ailments, but intellectual disturbances of the most terrible import. The malady may attack not only many whose systems are predisposed to disease, but those of the most robust constitution and with a healthy, family history. The consequences of the disorder may be comparatively innocuous, but in other circumstances may be attended with the most disastrous effects on mind and body and even on life itself. In a disease presenting such an intricate and uncertain course, it is obviously a task of the utmost difficulty to scientifically estimate the exact value of any therapeutic measures which may be adopted for its relief. The effects on one symptom, and that the most prominent, can, however, be accurately determined--namely, the paroxysmal seizures, which are definite and computable; and this has already been accomplished with tolerable precision.[F] On the influence of the bromides on the disease itself, or on the epileptic state, we have less accurate information. In attempting to throw some light on this subject, two preliminary considerations must be recognised--1st, the physiological actions of the drug on the healthy subject; and 2nd, the inter-paroxysmal symptoms of the epileptic constitution. 1. Medicinal doses of the bromides produce in healthy persons a general diminution of nervous energy. They act as a sedative, and thus dispose to repose and sleep. If they are excessive in quantity and long continued, especially in those susceptible to their action, a series of toxic effects are produced. Various organs and functions of the body are influenced, and the results of the poison may be briefly summed up as follows:--The intellectual faculties are blunted, the memory is impaired, the ideas confused, the patient is dull, stupid, and apathetic, and has a constant tendency to somnolence. The speech is impeded and slow, and the tongue is tremulous. The special senses are weakened. The body, as a whole, is infirm, the limbs feeble, and the gait staggering and incoördinated. The reflex excitability is lowered and the sensibility diminished. The sexual powers are impaired or abolished. These symptoms may be present in a variety of degrees, and in advanced cases even imbecility or paralysis may ensue. The mucous membranes become dry and insensitive, especially those of the fauces. This is attended with various functional disorders, such as nausea, flatulence, gastric catarrh, diarrhoea, &c. The skin is pale, and the extremities are cold. The action of the heart is slow and weak. The respiration is shallow, hurried, and imperfect. The integument is frequently covered with an acne-like eruption. To these symptoms may be added a general cachexia. All these abnormal conditions, as a rule, disappear when the consumption of the poison is arrested.