ld that in the
times of Pythagoras the Greek philosophers were also circumcised,
although we find no mention that the operation went beyond the
intellectual class. In the United States, France, and in England, there
is a class which also observe circumcision as a hygienic precaution,
where, from my personal observation, I have found that circumcision is
thoroughly practiced in every male member of many of the families of the
class,--this being the physician class. In general conversation with
physicians on this subject, it has really been surprising to see the
large number who have had themselves circumcised, either through the
advice of some college professor while attending lectures or as a result
of their own subsequent convictions when engaged in actual practice and
daily coming in contact both with the benefits that are to be derived in
the way of a better physical, mental, and moral health, as well as with
the many dangers and disadvantages that follow the uncircumcised,--the
latter being probably the most frequent incentive and determinator,--as
in many of these latter examples the operation of circumcision, with its
pains, annoyances, and possible and probable dangers, sink into the most
trifling insignificance in comparison to some of the results that are
daily observed as the tribute that is paid by the unlucky and unhappy
wearer of a prepuce for the privilege of possessing such an appendage.

There is one thing that must be admitted concerning circumcision: this
being that, among medical men or men of ordinary intelligence who have
had the operation performed, instead of being dissatisfied, they have
extended the advantages they have themselves received, by having those
in their charge likewise operated upon. The practice is now much more
prevalent than is supposed, as there are many Christian families where
males are regularly circumcised soon after birth, who simply do so as a
hygienic measure.

For the benefit of these, who may congratulate themselves upon the
dangers and annoyances that they and their families have escaped, and
for the benefit of those who would run into these dangers but for timely
warning, this book has been especially written. To my professional
brothers the book will prove a source of instruction and recreation,
for, while it contains a lot of pathology regarding the moral and
physical reasons why circumcision should be performed, which might be as
undigestible as a mess of Boston br