=Kisses and Electricity.= If we adopt Crile's theory according to which the life stream is an electric current produced by the brain and constantly discharging itself, we may realise concretely the import of the kiss. The physical union is probably the neutralisation of two electric currents, positive and negative, altho we do not know as yet what correspondence there is between sexes and opposite electric currents. Anyone familiar, however, with experiences in galvanotropism, some of which I have mentioned in Chapter II, will when reflecting upon the way in which the spermatozoon directs itself infallibly toward the egg, conclude that it is headed toward a strong electric current issuing from the woman's womb and ovaries. The kiss is only a milder, less complete neutralisation of the currents issuing from two human beings. If the kiss on the lips is preferred by lovers, it is because the moist mucus of the lips is a better conductor of electrical current than the skin. In very passionate kisses, the lovers' tongues play a double part, a symbolic part, representing the mother's nipple, and a physico-chemical part, securing a closer connection, like plug and socket in electric appliances. In Anglo-Saxon fiction which does not countenance descriptions of lovers' embraces, a very passionate kiss is always symbolical of complete surrender. Physiologically this symbolism is quite accurate. The temporary exhaustion which follows a protracted kiss is often equal to that following a lovers' embrace and this can be easily understood when we remember the protracted electrical discharge which must follow the contact of the conductive surfaces of the mucus of the lips. CHAPTER VIII EGO AND SEX If the course of love was regulated solely by sexual factors its study would be a comparatively simple matter. Sexual cravings find themselves, however, in conflict with many other manifestations of the life force. For the _sexual libido_ is not the life force as certain psychoanalysts believe. It is only one of the manifestations of the electric stream produced in the brain and seeking an outlet. In fact, sex is only a _temporary_ manifestation of the life force, late to appear, early to disappear. Embryonic life begins several months before sex becomes observable in the fetus. Actual extrauterine life is in full swing before sex is ripe, that is, capable of fulfilling its biological destiny. Life continues sometimes many years after sex has ceased to serve its reproductive purpose. The most powerful urge to which sex has to adapt itself in the life of the human animal is the ego urge, the craving for food and power, the selfish urge par excellence. At times, sex and ego work in perfect accord as they should, considering the close relationship of the nervous divisions carrying power to them.