Book 2
12
THE Satyrs, sacred to Bacchus, in the paintings and statues, have the member erect, as the symbol of the divine performance. It is also a form of disease, in which the patient has erection of the genital organ, the appellation of Satyriasis being derived from its resemblance to the figure of the god.
12
It is an unrestrainable impulse to connection; but neither are they at all relieved by these embraces, nor is the tentigo soothed by many and repeated acts of sexual intercourse. Spasms of all the nerves, and tension of all the tendons, groins, and perineum, inflammation and pain of the genital parts, redness of countenance, and a dewy moisture. Wrapped up in silent sorrow, they are stupid, as if grievously afflicted with their calamity. But if the affection overcome the patient’s sense of shame, he will lose all restraint of tongue as regards obscenity, and likewise all restraint in regard to the open performance of the act, being deranged in understanding as to indecency; for they cannot restrain themselves, are thirsty, and vomit much phlegm. Afterwards, froth settles on their lips, as is the case with goats in the season of rutting, and the smell likewise is similar. The urine, after long retention, is white, thick, and like semen; bowels constipated; spontaneous titillations of the sides and arm-pits; they have convulsions, loathe food, or, if presented to them, they snatch it confusedly.
