In all, the usual characteristics of the _petit mal_ presented themselves; there being temporary loss of consciousness, sometimes with slight spasms, but without true convulsion, biting of the tongue, &c. _Frequency of Attacks._--The rough average frequency of attacks, as estimated in the cases under consideration, was as follows:-- 20 to 30 attacks per day in 3.7 per cent. 10 to 20 attacks per day in 7.4 per cent. 5 to 10 attacks per day in 14.8 per cent. 1 to 5 attacks per day in 40.7 per cent. 1 or more attacks per week in 22.2 per cent. 1 or more attacks per month in 7.4 per cent. At rarer intervals in 3.7 per cent. Thus when epilepsia mitior exists, in the majority of cases the attacks are of daily occurrence. _Loss of consciousness_, as ascertained in a series of cases, was Complete in 48.3 per cent. Partial in 51.6 per cent. _Premonitory Symptoms._--These are not, as a rule, so well marked in epilepsia mitior as in E. Gravior; but frequently the aura is quite as distinctly appreciated. In the 28 per cent. of cases in which E. Mitior is associated with E. Gravior, the aura was apparently the same in both. Of the 10 per cent. cases of E. Mitior occurring by itself, the following is the record:-- No aura in 20 per cent. Sensation in epigastrium in 20 per cent. Loss of speech in 10 per cent. Violent pain in head in 10 per cent. Tingling of extremities in 10 per cent. Choking sensation in 10 per cent. Hallucination in 10 per cent. Vertigo in 10 per cent. The number of cases in E. Mitior is too limited to warrant further generalization. FOOTNOTES: [A] Reprinted from the "British Medical Journal" of March 15 & 22, 1879. II. AN INQUIRY INTO THE ACTION OF THE BROMIDES ON EPILEPTIC ATTACKS.[B] Bromide of potassium is generally recognised as the most effective anti-epileptic remedy we at present possess. There exists, however, great difference of opinion as to its method of administration and to the amount of benefit which we may expect from its use. Some physicians who employ the drug after one method come to totally different conclusions as to its efficacy from those who use another. Many believe the remedy to be only useful in certain forms of the disease, and to be very uncertain and imperfect in its action. Others, again, maintain that it is positively injurious to the general health of the patient. These and other unsettled points the following inquiry attempts to make clear.