Bnt not only the presence and motility of the zoosperms should be examined into, their size and shape should also be noted. Though we have as yet no exact data upon the subject, it seems probable that these factors are not without influence upon the capacity for procreation. Small-sized spermatozoa, especially, are to be looked upon as imperfect formations, though natural in those under puberty, or who have reached old age. It is a question if they may not be the cause of sterility if found in adults. Of course if excesses in venery have occurred, immature zoo Pperms may be detached and prematurely evacuated. Spermatozoa also are found iu which the head has become detached from the body; and although, aa has been claimed, these are in many cases artificial produc tions, they will be found in some of the most carefully made preparations, and demand our consideration. The addition of moderately dilute solu tions of tincture of iodine, or staining with ammonia carmine, will render these abnormal formations more distinct.
The microscope will not afford us the important and often conclusive help in cases of impotence that it does in cases of aspermatism and zoo spermatism. Yet it may be useful in cases of impotence, where there
occur involuntary urethral discharges, a condition formerly called sper matorrhcea. Is this fluid the abnormal secretion of the accessory glands, especially of the prostate (prostatorrho3a), or is it really semen? The absence of zoosperms upon the one hand, and the presence of bodies de rived from the accessory glands upon the other (as the amyloid bodies found in prostatorrhcea), will decide, though repeated examinations may be necessary. Furbringer has demonstrated that the transparent rhom boidal sperMacrystals, which were supposed to be characteristic of the semen, are found in the prostatic and other fluids, but are not present in the testicle at all; they are, therefore, useless for diagnostic purposes.
Electricity will be rarely needed for the diagnosis, though it may be necessary for the treatment of impotence. But many other organs and the general system must be carefully examined in cases of sterility. The urine must be examined if diabetes or Bright's disease is suspected.