It is necessary to question the patient, for by so doing one may gather more exact information concerning the nature of the malady, and will then be able to treat it more intelligently. In this way also one may learn whether the patient’s mind is in a normal or an excited state, and whether any change has taken place in his physical strength. Some idea regarding the nature and seat of the disease is usually obtained from such questioning. If, for example, the patient answers clearly and to the point, and does not hesitate; if his memory does not play him false; if his speech is not thick or indistinct; if, being a well-bred man, he gives his responses in a polite and cultivated manner; or if, in the case of a person who is naturally timid, the answers reflect this timidity, then you may feel confident that your patient’s mind is not affected. But if, on the other hand, you ask him about one thing and he gives you a reply about something entirely different; if, as he talks, he appears to forget what he was talking about; if he has a trembling tongue the movements of which are also uncertain; and, finally, if from a certain state of mind he passes rapidly to one of a totally different character,--all these changes are evidences that the brain is beginning to be affected.... If the patient speaks distinctly and with a fairly strong voice, and is able to tell his story without stopping from time to time in order to rest, the inference is warranted that his physical strength is not materially affected.... The following quotation is from his treatise on gout:--