the synonym stammerer--the mentally alert
individual who, in order to prevent the outward appearance of
stammering, is continually searching for synonyms or less difficult
words to take the place of those which he cannot speak. This continual
searching for synonyms results in a nervous tension that is sure to
tell on the mental faculties sooner or later, and I have found, in
examining many thousands of cases, that the synonym stammerer is
usually in a more highly nervous state than any other type.

MENTAL STRAIN EVENTUALLY TELLS: The effect of stuttering or stammering
on the sufferer's concentration is very marked. The sufferer notes an
inability to concentrate his mind on any subject for any length of
time, finds it impossible to pursue an education with any degree of
success or to follow any business which requires close attention and
careful work.

The power-of-will is also affected and the stammerer notes an inability
to put through the things which he starts and which require the
exercise of will power to bring to a successful conclusion.

A diagnosis of insanity is sometimes made in the case of a stammerer in
the advanced stages of his malady, while in other instances the mental
aberration takes the form of a hallucination of some sort, as in the
case of the boy who was of the belief that he was continually being
followed.

But regardless of what form is taken by the mental disorder resulting
from stammering, such cases are almost invariably found to have long
since passed into the incurable stage, although positive statements as
to the individual's condition should not be made, as a rule, without a
thorough diagnosis having first been made.

CHAPTER VIII

THE EFFECTS ON THE BODY

The effect of stammering or stuttering upon the physical structure is
problematical. In some cases examined, a noticeable lack of vitality
has been found, together with an almost total loss of active appetite,
a marked inclination toward insomnia and a generally debilitated
condition resulting from the nervous strain and continued fear brought
on by the speech disorder.

In other cases, it has been found that the health was but little
affected and that there was no marked departure from normal.

The physical condition of the stammerer is the result of many factors.
If plenty of fresh air and exercise is supplied, and the mind is
well-employed so that the worry over the trouble does not disturb the
stammerer, then the