utrition, emaciation, shortness of breath,
palpitation, nervous debility, are all symptoms of this exhaustion.
Subsequently, the yellow skin reveals the bones, the sunken eyes are
surrounded by a leaden circle, the vivacious imagination becomes dull,
the active mind grows insipid--in short, the spring, or vital force,
having lost its tension, every function wanes in consequence. Excessive
lustful enjoyment produces feebleness, and finally terminates in disease
and impotency.

SEMINAL WEAKNESS may be the result of marital excesses. A _proper_
sexual gratification contributes to the health and happiness of both
parties. On the other hand, intemperate indulgence not only prevents
fruitfulness, but ultimately, if persisted in, renders the husband
entirely impotent, and undermines and destroys the constitution of the
wife. Spermatorrhea may be induced by spinal irritation, intestinal
worms, or piles. It may also result from inherited, as well as acquired,
constitutional weakness.

NOCTURNAL OR NIGHT EMISSIONS. Involuntary emissions of semen most
frequently occur during amorous dreams at night, and are therefore
termed _nocturnal emissions_. Although they are at first occasioned by
lascivious dreams, attended by erections and pleasurable sensations,
yet, as the disease progresses, the erections become less perfect and
the losses are only revealed by the depression of spirits experienced
the following morning, and by the stiffened and stained spots on the
linen. At first, these emissions may occur but once in two or three
weeks, unless the patient be excited by company, stimulation, food,
drinks, or other causes; but, at a later stage of the disease, they
sometimes take place every night. In aggravated cases, the seminal sacs
are so weakened that the warmth of the bed, friction of the clothing,
reading obscene literature, viewing indecent pictures, indulging in lewd
conversation, or even being in the presence of women, produces a waste
of semen--many times unattended by erections. When there is great
weakness, seminal discharges may be induced by lifting heavy weights,
pressure upon the genital organs, horseback riding, straining at stool,
or even upon urinating, as observed when muscular efforts are made to
expel the last drops, which appear thick and viscid. If the urine be
allowed to stand for a few hours, the seminal discharge will be
precipitated, and will form a light-colored deposit at the bottom of the
vessel. If the