Three Contributions to the Theory of Sex | Page 4

occasional factors.
Beside its thoroughgoing dependence on psychoanalytic investigation I must emphasize
as a character of this work of mine its intentional independence of biological
investigation. I have carefully avoided the inclusion of the results of scientific
investigation in general sex biology or of particular species of animals in this study of
human sexual functions which is made possible by the technique of psychoanalysis. My
aim was indeed to find out how much of the biology of the sexual life of man can be
discovered by means of psychological investigation; I was able to point to additions and
agreements which resulted from this examination, but I did not have to become confused
if the psychoanalytic methods led in some points to views and results which deviated
considerably from those merely based on biology.
I have added many passages in this edition, but I have abstained from calling attention to
them, as in former editions, by special marks. The scientific work in our sphere has at
present been retarded in its progress, nevertheless some supplements to this work were
indispensable if it was to remain in touch with our newer psychoanalytic literature.
VIENNA, October, 1914.

I
THE SEXUAL ABERRATIONS[1]
The fact of sexual need in man and animal is expressed in biology by the assumption of a
"sexual impulse." This impulse is made analogous to the impulse of taking nourishment,
and to hunger. The sexual expression corresponding to hunger not being found
colloquilly, science uses the expression "libido."[2]
Popular conception makes definite assumptions concerning the nature and qualities of
this sexual impulse. It is supposed to be absent during childhood and to commence about
the time of and in connection with the maturing process of puberty; it is supposed that it
manifests itself in irresistible attractions exerted by one sex upon the other, and that its
aim is sexual union or at least such actions as would lead to union.
But we have every reason to see in these assumptions a very untrustworthy picture of
reality. On closer examination they are found to abound in errors, inaccuracies and hasty
conclusions.
If we introduce two terms and call the person from whom the sexual attraction emanates
the sexual object, and the action towards which the impulse strives the sexual aim, then
the scientifically examined experience shows us many deviations in reference to both
sexual object and sexual aim, the relations of which to the accepted standard require
thorough investigation.
1. DEVIATION IN REFERENCE TO THE SEXUAL OBJECT
The popular theory of the sexual impulse corresponds closely to the poetic fable of
dividing the person into two halves--man and woman--who strive to become reunited
through love. It is therefore very surprising to hear that there are men for whom the
sexual object is not woman but man, and that there are women for whom it is not man but
woman. Such persons are called contrary sexuals, or better, inverts; the condition, that of
inversion. The number of such individuals is considerable though difficult of accurate

determination.[3]
A. Inversion *The Behavior of Inverts.*--The above-mentioned persons behave in many
ways quite differently.
(_a_) They are absolutely inverted; _i.e._, their sexual object must be always of the same
sex, while the opposite sex can never be to them an object of sexual longing, but leaves
them indifferent or may even evoke sexual repugnance. As men they are unable, on
account of this repugnance, to perform the normal sexual act or miss all pleasure in its
performance.
(_b_) They are amphigenously inverted (psychosexually hermaphroditic); _i.e._, their
sexual object may belong indifferently to either the same or to the other sex. The
inversion lacks the character of exclusiveness.
(_c_) They are occasionally inverted; _i.e._, under certain external conditions, chief
among which are the inaccessibility of the normal sexual object and initiation, they are
able to take as the sexual object a person of the same sex and thus find sexual
gratification.
The inverted also manifest a manifold behavior in their judgment about the peculiarities
of their sexual impulse. Some take the inversion as a matter of course, just as the normal
person does regarding his libido, firmly demanding the same rights as the normal. Others,
however, strive against the fact of their inversion and perceive in it a morbid
compulsion.[4]
Other variations concern the relations of time. The characteristics of the inversion in any
individual may date back as far as his memory goes, or they may become manifest to him
at a definite period before or after puberty.[5] The character is either retained throughout
life, or it occasionally recedes or represents an episode on the road to normal
development. A periodical fluctuation between the normal and the inverted sexual object
has also been observed. Of special interest are those cases in which the libido changes,
taking on