Diseases of the Nervous System. 271 
the head is in continual spasmodic tremulous motion, and 
may best be described as a fac-simile of an aged palsied 
person. It has been known in human practice to arise 
from sympathy and imitation. I am not aware of any 
instance in which a dog has so contracted it. i 
Treatment.—With regard to medicinal agents, the one 
most applicable to this affection is undoubtedly strychnia 
or nux vomica. I do not recollect a single case of chorea, 
taken in its early stages, in which I have failed to effect a 
cure with this drug. Great caution is, however, required in 
its administration. It should always be given at a stated 
time, and after a meal ; this is especially necessary where 
the doses have been gradually increased, otherwise a fatal 
result is likely to ensue. 
I could mention more than one instance in which death 
has occurred from neglecting this caution. In each the 
patient had been under a long course of strychnia, and the 
dose had been increased to more than treble the original 
quantity : by some mischance the drug was omitted for a 
day,and when next given it produced convulsions and death. 
The dose of strychnia is } to 4 of a grain; the nux 
vomica from I to 2 grains. It is best, however, to com- , 
mence below either of the minimums mentioned, and after 
the first three days gradually increase it. It should be 
given twice daily in the form of a pill. If there is any dif- 
ficulty in administering it, the liquor strychnia may be 
substituted, which contains half a grain to the drachm, and 
may be proportionately divided. e 
Local remedies in chorea are sometimes beneficial. I 
have found setons exceedingly valuable. If the convul- 
sive movements are confined to the hind parts, the seton 
should be inserted across the loins ; if general, at the back 
of the head and loins. Counter-irritation along the spine . 
is also serviceable. Mercurial ointment in chronic cases. 
Though in principle the hot-bath, from its relaxing ten- 
