Page:Edward Prime-Stevenson - The Intersexes.djvu/586

 studies, critical observations and much of his dayto-day interests of commonplace kind; but also his deep sentimental experiences of intensively homosexual course. The Diary obviously was at first meant, like most Diaries, for only its writer's eyes. Later, Platen saw that, as the mirror of what he thought was an uncommon kind of nature and sexual life, he would do well to let posterity see his pages. We may emphasize the words "what he. thought," in the foregoing sentence. For, psychologists of to-day know only too well that while such a history as Platen's is seldom given to the world, the sexual existences that could rival its disclosures are legion, in every land and race of civilized humanity. Several times, when Platen was reviewing his Journal, he reflects upon the increasing possibility of future readers, and even appeals to their sympathies, as in the citation heading this study. The records were written, to a considerable extent, day by day, out of hand; except as to the first two "Books" (the Diary is divided into "Books") which deal with his early years; up to October 22, 1813; which two parts are a sort of compilation made from earlier notes, but set out so as to make the biographical narrative complete. After 1813 the entries are all contemporary. During his lifetime, Platen seems not to have allowed anybody else to read the Journal, except perhaps in one unlucky instance, where one of his best friends is credited with so arriving at Platen's full measure of sexual abnormality; and with making a painful scene by what occurred in a public circle of their acquaintances. The Diary remained the truest confidant of what Platen well called "the weakness of the human heart, and a history of my own impressions." It continues past military and university days, past the first journeyings in Italy, on and on through his long-haltings there; to the very last days of his life. There are some seventeen volumes of note-books, as we are informed by the editors.