We have already mentioned the wandering pains, which frequently affect onanists; we have also alluded to those which depend on an affection of the spinal marrow. We have reason to think, from our own observations, and the statements particularly of English authors, that the number of pains dependent on an affection of the spinal marrow is much larger than is generally thought: we think, that most of the pains termed rheumatic, particularly those affecting the trunk and the limbs, are neuralgic; and that most of these neuralgias proceed from an irritation of the medulla or its membranes. We do not say that the spinal cord is always affected then, as in those cases of myelitis which attend paralysis and death: we think that it is affected in some manner; and that these pains, which are commonly so severe, and frequently so general--sometimes attended with tumefaction, but more frequently without it--which are felt in the course of these nerves, are the usual consequences of this affection. Hence, it is not surprising, that the act of venery, which excites the nervous system so much--which has so marked an action on the spinal marrow, has frequently predisposed to neuralgic or rheumatic pains, and has directly caused or increased this kind of pains. It is well ascertained, and many authors--particularly Hoffmann--have remarked, that those who indulge in onanism, during youth, are more subject to these pains than others. The act of venery, even when indulged in to a moderate extent, generally increases their violence. I have often seen attacks of neuralgia supervene immediately after coition. It was an affection of this kind which was felt by the onanist who wrote to Tissot, that he felt in his face a pain similar to that caused by applying a great number of pins. Individuals who have braved the usual causes of rheumatism with impunity, not unfrequently become vulnerable to these causes after venereal excesses. M. Villeneuve relates the case of a stonecutter, who had long been exposed to changes of weather without inconvenience, and who was violently attacked with rheumatism after unusual venereal excesses. He also mentions the case of a groom, who had long slept in a damp and narrow stable without suffering, but who was attacked with rheumatism the winter after his marriage. Saucerotte has seen a similar case: it was that of a man who had constantly braved the changes of weather, and who was affected with rheumatism after indulging in women and wine. The same author has established, in the memoir where this fact was reported, that muscular rheumatism is only a variety of neuralgia. Among the proofs which he gives of it, he states that many authors, as Barthez, Scudamore, Chaussier, Olivier, and Ferrus, have placed venereal excesses among the causes of neuralgias and those of rheumatism.