Page:The Texas Medical Journal, vol. 18.djvu/337

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TEXAS MEDICAL JOURNAL.
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sician. It is to the true ethical physician that in time of need and physical disaster the country can look for support and protection. The people are not accurate judges of the competent and incompetent; therefore, it is the duty of the upright and honorable part of the profession to educate them up to this high characteristic standing.

In conclusion, I recommend that this society recognize and elect delegates to the State Association. Give said delegates instructions as to the wishes of the society, and how they shall vote as to the majority or minority report on the constitutional amendment. I also recommend that this society continue holding its meetings quarterly, at some suitable and accessible place, and that every man in this society realize that there is something for him to do individually; realize that there is strength and wisdom in unity of action. Be honest and useful, charitable and prompt, and never neglect the widow or the orphan, and in doing so you will be only second to the angels in heaven.




For Texas Medical Journal.

Ligation of the Dorsal Vein of the Penis as a Cure for Atonic Impotence.


BY JOE S. WOOTEN; B. S., M. D., AUSTIN, TEXAS.[1]


The normal physiological process of erection of the penis is produced by excitation of both brain and spinal cord centers. It may also be produced by impressions originating outside of the nerve centers or any portion of the nervous system. The spinal cord centers are probably located in the cervical and sacral portions of the cord. An erection is induced by one of three ways: (1) By an increased influx of blood to the organ; (2) by a diminished efflux of blood from the organ; (3) or by a combination of both of these conditions. The first of these conditions, the increased flow of blood, is produced either by stimulation of the nerve centers or from peripheral irritation of a nerve. The second condition, that of congestion, is the result of mechanical compression by certain muscles, assisted by the peculiar anatomical arrangement by which the veins at the base of the penis twist at their points of exit from the corpora cavernosa and spongiosum. There comes about first, a relaxation of the muscular fibres in the trabeclae of the corpora

  1. Read at the December meeting of the Austin District Medical Society.