They point with some satisfaction to the convictions of these clever rogues, and claim some credit in detecting them.
Their statements are true! But why are they true?
Because real epileptics are so common in the underworld, and their sufferings so palpable and striking, that parasites, even though afflicted themselves, nay, because of their own disabilities, can and do simulate the weird sufferings of epileptics.

Will mendicity societies, when they tell us about, enumerate for us, and convict for us the hoary impostors, also tell us about and enumerate for us the stricken men and women who are not impostors, and whose fits are unfortunately genuine?
If some society will do this, they will do a great public service; but at present no one does it, so this world of suffering, mystery and danger remains unexplored.
I do not wonder that the ancients thought that epileptics suffered from demoniacal possessions; perhaps they do, perhaps we believe so still.
At any rate we deal with them in pretty much the same way as in days of old.

The ancients bound them with chains; we are not greatly different--we put them in prison.

The ancients did allow their epileptics to live in the tombs, but we allow them no place but prison, unless their friends have money! But let me end the subject by stating that the non-provision for epileptics is a national disgrace and a national danger.

That incarceration of epileptics in prison and their conviction as criminals is unjust and cruel.