In illustration of the foregoing statements I will here record a few typical observations of experiences with regard to masturbation.  The cases selected are all women, and are all in a fairly normal, and, for the most part, excellent, state of health; some of them, however, belong to somewhat neurotic families, and these are persons of unusual mental ability and intelligence.

OBSERVATION I.—­Unmarried, aged 38.  She is very vigorous and healthy, of a strongly passionate nature, but never masturbated until a few years ago, when she was made love to by a man who used to kiss her, etc.  Although she did not respond to these advances, she was thrown into a state of restless sexual excitement; on one occasion, when in bed in this restless state, she accidentally found, on passing her hand over her body, that, by playing with “a round thing” [clitoris] a pleasurable feeling was produced.  She found herself greatly relieved and quieted by these manipulations, though there remained a feeling of tiredness afterward.  She has sometimes masturbated six times in a night, especially before and after the menstrual period, until she was unable to produce the orgasm or any feeling of pleasure.

OBSERVATION II.—­Unmarried, aged 45, of rather nervous temperament.  She has for many years been accustomed, usually about a week before the appearance of the menses, to obtain sexual relief by kicking out her legs when lying down.  In this way, she says, she obtains complete satisfaction.  She never touches herself.  On the following day she frequently has pains over the lower part of the abdomen, such pains being apparently muscular and due to the exertion.

OBSERVATION III.—­Aged 29, recently married, belonging to a neurotic and morbid family, herself healthy, and living usually in the country; vivacious, passionate, enthusiastic, intellectual, and taking a prominent part in philanthropic schemes and municipal affairs; at the same time, fond of society, and very attractive to men.  For many years she had been accustomed to excite herself, though she felt it was not good for her.  The habit was merely practiced faute de mieux.  “I used to sit on the edge of the bed sometimes,” she said, “and it came over me so strongly that I simply couldn’t resist it.  I felt that I should go mad, and I thought it was better to touch myself than be insane....  I used to press my clitoris in....  It made me very tired afterward—­not like being with my husband.”  The confession was made from a conviction of the importance of the subject, and with the hope that some way might be found out of the difficulties which so often beset women.

OBSERVATION IV.—­Unmarried, aged 27; possesses much force of character and high intelligence; is actively engaged in a professional career.  As a child of seven or eight she began to experience what she describes as lightning-like