An Extreme Case of Hystero-Catalepsy, Trances Lasting 58, 30, 24, and 12 Hours; Insanity; Recovery

A. B., 19 years of age, pupil-teacher, of a sensitive and very affectionate disposition, religiously inclined, in ordinary matters and in the conduct of her class showing more than usual ability and self-possession ; has three brothers and three sisters all perfectly healthy, with the exception of an elder sister, who suffers from anaemia. An aunt on the mother's side was subject to hysterical fits, and a sister of her father suffered from epilepsy. The father and mother were of distinctly alcoholic tendencies, while previous to her marriage the mother had lived rather a gay life. Menstruation began when she was 17 years of age, but has been regular, plentiful, and accompanied by no special pain further than slight headaches. * Two years ago?in September 1886?she fell down in the street, and was carried into a chemist's shop, where she remained unconscious for four hours. She was attended by a medical man for