e, were passed
in sitting up in bed, under a fit of asthma, as it was called;
sometimes the mind became uncommonly impatient and irritable; the body
gradually emaciated; yet the appetite and digestive functions remained
principally unimpaired; and persons around were not sensible of any
material alteration in the condition of the patient.

On the approach of warm weather, in June, the violence of the symptoms
increased. Paroxysms of dyspnoea occurred more frequently, and were
more distressing. They commenced with symptoms of slight febrile
affection, such as hot skin, hard, frequent, and more irregular pulse,
disordered tongue, loss of appetite, and derangement of the digestive
functions. This kind of paroxysm lasted two or three days. Evacuations
of blood from the nose and haemorrhoidal vessels, which before rarely
occurred, became frequent; a fulness at the upper and right side of
the abdomen was sometimes perceptible, formed apparently by temporary
enlargement of the liver; the difficulty in ascending an eminence
increased sensibly. In the intervals of these attacks, which were
variable, but generally continuing ten or twelve days, the strength
was frequently good, and accompanied by a great flow of spirits, and
an aptitude, or rather ardour, for business.

Such was the course of this complaint until the latter part of August,
when a very severe paroxysm occurred. It commenced, like the former,
with febrile symptoms, but those more violent than before. The
countenance became high coloured; the dyspnoea excessive, and rendered
almost suffocating by a slight movement, or attempt to speak; the
pulse hard, very irregular, intermittent, and vibrating; and the
digestive functions were suspended. These symptoms soon increased to
the highest degree. The respiration was so distressing, as to produce
a wish for speedy death; the eyes became wild and staring. No sleep
could be obtained; for, after dosing a short time, he started up in
violent agitation, with the idea of having suffered a convulsion.
During the few moments of forgetfulness, the respiration was sometimes
quick and irregular, sometimes slow, and frequently suspended for the
space of twenty five, and even so long as fifty seconds. At the end of
three days the febrile heat was less permanent; the red colour of the
face changed to a death like purple; the hands and face were cold, and
covered with an adhesive moisture; the hardness of the pulse
diminished, and a de