What is Masturbation? (Entry in an Old Encyclopedia)

 

Not the encyclopedia I'm talking about, but still, it's a beautiful picture.

The article below is one about masturbation and was written in 1927 as part of an encyclopedia. Although I don't own the original 1927 version of that encyclopedia but rather the 1961 reprint, it's still the same article. 

I'm not kidding, fellows. This is neither a parody nor an attempt to troll you! I swear I have translated the article you are about to read below into English as accurately as I could. This is what they believed about jacking off less than 100 years ago!

Onanism: Disastrous habit practiced mainly by kids and young adults of both genders and aimed at satisfying sexual urges with the help of means mechanical (hands, tools) or mental (imagination).

Onanism is really widespread and its victims number among all social classes and ages. Researches of prestigious paediatricians have proven that it is not unusual during the first years of life either. Usually, this passion begins somewhere during the ages of 12-14, though most victims are numbered among ages 14-18. A noteworthy fact is that onanism is more widespread among males than females.

According to Metchnikoff, the causes are human nature's lack of harmony and premature development of sexuality. According to other, newer researchers, the main factor is a special, internal stimulant caused by discharges. 

Generally, we can separate the causes into endogenous and exogenous. Of endogenous, we mention neurotic idiosyncrasy, increased sexuality, mental and psychological disorders, parasitic skin infections and genital diseases. Of exogenous, bad upbringing, faulty nourishment and vesture, sexual abstinence, sexual dysfunctions, poverty, sloth, fear of sexually transmitted diseases and various social circumstances.

There are no clear signs allowing us to diagnose onanism.

The consequences of this passion depend on the frequency and duration of the act, the age, constitution and nervous tolerance of the person engaging in onanism. The younger the age, the more severe the consequences.

Onanism has a terrible effect on all systems of the human organism: it halts growth, disrupts the nerves, poisons the soul and corrupts the character. Generally speaking, the consequences are individual, familial and social.

Prevention is one of the most serious matters and it is vital that parents and teachers direct all their attention to it. Therefore, it necessitates perpetual and vigilant supervision as of the most tender ages, combating premature sexuality and removal of any possible stimulant. Proper upbringing, through toughening up, cold showers and exercises, through building character and willpower, can protect young people from this disastrous and dangerous habit.

The aims of cure are: 1)To combat the passion. 2)To combat its consequences.

Psychotherapy is not widely used nowadays. Medicines prescribed contain bromine, valerian, lupuline and, more recently, epiglandol injections. Suggested mechanical means include tools isolating genitalia (bandages, belts etc) Lastly, surgical operations have been suggested.

Wow!

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