Objective-The blink rate is an index which can be easily obtained during the clinical examination, but it has not yet been properly standardised. The present study was undertaken to collect data on the age dependent development of this index and on possible abnormalities in Parkinson's disease and dystonia. Methods-The blink rate and the rate of perioral movements were measured in 156 normal controls, 51 patients with Parkinson's disease, 48 patients with spasmodic torticollis, 14 patients with generalised dystonia, and 12 patients with focal hand or leg dystonias and have been correlated with the results of testing the orbicularis oculi reflex, the palmomental reflex, and the perioral reflex. Results-No age related eVects were found for the blink rate and perioral movements but all the reflexes showed age dependent variations. It is suYcient to measure the blink rate for one minute, provided standardised conditions are applied. Blink rate and perioral movement rate were positively correlated in patients and controls. The blink rate was significantly increased in spasmodic torticollis and decreased in Parkinson's disease. In generalised dystonia the blink rate was increased but in hand and leg dystonia the blink rate was normal. The reflex tests did not significantly diVer between the subject groups except for the orbicularis oculi reflex, which was hyperexitable in Parkinson's disease. Conclusion-Measuring the blink rate can assist the diagnosis of extrapyramidal disorders as a soft sign, but is not very sensitive. The group diVerences found indicate a decrease of the blink rate and perioral movements in hypokinetic and an increase in hyperkinetic extrapyramidal disorders such as spasmodic torticollis and generalised dystonias. This may be of interest for future pathophysiological studies. (J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1998;64:320-324)

More than a 100 years ago the Wright brothers succeeded in performing the first motor flight in the history of mankind. But irrespective of its technical realisation man has always dealt with flying. So myths, rites and fairy-tales as well reflect the different ideas of flying as these conceptions come to light again and again in dreams and visions. Whether ascension, expression of desire and yearning or sexual metaphor -- the idea of flying seems to be a universal magic figure of thinking.

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According to a study of the British Medical Journal in England the incidence of dog bites increases at the time of a full moon. The following article first passes the myths dealing with the werewolf. By changing from delinquent to patient during the Enlightenment the werewolf gets important to the history of medicine and psychiatry. From the anthropological point of view the so-called Lycorexia may be understood as an unconscious effort to undo evolution by transformation into beast. By the figure of the "Huckup" in recent variants concerning the werewolf subject a psychological turn of the legend is expressed.

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