Jumping Frenchmen of Maine is a rare psychological or, possibly, a neurological disorder first observed by George Miller Beard in 1878. It entails an exaggerated "startle" reflex which may be described as an uncontrollable "jump" but can also exhibit sudden movements in all parts of the body. Though distinct and unique, this condition also shares similar symptoms with numerous disorders pertaining to startle. Patients with this disorder were first found in the northern regions of Maine; hence, the unusual name for this medical condition.
Read more about Jumping Frenchmen Of Maine: History, Similar Disorders, Historical Significance
Famous quotes containing the words jumping, frenchmen and/or maine:
“O to break loose, like the chinook
salmon jumping and falling back,
nosing up to the impossible
stone and bone-crushing waterfall—”
—Robert Lowell (1917–1977)
“... exchanging platitudes, as Frenchmen do, for the pleasure of feeling their mouths full of the good meat of common sense.”
—Rebecca West (1892–1983)
“Oh, there are people, all right, settled in the sea;
It is as populous as Maine today,
But no one who will give you the time of day.”
—William Meredith (b. 1919)