To delay their publication did not, indeed, appear to be warrantable. The disease had escaped particular notice; and the task of ascertaining its nature and cause by anatomical investigation, did not seem likely to be taken up by those who, from their abilities and opportunities, were most likely to accomplish it. That these friends to humanity and medical science, who have already unveiled to us many of the morbid processes by which health and life is abridged, might be excited to extend their researches to this malady, was much desired; and it was hoped, that this might be procured by the publication of these remarks. Should the necessary information be thus obtained, the writer will repine at no censure which the precipitate publication of mere conjectural suggestions may incur; but shall think himself fully rewarded by having excited the attention of those, who may point out the most appropriate means of relieving a tedious and most distressing malady. CONTENTS. CHAP. I. PAGE DEFINITION—HISTORY—ILLUSTRATIVE CASES 1 CHAP. II. PATHOGNOMONIC SYMPTOMS EXAMINED—TREMOR COACTUS—SCELOTYRBE FESTINANS 19 CHAP. III. SHAKING PALSY DISTINGUISHED FROM OTHER DISEASES WITH WHICH IT MAY BE CONFOUNDED 27 CHAP. IV. PROXIMATE CAUSE—REMOTE CAUSES—ILLUSTRATIVE CASES 33 CHAP. V. CONSIDERATIONS RESPECTING THE MEANS OF CURE 56 AN ESSAY ON THE SHAKING PALSY. CHAPTER I. DEFINITION—HISTORY—ILLUSTRATIVE CASES. SHAKING PALSY. (_Paralysis Agitans._) Involuntary tremulous motion, with lessened muscular power, in parts not in action and even when supported; with a propensity to bend the trunk forwards, and to pass from a walking to a running pace: the senses and intellects being uninjured. The term Shaking Palsy has been vaguely employed by medical writers in general. By some it has been used to designate ordinary cases of Palsy, in which some slight tremblings have occurred; whilst by others it has been applied to certain anomalous affections, not belonging to Palsy.