Epilepsy, Hysteria, and Neurasthenia: Their Causes, Symptoms, & TreatmentBriggs, Isaac George
Science
Epilepsy, Hysteria, and Neurasthenia: Their Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Briggs, Isaac George
Epilepsy; Hysteria; Nervous system -- Diseases; Neurasthenia
In anger, as in every other emotion, the neuropath is as transient as he is
truculent. A trivial "tiff" will make him blaze up in ungovernable rage and
say most abominable and untruthful things; even utter violent threats. He
will not admit he is wrong, but like a spoilt child must be kissed and
coaxed into a good temper, first with himself and with others next.
At one moment he is in a perfect paroxysm of fury; five minutes later he is
passionately embracing the luckless object of it and vowing eternal
devotion. In a further five he has forgotten all his remarks and would
hotly deny he used the vexing statements imputed to him.
Epileptics are morbidly sensitive, and reference to their malady must be
avoided. Victims are intensely suspicious, and a pitying look will reveal
to them the fact that some outsider knows all about the jealously-guarded
skeleton. Resentment, distrust and misery follow such an exposure, for
every innocent look is then translated into a contemptuous glance, and the
victim detects slights undreamt of in any brain save his own.
Unless seizures are severe, no one should be called in; if they cause
alarm, ask a discreet male neighbour to assist when necessary, leaving when
the convulsions abate so that the victim is not aware of his presence.
Avoid the word "fit" and "epilepsy", and if reference to the attack be
necessary, refer to it as a "faint" or "turn".
Living with a man liable to have a fit at inopportune times is a tremendous
strain, and the soundest advice one can offer a woman thinking of marrying
such a one is Punch's--"DON'T!"
We have painted the black side, but, tactfully managed, a neuropath will
merge in the kindest of husbands, the most constant of lovers. The wife
need not be unhappy. Tactless, masterful women will fail, but no one is
more easily led, particularly in the way he should not go, than a
neuropath.
A man with definite views of his own value will not be successful foil for
"mother-in-lawing", nor remain quiet under the interference of relatives,
who should remember that well-meaning intentions do not justify meddling
actions.
Many a neuropath led a useful life and gained success in a profession,
solely because his wife tactfully kept him in the path, watched his health,
prevented him frittering away his gifts in many pursuits or useless
repining, and made home a real haven.
When the yolk seems unbearably heavy, the wife should remember her husband
has to bear the primary, she only the reflected misery, for the limitations
neuropathy puts on every activity and ambition, social and professional,
are frightfully depressing.
In spite of his peevishness her husband may be trying hard to minimize his
defects and be a reasonable, helpful companion.
"Judge not the working of his brain,
And of his heart thou can'st not see;
What looks to thy dim eyes a stain
In God's pure light may only be
A scar brought from some well-fought field,
Where thou would'st only faint and yield."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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