sanity, or paralysis.

CAUSES. The _predisposing causes_ are an hereditary tendency to the
disease, and everything which impairs the constitution and produces
nervous prostration and irritability. Syphilis, phimosis, sexual abuses,
uterine disease, and the use of alcoholic liquors are prominent
predisposing causes. Many of the causes treated by us have been brought
on by masturbation. Others are the results of injury to the head. Often
fracture of the skull is followed by epileptic attacks.

_The exciting causes_ include everything which disturbs the equilibrium
of the nervous system. Indigestible articles of food, intestinal worms,
loss of sleep, great exhaustion, grief, anger, constipation of the
bowels, piles, and uterine irritation may be enumerated among such
causes. Convulsions of an epileptic character may also be induced by a
poisoned condition of the blood, from malaria and disease of the kidneys
or liver.

TREATMENT. When the time of an expected paroxysm approaches, great care
should be exercised that the patient be not suddenly attacked while
carrying a lighted lamp, or that he does not fall in some dangerous
place, strike upon a heated stove, or in some similar way inflict great
injury. If there be warning symptoms before the attack, the subject
should carry a vial of the _nitrite of amyl_ in the pocket, and, when
the premonitory symptoms are felt, two or three drops should be poured
on a handkerchief and held about an inch from the nose and inhaled,
until flushing is produced, or a burning sensation is felt in the face.

During the paroxysm, the subject should be laid on the back, with the
head slightly elevated, and the clothing about the neck and waist, if
tight, should be loosened. If there be sufficient warning, a folded
napkin, or a soft pine stick covered with a handkerchief or cloth,
should be placed between the double teeth, to prevent the tongue from
being bitten. During the fit, the head may be bathed with cold water.

A person who suffers from this disease should avoid everything which
tends to excite the nervous system, or increase to any great extent the
action of the heart. The sufferer should go to bed at regular hours, and
take at least eight hours sleep. The sleeping-room should be large and
well ventilated, and the patient should lie with the head elevated. All
indigestible articles of food should be avoided and the diet should
consist principally of bread, vegetables, milk, and fruits