rselves to its attacks for the shortlived gratifications of a moment?

There is indeed a peculiar form of this disease which, in the case in
question, is more commonly produced than any other. It is called, in
the language of physicians, _tabes dorsalis_, or _dorsal_ consumption;
because it is supposed to arise from the _dorsal_ portion of the spinal
marrow. This disease sometimes, it is true, attacks young married
people, especially where they go _beyond_ the bounds which the Author
of nature intended; and it is occasionally produced by other causes
entirely different; causes, too, which it would be difficult, if not
impossible to prevent. Generally, however, it is produced by _solitary
vice_.

The most striking symptom of this disease is described as being a
'sensation of ants, crawling from the head down along the spine;' but
this sensation is not always felt, for sometimes in its stead there is,
rather, a very great weakness of the small part of the back, attended
with pain. This is accompanied with emaciation, and occasionally,
though not always, with an irregular appetite. Indeed, persons affected
with this disease generally have a good appetite. There is usually
little fever, or at most only a slight heat and thirst towards evening,
with occasional flushings of the face; and still more rarely, profuse
perspirations in the latter part of the night. But the latter symptom
belongs more properly to common consumption. The sight, as I have
already mentioned, grows dim; they have pains in the head and sometimes
ringing in the ears, and a loss of memory. Finally, the legs become
weak, the kidneys and stomach suffer, and many other difficulties arise
which I cannot mention in this work, followed often by an acute fever;
and unless the abominable practice which produced all the mischief is
abandoned, death follows. But when many of the symptoms which I have
mentioned, are really fastened upon an individual, he has sustained an
injury which can never be wholly repaired. All he can hope is to
prolong his days, and lengthen out his life--often a distressing one. A
few well authenticated examples of persons who debased themselves by
secret vice, will, I hope, satisfy those who doubt the evils of this
practice.

One young man thus expressed his sufferings to his physician. 'My very
great debility renders the performance of every motion difficult. That
of my legs is often so great, that I can scarcely stand erect; and I
fear