Note 46 — II. THE SEXUAL EPOCH OF THE MENACME. (continued 4)

The author omits special reference to the metastatic orchitis that so frequently complicates epidemic parotitis (mumps) when that disease occurs after puberty. Though usually benign in character, the inflammation very often results in atrophy of the testicle. Fortunately, bilateral atrophy from this cause is very rare; and even when it does occur, both testicles being extremely small, potentia coeundi and potentia gestandi may nevertheless remain. But when double atrophy from this cause takes place before puberty (happily an occurrence of the utmost rarity), sexual development is usually arrested, the sufferer being in effect a eunuch.—Tr.