Obviously, however, it is only indirectly and by inference that we can argue from a monthly rhythm of the pulse in men to a male sexual periodicity; but I am now able to adduce more direct evidence that will fairly demonstrate the existence of a sexual periodicity in men.

We will start from the fact that celibacy is profoundly unnatural, and is, therefore, a physical—­as well as an emotional and intellectual—­abnormality.  This being so, it is entirety in accord with all that we know of physiology that, when relief to the sexual secretory system by Nature’s means is denied, and when, in consequence, a certain degree of tension or pressure has been attained, the system should relieve itself by a spontaneous discharge—­such discharge being, of course, in the strict sense of the term, pathological, since it would never occur in any animal that followed the strict law of its physical being without any regard to other and higher laws of concern for its fellows.

Notoriously, that which we should have anticipated a priori actually occurs; for any unmarried man, who lives in strict chastity, periodically experiences, while sleeping, a loss of seminal fluid—­such phenomena being popularly referred to as wet dreams.[375]

During some eight or ten years I have carefully recorded the occurrence of such discharges as I have experienced myself, and I have now accumulated sufficient data to justify an attempt to formulate some provisional conclusions.[376]

In order to render these observations as serviceable as may be to students of periodicity, I here repeat (at the request of Mr. Havelock Ellis) the statement which was subjoined, for the same reasons, to my “Rhythm of the Pulse.”  These observations upon myself were made between the ages of 20 and 33.  I am about 5 feet, 9 inches tall, broad-shouldered, and weigh about 10 stone 3 lbs. net—­this weight being, I believe, about 7 lbs. below the normal for my height.  Also I have green-brown eyes, very dark-brown hair, and a complexion that leads strangers frequently to mistake me for a foreigner—­this complexion being, perhaps, attributable to some Huguenot blood, although on the maternal side I am, so far as all information goes, pure English.  I can stand a good deal of heat, enjoy relaxing climates, am at once upset by “bracing” sea-air, hate the cold, and sweat profusely after exercise.  To this it will suffice to add that my temperament is of a decidedly nervous and emotional type.

Before proceeding to remark upon the various rhythms that I have discovered, I will tabulate the data on which my conclusions are founded.  The numbers of discharges recorded in the years in question are as follows:—­

    In 1886, 30. (Records commenced in April.)
    In 1887, 40. 
    In 1888, 37. 
    In 1889, 18. (Pretty certainly not fully recorded.)
    In 1890, 0 (No records kept this year.[377])
    In 1891, 19. (Records recommenced