Onanism is executed with the hand and thighs on the sexual parts or by rubbing these parts against external bodies. Different modes have been proposed to obviate and prevent these. The most simple of all is to oblige the children to keep their hands out of bed. This plan when it can be observed is often sufficient, particularly in boys. Besides this we knew of only one remedy, the purpose of what can be concealed, viz., the application of a cold cataplasm to the sexual parts, a plan we have recommended several times. Pavet de Courtielle proposes the use of a chemise reaching below the feet and which is drawn together at the bottom: this remedy may be efficacious. The remedies which remain to be treated of are essentially coercive: hence the chance of success is smaller the older and stronger the patients are.
The hands may be tied to keep them from the sexual organs, and the feet also may be tied so as to keep the thighs separated. The child too may be placed in a straight waistcoat fastened behind, which may force the arms to rest on the chest. Different apparatus has been contrived also to keep the thighs asunder. One is composed of thick pieces of cork which are attached to the inside of the thighs. Drawers opening behind are sometimes used: these serve to imprison the lower part of the trunk.
A kind of truss is sometimes used to preserve the sexual parts from external contact. The principal piece of this is of metal, either silver or tin: for females its form is triangular, and for boys it represents a sort of mould, in which the penis and scrotum may be placed: the bandage is kept in place by springs, like those of herniary bandages. To add to the security of this apparatus it is sometimes applied to a dress which opens only behind. In young and feeble children these means are exceedingly efficacious, as experience has proved. The art of the onanist has even sometimes evaded these bandages. The following case occurred in the practice of Reveille Pariset; a little girl 7 years old, whose health failed every day having been detected in onanism, her mother instead of reproaching her, gave her to understand that it was the custom to apply a bandage to girls of her age. This bandage was fitted very accurately and attained the purpose desired; the health of the child being rapidly established. Soon however the symptoms reappeared and more violently than before. The bandage was examined and it was found to be undisturbed. She however was watched and it was found that she used a quill for the purposes of onanism, which she slipped in under the bandage. After this, the mother stayed with her daughter all the time, and by her vigilance the child was saved.