Onania
Rare Books, Maps, Manuscripts & Photographs
Auction: 16 January 2013 at 10:00 GMT
Description
Or the heinous sin of self-pollution, and all its frightful consequences (in both sexes) considered: with spiritual and physical advice to those who have already injured themselves by this abominable practice. London: C. Corbett, 1759. 8vo, contemporary calf, later spine, a little rubbed, title, preface and initial 8 pages wormed with loss of a few letters, some slight soiling [ESTC N11811]
Footnote
Provenance: Property of the Trustees of Lord Gretton
Note: According to ESTC, copies held by Cambridge University Library in the UK and Case Western Reserve University in the USA .
Dutch theologian Dr Balthazar Bekker was the first to distribute a pamphlet entitled Onania, or the heinous sin of self-pollution... in 1716. The work continued to be published in several editions, issuing dire warnings to those who indulged in "self-pollution". The reader is warned that masturbation can lead to: "Disturbances in the stomoch... vomiting, nausea... paralysis... thinness, pimples on the face... attacks of rage, maddness, idiocy... and finally suicide." Those suffering from prior misdemeanor are advised to acquire "Strengthening Tincture" and "Prolific Powder" to cure themselves of their wicked habits.