1405 F79 1913 PREFACE Than hysteria, probably there is not any disease which is more interesting, which has been more misunderstood, which is capable of causing a greater diversity of manifestations, and about which more has been written. Its absorbing interest is due mainly to the peculiar character and unlimited possibilities of its expression. Surely, a disease is worthy of the consideration which has been bestowed upon hysteria when it is capable of causing such diverse symptoms as paralysis, convulsions, blindness, multiple personality, and which can occur in epidemics that, in the past, have caused greater disturbance to whole nations than a war would have occasioned. Its history and literature, which would fill a spacious library, show that from the days of the Grecian oracles, or of the sibyls of even more distant ages, to the present trance mediums, the unfortunate victims of the disease have been subjected alternately to persecution as witches and demons, or to devotion as the inspired source of wisdom and of supernatural knowledge. It is only recently, and through psychologic means, that hysteria is beginning to be understood. The credit for elucidation of problems of the disease is due principally to the French. In fact, the psychology characteristic of their 40526 |