Here it may be observed that of 7 cases complicated with hemiplegia, in 1 the attacks were increased after treatment, but all the others were relieved in average proportion. Of the 5 cases in idiots, in 1 there was no improvement, in 1 the attacks were subsequently augmented, and in the others there was improvement. The numbers are far too limited to found any reliable dictum upon; at the same time, it must be admitted that while epilepsy complicated with these grave lesions is perfectly amenable to treatment, this table serves to show that the proportion of non-success is comparatively large. It has been stated before that no attempt would be made in this paper to prove that epilepsy was curable by therapeutic means. Its aim has been to show the effects of the bromides on the attacks or symptoms of that disease. It is common to hear it remarked, as if this were of no importance, "You only arrest the fits, but you do not know, and cannot cure, the original lesion. You do not go to the fountain-head of the disease, but simply relieve its results." In reply, I would ask, Of what disease do we know the ultimate nature any better than that of epilepsy? and if we did, how would that assist us in treating it? What drug in our pharmacopoeia cures any single disease, or do other than, by attacking and relieving symptoms, leave nature to remove the morbid lesion? Even quinine, to which therapeutists triumphantly point, only arrests certain paroxysms until time removes the poison from the blood, as it does in most malarious affections. So far from being a small matter, I believe there are few, if any, drugs at our disposal which can be demonstrated to have a more beneficial action in the treatment of disease than that of the bromides, in epilepsy. Besides, I decline to admit the statement that complete recovery does not follow their administration. Various authors have reported cases, and that these are rare is due to reasons stated before, and chiefly on account of the long period of treatment necessary to ensure success. This inquiry may be summed up in the following general conclusions:-- 1. In 12.1 per cent. of epileptics the attacks were completely arrested during the whole period of treatment by the bromides. 2. In 83.3 per cent. the attacks were greatly diminished both in number and severity. 3. In 2.3 per cent. the treatment had no apparent effect. 4. In 2.3 per cent. the number of attacks was augmented during the period of treatment. 5. The form of the disease, whether it was inherited or not, whether complicated or not, recent or chronic, in the young or in the old, in healthy or diseased persons, appeared in no way to influence treatment, the success being nearly in the _same ratio_ under all these conditions. FOOTNOTES: [B] Reprinted from the "Edinburgh Medical Journal" for February and March, 1881. [C] For an extended experience, see the next paper. III. AN INQUIRY INTO THE EFFECTS OF THE PROLONGED