sediment be examined with a microscope, spermatozoa can
readily be detected in it.

WASTING AWAY OF THE TESTICLES. Masturbation not only occasions loss of
semen, but frequently the testicles and other generative organs waste
and become reduced in size as a result of the abuse. Fig. 1 shows the
testicle in a healthy condition, while Fig. 2 represents one much
reduced, as a result of self-abuse.

The celebrated Dr. Drewery, of London, speaking of the reason why
masturbation is so extremely injurious in its effects upon both body and
mind, says:

"This is a question which I have often been asked by patients, and it is
one which is rather difficult to explain to any one not acquainted with
the phenomena of reflex nervous action.

"Perhaps the simplest mode of putting it is to say that the effects
produced by the excitement of the parts are not the direct result of the
stimulation, but that the excitement of the extremities of the nerves is
conveyed through them to the spinal cord and brain, and that the
emission which occurs, when sufficient stimulus has been applied, is the
result of nervous force reacting upon the parts from the spinal cord
back again. This action is termed reflex, and is similar to that of
vomiting, which is only produced through the medium of the great nervous
centres; so that if the nervous communication between the stomach and
spinal cord and brain is cut off, nothing in the stomach could possibly
cause vomiting, whereas if the communication remains intact, this action
can be immediately produced by irritation of nerves far away from the
stomach, viz., by tickling the fauces, as every drunkard is well aware
who has ever put his finger down his throat for the purpose of emptying
his stomach of the contents which are poisoning him, but which without
the additional stimulus he is unable to expel. It will be seen,
therefore, from this that the act of emission is only produced through
the agency of the spinal cord, and not by any direct nervous action
between the parts which are stimulated, and those which are concerned in
the emission.

[Illustration: Fig. 1.
The Testicle in a healthy condition.]

[Illustration: Fig. 2.
A Testicle wasted by Masturbation.]

"The brain is also concerned to the fullest extent in the production of
these phenomena, as are all the senses of the body; this is proved by
the fact that emissions occur during sleep, without any excitement
beyond the engorgement of the par