Tarantism

Abstract

gives a good description of the widely different reactions following the bite of a spider. Some sing, others laugh, weep, cry out, or sleep. Vomit- ing is common. Some patients jump and dance, while others sweat and tremble. Some are in continual fear, while some are delirious, distraught, or behave like maniacs. Marxl2 points out that almost the same symptoms were described earlier by Perotti.