We have hitherto considered masturbation and coition abstractedly and as if there were no circumstances to change the influence they exercise. But is this always the case? Are there not individuals who are rendered indisposed by a single act of venery? Are there not others who can repeat this act with impunity at near intervals and for a long period of time? Farther is its influence always the same? Are there not circumstances which render it more or less injurious and dangerous at different periods of life? And now what are the circumstances and the causes of all the differences we have mentioned? This subject will be considered in the next chapter. CHAPTER II. CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH RENDER THE ACT OF VENERY MORE OR LESS INJURIOUS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND TO THE HEALTH. These circumstances are of two kinds: some depend on the act itself: others are independent of it and depend most frequently upon the disposition in which the economy is at the moment of its occurrence. Let us study in succession these two orders of circumstances. § 1. CIRCUMSTANCES CONNECTED WITH THE ACT OF VENERY WHICH RENDER IT MORE OR LESS INJURIOUS. We have seen in the preceding chapter that the influence of these organs is much greater the more vivid their excitement is: that, for instance, this influence has more intensity during the state of excitement than during that of repose: finally that its greatest degree is felt in the act of venery. The natural consequence of these facts is that the greater the excitement of the genital organs during this act, the stronger must be the impression caused by it. We may then say that its power of doing injury, other things being equal, is in direct ratio with the force and duration of the excitement which attends it. And further this result is proved by observation. Compare the two sexes together: the female presents instances of venereal excess, much less frequently than the male. Whence is this difference? Is it not because the genital sense in females is much less susceptible of excitement than in males, and therefore the act of venery causes them much less fatigue? I know that this fact has been disputed: and it is asserted that the female is fully as sensual as the male; and that if females show their feelings less, it is because they are controlled by custom. I know also that the reluctance of females to submit to the approach of the male is ascribed to a kind of tender coquetry which tends to increase the ardor of the former. Finally, the redness of the genital organs of females during the period of heat, has been mentioned as proving the intensity of their sensations. (_Marc_, _Dict. des Sc. med._, _art. Celib. etc._) But these arguments cannot be maintained in opposition to that which daily experience proves to be true, viz., that as a general fact, females are much less addicted to the pleasures of love than males, and experience less fatigue during sexual intercourse.