The foregoing history, while it very distinctly brings before us a case of erotic symbolism, is not strictly an example of shoe-fetichism.  The symbolism is more complex.  The focus of beauty in a desirable woman is transferred and concentrated in the region below the knee; in that sense we have foot-fetichism.  But the act of coitus itself is also symbolically transferred.  Not only has the foot become the symbol of the vulva, but trampling has become the symbol of coitus; intercourse takes place symbolically per pedem.  It is a result of this symbolization of the foot and of trampling that all acts of treading take on a new and symbolical sexual charm.  The element of masochism—­of pleasure in being a woman’s slave—­is a parasitic growth; that is to say, it is not founded in the subject’s constitution, but chances to have found a favorable soil in the special circumstances under which his sexual life developed.  It is not primary, but secondary, and remains an unimportant and merely occasional element.

It may be instructive to bring forward for comparison a case in which also we have a symbolism involving boot-fetichism, but extending beyond it.  In this case there is a basis of inversion (as is not infrequent in erotic symbolisms), but from the present point of view the psychological significance of the case remains the same.

A.N., aged 29, unmarried, healthy, though not robust, and without any known hereditary taint.  Has followed various avocations without taking great interest in them, but has shown some literary ability.

“I am an Englishman,” his own narrative runs, “the third of three children.  At my birth my father was 41 and my mother 34.  My mother died of cancer when I was 15.  My father is still alive, a reserved man, who still nurses his sorrow for his wife’s death.  I have no reason to believe my parents anything but normal and useful members of society.  My sister is normal and happily married.  My brother I have reason to believe to be an invert.

“A horoscope cast for me describes me in a way I think correct, and so do my friends:  ’A mild, obliging, gentle, amiable person, with many fine traits of character; timid in nature, fond of society, loving peace and quietude, delighting in warm and close friendships.  There is much that is firm, steadfast and industrious, some self-love, a good deal of diplomacy, a little that is subtle, or what is called finesse.  You are reserved with those you dislike.  There is a serious and sad side to your character; you are very thoughtful and contemplative when in these moods.  But you are not pessimistic.  You have superior abilities, for they are intuitively intellectual.  There is a cold reticence which restrains generous impulses and which inclines to acquisitiveness; it will make you deliberate, inventive, adding self-esteem, some vanity.’