ECCENTRICITY AND IDIOSYNCRASY. 481 



Tiydrargyriasis is not produced; while when one grain is taken, and this condi- 

 tion follows, the most delicate chemical examination fails to discover mercury in 

 any of the fluids or tissues of the body. 



Begin's definition scarcely separates idiosyncrasy frqm temperament, where- 

 as, according to what would appear to be sound reasoning, based upon an en- 

 larged idea of the physiology of the subject, a very material difference exists. 



Idiosyncracies are often hereditary and often acquired. Two or more may 

 exist in one person. Thus, there may be an idiosyncrasy connected with the 

 digestive system, another with the circulatory system, another with the nervous 

 system, and so on. 



An idiosyncrasy may be of such a character as altogether to prevent an indi- 

 vidual following a particular occupation. Thus, a person who faints at the sight 

 of blood cannot be a surgeon ; another, who is seized with nausea and vomiting 

 when in the presence of insane persons, cannot be a superintendent of a lunatic 

 asylum — not, at least, if he ever expects to see his patients. Idiosyncrasies may, 

 however, be overcome, especially those of a mental character. 



Millingen' cites the case of a man who fell into convulsions whenever he 

 «aw a spider. A waxen one was made, which equally terrified him. When he 

 recovered, his error was pointed out to him. The wax figure was put into his 

 hand without causing dread, and shortly the living insect no longer disturbed 

 him. 



I knew a gentleman who could not eat soft crabs without experiencing an 

 attack of diarrhea. As he was exceedingly fond of them, he persevered in eating 

 them, and finally, after a long struggle, succeeded in conquering the trouble. 



Individuals with idiosyncrasies soon find out their peculiarities, and are en- 

 abled to guard against any injurious result to which they would be subjected but 

 for the teachings of experience. 



Idiosyncrasies may be temporary only — that is, due to an existing condition 

 of the organism, which, whether natural or morbid, is of a transitory character. 

 Such, for instance, are those due to dentition, the commencement or the cessa- 

 tion of the menstrual function, pregnancy, etc. These are frequently of a seri- 

 ous character, and require careful watching, especially as they may lead to de- 

 rangement of the mind. Thus, a lady, Mrs. X, was at one time under my pro- 

 fessional care, who, at the beginning of first pregnancy, acquired an overpower- 

 ing aversion to a half breed Indian woman who Avas employed in the house as a 

 servant. Whenever this woman came near her she was at once seized with vio- 

 lent trembling, which ended in a few minutes with vomiting and great mental 

 and physical prostration, lasting several hours. Her husband would have sent 

 the woman away, but Mrs. X insisted on her remaining, as she was a good ser- 

 vant, in order that she might overcome what she regarded as an unreasonable 

 prejudice. The effort was, however, too much for her, for upon one occasion 

 when the woman entered Mrs. X's apartment rather unexpectedly, the latter be- 

 <;ame greatly excited, and jumping from an open window in her fright, broke her 



3 " Curiosities of Medical Experience," London, 1837, vol. ii, p. 246. 



