Feigned Epilepsy is an all-too-common "ailment". The false fit, as a rule,
is very much overdone. The face is red from exertion instead of livid from
heart and lung embarrassment, the spasms are too vigorous but not jerky
enough, the skin is hot and dry instead of hot and clammy, the hands may be
clenched, but the thumb will be _outside_ instead of _inside_ the palm,
foam comes in volumes but is unmixed with blood, and the whole thing is
kept up far too long. Almost before a crowd can gather an epileptic seizure
is over, whereas the sham sufferer does not begin seriously to exhibit his
questionable talents until a crowd has appeared.

Pressure on the eye, which will blink while the "sufferer" will swear;
bending back the thumb and pressing in the end of the nail, when the hand
will be withdrawn in feigned but not in true epilepsy; blowing snuff up the
nose, which induces sneezing in the sham fit alone, or using a cold douche
will all expose the miserable trick.

It is, unfortunately, far easier to suggest than to apply these tests, for
anyone foolish enough to try experiments within reach of the wildly-waving
arms will probably get such a buffet as will damp his ardour for amateur
diagnosis for some time.

* * * * *

CHAPTER III

GENERAL REMARKS

"Do not muse at me, my most worthy friends;
I have a strange infirmity, which is nothing