There is a class of amorous women who cannot be impregnated at all. They are afflicted with a sort of disease called Nymphomania, or insatiable passion for venery. Such cases are rare, but still they occur. A young lady patient of mine, in describing this disease, said that she had the most irresistible disposition to lasciviousness imaginable; that when alone she could not desist from rubbing the parts until she became exhausted and sunk down in perspiration: she slept well, but as soon as she was awake the same propensity recurred. Another lady (married) who consulted me, said she had always been brought up virtuously, and had hitherto been well disposed; but now a man could scarcely pass her without her experiencing those sensations which were alone her husband’s right.
Nymphomania is attended with obscenity, restlessness, and delirium. The patients delight to talk obscenely, and solicit men to satisfy their desires, both by words and gestures. It is generally caused by masturbation, or undue irritation of the private parts when very young; and the usual treatment is to keep them well syringed out with castile soap and water, and wear a bag of powdered camphor on the back of the neck. Camphor taken internally is also good. A very little camphor introduced into the water with which you wash the part will likewise act favorably.
Young females troubled with Nymphomania, who thereby bring themselves into disgrace, are more to be pitied than despised: for it requires a great degree of moral firmness for them to resist both the promptings of Nature and those of licentious men at the same moment. Parents and guardians should act accordingly.
CAUSES WHICH DETERMINE THE SEX OF A CHILD.