RABIES IN THE DOG — SYMPTOMS. 
33:5 
family in the night, declaring that there were thieves in the 
house, and thieves in the stable, and then he pointed to imagi- 
nary lights passing in every direction. 
There is a peculiarity about this delirium which in the human 
being seems to distinguish it from every other kind of mental 
aberration. tl The patient,” in Mr. Lawrence’s language, “is pur- 
sued by a thousand phantoms that intrude themselves upon 
his mind — he holds conversation with imaginary persons — he 
fancies himself surrounded with difficulties, and in the greatest 
distress. These thoughts seem to pass through the mind with 
wonderful rapidity, and to keep him in a state of the greatest 
distress, unless he is quickly spoken to, or addressed by his name, 
and, then, in a moment, the charm is broken ; every phantom of 
imagination disappears, and at once he begins to talk as calmly 
and as connectedly as in perfect health.” So it is with the dog, 
whether he is watching the motes that are floating in the air, or 
the insects that are annoying him on the walls, or the foes that 
are threatening him on every side — one word recalls him in a 
moment. Dispersed by the magic influence of his master’s voice, 
every object of terror disappears, and he crawls towards him as 
far as his chain allows, and with the same peculiar expres- 
sion of attachment that used to characterize him. 
Then comes a moment’s pause — a moment of actual vacuity — 
the eye slowly closes, the head droops, and he seems as if his 
fore feet were giving way, and he would fall : but he springs up 
again — every object of terror once more surrounds him — he 
gazes wildly around — he snaps — he barks, and he rushes to the 
extent of his chain, prepared to meet his imaginary foe. 
One thing more about the countenance of the dog. The ex- 
pression of it is altogether changed. The kind of change is 
principally dependent on the previous disposition of the animal. 
If he was naturally of an affectionate disposition, there will, as I 
have already stated, be an anxious, inquiring countenance, elo- 
quent beyond the power of resisting its influence. It is made up 
of doubt as to the nature of the depression of mind under which 
he labours, mingled with some passing doubts, and they are but 
passing, as to the concern which the master has in the affair ; 
but, most of all, there is an affectionate and confiding appeal for 
relief. At the same time flashes of light occasionally dart from his 
eyes ; there is some strange fancy passing through his mind, unal- 
loyed, however, by the slightest portion of ferocity. 
But the naturally savage brute, or he that has been trained 
to be savage — in his countenance there is, indeed, a fearful 
change. Sometimes the conjunctiva is highly injected ; at other 
times scarcely affected ; but the eyes have an unusually bright 
vol. x. xx 
