Early 18th Century

Basic Types of Sexual  Behavior

1. Sexual Self-stimulation: History

Early 18th Century

In 1710, an anonymous pamphlet appeared in England under the title, “Onania, 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”. The author is now believed to have been a former clergyman turned quack who offered his readers an embellished rehash of older theories about the dangers of "wasting" semen. He called this behavior “onania” in reference to Onan, a biblical character who was punished by God for refusing to impregnate his brother's widow. As required by custom, he engaged in coitus with her, but prevented any possible pregnancy by practicing the withdrawal method of contraception (Genesis, 38:8-10). Unfortunately, the author’s absurd ideas and his misleading term soon found wide acceptance. The pamphlet was quickly translated into several European languages and eventually went through more than eighty editions.

 

 

[Course 6] [Description] [How to use it] [Introduction] [Development] [Basic Types] [1. Self-stimulation] [2. Heterosexual] [3. Homosexual] [4. Contact with Animals] [Variations] [Prohibited Behavior] [Additional Reading] [Examination]