ONAN ESCHEWED - Rick Grunder

(p. 784; see item 78). Instead, if necessary, turn to Dr. Pierce's own "peculiar and
improved system of treatment" (whatever that is, p. 785). His hospital's terms
are "Business-like and Fair," and the consultations are "Sacredly Confidential,"
p. 786. Some of the many, ensuing "Testimonials," identified only by single
initials and towns, are case-numbered as high as 266,080.
Young Man, if you have, through ignorance, fallen into practices that have
arrested your physical growth and development in any of your organs or parts,
shun all such unscientific and worse than worthless contrivances as you would
shun a pestilence. No matter how plausible the web of arguments woven to
entrap you, be assured, they are the utterance of knaves who care not what false
hopes they encourage so they secure your money.
Consult only those whose well known skill, experience and integrity will insure
honest dealings and the most scientific treatment known to the "healing art," and
who supply the latter at reasonable cost. [p. 801]
85 REEVES, J. H. J. H. REEVES, DEALER IN PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARA-
TIONS, and Proprietors of Dr. Churchill's Restorative Remedies, 78 Nassau St.,
New York City. CONFIDENTIAL CIRCULAR [caption title]. New York: J. H. Reeves,
n.d. (ca. 1880s?).
23 cm. Single sheet folded to form [4] pp. Front page printed in black and red,
with illustration of Reeves' building. Fine. $50
OCLC shows a single copy of a Reeves "Confidential Circular" of identical
format, cataloged by the University of Rochester Medical Center and dated 1885.
To cure nervous debility, brought on by masturbation, etc. Page [2]: "Startling
Disclosures. 50,000 Young men Going to Premature Graves Annually in the
United States. . . ." Typical language: ". . . they were not warned by their elders
of the fearful train of consequences which would ensue from what they
considered at the time a harmless indulgence, and found too late its pernicious
effect in a shattered and enfeebled constitution."
86 RICHARDSON, Frank Howard. FOR BOYS ONLY. The Doctor Discusses the
Mysteries of Manhood. N.p., David McKay Company, Inc., [c. 1952, 1959 by Frank
Howard Richardson. Twelfth Printing, January, 1962].
20 cm. x, 97 pp. Index, pp. 95-97. Orig. light blue cloth decoratively lettered in
red and black. Very good, in worn dust wrapper. $20
OCLC shows editions from 1952-73, plus recent reprints, but not the particular
printing offered here. Masturbation, pp. 34, 45-46, 55-57. Two pals hear that
masturbation will make them crazy, so they go to see the good Doctor. He
assures them that while masturbation is not good (and of course they will now
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