_The Effect of Sexual Excesses upon the Neural Axis as a Cause of Organic Disease._――“_Sexual excesses_ and _Onanism_ are certainly of no slight significance, at least in the development of a predisposition to tabes.” (Erb.) Again, in speaking of causes in general of spinal disease, the same author says: (P. 147, Ziemssen’s Cyclopœdia, vol. XIII.) “Of these (causes) _sexual excesses_ and _irregularities_ occupy the first place. * * * * I believe we may say that _any gratification of the sexual passions, whether natural or unnatural, indulged in to an excess and for a long time, forms for many men――not for all――a circumstance that powerfully depresses the spinal cord and predisposes it to disease_.” * * * * “_Excessive natural coitus_, in many persons, certainly produces symptoms which point to a weakness and a diminished functional capacity on the part of the spinal cord; weakness of the legs, inability to stand for a long time, trembling when forcible movements are made, pains in the back, shooting pains in the legs, sleeplessness, etc. This may often be noticed in the newly married, or in persons who have indulged in great excess for a short time. If the cause of these symptoms soon disappears, the injury may in most cases be quickly repaired; but if the excesses are continued, further injury, or even positive disease, occurs. Any external injury, exposure to cold, excessive walking, etc., may then bring on the worst results.” CHAPTER V. _Copulation――Physiology and Social Attributes._――With the male, the condition essential to coition is erection of the penis; which is physiologically accomplished by fostering amative thoughts, and by attitudes favorable to the stimulation of the erotic desire; as in close proximity with one of the opposite sex. A voluptuous female figure may excite the erotic instinct of an amative male in vigorous health, even though he be chaste in his intentions and habits. Individuals are isolated whose amative passions are entirely under the will, when in perfect health, of either sex. The act of coition is entirely under the will, in all healthy, well-organized human beings; but it is not uncommon that a man or woman is observed who is not responsible for acts during erotic excitement. Such are either victims of mal-organization or a sexual delirium. Many an act has been committed during such delirium or excitement, on account of which an individual has grieved her life away, or sought the only refuge that could hide her life from shame; the victim’s grave, the river: yes, a victim to sexual delirium or uncontrollable sexual passion. This innate desire is the usual instigation of copulation, and has been said to be the index to the presence of spermatozoa within the vesiculæ seminales.