Note 19 — Chapter V · THE LOVE EPISODE
Reading edition
Dr. Alice B. Stockham, Karezza: Ethics of Marriage, N. Y., 1896. She recommends that both husband and wife refrain from the erotic acme. “During a lengthy period of perfect control, the whole being of each is merged into the other, and an exquisite exaltation experienced. This may be accompanied by a quiet motion, entirely under subordination of the will, so that the thrill of passion may not go beyond a pleasurable exchange.... With abundant time and mutual reciprocity the interchange becomes satisfactory and complete, without emission or crisis. In the course of an hour the physical tension subsides, the spiritual exaltation increases and not uncommonly visions of a transcendent life are seen and consciousness of new powers experienced.” (Page 25.) She suggests that such episodes should take place from two weeks to three months apart, and should be the only type of love episode except where procreation is desired.