[143] See, e.g., the experiments of Cecca and Zappi, summarized in British Medical Journal, July 2, 1904.

IV.

The Aptitude for Detumescence—­Is There an Erotic Temperament?—­The
Available Standards of Comparison—­Characteristics of the
Castrated—­Characteristics of Puberty—­Characteristics of the State of
Detumescence—­Shortness of Stature—­Development of the Secondary Sexual
Characters—­Deep Voice—­Bright Eyes—­Glandular Activity—­Everted
Lips—­Pigmentation—­Profuse Hair—­Dubious Significance of Many of These
Characters.

What, if any, are the indications which the body generally may furnish as to the individual’s aptitude and vigor for the orgasm of detumescence?  Is there an erotic temperament outwardly and visibly displayed?  That is a question which has often occupied those who have sought to penetrate the more intimate mysteries of human nature, and since we are here concerned with human beings in their relationship to the process of detumescence, we cannot altogether pass over this question, difficult as it is to discuss it with precision.

The old physiognomists showed much confidence in dealing with the matter.  Possibly they had more opportunities for observation than we have, since they often wrote in days when life was lived more nakedly than among ourselves, but their descriptions, while sometimes showing much insight, are inextricably mixed up with false science and superstition.

In the De Secretis Mulierum, wrongly attributed to Albertus Magnus, we find a chapter entitled “Signa mulieris calidae naturae et quae coit libenter,” which may be summarized here.  “The signs,” we are told, “of a woman of warm temperament, and one who willingly cohabits are these:  youth, an age of over 12, or younger, if she has been seduced, small, high breasts, full and hard, hair in the usual positions; she is bold of speech, with a delicate and high voice, haughty and even cruel of disposition, of good complexion, lean rather than stout, inclined to like drinking.  Such a woman always desires coitus, and receives satisfaction in the act.  The menstrual flow is not abundant nor always regular.  If she becomes pregnant the milk is not abundant.  Her perspiration is less odorous than that of the woman of opposite temperament; she is fond of singing, and of moving about, and delights in adornments if she has any.”

Polemon, in his Sulla Physionomia, has given among the signs of libidinous impulse:  knees turned inwards, abundance of hairs on the legs, squint, bright eyes, a high and strident voice, and in women length of leg below the knee.  Aristotle had mentioned among the signs of wantonness:  paleness, abundance of hair on the body, thick and black hair, hairs covering the temples, and thick eyelids.

In the seventeenth century Bouchet,