acting upon the ductless glands, either by inhibiting, stimulating or modifying their action to some extent.
From this it must not be assumed that by trying to cultivate a mental attitude, for instance, centered upon celibacy, continence will be easy, or even possible in many cases, if a normal state of body and mind is to be maintained. Some of the most significant and candid self-revelations (as the "Confessions" of St. Augustine) of the tortures of sexual suppression have been given by those who have subjected themselves to long continued continence on religious grounds.
In the first place, the assumption of an arbitrary suppression of the sexual instinct by will power or force of mind on the part of strongly sexed natures is such a violation of nature's intent that it sets other internal forces at liberty which work to a contrary purpose. A terrific internal conflict results, which interferes with the individual's performance of constructive tasks. Even if he succeeds in maintaining a state of celibacy, it is often at the price of health, productiveness and mental balance.
Undersexed men, who may be considered subnormal types, physiologically, although sometimes highly endowed otherwise, will not be subjected to this tormenting stress. People of this type are frequently held up as models for normal men to pattern their conduct by. This is manifestly illogical.
Contraction of the muscles of the different organs, and the action of glandular secretions, although primarily controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, are also influenced by the spinal nerves and bodily conditions, or irritations (peripheral stimuli).
Thus, the secretion of semen in the testicles is influenced by the brain as well as by the sympathetic nervous system. Under ordinary conditions, the secretion of semen is more or less constant, but by some special irritation, either occurring
