16 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



ing to Dr. Mott, the cerebro spinal fluid in " Sleeping Sickness," alwaj's 

 contains trypanosomes, and likewise the juice of the lymphatic glands. 

 by puncture during life. Also states (proceedings Eoyal Society 1905) 

 " The evidence of the existence of trypanosomes in the blood of ani- 

 mals dying of trypanosomaj disease, may vary ver}^ considerably." 



Thus far there is a degree of doubt, as to the exact pathological 

 condition, in " Sleeping Sickness " which only time and further re- 

 searches can decide. 



The disease first broke out in tliel Province of Basoga, where it is 

 supposed to have been introduced by Emin Pasha's Sudanese and their 

 wives and followers, settled in Basoga. This disease had been epidemic 

 in The Congo country, hence the supposition that a certain number 

 were suffering from " Sleeping Sickness "an its incipient condition. In 

 this section of country, the disease assumed such a severe form, that in 

 a short time, it reduced the population of Uganda to a minimum. The 

 cMef part of the nervous system influenced by it is the brain, the func- 

 tions of which become gradually disturbed so much so, that the mental 

 attitude of the patient is soon noticed by the relatives. 'No desire to 

 work, but rather to rest, owing to headache and pains, more or less in 

 the chest. This disease is quite frequent in the Foola country and more 

 so in the interior, than on the sea coast, and strange to say, children are 

 seldom affected by it. Those giving evidence of the disease exhibit a 

 soms^what ravenous appetite, eating much more than when in usual 

 health and gradually growing fat; this, however, lasts but a short time, 

 as the appetite declines, and] the loss of flesh becomes quite evident. 

 Squinting and convulsions frequently occur before death. The presence 

 of glandular tumours in tlie neck, are not uncommon in the incipient 

 'stage of development, and slave dealers avoid the purchase on that 

 account, fearing the development of " Sleeping Sickness." The dis- 

 position to sleep is so strong that the desire for food is not marked. 

 The whip, setons, or even blisters, fail frequently to arouse the patient 

 from the lethargic condition, which is generally fatal in a few months. 

 There is usually a dull, heavy, stupid look, and a characteristic slowness 

 in answering questions, and a well defined shuffling gait. The tempera- 

 ture is remarkable, in the evenings rising to 101° P. and becoming sub- 

 normal in the morning. During the intervals ■ of examination, the 

 drowsy lethargic condition steals on, and when he sits down the head 

 nods, the eyes close, and thus he continues, and until again aroused and 

 questioned. As to the final issue, much depends on whether the disease 

 will develop an acute or chronic form. Tremors of -the tongue and arms 

 are not uncommon, the general reflexes become lessened in intensity, and 

 drowiness gradually lapses into coma, and the patient passes away in 



