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371
VENEREAL DISEASES.
Advice upon the prevention and treatment of these Diseases
has been provided by posters on notice boards and public
conveniences, and by handbills distributed in factories and workshops.
It was found necessary to frequently renew the posters in
the public urinals, and Sir Herbert Ormond supplied frames
with glass coverings to the notices exhibited in both the male and
female departments of the two large public conveniences within the
Borough.
Every man should realise the terrible consequences of these
diseases; and he should be told the following facts:
Syphilis is responsible for the presence of more than one-tenth
of all the patients in Lunatic Asylums; it is the chief cause of
paralysis; it is responsible for a large proportion of all the diseases
of the heart and blood-vessels; and it leads to the birth of diseased
children.
Gonorrhœa is not the trivial disease which many believe it to
be. If not skilfully and promptly treated it may be followed by
stricture, which prevents or impedes the flow of urine and often
necessitates a serious operation. It may result in inability to beget
children.
With this Knowledge How Should a Sensible Man Act.
The Right Course, the cleanest, the most manly and the only
safe one, is to abstain from exposure to infection. Male chastity is
consistent with perfect health, but it demands an effort of selfdiscipline,
strict moderation in alcoholic drinks and the avoidance
of all unnecessary exposure to temptation.
If promiscuous intercourse is indulged in he will almost certainly
be caught sooner or later; but the right precautions taken within
an hour or two may save him. It is his duty to himself and others
to take such precautions. For this purpose a thorough washing
of the private parts with soap and water, followed by bathing them
in a disinfectant prepared by dissolving five or six crystals of
permanganate of potash in a pint of water, is recommended. A
supply of the crystals can be obtained from any chemist for a few
pence.