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There was a time when masturbation was regarded by physicians as an important cause of nervous and mental ills. When its great frequency and relative harmlessness were discovered, the reaction against the previous misconceptions of deleterious effects of masturbation went so far that little attention has been given to the investigation of psychopathologic problems connected with it. Today there is a definite need for a sound and intensive monographic treatment of the subject of masturbation. One is reminded of this need when reading the title of Dr. Meagher's book: "A Study of Masturbation and the Psychosexual Life." The book itself, however, falls short of this need, or even of stating clearly the main problems connected with the subject.
The following points are emphasized by Dr. Meagher: Infantile masturbation is practically universal. During adolescence it is more common in boys than in girls; in adult life it is more common among