SPASMODIC AFFECTIONS. 439 



sons, a peculiar character, I think necessary to treat of more 

 particularly. 



CHAP.fllL OF THE CHOREA, OR DANCE OF 

 ST. VITUS. 



MCCCXLVII. This disease affects both sexes, and almost 

 only young persons. It generally happens from the age of ten 

 to that of fourteen years. It comes on always before the age of 

 puberty, and rarely continues beyond that period. 



MCCCXLVIII. It is chiefly marked by convulsive motions, 

 somewhat varied in different persons, but nearly of one kind in 

 all ; affecting the leg and arm on the same side, and generally 

 on one side only. 



MCCCXLIX. These convulsive motions commonly first 

 affect the leg and foot. Though the limb be at rest, the foot is 

 often agitated by convulsive motions, turning it alternately out- 

 wards and inwards. When walking is attempted, the affected 

 leg is seldom lifted as usual in walking, but is dragged along as 

 if the whole limb were paralytic ; and, when it is attempted to 

 be lifted, this motion is unsteadily performed, the limb becom- 

 ing agitated by irregular convulsive motions. 



MCCCL. The arm of the same side is generally affected at 

 the same time ; and even when no voluntary motion is attempt- 

 ed, the arm is frequently agitated with various convulsive mo- 

 tions. But, especially when voluntary motions are attempted, 

 these are not properly executed, but are variously hurried or in- 

 terrupted by convulsive motions in a direction contrary to that 

 intended. The most common instance of this is in the person's 

 attempting to carry a cup of liquor to his mouth, when it is only 

 after repeated efforts, interrupted by frequent convulsive re- 

 tractions and deviations, that the cup can be carried to the 

 mouth. 



MCCCLI. It appears to me, that the will often yields to 

 these convulsive motions, as to a propensity, and thereby they 

 are often increased, while the person affected seems pleased with 



