History.—Married eight years, with one child. Her husband is in the navy, and often absent from home. Previous to her marriage had a severe illness, in which she was delirious, and again in 1860, when she lost her reason for six weeks. “Was very feverish and could retain no food on the stomach.” The menstrual periods are most irregular, six or eight months sometimes elapsing between each appearance. Has not menstruated since June last. Has great difficulty in passing her urine. For many years has suffered from fits of an epileptiform character, having, in an attack, convulsions and rigidity, but never hurting herself in falling, foaming at the mouth, nor biting her tongue.
Feb. 18. Clitoris excised.
Feb. 24. Much improved, free from pain or difficulty in micturition. Is quite cheerful, and has had no attack since the operation.
March 26. Still gaining strength, looks much better, and says she now feels well.
March 28. Discharged cured.
Case XXVI. Epileptiform Fits and General Hysteria—Four Years’ Duration—Operation—Cure.
Mrs. F., æt. 44; admitted into the London Surgical Home April 23, 1864.
History.—Married sixteen years, but her husband has been abroad for the past seven years. Had inflammation of the womb four years ago, and since that time has continually suffered from bearing-down pains. Frequent desire to micturate. Pain in the loins and spine, sleepless nights, loss of appetite, and other hysterical symptoms. Has slight “epileptic fits” two or three times a week, more frequently at catamenial periods, which are regular in appearance and not profuse. Has no premonition of fits; is but partially conscious; at first struggles, then becomes rather rigid, and on recovery is always exhausted. Patient is most anxious to be cured of her attacks, of the cause of which she is fully conscious.
April 25. Clitoris excised, under chloroform.
April 26. Had a good night, better than for years.