Dr. Talcott, Superintendent of the Middleton, N. Y., State Asylum of the Insane, has introduced music into all of the wards of his institution with excellent results, judging from his last annual report, from which the following is extracted. "It is said, that before Moses dwelt upon the banks of the Nile, the Egyptians erected temples and altars for the treatment of the insane; and, among the most notable measures for the accomplishment of the cure of lunatics, music took an exalted rank. There can be no doubt that music exercises a potent influence in producing calm and restfulness in minds which are disturbed by cerebral diseases. Musical instruments have been provided in nearly every ward, and the results have been most favorable. Even turbulent patients will subside when the pleasures of music are afforded to them. One of the most effective attendants we ever had upon our disturbed wards was a good musician. After his work was done, he would sit down among his patients, and play upon the violin. Immediately the most excited persons in the ward would group themselves about him, and listen with profound attention so long as he continued to play for them. Where good music can be provided for the turbulent insane, there exists but little necessity for restraint of a physical nature." INSANITY. The tendency of modern civilization is toward insanity. It is increasing throughout Christendom, and far more where the boasted influences of modern education and the so-called progress are most fully realized. The whole fabric of education and society is unsound, and this is proved by the results. A true civilization advancing in wisdom must develop the ability to correct its own evils, but the civilization that we have is drifting on, downward and helpless. The philosophy of insanity and the philosophy of its remedial treatment can be found only in the profound study of the brain, and its relations to the soul and body. But there is not a glimmer of the psychic science of the brain to-day in our colleges. In due time, this theme shall be discussed in the Journal. A proper understanding of this subject will show what method of life and thought tends toward insanity, and by what methods we escape it. It will show also the relation of disease to insanity, and the proper methods of moral and physical treatment. MISCELLANY.