Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 1 The Evolution of Modesty; The Phenomena of Sexual Periodicity; Auto-Erotism

"Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 1" by Havelock Ellis is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This volume delves into the topics surrounding sexual psychology, modesty, sexual periodicity, and auto-eroticism, with the aim of clarifying the complex emotional and psychological aspects tied to human sexuality. Ellis combines observations from various cultures and time periods, presenting a comprehensive look at how societal and cultural constructs around sex evolve and impact human behavior. At the start of this foundational work, Ellis reveals his long-standing commitment to studying sexual psychology, rooted in his own youthful inquiries into the subject. He lays the groundwork for his discussions by defining modesty as a key emotion that influences sexual behavior, particularly highlighting its importance for women. He contrasts historical views on sex with modern observations and emphasizes the need for a scientific approach to understand sexuality free from moralistic agendas. Ellis argues that both men and women possess a complex relationship with their sexual identities shaped by societal expectations, and he implores readers to approach the subject of sex with sincerity and openness to foster a deeper understanding of its role in human life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Henry Havelock Ellis was an English physician, eugenicist, writer, progressive intellectual and social reformer who studied human sexuality. He co-wrote the first medical textbook in English on homosexuality in 1897, and also published works on a variety of sexual practices and inclinations, as well as on transgender psychology. He developed the notions of narcissism and autoeroticism, later adopted by psychoanalysis.