Page:Psychopathia Sexualis (tr. Chaddock, 1892).djvu/411

Rh instinct, with unmistakable hereditary taint, neuropathic constitution, asymmetry of cranium, and defective development of the genitals.

It is also worthy of remark that the exhibition began when the epilepsy ceased; so that one might think of a vicarious phenomenon.

The sexual perversity developed, with predisposition, through accidental association of ideas of sexual content (children looking at him while urinating) with an act that, in itself, was purposeless.

The patient was not sentenced, but sent to an asylum. (Dr. Freyer, Zeitschr. f. Medicinalbeamte, 3 Jahrg., No. 8.)

Case 179. At 9 o'clock at night, in the spring of 1891, a lady, in great trepidation, came to the policeman in the city park of X., with the statement that a man, absolutely naked in front, had approached her from the bushes, and she had run away, frightened. The officer went at once to the place indicated, and found a man, who exposed ventrem et genitalia nuda. He attempted to escape, but was overtaken and arrested. He stated that he had been sexually excited by alcohol, and had been on the point of going to a prostitute. On his way through the park, however, he recalled the fact that exhibition gave him much greater pleasure than was afforded him by coitus, in which he seldom, and only faute de mieux, indulged. After drawing up his shirt, he posted himself in the bushes, and, when two women came up the path, he approached them with exposed genitals. In such exhibition he had a pleasurable feeling of warmth, and the blood mounted to his head.

The accused works in a manufactory, and his employer states that he is faithful, saving, sober, and intelligent.

In 1886 B. had been punished because he had twice exhibited himself publicly,—once in broad daylight, and once at night, under a lamp.

B., aged 37, single, makes a peculiar impression, owing to his dandified dress and affected manner. His eyes have a neuropathic, languishing expression; around his mouth plays a smile of self-satisfaction. He is said to come of healthy parents. A sister of his father, and one of his mother, were insane. Others of their relatives were thought religiously eccentric.

B. has never had any severe illness. From childhood he was eccentric and imaginative. He loved romances about knights and others, was entirely absorbed by them, and even went so far as to identify himself in fancy with the heroes. He always thought himself a little better than others, and thought much of elegant dress and ornament; and when he strutted about on Sundays, he imagined himself a high official.

B. has never had epileptic symptoms. In youth, moderate indulgence in masturbation; later, moderate indulgence in coitus. Previously, never any perverse sexual feelings or impulses. Retired manner of life; in leisure hours, reading (popular novels, heroic tales, Dumas,