HIBERNATION, ETC., IN ANIMALS. S7 



entirely wanting, and it is unfortunate thai we are left almost completely in the dark 

 regarding the nature of the convulsive seizures that occurred. Subsequent history would 

 lead us to believe that these were in all probability hystero-epileptic in origin. 



About the year 1862 the patient fell into a state of lethargy that lasted for seven years 

 or more. The condition was not cue of complete unconsciousness, and although the 

 woman appeared to sleep almost continually, occasionally she would wake up for a 

 minute or so at a time and converse in a rational mauner. 



It is not possible to make more thau general statements in regard to these attacks, 

 but it is beyond doubt that the conditions were not identical with those that characterized 

 the last attack. Evidently the condition of lethargy was not so profound. 



The announcement of the death of a warm friend was the immediate cause of her 

 awakening. The return to even an approach to a normal condition of health was a very 

 gradual process. She was lachrymose and childish for some time, and could not use her 

 limbs properly for months ; in fact, had to learn to walk again. 



During the period of wakefulness that now ensued — seven years or more — the patient, 

 to a certain extent, interested herself in the affairs of every-day life. She went about the 

 house, etc., but was very quiet and did not seem able to concentrate her mind on anything. 

 Her memory was markedly deficient, and she seemed astonished to find people and places 

 changed, and could not realize the fact that she had been asleep for such a long time. 



When waking up from her long sleep one of the first requests made was for beer, 

 and strange to say the same want was expressed many years after when arousing 

 from a subsequent attack. 



About thirteen years ago the patient gradually passed into the condition in which 

 we saw her. At first she spoke occasionally but in a childish manner, and often made a 

 request for meat and potatoes, invariably using the following words : " Meat and pota- 

 toes, a plate all full up to the top." 



Before giving the details of the case as we saw it, it will be well to repeat in a gen- 

 eral way the statements made by the nurses who had the care of the patient before she 

 came to the Asyhim : She seems to exercise a certain amount of discrimination regarding 

 her food, and will eat enormously or not at all, and when her appetite is not lost does not 

 seem to know when she had had enough. Her diet is made up of minced meat, potatoes, 

 soft toast, milk, etc., and she is particularly fond of meat and potatoes, in fact will not 

 touch anything until meat and potatoes are provided She does not like sweet things. 

 When not suffering from diarrhœa eats three times a day. Eats as much as any healthy, 

 active woman of her age. Objects to nauseous drugs, and endeavours to pr^sh the spoon 

 away with her left hand. 



The attitude during the day is quite different from that assumed at night, and the 

 patient undoubtedly sleeps more soundly at night than during the day. -In the daytime 

 her legs are extended ; at night drawn up. In the daytime she is put either on her back 

 or right side, at night on her left side, and remains in this position until morning without 

 moving — in fact, cannot roll over. She will not settle down for the night imtil a drink 

 of cold water is given. In the day time, sometimes foran hour or so at a time, appears to 

 be nearer a condition of consciousness than at any other time. This occurs generally after 

 breakfast, but she has to be roused for her meals. 



When heavy coverlets are put on the bed she attempts to shove the blankets oflf 



Sec. IV., 1892. 8. 



