Women : their diseases and their treatment / by John King.

  • King, John, 1813-1893.
Date:
1858
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Women : their diseases and their treatment / by John King. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    among female masturbators. A very large development of this organ has led to a belief in hermaphrodism; and when in a morbid condition it often gives rise to a very distressing affec- tion known as nymphomania. In infants the clitoris ap- pears proportionally larger than in adults, on account of the imperfect development of the surrounding parts. Enlargement of the clitoris is most generally owing to a diseased condition of the part, and may be attended with very unpleasant symptoms, causing in many instances, from a mor- bid sensibility of the organ, most distressing nymphomania. When the clitoris is not very large, cooling lotions to the part, rest in the recumbent posture, and regularity of the bowels, will be required, together with the cold douche to the head and spine daily, and a nourishing but non-stimulating diet. In some cases, benefit will be derived by the application of Nitrate of Silver to the whole of the organ and nymphce; or, of com- presses moistened with a solution of Cyanuret of Potassium. To diminish the sexual appetite, the alcoholic extract of Conium Maculatum, or, an infusion of Sage, or of Black Willow Buds, may be administered internally. When the enlargement is very considerable, and the above means fail to check the fur- ther development of the organ and remove the unpleasant accompanying symptoms, or when the sexual excitement, with a moderately hypertrophied clitoris, is intense, the organ must be excised. Holding it by forceps or tenaculum, with a bis- toury or curved scissors, cut close to the pubis in an oblique direction, and remove the clitoris at a stroke; and if the bleed- ing be excessive, check it by Nitrate of Silver, ligature, or cau- tery. Warts, ulcerations, tumors, &c, of the clitoris, are to be treated the same as when these appear on other parts of the external genitals. (See Nymphomania.) The labia minora (smaller lips), also called labia interna, (internal lips,) or nymphse, are two folds of the mucous membrane of the vagina, which are situated between the labia majora, running parallel with them, commencing just below the anterior commissure of the vulva, and extending downward to about the center of the circumference of the vaginal orifice, gradually diminishing in size as they descend. At their upper extremity they are adherent with each other, but are free below.