ACUTE STARVATION.
The complete deprivation of food induces a series of modifications of the functions of the body, differing somewhat from those developed by a partial and prolonged deprivation. The length of time during which complete absence of food can be endured varies with circumstances. In absolute stoppage of the food supply the acute sensations of hunger pass away after the first one or two days, and are succeeded by profound functional disturbances with weakness and depressing sensations over the epigastric region, accompanied by distressing thirst.[953] The mouth is dry and the tongue heavily coated; the breath is fetid; the skin is harsh, dry, and exhales a disagreeable odor; the feces become more and more scanty until the latter days of life, when diarrhœa usually supervenes; the face and extremities become rapidly emaciated; the person walks with a weak and tottering gait;[954] the urine is small in quantity and very acid; muscular feebleness gradually reaches complete inability to move; ringing in the ears, insomnia and, in some cases, hallucinations[955] with delirium and convulsions precede death, though these latter symptoms are not uniformly observed.[956]