Works on phrenology, physiology, etc / edited by J. Barker.

  • Fowler, O. S. (Orson Squire), 1809-1887
Date:
1850
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Works on phrenology, physiology, etc / edited by J. Barker. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    OR, EVILS AND REMEDIES OF EXCESSIVE AND P ERVERTE D SEXUALITY; INCLUDING WARNING AND ADVfCE TO THE MARRIED AND SINGLE. BY O. S. FOWLER. PREFACE. Every human function is perfect when exercised in harmony with its primitive constitution ; but, when perverted, occasions suffering pro- portionate to the happiness its right exercise confers. Pre-eminently is this true of the sexual function. It was instituted to perpetuate our race, but has been perverted to a depraved use, more, probably, than any other faculty, and occasioned more misery. It is high time its ravages were staid ; but who is there to come up to the 4 help of the Lord ’ and of humanity against this blighting curse ? The pulpit—that ordained watch-tower of morality and exponent of sin, is comparatively mute concerning it, at least, touching its worst forms— an omission utterly unjustifiable. The medical profession, whose duty it is to sound the alarm, and diffuse knowledge, is almost silent; yet pockets the wages of sins and sufferings which it should obviate. Law- yers live on the fees rendered by this propensity, more, probably, than from any other crime perpetrated by our fallen nature ; besides being infinitely above (? below) attempting its remedy. The moralist is silent, and the philanthropist is dumb. Most of the self-constituted watchmen on the walls of the public safety, are 4 dead dogs/ seeming afraid to touch this vile thing. A mere moiety attempt to arrest this might}7- current, yet the aggregate effort is utterly insignificant com- pared with the evil. Nor can more be said of the mode. But not for this alone. None beard the lion in his den. Of the few recent produc- tions on this subject, none have effectually probed this festering bile to its core, or anointed it with an effectual remedy. Nor can this be done but by understanding the primitive constitution of this element, and thereby the consequences of its perversion. Phrenology mounts the breach. It descries the evil. It weeps over its ravages. It points out the remedy ; and the Author claims to be its humble expositor. Long has he seen and sighed over this monster dis- ease and wretchedness. He hoped to have escaped both the woe of silence and the odium of utterance by its effectual exposition from some other quarter. But he has seen nothing which did full justice to this subject. Not that he would disparage the earlier efforts of that noble apostle in this cause, Dr. Woodward, from whom he so often quotes. He was almost the first among distinguished men to open the battery of facts upon this enemy of all good. Above all praise are his noble efforts in this forlorn cause. But his 4 Hints to the Young/ have not sufficiently explained the rationale of the injury sensuality inflicts, or * attempted to reach more than a single form of lust. Nor, even if it had, would this work be uncalled for ; because our thoughtless youth need 4 line upon line/ and the married require 4 precept upon precept.’ This work may find its way where his has not gone, 4 Facts, &c., to Young