Shetland. Descriptive and Historical; Descriptive and Historical Being a Graduation Thesis on the Inhabitants of the Shetland Islands and a Topographical Description of That Country (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1874. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIII. NERVOUS DISEASES. HP HE first disorder to be mentioned under this head is also fortunately known only in the records of the past. Dr Edmondston tells us epilepsy was at one time very common in Zetland among the women. Writing in 1822, Dr Hibbert informs us that "the introduction of this malady into the country is referred to a date of nearly a century ago, and is attributed to a woman who had been subject to regular paroxysms of epilepsy, one of which occurred during divine service. Among adult females, and children of the male sex at the tender age of six, fits then became sympathetic." Proceeding with his description of epilepsy, as he terms this affection, Dr Edmondston says: --" It appeared to be communicated from one person to another, on some occasions, as if by sympathy. Numbers were seized with fits, almost at the same time, in the church during divine service, especially if the weather was warm, the minister a pathetic preacher, or the patient desirous of being thought possessed of a more than ordinary show of feeling. The individuals thus affected cried aloud, beat themselves against the seats of the church, to the great annoyance of the more sedate part of the congregation." Dr Hibbert describes a paroxysm somewhat more graphically thus: -- "The female whom it had attacked would suddenly fall down, toss her arms about, writhe her body into various shapes, move her head suddenly from side to side, and, with eyes fixed and staring, send forth most dismal cries. If the fit had occurred on any occasion of public diversion, she would, as soon as it had ceased, mix with her companions, and continue her amusement as if nothing had happened. Paroxysms of this kind prevailed most during the warm months of summer, and about fifty years ago there was scarcely a Sabbath...