It can be considered as established that epileptic phenomena occur more frequently in catatonic schizophrenia than chance alone would explain.The literature on this subject was summarized by Hill (1948).This increased propensity of the brain of the catatonic patient to discharge in an epilepti- form fashion can be assessed quantitatively.The method in use for this purpose, which will be described below, consists in the activation of the E.E.G. by means of intravenous " metrazol " injections combined with simultaneous stimulation of the retina by flickering light.It has been given the portmanteau term " Phomac" (PHOto-Metrazol- ACtivation) by Remond (1952).The origins of this method are as follows.Walter and Walter (1949) have described the use of the electronic stroboscope in the production of paroxysmal E.E.G. changes, myoclonus, or seizures in suitably sensitive subjects.Similarly, intravenous injections of
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Leiberman et al. (1953) studied this question.