"Yes; we have thought of bringing the two men together, as soon as the paralytic is so improved that he can talk."
"I have often wondered what kind of a disease paralysis is?" inquired Harry.
"Paralysis is not a disease of itself. It is merely a sign of some disorder of the nervous system. It may be shown by complete disability on one side of the body, or in some particular portion, and only certain sets of nerves may be affected."
"But what seems so singular is, that he is not only unable to speak but he cannot move about."
"The form of paralysis, which affects the memory, is called dementia paralytica, and attacks the brain, while some portion of the body also may be affected."
"Isn't it curable?"
"There is little hope for a permanent cure. If the attack should come on suddenly it is the most dangerous. Where it seems to approach gradually, there is more likelihood of being able to check it."
"In what way is there an improvement in the old man?"
"So far as the bodily ailment is concerned he is gaining. When he was brought back he was unable to utter a single word, nor could he move himself in any way, except with one arm, and that only to a small degree. Now he is able to shuffle along, across the room, and sometimes tries to say something, which is not distinct. The only thing which thus far seems intelligible is the word triangle, as I have stated."