Hysteria

(his-te’re-a). A nervous disease sometimes marked by convulsive seizures, and very often by dislike to food, painful impre ions and untruthfulne . There is always lack of self-control, and may be womb disease. The nursing of these cases is very trying, and can only be succe fully carried on if the patient is removed from her usual surroundings, and her family kept at a distance. Infinite patience, and persistent cheerfulne mingled with a certain amount of sympathy, may work wonders. A good nurse will soon persuade a patient who has fasted for months to take food naturally again. Terrible weakne and even paralysis are brought on by hysteria; and all sorts of illne es may be very cleverly feigned. — s. 78 —