It was not my intention to publish a study of an abnormal manifestation of the sexual instinct before discussing its normal manifestations.

It has happened, however, that this part of my work is ready first, and, since I thus gain a longer period to develop the central part of my subject, I do not regret the change of plan.
I had not at first proposed to devote a whole volume to sexual inversion.
It may even be that I was inclined to slur it over as an unpleasant subject, and one that it was not wise to enlarge on.

But I found in time that several persons for whom I felt respect and admiration were the congenital subjects of this abnormality.

At the same time I realized that in England, more than in any other country, the law and public opinion combine to place a heavy penal burden and a severe social stigma on the manifestations of an instinct which to those persons who possess it frequently appears natural and normal.

It was clear, therefore, that the matter was in special need of elucidation and discussion.
There can be no doubt that a peculiar amount of ignorance exists regarding the subject of sexual inversion.