sphere causes it to be guarded
with a care which in the case of the other senses it is impossible to
exercise. This intimacy of touch and the reaction against its sexual
approximations leads to what James has called "the _antisexual instinct_,
the instinct of personal isolation, the actual repulsiveness to us of the
idea of intimate contact with most of the persons we meet, especially
those of our own sex." He refers in this connection to the unpleasantness
of the sensation felt on occupying a seat still warm from the body of
another person.[3] The Catholic Church has always recognized the risks of
vuluptuous emotion involved in tactile contacts, and the facility with
which even the most innocent contacts may take on a libidinous
character.[4]

The following observations were written by a lady (aged 30) who
has never had sexual relationships: "I am only conscious of a
very sweet and pleasurable emotion when coming in contact with
honorable men, and consider that a comparison can be made between
the idealism of such emotions and those of music, of beauties of
Nature, and of productions of art. While studying and writing
articles upon a new subject I came in contact with a specialist,
who rendered me considerable aid, and, one day, while jointly
correcting a piece of work, he touched my hand. This produced a
sweet and pure sensation of thrill through the whole system. I
said nothing; in fact, was too thrilled for speech; and never to
this day have shown any responsive action, but for months at
certain periods, generally twice a month, I have experienced the
most pleasurable emotions. I have seen this friend twice since,
and have a curious feeling that I stand on one side of a hedge,
while he is on the other, and, as neither makes an approach,
pleasure of the highest kind is experienced, but not allowed to
go beyond reasonable and health-giving bounds. In some moments I
feel overcome by a sense of mastery by this man, and yet, feeling
that any approach would be undignified, some pleasure is
experienced in restraining and keeping within proper bounds this
passional emotion. All these thrills of pleasurable emotion
possess a psychic value, and, so long as the nervous system is
kept in perfect health, they do not seem to have the power to
injure, but rather one is able to utilize the passionate emotions
as weapons for ple