and who asserted that the constant irritation which he suffered in the 

end of the penis was only relieved by friction. This might readily be 

the cause of masturbation, though in this case the vice had been 

acquired many years before, and was still continued in spite of all 

efforts to reform. 

Lying upon the back or upon the abdomen frequently leads to self-abuse 

by provoking sexual excitement. Certain kinds of exercises, as climbing, 

in particular, have been attended by the same results. It is said that 

children sometimes experience genital excitement amounting to pleasure 

as the result of whipping. 

Influence of Stimulants.--The use of stimulants of any kind is a 

fruitful cause of the vice. Tea and coffee have led thousands to 

perdition in this way. The influence of tobacco is so strongly shown 

in this direction that it is doubtful if there can be found a boy who 

has attained the age of puberty and has acquired the habit of using 

tobacco, who is not also addicted to this vile practice. Candies, spices, 

cinnamon, cloves, peppermint, and all strong essences, powerfully 

excite the genital organs and lead to the same result. 

It should be further added that there is evidence that a powerful 

predisposition to this vice is transmitted to the children of those 

who have themselves been guilty of it. 

Signs of Self-Abuse.--The net which this vice weaves around its victims 

is so strong, and its meshes are so elaborately interwoven with all 

his thoughts, his habits, and his very being, when it has been long 

indulged, that it is important to be able to detect it when first 

acquired, as it may then be much more easily overcome than at any 

subsequent period. It is often no easy matter to do this, as the victim 

will resort to all manner of cunning devices to hide his vice, and will 

not scruple to falsify concerning it, when questioned. To be able to 

accomplish this successfully, requires a careful study, first, of the 

signs by which those who indulge in the practice may be known, and, 

secondly, of the habits of the individuals. 

In considering the subject it will be found that there are two classes 

of signs, as follows:-- 

1. Those which may arouse suspicion, but any one of which, taken singly, 

would not be an evidence of the practice. 

2. Those which may be regarded as positive. Several suspicious signs 

together may constitute a positive sign. Under these two heads, we will 

consider the signs of this vile habit. 

It is well to bear in mind the fact that one or two suspicious signs 

are not evidence of the disease. It is likewise well to remember that 

the habit may be found where least looked for, and where one would have 

a right to expect perfect purity. Prejudice must be allowed no voice 

upon either side. A writer has said that every young person under 

puberty ought to be suspected of the disease. We can hardly indorse 

this remark, in full, but it would be at least wise for every guardian 

of children to criticize most carefully their habits and to quickly