OR MADNESS. 261 



ibie and unnatural substances, selected from whatever is 

 around them, and which the costiveness usually present tends 

 to retain within the body. It appears to be this impulse, 

 likewise, that leads rabid dogs to g-naw boards, or what- 

 ever is within their reach; and this aptitude may be consi- 

 dered as common to every variety of the complaint, except 

 where the tumefaction and paralysis of the throat are so ex- 

 treme as altogether to prevent it. 



The irritability attendant on dumb madness is even subject 

 to more variation than in that called the raging. It is some- 

 times extreme, and occasionally exhibits all the treachery 

 and mischievous disposition that marks the other ; but when 

 the dumb character is strongly marked, there is then seldom 

 much irritability or delirium apparent; on the contrary, in 

 many instances, a most peaceable disposition is manifest, and 

 which does not appear dependent on the inability to bite, 

 but really from a total want of inclination to it. Indeed, in 

 many cases of this kind, the tractability of character and 

 mildness of disposition have appeared to be even increased 

 by the disease, and that to a degree that will not permit 

 strangers to suppose it possible for rabies to be present. It 

 would sensibly affect any one, to witness the earnest im- 

 ploring look 1 have often seen from the unhappy sufferers 

 under this dreadful malady. The strongest attachment has 

 been manifested to those around during their utmost suffer- 

 ings ; and the parched tongue, as I have before noticed, has 

 been carried over the hands and feet of those who noticed 

 them, with more than usual fondness. This disposition has 

 continued to the last moment of life, in many cases, without 

 one manifestation of any inclination to bite, or do the small- 

 est harm. I have observed this particularly in pugs, as well 

 as in other lap dogs*. 



* It may be supposed, that I have dwelt on the subject of the temper 

 in madness more minutely than is requisite j but I have been induced to 

 do so, to reconcile the seeming contradictions implied, to guard the un- 

 wary against surprise, and to ease the unhappy from unnecessary dread 



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