es- 
 pecially in swellings, &c. 
 
 Address. 
 
 S. F. SALTER, M. D., 
 
 No. 53 Broad Street, 
 
 Atlanta, Ga. 
 
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