Psychopathia sexualis: With especial reference to contrary sexual instinct: A medico-legal studyKrafft-Ebing, R. von (Richard)
Science
Psychopathia sexualis: With especial reference to contrary sexual instinct: A medico-legal study
Krafft-Ebing, R. von (Richard)
Paraphilias
Pity and a scientific interest induced me to invite the writer of the
preceding lines to come to see me. Early in February Mr. D. came. He
was distinguished, pleasing, and masculine in appearance. Examination
of the case showed it to be one of masochism. He distinctly remembered
that, when he once saw fellow-pupils whipped by the teacher, it gave
him a feeling of lustful pleasure. He cannot remember that he was ever
whipped by a teacher. His masochism had been an _absolutely primary
manifestation_, and incomprehensible to him. Only gradually and _faute
de mieux_ had he come to practice onanism, during which ideas of
flagellation, in which he played the passive _rôle_, filled his mind.
He had never had desire to be whipped by the teacher; he always wished
to be flogged by fellow-pupils and well-grown young persons. Since
maturity he had never been able to induce himself to satisfy his
masochistic inclinations.
In intercourse with puellis he had repeatedly had the thought to have
himself whipped by them; but since this was not accompanied by sensual
feeling, it was not carried out. The patient declares that his
inclinations toward persons of his own sex are purely masochistic. In
other respects he finds nothing interesting in men. Until his
eighteenth year the patient had also sadistic tendencies. He was
enthusiastic about the position of the pedagogue and wanted to be a
teacher in order to be able to flog boys. _This ideal sadism later
disappeared entirely._ The patient complains that he feels alone in
the world, like a pariah, and that he is different from other men. But
his libido toward women had much diminished, possibly as a result of
his masturbation. He had no erection at the sight of feminine charms,
but the sight of a riding-whip or a cane excited him powerfully
sexually. When he attempted coitus, no masochistic ideas occurred.
Such ideas arose, however, whenever he saw attractive young men. He
believed that if he were freed from his ideas of flagellation, he
would be helped; for his sensuality would then direct itself in a
normal path.
The patient has neuropathic eyes, but is free from all degenerative
signs. In the direction of hereditary taint, it is noteworthy that his
maternal grandfather was peculiar, and shot himself while in a
psychopathic condition. The patient feels well, save for slight
neurasthenic troubles. Patellar reflex increased. The genitals are
perfectly normal. His dreams with pollutions are exclusively about
flagellation by young persons, particularly soldiers with tight
trousers.
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