Case 192. (R. P. Smith, October, 1916.)

A man, 32 years, of high intellectual attainments and unblemished moral character—a teacher—enlisted as a private. He apparently found his associates in camp very uncongenial and undesirable. He grew physically tired, then mentally tired and unable to concentrate attention. He began to neglect his uniform, could not keep his equipment in order, became introspective and depressed. The drums he heard seemed to point to his funeral. There was but one thing to do in his opinion: that was to humiliate himself by committing sodomy. He thought of committing suicide.

Upon discharge from military duty, he began to show improvement. Smith regards this case as one of suppressed homosexuality.

Of the cases in which change or excessive work is the precipitating cause, four out of six of Smith’s cases were men.

Re homosexuality in the Italian army, Lattes has made a special study. The effeminate homosexual is decidedly unfit for the army, being unable to stand the war stress. Homosexuals diminish army morale. The cases of functional effeminacy with normal physique are likewise unfortunate for the morale of active units, though they may be employed in garrison duty and office work. The medical decision in these cases may prove difficult unless a broad interpretation of the concept “psychopathic” is allowed to prevail.