This, the third edition, was reedited and revised by Dr. Smith Ely Jelliffe. The general characteristics of the original editions are retained.
Emphasis is placed on the psychologic nature of sex, its characteristics at various periods of life, its influence on personality development and the importance of the right attitude toward sex on the part of parents, teachers, physicians, clergymen, etc.
The rôle of masturbation in sex development is described in detail. Masturbation is pictured as normal in infancy, common in adolescence and abnormal in adult life. Emphasis is placed on the psychologic aspects of masturbation, there being no harmful physical effects. The final chapters deal with the causes and treatment of excessive or abnormal masturbation.
The book is clearly written and instructive. The general point of view and attitude taken by the author are especially valuable.