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IV. On Hydrophobia. 



To Mr. Tilloch. 



SIR, 



The following Paper, with some other MSS., lately fell into my 

 hands. The Paper now sent appears to have been written se- 

 veral years ago. If you think it worthy of insertion in your 

 valuable Journal, it is very much at your service. 



I am your very obedient servant, 

 Greville street, John Taunton. 



Jan. 10, 1809. 



XVabies canina, or, as it is more commonly called, Hydro- 

 phobia, the subject of the following dissertation, is a disease 

 as little understood, yet as serious in its consequences, and 

 dreadful in its effects, as any with which the human body 

 is affected. 



It may be defined a painful and difficult state of degluti- 

 tion, attended with great anxiety and horror of countenance, 

 with occasional convulsive paroxysms ; and these the conse- 

 quence of the bite of a mad animal. 



History of the Disease. 



The symptoms take place at very irregular and uncertain 

 intervals of time after the bite, having been known to occur 

 as early as the third week, and as late as nine or twelve 

 months ; but for the most part the commencement of the 

 disease may be placed at four or six weeks from the time of 

 the accident. In most cases, the first symptom is a painful 

 and uneasy sensation in the part where the bite was in- 

 flicted ; but this is not to be considered as a constant or in- 

 variable occurrence. 



Among the earliest appearances are to be ranked languor, 

 depression of spirits, timidity, disturbed sleep, frightful 

 dreams, sighing, and loss of appetite ; sometimes with 

 nausea, weight at the stomach, and rigor. 



In a short time the unhappy object becomes extremely 

 sensible to all external impressions, the sense of touch, of 

 hearing and seeing, being more or less affected in different 

 cases. Upon attempting to swallow the smallest quantity 

 cither of solids or fluids, but especially the latter, although 



frequently 



