The disorders of speech.

  • Wyllie, John, 1914-
Date:
1894
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The disorders of speech. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

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    one asked his name. He then replied, 'Lelo,' for Lelong, his real name. The three first words of his vocabulary corresponded each to a definite idea. In affirming or approving, he said ' oui.' In ex- pressing the opposite idea, he said ' non.' The word tois expressed all numbers, all numerical ideas. And, lastly, whenever these three words were not applicable, Lelong helped himself with the word 'toujours' which, in consequence, had no definite meaning. I asked him if he knew how to write ? ' Oui.' If he could do it ? lNon.' ' Try.' He tried, but he could not succeed in directing the pen. Broca illustrates these points very fully, by giving details of his conversations with the patient. He tells us that the patient expressed himself well in pantomime, when words failed him. For example, when he was asked what had formerly been his occupa- tion, he imitated very well the action of using a shovel. At the autopsy, a cyst-like cavity filled with serum was found to occupy the room of what is now known as Broca's convolu- tion. It extended far enough upwards to take the place also of the posterior extremity of the second frontal convolution. It was sharply limited and defined in its margin and base, and the hsematin crystals in its wall showed that the cause of the local destruction of cerebral tissue had been the apoplexy in April 1860. Even apart from their great historical interest, these two cases are most valuable: they illustrate so well and so fully the characteristic features of motor aphasia. Broca's convolution being in both cases utterly destroyed, there was, in both, the almost complete annihilation of the power of producing speed). In both cases, the patient was thrown upon the scanty resources of the uneducated convolution of the opposite side; and in both it is evident that a few crumbs of speech had been acquired by this convolution, through overflow of education. Leborgne can swear one great oath, when he is irritated. Lelong can articulate, and use intelligently, three or four words, including yes and no. Both patients also exhibit examples of recurring utterances. Leborgne, on all occasions, when he tries to speak, says Tan, Tan. Lelong, when the few words of his vocabulary are inapplicable, always uses the recurring utterance toujours. Both patients are capable of expressing themselves well in pantomime. Lastly, in both