ss of any accumulated fluid.

Of these two operations for the sterilization of men, vasectomy is
preferable. The major operation for the purpose of inducing artificial
sterility should never for a moment be considered.

But vasectomy, though surgically simple, and a less violation of
sentiment than castration, cannot be justified except in exceptional
cases.

Neither of these operations makes the subjects of them altogether or at
once impotent, certainly not for years. It sterilizes and partly unsexes
them and in the end completely so.

But the physical and mental changes that follow the operation in the
young adolescent are grave and serious, and a violent outrage upon the
man's nature and sentiment.

Society can hope for nothing but evil from the man she forcibly unsexes;
but if he must be kept in durance vile for the whole of his life there
is little need for such an operation.

The criminal cases bad enough to justify this grave and extreme measure
should be incarcerated for life.

The cases, it has been thought, that fully justify this operation are
those guilty of repeated criminal assaults.

Such a claim arises out of insufficient knowledge of the physiology of
sex, and the pathology of crime. Emasculation would have little
influence in preventing a recurrence of this crime, for the operation
does not render its subjects immediately impotent, nor does it change
their sexual nature any more than it beautifies their character.

The instinct remains, and the power to gratify it remains at least for
some years. With the less knowledge of surgery of earlier times, a
social condition in which such a practice might be rationally
considered, is conceivable, but with the present state of our
profession, such measures would be unthinkable.

CHAPTER XI.

TUBO-LIGATURE.

_The fertility of the criminal a greater danger to society than his
depradations._--_Artificial sterility of women._--_The menopause
artificially induced._--_Untoward results._--_The physiology of the
Fallopian tubes._--_Their ligature procures permanent sterility._--_No
other results immediate or remote._--_Some instances due to
disease._--_Defective women and the wives of defective men would welcome
protection from unhealthy offspring._

There is a growing feeling that society must be protected, not so much
against the criminal as against the fertility of the criminal, and no
rational, practicable, acceptable method has as yet be