In homes for the aged there is much suggestion. If one scratches, the rest do, without pruritus, so that to isolate the author of this contagion cures it. The same is true of groaning and grunts and even tremor may be acquired by association. In one case, cutting off food stimulated to overcome tremor. Pain, cough, and stiffness are magnified for sympathy. The fear of pain of an operation may cause the denial or hiding of symptoms, although weakened mentality makes sense impression less acute, either from peripheral or central causes, so that it is hard to tell whether this is due to local anæsthesia or weakened mentality. Tests used for malingerers may be necessary to determine sensitiveness and other symptoms or even harshness and threats may bring out the truth. Though cruel, these are sometimes necessary for correct diagnosis. Friends often observe changes sooner than the immediate family but the latter must corroborate the statements. The physician should determine if an oikiomania exists and so must be alone with the patient, as he will not encourage such an attitude in the presence of the object of his hatred. If the physician tries to reason him out of his delusion, he thinks he is in league with the hated person and therefore hates him more. If the physician has incurred the patient’s dislike, he should leave him for a few days so that he may forget. Sometimes the dislike of seeing the doctor grows from day to day. One had a suspicion that the doctor was in league with a daughter, and so put him out. A few days later the doctor was called for, and only when the wife told the patient why he would not come did he remember his suspicions and thereafter refuse to see him. In one case, having incurred an old woman’s displeasure by excusing her son, whom she feared, the doctor left and was soon called again, all being forgotten. The person hated should stay away and the dislike may pass, especially in the case of a physician who has been necessary to the patient. The great factor is the senile’s sense of dependence on others. The old man does not realize that one more mouth means less food for the children or that his carelessness makes work or his peculiarities alienate sympathy and affection. Perhaps he feels he is a burden and his death would be a relief to those for whom he provided in earlier years. So delusions of persecution may arise.