SYNONYMS.—Hysterics, Vapors. Many Latin and other synonyms have been used for hysteria: most of these have reference to the supposed uterine origin of the disease, as, for instance, Uteri adscensus, Asthma uteri, Vapores uterini, Passio hysterica, Strangulatio uterina seu Vulvæ. Some French synonyms are Maladie imaginaire, Entranglement, and Maux ou attaques de nerfs. Other French synonyms besides these have been used; most of them are translations from the Latin, having reference also to the uterine hypothesis. In our language it is rare to have any other single word used as a synonym for hysteria. Sir James Paget[4] introduced the term neuromimesis, or nervous mimicry, and suggested that it be substituted for hysteria, and neuromimetic for hysterical. Neuromimesis is, however, not a true synonym. Many cases of hysteria are cases of neuromimesis, but they are not all of this character. Among the desperate attempts which have been made to originate a new name for hysteria one perhaps worthy of passing notice is that of Metcalfe Johnson,[5] who proposes to substitute the term ganglionism, as giving a clue to the pathology of hysteria. His main idea is that {207} hysteria exhibits a train of symptoms which are almost always referable to the sympathetic or ganglionic nervous system. This is another of those half truths which have misled so many. The term hysteria, from the Greek ὑστερα, the uterus, although attacked and belabored, has come to stay; it is folly to attempt to banish it. [Footnote 4: _Op. cit._] [Footnote 5: _Med. Times and Gaz._, 1872, ii. 612.] METHOD OF DISCUSSING THE SUBJECT.—It is hard to decide upon the best method of discussing the subject of hysteria. One difficulty is that connected with the question whether certain affections should be considered as independent disorders or under some subdivisions of the general topic of hysteria. Certain great phases of hysteria are represented by hystero-epilepsy, catalepsy, ecstasy, etc.; but it will best serve practical ends to treat of these in separate articles. They have distinctive clinical features, and are capable of special definition and discussion.