On the Curability of Certain Forms of Insanity, Epilepsy, Catalepsy, and Hysteria in Females

The author argues that many severe nervous disorders in women—including forms labeled insanity, epilepsy, catalepsy, and hysteria—stem from persistent peripheral irritation of genital nerves and can be relieved by surgically removing the source of irritation. The work situates the procedure within contemporary physiological theories of inhibitory reflexes, describes operative technique and postoperative care, and presents illustrated case histories and institutional records to support criteria for patient selection, outcomes, and prognostic considerations. Practical guidance on diagnosis, operative indications, and management is combined with discussion of theoretical background and acknowledged clinical limitations.