The summary of the history which I here reproduce does not contain the objective examination of the boy at the time of his reception; because that would only be a repetition of what has already been described, while the part which it now interests us to illustrate is that containing the summaries of the diaries. The antecedents, however, are given because they are indispensable for an understanding of the patient's personality.
Summary of the Biographic History of an Idiot Boy
Admitted at the Age of 3 Years, and Dismissed at the Age of 17
Outline: Father an alcoholic.—Mother subject to migraine.—No consanguinity between the parents. Equality of ages (difference of two years).—A sister died of convulsions.—Conception during an alcoholic excess on the part of the father.—Albuminuria during pregnancy.—The child cried both night and day.—Twitchings of the body and head.—Did he ever have convulsions?—Fits of anger.—At the time of admission, he could neither speak nor walk (July 30, 1881, age 3 years).—The child has involuntary emissions of fæces and urine (is uncleanly).
September, 1884.—The child has learned to walk.
1885.—Development of speech.—The child is beginning to give notice of its natural necessities.
1886.—The child is no longer uncleanly.—The twitchings of head and body and the fits of anger have diminished.
1887-1890.—Progressive improvement, with alternate progressive and stationary periods.
1891.—Description of the patient.
1892-1897.—Physical and intellectual evolution.—Progress in studies.—Acquirement of a trade.—Results.