Birth Control - Its Meaning 281 sensation and a decided increase of energy and well-being. I have observed splendid results in cases of neurasthenia. "That severing the vas deferens or the oviduct does not arrest the sexual development has been proved by doing the operation on young animals before they reached the age of maturity. That there is no atrophy or cystic degeneration has been satisfactorily demonstrated by ten years' observation. It was on account of these facts that I suggested that the vas deferens in the male and the oviduct in the female be severed as a means of preventing procreation in defectives, as the operation has no deleterious effect on the subject, but the contrary. The operation in no way endangers life. "There is no diminution of the sexual power or pleasure. The discharge at orgasm is but slightly decreased. "The operation in the female is more difficult, but, if skillfully done, no more hazardous. The oviduct is reached through a median incision, the tube ligated near the uterus, and severed beyond the ligature. "There are over three hundred girls in the institution for the feeble-minded in Indiana who, if treated in this manner, would be able to leave the institution and be self-supporting, as the only reason for detention is for purpose of segregation. They have not the character to resist the importunities of unprincipled men when thrown upon their own resources. The result is that when they are released from the institution, they shortly return in a state of pregnancy, or marry someone, unable and unfit to rear a family. In either event, there is an addition to the dependent class. With the oviduct severed, this danger is absolutely obviated. In case of the male, the desire for the opposite sex is in no way diminished; his mind is strengthened and his nervous system is benefited from the reabsorption of the sperm. It has a decided effect on the centers of self-restraint, besides improving the physical condition, as the masturbator refrains from excessive indulgence in this practice. Almost wholly as a result of increased will power, the rapist or criminal will be aided in resisting his pernicious impulses. Thus we have a means of preventing procreation in