MALE INITIATION and the PHIMOSIS TABOOS FOREWORD Around the 1850s, "Mental illness was blamed on tight foreskins,... as was excessive masturbation" (1). These phenomena have been misinterpreted and misunderstood, and even today, ideas which bear any resemblance are often considered to be deluded, or "complete nonsense" (2). Regardless of cultural attitudes and expert advice on such matters; R. Stuart attempts to lead his reader through a minefield of preconceptions, and establish a deeper understanding of this aspect of male identity. Welcome to the third perspective on male circumcision - I hope you enjoy your visit. "Male Initiation and the Phimosis Taboos" presents the first scientifically based and most detailed collection of information in the world's literature, on the subject of male sexual problems due to foreskin malformations. I hope this work will be valued for its new ideas, and its contribution to the existing literature on prevention as being appropriate to modern attitudes in health care. Medicine is an ever changing art and science. As new research expands our knowledge, developments are inevitable. The author has checked sources believed to be reliable and has made every effort to provide information which is correct. The author will gladly receive any new information and will answer or publish all disagreements with his work. Welcome to the third perspective on male circumcision - I hope you enjoy your visit. The question everyone asks is "Should boys be routinely circumcised or not?" This is a ridiculous and irrelevant question to get lost on. The ONLY routine measure which is appropriate to modern medicine is to check boys for potential problems before puberty. .. you name it; modern medicine checks it ... except the foreskin.