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head. During fits muscles were contracted and
thumbs turned inward, mouth and nose looking blue,
and foaming at the mouth. Before and after fits head
thrown back. Mother had easy confinement, but was
very ill during pregnancy, especially last three months.
Seventh child, four of whom were boys, and all were
ruptured. One girl died at 3½ years from measles,
one at 6 months from bronchitis, and one boy at
1½ years from wasting. Mother thinks present child
born about fortnight before full term. No history of
fall. No vomiting until fits came on. No discharge
from eyes, ears, and nose. Breast-fed infant. No
family history of fits. Father suffers from varicose
veins, for which he has been operated upon, and has
also undergone operation for appendicitis. Electrician
by trade.
Case 5.—E. F., male, aged 7 years 11 months, of Hack
Road. Child taken to Pitsea 30th May. Was a breastfed
baby, and walked at 13 months. Had all his
teeth, and has never ailed. On 3rd June was drowsy
and cross. Brought home on 5th, and getting worse
medical advice was sought on 8th. On 14th right leg
and upper part of right arm were powerless, but had
use of hands. No discharge from eyes, ears or nose,
no squinting, vomiting, or throwing backwards of
head. No convulsions until last 24 hours when wrists
and thumbs turned inwards. Died on 17th June. No
history of fall or exposure to sun. Water supply at
Pitsea was rain water collected in a tub, and for drinking
purposes was passed through a stone filter, but
child did not drink much water. Maternal grandmother
suffered from " fits," losing consciousness, but
was never violent. She died from cancer. Child was
last one of three, one dying 4 years ago, aged 4 months,