14G LATAH. 



which these phenomena seem naturally to fall, without any attempt 

 at their scientific classification. 



Class A. 



In this class, I would place those subjects who appear to be 

 affected merely by such excess of nervous sensibility as is exem- 

 plified by starting unduly at the sound of an unexpected and loud 

 noise, or at the sight of an unexpected and distressing or alarming 

 incident. 



So far, it might be said that, under parallel circumstances, a 

 similar exhibition might be expected from any unit of any nation 

 of the human race. But, having observed Malay latalis on num- 

 berless occasions under the above conditions, I have noticed two 

 peculiarities which seem to differentiate the mental shock which 

 they undergo from that which Europeans experience under like 

 circumstances. 



Firstly, their irresistible impulse seems to be to strike out at the 

 nearest object, animate or inanimate, and, secondly, their involun- 

 tary exclamation is always characterised by what I must call 

 obscenity. 



I cannot here enter into any particulars of this latter charac- 

 teristic, but, so far as I have observed, and I have observed with 

 careful interest, this element is never absent from the cry of a 

 startled latali, who may, on ordinary occasions, appear the essence 

 of propriety. 



I touch upon this point, because I believe it to be noteworthy, 

 and when I come to speak of some of the peculiarities of latali 

 women, I believe I shall be pardoned by those who may be inter- 

 ested in the pathological view of the question. 



Class B. 



In this class, I would place those sufferers whose nervous emo- 

 tions are unduly excited without apparent, or, at all events, without 

 adequate cause. 



To proceed at once to illustration, 



