20 FEBRUARY 1875, Page 16

CONSCIOUS AUTOMATA.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]

SIR,—A patient recently consulted me who was blind and subject to fits. I pointed out to her friends the danger to which she was exposed in case a fit came on when she was in the vicinity of a fire, and they informed me that she incurred little or no risk, because a favourite dog ran at once and fetched assistance the moment a fit came on. This intelligent animal would rush into the next house barking eagerly, would seize the dress of the woman who lived there, and drag her to the assistance of his mistress._ If one did not go, he would seize another, and exhibited the most lively symptoms of distress until his object was accomplished.— I am, Sir &c., Nottingham. CHARLES BELL TAYLOR, M.D., F.R.C.S.