(from the Greek word κατάληψις, a seizing), is a very rare form of disease, characterized by a sudden extinction of sensation and voluntary motion, with a peculiar rigidity of the voluntary muscles, in consequence of which the limbs retain during the paroxysm precisely the position they held at the moment of seizure, yet readily admit of and retain any other position they are made to assume. During this state the action of the heart and breathing continue, but are much slower and more feeble than during health. These fits come on at irregular intervals, and continue, when unchecked, for many years. Catalepsy is of such rare occurrence that few physicians have