Electricity, in the form of general Faradisation, seems to be of the most service, and must be applied daily for several months. Only a feeble current should be used.
The structural changes that have occurred in the genitals always demand attention.
Chronic turgescence of the prostate gland will best be treated by the internal use of tinct. staphisagria, large doses of bromide of potassium, and the introduction of catheters increasing in size until the urethra is fully dilated.
Electricity should be used as recommended under Prostatorrhœa. The organic stricture, which is so commonly present, should be treated by dilatation with suitable bougies or catheters. The bougie must be used as often as twice a week, until the full size and elasticity of the urethra are obtained.
Injections are sometimes useful. A solution of nitrate of silver, ten grains to the ounce of water, used only once, and followed by a solution of brown sugar (sacch. communis), morphine and rose-water, will answer a most excellent purpose. After the acute inflammation has subsided the bougies must always be resorted to, and used persistently until the object for which they are used is accomplished. Any ulceration may be relieved by injections of permanganate of pot., not stronger than one-half grain to the ounce.
The glans and prepuce should be closely scrutinized from time to time, and if the prepuce be of undue proportions, or if the patient is filthy, permitting accumulations to form beneath the folds and creating a local irritation, circumcision should be performed without hesitation.
Reflex irritations have often prevented recovery, and even produced grave manifestations. Cases of epilepsy have been reported from such peripheral causes, and cured by relieving the cause, or circumcision. The division of the sensitive nerves, which occurs in the operation of circumcision, often prevents involuntary spermal losses, and even permits such patients to perform normal copulation as had even ejaculated previous to intromission. Such little causes must not be overlooked. It is often in attending to little things that great results are accomplished; and in this we have no exception to the rule.
There is no room for a doubt in my mind that the Jewish rite was first established from hygienic motives _only_; and as “cleanliness is,” and always has been, “next to godliness,” circumcision would seem a very natural sacred rite for any religious sect to adopt.