A number of such cases observed in England and on the European Continent are adduced to prove spasm of the diaphragm or of the abdominal muscles, (Delafond), and great importance is attached to the fact that the convulsive movements of the abdomen and loins are heterochronous with the beats of the heart. This lack of exact coincidence however does not seem to amount to more than a perceptible delay after the heart beat, just as the maxillary pulsation is delayed in case of aneurism of the aorta. This has been my own experience with such cases. The flank movements have been equal in number to the heart beats or have corresponded to certain beats in the heart cycle, and have been perceptibly retarded in accordance with the necessity for time for the transmission of the blood wave along the posterior aorta and the development of the reflex action which set the phrenic and abdominal muscles in motion. We must of course accept the convulsive action of the phrenic and abdominal muscles, only it would seem that each such movement has its starting point in the contraction of the heart. In cases that show no relation in number nor succession with the heart beats, we can freely acknowledge a neurosis starting at a point different from the heart, but in all examples which are manifestly connected with heart movements, and readily curable by the heart-tonic digitalis, the recognition of the cardiac derangement as an initial factor is sound alike in pathology and practice. Nervous and purely functional palpitations are probably confined to cases in which they are manifested at intervals appearing under the influence of some transient excitement, and continuing only for a few minutes at a time. In the anæmic or bloodless condition the palpitation of weakness is often observed under the slightest exciting cause. It is then associated with a pallid state of the visible mucous membranes, a weak, trickling pulse and a blowing murmur in the larger veins. Palpitations are much more frequent in pigs and dogs than in horses. _Treatment._ Quietness and avoidance of all excitement are first to be secured, then the action of the heart is to be calmed and regulated by the use of digitalis. To the horse 15 to 30 grains of the powered leaves may be given thrice daily, and to the dog from two to four grains at equal intervals. When the disease is associated with anæmia this agent may still be used in combination with the various tonic remedies recommended, but in the smallest doses only as the heart is usually morbidly sensitive to external influences. Chloral hydrate has been used with success. Bromides, valerian, and belladonna may be tried in obstinate cases. Any other deviation from a healthy condition must be noted and corrected, especially any disordered condition of the stomach or bowels. ANGINA PECTORIS. BREAST PANG.