that the large majority of boys acquire the habit of
self-abuse at some time. This is a very serious reflection upon parent,
teacher, and physician, because it is through ignorance of the
elementary principles of sex hygiene that this condition continues to
exist. If they were warned against the possibility of self-abuse
arising in innocent ways, as well as in more reprehensible ways, they
would exert their influence against its acquirement. If however a boy
discovers accidentally a condition of which he was innocent, and of
which he does not know the significance, it is human nature that he
should investigate the phenomenon and in the end suffer as a
consequence. In the effort to relieve some local irritation he may
handle himself and be led into a dangerous practice. He does not know
that the practice may have serious results--in fact he does not know he
is doing anything wrong. Many boys have practically ruined their
physical health and become morally irresponsible because no one--neither
parent, teacher, physician, nor friend--told them of their danger. This
is unjust, but great strides are being made in this direction and we may
reasonably hope, that in the not far distant future, every boy will be
plainly told the true facts about himself.

Most boys acquire this habit from other boys, but as we have intimated
it is possible to acquire it in what are termed innocent ways. Sometimes
the sensation which leads to it is discovered by sliding down banisters;
or it may be that climbing trees or poles first awakens the feeling.
Very young children are sometimes taught the vice by depraved nurses.
Local irritation, as has been stated, may necessitate itching and
handling the parts and in this way the vice is begun. The results are
the same, no matter how the habit may have originated.

If the habit is persisted in, the muscular system suffers,--the muscles
become weak and flabby; the patient develops weariness and languor and
loses his mental and physical vigor. He is no longer forceful or
energetic, his efficiency is impaired and as a consequence his nervous
system begins to show signs of depleted strength. He cannot concentrate
his thoughts, he falls behind in his studies, his mental effort is
sluggish, he becomes diffident and shy, shuns society, loses confidence
in himself, is morbid and emotional and may even think of suicide.

It is astonishing how indulgence in this habit may affect the moral
nature of a boy. Fi