had not been continent.
Hence, we see that the old sculptors, whether wishing to represent
Jupiter or Plato, AEsculapius or Mars, a strongly knit and muscular frame
was desired, an athlete, gladiator, or soldier being used as a model;
the small, puerile, funnel-prepuced organ belonged to all these muscular
or well-trained classes, was a natural appendage, as enforced continence
and the most absolute chastity was the rule, to enforce which they even
resorted to infibulation. This enforced continence often resulted in
impotence, even before the prime of life was passed, accompanied by an
inevitable atrophy of the male organ, with the resulting prepuce in the
shape in which it is found in a boy of from eight to twelve years,
precisely as they are found on the statues. How faithful the sculptors
and artists were to nature and life in their representations can well be
imagined by a critical examination of the Apollo Belvidere, where the
difference of the scrotal position that exists between the right and
left testicles is carried out to the minutest anatomical detail. In our
age it is hard to conceive why their most masculine men should be
deified, and all their gods represented as the most perfect of bodily
development, while at the same time the finest physical specimens of
manhood were doomed to a life of the most rigorous continence. It is
also astonishing that all this should be done not from any principle or
consideration of morality or virtue, but simply as a means subservient
in producing at its maximum the highest degree of physical development
and endurance.

CHAPTER VI.

ATTEMPTS TO ABOLISH CIRCUMCISION.

Probably no rite or practice of a custom has been such a long-standing
bone of contention as circumcision; nor does the Sphynx surpass this
relic of bygone ages in mystery. From time immemorial its practice has
been the subject of disputes, and its literature finds oftentimes its
friends and foes ranged side by side. At one time a noted Israelite and
Voltaire, the scoffer of Judaism, may be consulted on the question as to
whether Israelite or Egyptian is entitled to priority as to its original
practice with a like answer; and, again, Christians are found who, after
a careful investigation, will accord this to the Israelites. In Rome,
the persecuted Hebrew was stopped on the street and compelled to show
the mark of circumcision, that he might be taxed, and in Turkish parts
the Christian was subjected to