When mental, wear metal

Science & Society Museum photo 10287396, Male anti-masturbation deviceThis device was sold until the 1930s. It’s intended for family health and to prevent insanity and death.

Well into the 20th Century, attitudes and beliefs about masturbation were somewhat driven by psychiatrist William Acton’s 1857 text about our reproductive organs which remained popular for almost 20 years.

“His view of masturbating declared that a boy would become haggard, thin, antisocial, hypochondriacal, would lose his spontaneity and cheerfulness and would turn into a timid coward and liar. The final state was one of idiocy, epilepsy, paralysis and even death.”

MindHacks has the story of these long held links to madness.