_Treatment._――In the management of impotence, the patient’s persuasive influence must not in any way change the intentions of the physician, or the fast hold of his mind, which is so indispensable to a cure, will be lost. The patient is always in great haste, and constantly urging the physician to make rapid progress. Too great firmness cannot be exercised, and promises of speedy cure will invariably fail. Time is one of the most important of all elements in the treatment, as opportunity is afforded for the recuperative powers of nature or physical forces to become poised. Perfect confidence in the medical adviser is prerequisite to success, as by this alone can the patient’s mind be manipulated, and his hope constantly stimulated. If he has been much exercised in mind about his case, from reading “self-abuse” literature, moral treatment will be required to dispel from his mind the pictures there wrought. Not always can the virile organ be restored to its normal vigor, but elevating the general health should be first considered, and the patient’s mind kept constantly thinking about his improving physical condition, instead of watching for the first erection as he will most naturally do. When the foregoing conditions cannot be secured, no benefit will result to the patient. In no disease has mental influence so much to do with recovery, as in impotence; and I do not hesitate to say, where I can control my patient’s mind, that I can always effect a very satisfactory relief. Employment is indispensable, and must be persisted in. The patient should have no time to play, or brood over his disease, but must be engaged so constantly that he will be even fatigued after he has finished his day’s toil, and will sleep long and soundly from his exhaustion. The most nutritious diet should be selected: meat, eggs, oysters, milk, etc. Cold bathing at night, before retiring, is a very important measure; as, first, it washes the parts of a cold, clammy sweat, and the chill from the water after reaction, produces a naturally warm feeling, and his attention is not attracted to the parts by their otherwise doughy, unnatural feeling; and secondly, the tonic properties of cold are of lasting benefit. The bathing should extend to the back, perineum, scrotum, penis, and down the thighs. Such constitutional measures should be resorted to as will favor any of the imperfect processes in the body. The means should favor assimilation of food and normal excretion, and the avoidance of stimulating diet and alcoholic liquors.