H-Net Discussion Networks - FW: [CRITSEX] Hysteria and Medical Masturbation

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From: Hallie Lieberman [mailto:hhlieberman@wisc.edu]
List Editor: Hera Cook <h.cook@BHAM.AC.UK>
Editor's Subject: FW: [CRITSEX] Hysteria and Medical Masturbation
Author's Subject: FW: [CRITSEX] Hysteria and Medical Masturbation
Date Written: Sat, 27 Oct 2012 10:27:56 +0100
Date Posted: Sun, 27 Oct 2012 05:27:56 -0400

Sent: 27 October 2012 00:39

Because I'm writing my dissertation on the history of sex toys in America, I've
been checking Maines' sources on hysteria and medical masturbation. Her sources
don't provide evidence that medical masturbation was happening in America or
the UK. Nor was the vibrator used much in medical practice at all. And if
vibrators were used, they were mainly used to treat other diseases, like asthma
and sciatica. When doctors discuss using the vibrator to treat hysteria, they
usually talk about vibrating women's backs.

Hallie Lieberman
dildographer.wordpress.com

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