TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY. 103 



by worm medicines suited to the nature of the parasite which 

 infests the intestines, or, in indigestion, by an emetic and pur- 

 gative, &c. When these precautions have been taken, and the fits 

 still continue at intervals, the same treatment may be tried in all 

 cases. In the first place I would give a calomel and jalap purge, 

 and repeat it once or twice a week according to the strength of the 

 individual; next I would administer the shower-bath to the head 

 every morning; and perhaps it would be advisable, in a strong 

 hearty dog, to use it by holding the head and neck under a water- 

 cock for a few seconds. The dog should, of course, be rubbed dry, 

 and taken out for exercise at once. The exercise should be slow, 

 but continued for at least two or three hours a day, and in the 

 cool of the morning if in the summer. The food should be light 

 but nourishing. As to medicine, if the food is not properly 

 digested, I should give a pill twice a day containing extract of 

 gentian and dandelion, of each five or six grains, and one grain of 

 ginger. But if the digestive powers are strong, then I should try 

 the effect of the nitrate of silver, given in quarter-grain doses, and 

 persisted in for at least six weeks or two months. Should the dog 

 be weakly, I should, prior to this, give the sulphate of quinine and 

 iron, a grain of each twice a day. Such is the only treatment I 

 know of likely to be beneficial. I have succeeded in curing 

 epilepsy on this plan, when caused by any of the above irritants ; 

 but I confess that I never was able to remove confirmed or 

 cerebral epilepsy, though I have been able to diminish the fre- 

 quency and severity of the attack. I own others may be more 

 successful, and perhaps more persevering ; for myself, I dislike a 



