in order to more perfect separation, they slowly recovered.

In the following October 1841, some indications of a return of the symptoms was manifested in three of the children, but the same remedies, combined with separation from each other, were shortly successful in arresting the attack.

No further occurrence of these symptoms took place till October 1842, when a considerable number were attacked. The symptoms, although commencing with the short hacking cough, and attended with some slight pyrexial symptoms, were almost immediately followed by the double sounds before described, and the hysterical and imitative character was well marked from the beginning. The uproar in the building now became alarming to the neighbourhood, and from the loudness of the sounds it became difficult to separate the patients effectively. No remedial means, including turpentine, spiritus ammoniæ succinatus, anti-spasmodics, tonics, mineral, as well as vegetable, combined with the regular use of the shower bath, being, after long continuance, found of any use, I determined to try the effect of a strong mental impression; and, following the plan adopted by the celebrated Boerhave, in the House of Charity, at Häarlem, I assembled the children, and informed them, that I must apply a red-hot iron to the throats of all who were not quite well on the following morning. This alarmed them so much that, with the exception of two of the elder girls, they ran away to their respective

homes on the following day, whence they returned on the day after quite well.

The two remaining, still made the same noise, in which they were again joined by the others in little more than a week. All other means failing, their throats were blistered by means of a spatula, covered with a silk handkerchief and heated in boiling water. This with some, succeeded in removing the symptoms; in two, who were carefully secluded from the rest, the affection gradually wore out; but two others were at last obliged to be sent to their homes, where, separated from their noisy companions, they soon recovered.

In reviewing these cases, it seems worthy of remark, that in two of them where illness of another kind supervened, the noise ceased.

This affection, like most of the hysterical family, although for the most part involuntary, still to a certain extent was controllable by a strong effort of the will; although such effort was extremely painful, giving rise to spasmodic catchings of the breath. Not that I believe these children were guilty of any trick, but that, on the contrary, they were very glad to be relieved.

The rapidity with which the cases succeeded each other, proves that imitation was their main cause, and the success of separation, and the comparative failure of other means, still further strengthen this supposition.

Although, doubtless, not absolutely novel, I have ventured to give the detail of the history and treat

ment of these cases to the Society, chiefly on account of their number, of their having occurred in one establishment, and as affording a means of judging of the varied treatment adopted with perfect strictness and perseverance.

CASE

OF

ERECTILE TUMOUR

IN THE POPLITEAL SPACE. REMOVAL.

BY ROBERT LISTON, Esq., F.R.S.,

SURGEON TO UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL.

READ MARCH 14TH, 1843.

CHARLES REASON, æt. 10, admitted into University College Hospital, January 2, 1843, under Mr. Liston, is a stout, remarkably healthy looking lad, an errand boy, residing in the county of Essex. He has always enjoyed good health. He was sent to the hospital on account of a swelling in the right ham, which first attracted attention about eight years ago. It was then of small size, and appeared to occasion the child no inconvenience. It continued gradually, though slowly, to increase, and about a year subsequently to its first discovery his mother showed it to a surgeon.

At this time it is stated to have been as large as a turkey's egg, elastic to the touch, and to have had a distinct pulsation, but no 'bruit' could be heard. A grooved needle was passed into it "very deeply," to use the words of the surgeon who saw the case, but without being followed by the escape of any fluid, either pus or blood.

The disease continued slowly to increase, but still occasioned no inconvenience. About three years ago a seton was passed through a portion of it, and retained some days. A discharge having been established, the seton was withdrawn, when the openings soon healed. This proceeding had no effect in diminishing the size of the swelling. The application of blisters and iodine was now had recourse to, but equally without effect. The tumour, in fact, has been gradually enlarging up to the present time. No pain whatever has been experienced till within the last few months, and then only occasionally. The boy cannot give a very distinct account of his sensations, but says, "his leg sometimes pains him."

There is now a tumour of an oval shape, the long diameter being in the direction of the axis of the limb, situated in the upper part of the right popliteal space.

The swelling is about 3 inches in length. The integuments covering it are not inflamed or discoloured, but perfectly natural. No pulsation is perceptible in it, nor can any 'bruit' be detected by the The pulsation of the artery can be felt in the

ear.