The Sexual Life

The physician sees many things that are not ordinarily exposed to view. He is called upon for advice and information upon matters that are held secret and sacred. His work often soils his hands with unnameable filth and jeopardizes his comfort and safety; yet when pursued in the spirit of philanthropy and scientific endeavor, its repulsive features serve but to bring out in bold relief the ennobling virtues. Sex is the central fact of life, and owing to the urgent necessity for enlightenment upon a subject that greatly affects, directly or indirectly, every member of society, prudery and mawkish modesty should be disregarded. When others do not intelligently discuss delicate matters regarded as peculiarly intimate, personal and shameful, it becomes a part of the physician's duty so to do. The situations created by an improper exercise of the sexual function in marriage are many and complicated, and the problems presented are delicate and perplexing. In dealing with these situations there is required not only a thorough knowledge of this function in all its relations, but also tact, sagacity, and a knowledge of human nature, which are not usually taught in the curriculum of our colleges.