SYMPTOMS.--This condition is usually associated with paresis or paralysis of the muscles of the part. One of the first symptoms of loss of sensibility is, therefore, a failure of the constrictors of the larynx to protect the organ from the intrusion of foreign substances in the form of food and drink. Particles swallowed find entrance into the respiratory tube, and this with no sense of discomfort. If the paralysis is complete both above and below the glottis, the intrusion of these substances is not recognized. There may be no cough or spasm to indicate the fact. In the mean time, the particles of food descend into the bronchi, and may become the exciting causes of broncho-pneumonia. It is often noticed after tracheotomy for diphtheria that food and drinks gaining access to the respiratory tract are discovered at the tracheal opening. In several cases within the knowledge of the writer this fact has led the operator to fear that the posterior wall of the trachea had been opened. In all cases in which the pharynx is in a state of paresis a careful examination should be made by means of the laryngeal mirror. There are no subjective symptoms, and this fact makes it probable that the affection is more common than has been supposed. The patient complains neither of pain nor of any other discomfort. This statement is only true, however, when there is simple loss of sensation. There may be paræsthesia associated with partial anæsthesia. In such cases there will be noted the usual symptoms of paræsthesia. In hysterical forms of anæsthesia the appearance of the parts is often variable from day to day. The location of the disordered function is well defined at the time of one examination, while at the next the condition may be quite different. It is stated by Thaon[6] that {67} in one-sixth of the cases of hysteria the larynx is in some way affected. The epiglottis is more usually the seat of the affection in the hysterical variety. Several authors have noted that with the laryngeal disorder there is often a zone of modified sensation beneath the chin and on each side of the larynx. This sometimes amounts to absolute loss of cutaneous sensibility. [Footnote 6: _Loc. cit._]