Scholion I. On Hypersexuality, Contrary Sexuality, and Sexual Perversion

I. Hypersexuality consists in an abnormal propensity toward venereal things. As regards this matter, with Eschbach,¹ three classes of men can be distinguished, according as some suffer common and intermittent temptations, or more vehement and almost continual temptations, or wholly unrestrained temptations. But concerning the latter, whom we are chiefly considering here, the praised author writes these things: "Celibates are sometimes found laboring under such an unrestrained and cruel libido that it now seems to be not simple libido, but a physical and almost unconquerable propensity toward venereal things. Certainly, among so many and so great miseries and hardships to which we know the human body to be subject, one of this kind is also numbered by physicians; if there is question of males, it is called satyriasis, as though making satyrs; among women it is called uterine fury, or nymphomania. They say that the nature of both is situated in a lesion or irritation of the brain and nervous plexus, commonly called neurosis; but they assign causes either moral, for example evil habits, erotic readings, etc., or merely physical; finally experience teaches that the effects are too much to be lamented. For these unhappy celibates, whether they wish it or not, almost the whole day and night are occupied with the most foul thoughts, phantasms, and desires of immodesty and pleasure; they continually and violently seek carnal intercourse, without ever being able, if they yield, to be satisfied; if they are deprived of venery, they are driven into rage and erotic delirium; they cast off all shame, which is especially true of women, indeed these women often conduct themselves like brute animals."

¹ Disputationes physiologico-theologicae, pp. 532-533.

II. Contrary sexuality is had when the sexual inclination is borne toward persons of the same sex; in a woman it is called lesbian or sapphic love; if it is borne toward boys, it is called pederasty.

III. Sexual perversion consists in this, that someone's libido is excited by thoughts, things, or acts foreign to sexual life. Sadism, masochism, and fetishism are distinguished.

1. Sadism, from the Marquis de Sade, who was affected in this way, is present if libido is excited by perpetrating acts of cruelty, for example by pricking a girl with a knife.

2. Masochism, from Sacher-Masoch, who describes these things in romantic works, is so called if libido is excited by suffering acts of cruelty.

3. Fetishism is present if libido is excited by the imagination or handling of things or of parts of the body which do not pertain to venereal things, such as the hand, foot, hair, garments, etc.

General note. Much discretion is needed for passing judgment concerning the imputability of those who are borne into venereal things by a very great and truly abnormal force. For it often seems that faith cannot be given to the testimony of those who suffer these things; for sometimes they falsely judge that they acted voluntarily, although from other indications it appears that this is not true. A safer judgment is indeed formed concerning those who live piously; there is much greater difficulty in those who care little for piety.

¹ Cf. Capellmann-Bergmann, Pastoral-Medizin, p. 196 sq.; Noldin, op. cit., p. 47.