intercourse advocated by some of the authorities I have lately read is correct, then we must have passed the bounds of moderation.  But it is certain that our general health has been very good:  better in both cases than before marriage.

“In reviewing these phases of the development of my sexual life, one or two conclusions seem to me to be strongly emphasized.  It was unfortunate that the real sexual desire was aroused as early and in the manner that it was.  Whether this would have been prevented by more definite education in the hygiene and the purpose of the function, I can only conjecture.  I believe that mine was and is the common experience of boys.  I am decidedly of the opinion that there should be instruction given of the anatomy of the genital organs and of the hygiene of intercourse, and this shortly after the youth has reached puberty.  How this is to be done is a grave question.  It will require tact and knowledge not possessed by the average teacher and parent.  However it is done, it should be honest, frank, and free from piosity.

“I am certain that, in my own case, rather frequent intercourse is decidedly beneficial.  Any prolonged abstinence always brings about the same nervous disturbances that I have referred to above.  It is fortunate for me that this repetition of the act is satisfactory to both concerned.”

    HISTORY XVIII.—­E.W., dentist, aged 32, of New England Puritan
    stock.  Height, 5 ft. 101/2 in.; weight, 144 lbs.  Spare and active,
    of nervobilious temperament.

“My earliest recollection is being punished for ’playing with myself’ when I could not have been more than 3 or 4 years of age.  I distinctly remember my exultation on discovering that I could excite myself (while my hands were tied behind my back for punishment) by rubbing my small but erect penis against the carpet while lying on my stomach.  At this time, of course, I knew nothing of sex or of what I was doing.  I did what my desires and instincts at that time prompted me to do.  However, punishments and lectures failed utterly to break up this habit, and, though I always wished and tried faithfully to obey my parents, I soon grew to indulge quietly in bed when I was thought to be asleep.  The matter apparently passed out of the minds of my parents as soon as they ceased to detect me further in the act, and they regarded it as abandoned.  I now feel reasonably certain that this precocity was due to an adherent foreskin which covered the glans tightly almost to the meatus, and so kept up a continual irritation.

“I have no recollection that anyone ever taught me the habit, and I know beyond a doubt that no one ever learned of the habit or even a word as to the possibility of autoexcitement through word or deed of mine.  My recollection of the sensations is that there was a short period of excitation, usually by rubbing, which was not