The manifestation is extreme violence--usually much greater than in violent anger, as a rule." "I believe there are cases on record of epileptics having committed the most violent outrages against those nearest and dearest to them.

Is that what you mean by _furor epilepticus_ ?" "Yes; but that attacks are generally directed towards strangers--rarely towards loved ones, though there have been such cases." "I begin to understand.

When we were at the breakfast table your professional eye diagnosed this young man's symptoms--his nervous tremors, his excitability, and the extravagant action with the knife--as premonitory symptoms of an attack of _furor epilepticus_, in which the sufferer would be liable to a dangerous outburst of violence ?" "Exactly.

The minor symptoms suggested petit mal, but the act of sticking the knife into the table pointed strongly to the complication of _furor epilepticus_.

That was why I went over to your table to have your assistance in case of trouble." "You feared he would attack one of the guests ?" "Yes, epileptics are extremely dangerous in that condition, and will commit murder if they are in possession of a weapon.