DISEASES. 168 



form, and the tubercular. The primary apparent symptom of 

 anesthesic leprosy is a weakness of the extensor muscles of both 

 the upper and lower extremities : as a consequence, a feebleness, 

 when walking, is then ordinarily experienced in one foot, some- 

 times in both : the fingers gradually curve inwards to the palm of 

 the hand, with an accompaniment of numbness in those particular 

 parts above mentioned. Any individual exhibiting these symp- 

 toms is doomed. The first symptom of the tubercular form is a 

 discoloration of the skin of the face, together with the appearance 

 of blotches on the loins and on the posterior part of the thighs ; 

 these are soon followed by a swelling of the fingers. 



Both species of leprosy are, in my opinion, but a peculiar form 

 of scrofula, which, under the influence of a warm and damp 

 climate, takes the form of a cutaneous affection, whilst in colder 

 regions it assumes that of pulmonary phthisis. Not only is leprosy 

 hereditary, but, like consumption, it is incurable. The remark 

 has also been made that seldom are there not instances of con- 

 sumption in those families in which cases of leprosy have occurred. 

 It is a popular opinion that venereal affections may have an influ- 

 ence in developing leprosy ; and let me say that this opinion is 

 rational, since those affections are well known to have a marked 

 action on the glandular, osseous, and cutaneous systems. 



It is much to be apprehended that the malady will continue to 

 spread, and thereby entail an increasing amount of misery. 

 Parents should, therefore, be awakened to the necessity of checking 

 all predispositions to the lymphatic temperament, by strict atten- 

 tion to food, habitation, cleanliness, and exercise in the open air. 



An asylum was established under the government of Sir Henry 

 G. M'Leod, and is still maintained at the public expense, for the 

 reception of lepers who are not in a position to support themselves. 

 But as it is generally left to their option to enter the asylum or 

 not, those only who make application are admitted, and, of course, 

 lepers, who prefer a mendicant life, are seen going their rounds 

 and begging, not only on the highways, but in the very streets of 

 Port-of- Spain. Surely this ought not to be tolerated. 



Lunacy prevails to a very great extent. There are now in 

 the Lunatic Asylum, at the Royal Gaol, twenty four unfortunate 

 subjects. The slow but continued action of moral causes, and 

 habitual drunkenness, seem to be the determining causes of lunacy. 

 I have remarked, in the case of females, that jealousy and re- 



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