the punishment, we should note that sexual proclivities are distributed so that the predominantly homosexual individuals at one end are separated from the heterosexual at the other by an infinite gradation, and that though people may be able to choose what they do they cannot choose what they are.'

THE LANCET editors state there is doubt whether a child of normally developing sexuality is likely to suffer lasting harm from seduction, and it is all too clear that prison "might almost have been designed as a forcing-ground for young developing homosexuals," a quotation taken from Dr. Kenneth Soddy. Oddly enough, doctors themselves have been slow and reluctant to face up to their professional responsibility, the magazine seemed to indicate. The medical profession, over the years, has provided many of the facts from which studies such as the Wolfenden Committee made, have been drawn. Further the problem is as much medical as it is legal.

"Though (the public) does not yet seem ready to accept these remedies (such as recommended by the Wolfenden Committee), its attitude would change the sooner if doctors would take their full part in helping ordinary people to understand the need for change and accept the necessary reforms." Then followed a short quotation from Dr. Soddy:

"In the absence of any rational justification, the retention of male (but not female) homosexuality in the penal code can be explained only as a sop to the primitive and instinctual fears of the community. The responsibility of the homosexual offender for his actions is highly doubtful, for his capacity to control his impulses has often been impaired. There is no evidence that the condition is quantitatively on the increase, and only very doubtful evidence that normal youth can be corrupted by it. At present bad laws are maintained-bad because they cannot be enforced without giving the police intolerable powers of interference with law-abiding citizens. The police are set impossible tasks in proving their charges; and, when convicted, the offender can be sent only to a place which is so unsuitable for him that hope of eventual cure must be abandoned. All this is too high a price for the community to pay for its own primitive fears and feelings."

The introduction to the "case history" documentation which showed a typical cross-section of male homosexuality came from an unnamed doctor who stated that he was homosexual himself. He is a general practitioner. None of the following cases cited came to him for help in understanding or "treating" their homosexuality. They are picked from "several hundred" homosexual men of many nationalities, colors, cultures and creeds known personally to the doctor. Here are the case histories he listed and described:

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mattachine REVIEW

Case-histories

Cases 1 and 2.—In 1935 A was a contented married man of about 40 with two children. About this time he introduced into his business, with a view to future partnership, a man B, aged about 25, with capital to invest. B was homosexual and knew it. A bond of friendship, then affection, grew between A and B which later led to overt homosexual practices. A's marriage disintegrated and his wife and family went to live abroad. After some five years of cohabitation A and B separated amicably, and they are still close friends.

A tells me that he had no suspicion that he was homosexually inclined until he met B. He had been reasonably happy. His marital obligations had been fulfilled adequately, but he had realised that sexual intercourse interested him less than it seemed to interest most of his friends and he had supposed that he was "made that way". Since the break-up of his marriage A has led an exclusively homosexual life with no further interest in heterosexual activity. He is now chairman of a big company, a member of many committees, a prominent and respected figure in the community.

B, a man of considerable private means and strong religious convictions, is a bachelor. A practising homosexual who disapproves of promiscuity, he lives discreetly and unostentatiously with a friend of many years' standing in a community where he is respected by all. He takes no part in public life but some of his friends-like myself-know of his kindness and generosity to many people, mostly elderly and infirm men and women, a considerable number of whom he has supported for many years.

Case 3.-C is a senior captain in an airline. Now in his late 30s he is good-looking, virile, and self-confident, with a wellintegrated emotionally stable personality. His sexual outlet in orgasms has always been high and still averages 5 to 6 per week. His sexual activity has always been predominantly, but not exclusively, homosexual. About six years ago, for a variety of motives (not all admirable) he married, and he now has a family. The marriage has been successful, and he is very fond of both his wife and the children. His work takes him away from home for about two weeks in every four. During these

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