Page:In Spite of Epilepsy, Woods, 1913.djvu/25

Rh with a shrug of incredulity, but it is nevertheless true. We believe the time may come, because of a higher state of hygienic enlightenment, when every acquired or created disease will be regarded as a disgrace instead of as it sometimes is now,—a thing to conjure with, an assumed state, put on at times, as you put on a garment of occasion, to elicit interest or as a cover for the breaking of an engagement or the neglect of a duty. So much are we convinced of the immorality of many of our common ailments that in regard to at least one of them,—smallpox,—we have been teaching for years that the sane adult who allows himself or his children to contract such an easily prevented ailment as this is by vaccination, instead of receiving sympathy, ought to be put in jail.

But to return to the subject. Many of us now and then encounter epileptics who make independent livings, occupy positions of trust, teach in schools and colleges, support families, manage estates, and the like, as well as occupy the minor places of life, without compromising themselves or slighting their employment. One of the best wood-carvers we have ever known,—a man who did original work for the big architects, supporting a wife and three children,—was an epileptic from boyhood. Another attained the position of governor of a State. Another held an important legal position in a large city, was a prominent lawyer, carrying difficult cases to successful issues. Another was a clergyman of powerful intellect and