The history of the malaria treatment of general paralysis. 1946 [classical article]

1994 ◽  
Vol 151 (6) ◽  
pp. 231-235 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Treatment ◽  
General Paralysis ◽  
History Of

The Neuropathic Diathesis, or the Diathesis of the Degenerate

1888 ◽  
Vol 34 (146) ◽  
pp. 167-176
Author(s):  
G. T. Revington
Keyword(s):  
Family History ◽  
Normal Development ◽  
Personal History ◽  
Striking Feature ◽  
General Paralysis ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Mind

I think that the foregoing statistics, and those which follow, together with the large number of cases which I quote, and which connect general paralysis with almost every form of neurotic manifestation, will prove conclusively that neurotic inheritance is a striking feature in the causation of general paralysis. I question whether a distinction between “the cerebral and the insane element” in general paralysis can be maintained. If general paralysis is not a degeneration of the mind-tissue, then the pathology of insanity has no existence, and I would say that the subtle influence for evil, which is transmitted from parents, whose brains are deteriorated by neurotic outbursts, or soaked in alcohol, or wrecked by physiological immorality, tends strongly towards such degeneration. If insanity is, as Dr. Savage says, a perversion of the ego, then a general paralytic is the in-sanest of the insane. We know that the children of a melancholic parent, for example, may develop any form of neurosis—in other words, it is not that melancholia or general paralysis, or any other definite disease, is transmitted, but that a certain tendency to deviate from normal development is transmitted. This tendency to deviate is the neurotic diathesis, and the form of its development is determined by collateral circumstances, and a certain series of collateral circumstances determine the development of general paralysis. Perhaps neurotic inheritance may mean in some cases a limited capital of nervous energy, and if this is wasted recklessly the individual breaks down suddenly and pathologically, as we all do slowly and physiologically. I would also point out that considering the number of histories of insanity which owing to ignorance or reticence we, do not receive, and considering that we never receive information as to the existence of the slighter neuroses, it is marvellous that we get so high a percentage as 51. Of the 145 general paralytics with a reliable history, 38 had a family history of insanity, 28 a family history of drink, 8 of both, 43 had a personal history of drink, 8 of a previous attack too remote to be considered, at least, according to our present ideas, as part of the disease, and the vast majority had a history of some physiological irregularity which must be considered as conducive to the creation of an acquired neurosis. We may now pass to some further statistics.

Syphilitic General Paralysis

1893 ◽  
Vol 39 (165) ◽  
pp. 217-224
Author(s):  
M. J. Nolan
Keyword(s):  
Life Histories ◽  
The Other ◽  
Fin De Siecle ◽  
Short Life ◽  
General Paralysis ◽  
Generic Term ◽  
Fin De Siècle ◽  
History Of ◽  
Vexed Question

At the present time, when our fin de siècle knowledge of “general paralysis” enables us to recognize under that generic term many types of the disorder, and when the relation between it and syphilis continues a rather vexed question, little apology is needed for introducing to notice the following cases. They illustrate unmistakably some of the instances in which syphilis is solely responsible for what. Is termed by Dr. Savage” A process of degeneration which ultimately produces the ruin we recognize as general paralysis.”∗ Whatever may be hereafter formulated from the present evolutionary crisis in the history of the disorder there can be but little doubt that syphilis will be one of its most intimate and important relations. The story of its methods is briefly sketched in the following two short life-histories—in one asserting itself in the offspring of its victims by right of impure heredity, in the other carrying death direct into the vital centres by the force of its malignant virus.

Notes on a Case of Fracture of the Fibula in a Melancholic Patient, with Remarks on Treatment in Fractures Generally

1898 ◽  
Vol 44 (184) ◽  
pp. 101-104
Author(s):  
J. F. Briscoe
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Medical Officer ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
General Paralysis ◽  
Post Mortem Examination ◽  
History Of ◽  
Modern Treatment ◽  
Fractured Ribs ◽  
Osseous System

The object of this communication is to draw from the members of the Association the modern treatment of fractures as adopted in institutions for the insane. It is obvious that the various plans, as practised in hospitals, must be considerably modified in asylums. For instance, to strap and bandage a case of fractured ribs, secundum artem, taxes any medical officer, unless the patient is quietly disposed and clean in his habits. However, with skill and a fairly docile patient, there should be little difficulty in the management of ordinary fractures of the bones below the elbows and the knees. From time to time one reads of cases of fractures of the ribs occurring in asylums, remarkable autopsies being recorded. It is difficult sometimes to give a correct history of their causation, and, in consequence, much opprobrium has been unjustly cast on asylum officials. It is believed by not a few that there is a peculiar affection of the ribs in the insane causing them to fracture readily. It is said, too, that it is common in general paralysis. Dr. Christian has stated in the Journal of Mental Science, January, 1886, that he is decidedly opposed to the idea that general paralytics are more liable to fracture of the bones. He gives 250 cases, and says, “I can assure you, gentlemen, I have not come across a single case of fracture among them.” But no figures of the kind can be relied upon unless verified by post-mortem examination. It is not uncommon to find in the mortuaries of ordinary hospitals and asylums, and in the dissecting-room, specimens of fractured ribs, the causation of which is unaccounted for. With our present pathological knowledge of the osseous system we must withhold our verdict.

MALARIA TREATMENT OF GENERAL PARALYSIS.

The Lancet ◽  
1929 ◽  
Vol 214 (5544) ◽  
pp. 1171
Author(s):  
R.M. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Treatment ◽  
General Paralysis

On Remissions in the Course of General Paralysis

1861 ◽  
Vol 7 (38) ◽  
pp. 253-265
Author(s):  
A. Sauze
Keyword(s):  
General Paralysis ◽  
Fatal Course ◽  
History Of ◽  
Cerebral Organ

The study of the intermissions which occur in the course of general paralysis is not the least interesting chapter in the history of this disease. Is it not a matter of surprise, that an affection which occasions such grave disturbances of the cerebral organ should undergo ameliorations so pronounced as might well be taken for a real cure, did not the experience of each day teach us that it is but arrested for a longer or shorter time, and that sooner or later the paralysis resumes its fatal course. Have not even alienists asserted that they have cured demented paralytics ? The existence of intermission in the course of general paralysis does not at the present time need to be demonstrated. It is enough to glance at the treatises of MM. Calmeil and Bayle, to find the most remarkable examples of it.

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