IDIOTISM
\ˈɪdɪətˌɪzəm], \ˈɪdɪətˌɪzəm], \ˈɪ_d_ɪ__ə_t_ˌɪ_z_ə_m]\
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A species of unsound mind, characterized by more or less complete obliteration of the intellectual and moral faculties. It may supervene on mania and melancholia, when it is termed Dementia, but more commonly it depends upon original conformation. It may also, be symptomatic of organic disease of the brain, which has come on after birth. Idiotism exists in various degrees. Some idiots are mere automata, exhibiting scarcely any sensibility to external impressions; others are capable of articulating a few words, and possess certain mental emotions to a limited extent. The physiognomy is usually vacant, step unsteady, and articulation imperfect or broken. The affection is almost always incurable; but it may often be palliated.
By Robley Dunglison
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Peculiarity of expression ; folly, natural imbecillity of mind.
By Thomas Sheridan
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