the little creature is very heavily endowed with strong sexual feelings. The students of this subject are in absolute agreement on this point. There is no longer the slightest inkling of a doubt about it. All scientific methods of checking the fact have been employed. These range from direct observation of children to the recovery of childhood memories through hypnosis or while subjects have been under the influence of hypnotic drugs, direct reports from children, and several other sources.
This sexual drive is centered on the genitals from the outset, and it can be seen very clearly in children who masturbate. Such masturbation is a perfectly normal activity in boys and girls during this entire period.
The important point about this masturbation is the fact that the little girl masturbates by the manipulation of her clitoris. She has no awareness of her vagina as a sensual area.
The sexual feelings of infancy increase in intensity after the second or third year. Now masturbation may increase. In a very real sense the strong sensual feelings experienced at this age set the mold for the later sexual development of the child.
For the first three years the little girl is deeply and primarily attached to her mother. In the sense that infants "realize" things, the little girl knows that her mother is the source of all her security. These feelings have a very clear sensual nature. The little girl loves to be close to the mother, to be stroked by her, to have her mother clean her genitalia, etc. She associates her masturbation with the pleasant sensations she receives, psychologically and physically, from her mother.
Around three years of age the little girl becomes aware of her growing attachment to her father. His tenderness toward her and his play with her stimulate her whole being, and
