xvi Journal of Comparative Neurology. 



to attacks of hay fever. The effect of an excess of uric acid in the 

 blood vessels is to contract them, which, in the case of the brain, pro- 

 duces cerebral anemia, and this condition appears to maintain in hay- 

 fever. The fact that excess of uric acid is found in connection with 

 so many diseases of unlike complexion should inspire caution in ac- 

 cepting radical conclusions on a slender basis of observation. 



Hysteria in the Yendee. 1 



The Vendean peasant possesses a remarkably impressionable emo- 

 tional nature. Hysteric men and women are legion. Three fourths 

 of patients who come for consultation have nervous troubles. Also 

 remarkable is the readiness with which the Vendean obeys suggestion, 

 — the frequent and effective use of hypnotism in the treatment of hys- 

 teric neurosis. 



The author's purpose (in which he was encouraged by Babinski, 

 whom he had a consultation with) is to state the result of his experi- 

 ments concerning the part that hypnotism may play in nervous 

 diseases, particularly in hysteria. He endeavors to prove : 



(i). That hypnotism is an excellent method of treating hysteric 

 accidents, — paralyses, contractions, spasms, etc., — in hypnotizable 

 subjects. 



(2). That in non-hypnotizable subjects recourse must be had to 

 suggestion in a waking condition, since this affords excellent results, 

 giving to various methods of treatment employed a value, an effect- 

 iveness otherwise not attainable. 



(3). That if the effectiveness of hypnotism is such in hysteria, on 

 the other hand it offers no help in the treatment of other nervous ail- 

 ments, to say nothing of organic affections ; that, if a result is ob- 

 tained, it is only absolutely transitory, momentary ; that, if we some- 

 times note a lasting improvement, it is because these nervous ailments 

 or organic affections are not alone, that hysteria happens to be associ- 

 ated with it, and that it is the removal of these hysterical troubles that, 

 by causing the patient's improvement, has caused the belief in the be- 

 neficent action of hypnotism on various diseases. 



As is seen, I am of the opinion, contrary to the contention of the 

 Nancy school, and in conformity to the Salpetriere doctrines, that 

 close relations exist between hysteria and hypnotism. 



As regards the role of hypnotism in therapeutics I share the view 



j Dr, Terrien. De l'Hysterie en Vendee. Archives de Neurologic , December, 

 1893- 



