The Menace, an Exposition of Quackery Nostrum Exploitation and Reminiscences of a Country Doctor Page: 90
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The Menace
constant, and the nomenclature of this domain of science
is itself quite unsatisfactory. Certain of the manifesta-
tions of the hysterical neuroses and of hypnotism are in-
distinguishable one from the other, and Luys considers
hypnotism to be but a transformation of hysteria.
This confusion and uncertainty arises from deficiencies
within our knowledge of minute anatomy and physiology
of the brain. Science will in time supply these deficiencies.
The hypnotic states, as well as certain hysterical manifes-
tations, are the results of disturbed, incomplete or inco-
ordinate action of the cerebral hemispheres and their com-
ponent cell masses. It is, therefore, an abnormal condition,
and it is doubtful if anything but the lighter manifestations
of this condition can be produced in the mentally and ner-
vously normal. In this condition there is a derangement of
the relationship normally maintained between such portions
of the brain structures as produce memory, self-conscious-
ness, will power, perception, etc., and the more primitive
intellectual characters, that appear in mental and nervous
automaticity. But the state of our knowledge of minute
brain structure and function is now such as to afford no
explanation whatever of the reactions.
Our knowledge is, therefore, limited to the external man-
ifestations. There are certain departures from normal to
which the name "neuroses" has been given.
There are the derangements of the nervous system that
are not accompanied by discernible organic changes. With
advancement of knowledge, anatomic changes will undoubt-
edly be cognizable. Among the changes then to be seen will
be that of marked congenital acquired differences in the
now unexplored cell masses that give rise to the higher
mental faculties.
A large number of these neuroses are now grouped to-
gether under the very unsatisfactory term of "hysteria,"
a term that is stretched to cover conditions as unlike as
mere wilfulness and well declared insanity. The word
"neuroses" is now used to cover these varied disturbances
of the nervous system and the word "neurotic" to signify
these states or conditions.90
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Dixon, Chas. D. (Charles D.). The Menace, an Exposition of Quackery Nostrum Exploitation and Reminiscences of a Country Doctor, book, 1914; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth143569/m1/108/: accessed May 5, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting University of Texas Health Science Center Libraries.