The modus propagandi of the human species, physiologically explained / by John O'Reilly.
- O'Reilly, John
- Date:
- 1861
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: The modus propagandi of the human species, physiologically explained / by John O'Reilly. Source: Wellcome Collection.
Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)
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![supplies the place of the immaterial agent in the animal nervous system. In corroboration of this doctrine—(see experiments de- tailed by Brown-Sequard in his work)—the form of ini])otence here described must not be confounded with that form alluded to by Sir Astley Cooper, when a young man fails to have an erection through too great a desire to accomplish his purpose. It is now established, I presume, that certain moral causes, as well as certain physical agents, will cause extreme debility and relaxation of the organic nervous system, incapacitating it from discharging its functions: as, for instance, a sudden fright will stop the functions of the pulmonary organic glands, followed by fainting; the pulmonary glands being unable to give off electricity, or the vital fluid, to combine the oxygen with the venous blood to be subsequently conveyed by the arteries to the organic ganglia and glands; suspended animation is the result. Tobacco, when taken into the stomach, will be followed by similar effects. Again, certain moral causes and physical agents will induce a vigorous state of the organic nervous tissue. Buoyancy, induced by good news of great import to the individual's future happiness in life, will be ac- companied by a vigorous condition of the organic nervous system; the eyes will sparkle, the countenance will be ani- mated, the muscles will be invigorated, the person will leap for joy. Again, a physical agent, in the shape of a tumbler of French brandy punch, will induce an excited state of the organic nervous system. To revert to the patient who suffers from impotency from over- anxiety, follow Sir Astley Cooper's advice. Enjoin him on no account to attempt to have sexual intercourse for some months with his wife; order bread-pills to be taken regularly three times a day; the impression made on his mind with respect to the matter will counteract the other previously made; and just recommend, by way of elevating his spirits, in consequence of your prohibition, the imbibition of a tumbler of punch before going to bed, and the case will give no further trouble, as the organic nerves will discharge their duties immediately. It sometimes happens that ripe bachelors and men of strict- ly moral habits, who lead lives of celibacy, but who indulge in luxurious or idle habits, as well as gratify their appetites](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b21144618_0020.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
