An essentially more dangerous degree of morbid losses of semen are the so-called clay pollutions, in which—while the individual is fully awake— semen is discharged under the influence of slight mechanical irritations or of sexual excitement. These emissions may occur without erection of the organ, either by jerks or without distinct ejaculations. Still more dangerous are those causes in which permanent losses of semen occur under the influences of a paralysis, and an almost constant discharge of seminal fluid takes place in the form of drops. It is obvious that a proper opinion as to prognosis and treatment can be rendered only by a physician. The two last-named forms of spermatorrhcea are fortunately rare ; and those cases in which the patients worry without sufficient reason are by far the more frequent.
It is not infrequently noted that losses of semen occur in persons who for longer or shorter periods have been given to sexual excesses ; and also in those who were, or are, affected with obstinate inflammations of the posterior urethra, of the prostate gland, or of seminal vesicles, without any disturbances whatever being present. These individuals, during urination, or when evacuating the bowels, often discharge larger or smaller amounts of a shiny, thread-like fluid, which smells of semen. On microscopical examination this discharge is found to be a secretion of the prostate gland, and may sometimes be. mixed with seminal fluid. This form of seminal losses. although often difficult to cure, is usually without danger, in so far as impotence seldom results therefrom. The disorder can be greatly improved, in fact often completely cured, by proper medical treatment.
Finally, an absolutely normal occurrence may he mentioned, which inexperienced or over-anxious persons often erroneously regard as a sign of inflammation of the urethra, sometimes also•as spermatorrhcea, and which becomes a source of great mental unrest. The influence of prolonged sexual excitement causes a secretion of certain glands; the channels of which open into the anterior portion of the urethra. This secretion becomes visible, and can be felt as an adhesive, viscid fluid at the external opening of the urethra. This is a secretion of the so-called Cowper's gland, and is of no morbid significance whatever. It is a constant symptom of sexual excite ment ; but quacks make of it a great mystery, and look wise, and shake their heads, telling the patients how severely ill they are.
As all genuine forms of morbid losses of semen must be looked upon not as an individual disease, but as a symptom of other affections, it, is not possible to lay down any general rules for the removal of the same. It is the concern of a scientifically trained physician to investigate the causes of the prevailing disturbances, and to give his advice in accordance with the conditions that present themselves in each individual case.
Among the hygienic measures which should he followed in order to counteract too frequent discharges, the following may be mentioned : The diet should consist of easily digestible dishes, and the supper especially should be very simple and light. Plenty of bodily exercise should be taken
during the day. All forms of sport, except horseback-riding and bicycling, are to be recommended. One should sleep in a cold room, on a hard, tlat mattress ; and the cover should be as light as possible according to the season. It is advisable to sleep lying on the side ; not on the back. The urine should he discharged shortly before retiring ; and large quantities of fluids, especially alcoholic drinks, should not be taken at least for two hours before going to bed. All forms of sexual excitement, as well as hard mental work should be avoided in the evening. A sojourn in the country, plenty of exercise, and cool baths are beneficial. Internal or electric treatment should be resorted to only on the advice of a physician. When the losses of semen pass distinctly beyond the limits of what is normal, or if night-discharges cause a feeling of lassitude and depression on the following morning, a physician should be consulted without fail. Day discharges, as well as permanent seminal losses, require prompt medical attention.
SENEGA.—The dried root of the Seneca snake root, Polvg,ala Senega, a small herb growing in the United States. The root is several inches long, contorted and Tinkled , and has a odour, and a sweet, acrid taste. It contains a saponin and senegin. Senega is sometimes used in the late stages of bronchitis, and in dropsy due to kidney-disease. An overdose will cause vomiting and purging.
SENILITY.—It is an inflexible law of Nature that every organic body, after it has reached the period of its greatest and highest development, begins to undergo a process of gradual disintegration. Man is subject to the same fate ; and, like plants and animals, he is created, blooms, and passes away. With advancing old age, all his vital functions decline, as the organs become exhausted, undergo a retrograde Change, and, finally, one by one, cease to be active. Digestion becomes sluggish, less nourishment is taken and less is used, appetite and thirst are diminished. This results in emaciation and loss of strength. The tissues are deprived of their tone, the skin is relaxed and dry, the sensory organs are dulled, and the blood-vessels readily rupture, which accounts for the tendency of paralytic strokes to occur during this period. The activity of the heart and lungs is lessened, and shortness of breath results. In addition to this the hair turns grey, wrinkles develop, the eyes recede, the teeth drop out, a stooping posture is assumed so that the height is diminished, and the hands and the head tremble. Mental activity and judgment become impaired in old people ; some become childish, but the majority forgetful. These phenomena do not all appear at once ; in some persons the bodily, in others, the mental, shortcomings are most marked. On the other hand, there are persons who remain vigorous although well advanced in years. This favoured condition may be attained when the strength has been carefully husbanded, when every exertion has been followed by the necessary amount of rest, and when moderation in living has been exercised and persisted in.