CATALEP′SY

Syn. Trance ; Catalep′sis , Catalep′sia , L. A disease in which the organs of sense and motion cease to exercise their functions, and the heart and lungs feebly perform their offices, and in a scarcely perceptible manner. The paroxysm generally comes on without previous warning, and its duration varies from a few minutes to several days, and if medical reports are to be credited, sometimes for a much longer period. Dr Cullen seriously affirms that this disease is always counterfeited. Treat. Ammoniacal stimulants applied to the nostrils, and spirituous liquors injected into the stomach, with general friction of the body, and free acce to pure air are the best remedies. Electricity and galvanism should also be had recourse to when the nece ary apparatus is at hand.