San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1889-01-23

FORK, awaiting the certain end, and there IL
noV an insane asylum in the country In
which there are not numerous cases, of per-
sons Of minor individual Importance, doomed
to death by paresis.
Generally the disease runs its course In
about three years from the time that it I'M
questionably declares itself, but there are
cases-where it is induced altogether by al
coholism-in which the end is delayed as
much as ten years, the greater part of which
time the victim is flaccid, paralyzed, drool
ing, helpless and hopeless imbecile or tort
ured by the saddest hallucinations-a condi-
ton from which death would seem to be al
happy release.
THE HISTORY OF PAREsIS.
As long ago as 1872 this peculiar variety Of
cerebral affection was observed, but until
fifteen years ago it was rare and had not beenl
so closely studied, accurately defined and the
knowledge concerning it SO systematized as
now. Within ten years it has constantly and
with alarming rapidity increased in the
United States, until now it is not too much to
say that it is our national terror. In no
other part Of the world is it so frequent And
its blight is most apt to fall upon those who
are brightest, most mentally active. Stupid
people have little reason to fear it, If they
keep sober, nor have women. Not one per
cent. of the cases are those Of females. The
average woman does not dangerously strain
her brain, but many men, in the eager COM
petition, rapid life and over excitation OF
brain and nerves common to American exist
ence, do so-and invite paresiS
DR.. Allan McLane Hamilton, who is recog-
nized as one of the highest authorities upon
mental diseases in this country, when con.
suited a few days ago upon the subject Of
pareSiS, for the purpose of this article, said,
II see great deal of it, in various asylum
and institutions, as well as in my private
practice, and recognize the fact that it has
been, during ten years past, steadily and
alarmirgly increasing. 1t is a disease incl
dent to the rapid life Of this country. In q
majority Of cases it is directly dependent
upon vice and not upon actual overwork
alone. 1t is the fashion nowadays to call all
forms of structural disease of the brain, with
mental disturbance, general paresis,' but the
general name, dementia paralytica, is the
proper term. As rule the disease attacks
persons who are primarily diSsipated, and
with that dissipation have q certain amount,
probably excessive, Of irregular mental work.
Nearly always it begins with some depression,
dependency, or, very often, hypochondriasis.
After the period of depression, which lasts
for a variable time, ensues extravaganza Of
IDEAS, which is an important feature of the
disease.
FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS.
1.-THE so called illusions of grandeur now
entertained are of the most extravagant
character, the victims having vast confidence
in their own powers. Some of them claim
to possess the entire wealth of the world and
more or less governed by this delusion-
give away presents most eXtravagantly,
spend their money in the most reckless way
and cherish the widest schemes. Others
believe that they are specially appointed by
God to perform tremendous deeds, or achieve
great things, such as the establishment of
new faiths, or the founding of new orders,
and deem themselves endowed with the
power of working miracles Their schemes
are always colossal. The character of Col
Onel Sellers is simply an example Of modified
paresis. His eye water scheme is distinct
lively that. Another notable fact is that
these vast illusions are meant for the good of
humanity; that those cherishing them desire
to be great benefactors, and they are fond of
comforting imaginary honors and grandiose
titles.
"While the patient is under the domino
ton of these different illusions he is more or
less influenced by his surroundings, and is
very apt to become violent and abusive when
his illusions are questioned or his powers
doubted.
AS the disease progresses in the brain, the
body wastes away, becomes feeble, the
muscles are powerless and a condition of
paralysis sets in. Toward the end the patient,
incapable Of motion or consciousness, drools
saliva from his open mouth, sees nothing
with his lack luster eyes, and gradually fades
away. At last comes death.-New York
Mail and Express.
Put to Bed to BE Shod.