natural factors in the child's proper development, if rightly

directed. When wrongly led, however, it may have the worst

consequences. Even before puberty occurs, a boy's attention may be

quite naturally drawn to his own sex organs.

NATURAL CAUSES OF INFANT SEXUAL PRECOCITY

Sexual precocity in boys may be natural or it may be artificially

called forth. Among natural causes which develop sex precocity is

promiscuous playing with other boys and girls for hours without

supervision. It may also be produced by playful repose on the stomach,

sliding down banisters, going too long without urinating, by

constipation or straining at stool, irritant cutaneous affections, and

rectal worms. Sliding down banisters, for instance, produces a

titillation. The act may be repeated until inveterate masturbation

results, even at an early age. Needless laving, handling and rubbing

of the private parts is another natural incitement to sexual

precocity.

PRIAPISM

_Priapism_ is a disease which boys often develop. It may be either a

result or a cause of sexual precocity, and may come from undue

handling of the genital parts or from a morbid state of health. It

takes the form of paroxysms, more or less frequent, and of violent and

often painful erection, calling for a physician's attention. If the

result of a functional disorder, and not arrested, it is in danger of

giving rise to masturbation. This morbid condition sometimes seriously

impairs the health.

MASTURBATION

_Masturbation_, the habit of self-abuse, often formed before puberty,

is an artificial development of sexual precocity. Most boys, from the

age of nine to fourteen, interest themselves in sex questions and

matters, but these are usually presented to them in a lewd and

improper manner, by improperly informed companions. Dwelling upon

these thoughts the boy is led to play with his sex organs in secret

and masturbation results. A secret vice of the most dangerous kind,

masturbation or self-pollution is often taught by older boys and takes

place, to quote an authority "in many of our colleges, boarding,

public and private schools," and is also indulged in by companions

beneath the home roof. If it becomes habitual, generally impaired

health, and often epilepsy, and total moral and physical degradation




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024