The term spasm was applied by Dr. Cullen, to a state of muscular contraction more violent in degree than is usual in health. Where the contraction is succeeded by relaxation, and immediately repeated without the concurrence of the will, or from natural causes, he applies the term convulsion. Dr. Copland, in his Dictionary, has given a fuller definition, to distinguish convulsions from allied and specific diseases, as tetanus, &c. Andral's definition is similar to Copland's, with this addition, that there is or is not loss of consciousness. When there is loss of consciousness the disease is termed eclampsia, always without foaming at the mouth; by which eclampsia is distinguished from epilepsy.