Essay on the Classification of the InsaneAllen, M. (Physician)
Science
Essay on the Classification of the Insane
Allen, M. (Physician)
Mental illness
At present, however, I will not enter into a clear and full explanation
of this momentous subject; but I trust hereafter I shall be able show,
that I am fully prepared to prove these assertions, and, moreover, to
prove that, besides the extremes of pride and presumption, despair and
misery, with endless indications that it is not according to the wisdom
which cometh from above, it is the most common and frightful cause of the
most incurable forms of insanity which I have found in lunatic asylums, I
repeat, however, that so important and awfully true are these facts in my
estimation, that I cannot remain contented with simply making these
slight allusions to them, and I therefore intend hereafter to attack the
error with all the force which my conception of its magnitude and baneful
influence can inspire. Oh! that I could attack it with such effect that
it would be rooted up for ever—so that it would no longer exist as the
cause, (as it has hitherto been,) of gloom, misery, and desolation to
minds of the most gentle, amiable, and acute construction. Such would
not be the case did mankind behold the delightful harmony which exists
between revealed truth and the constitution of the human mind. I see no
lines and separations in knowledge, but behold in each part a portion of
one grand whole. Science, intelligence, wisdom, and religion, are all
ONE, and woe to the man who separates them!
O that mankind knew these glorious truths, which are everywhere most
beautifully held forth to our view—not only knew these things, but knew
also the happiness of making all this knowledge increase the well being
and happiness of others around them! Then would the world possess the
channels for the right influx of the inspiration of the heart; and then
would that true and steady light be received into the understanding which
would prevent it from falling into the mazes and darkness of error, or
into actual evils and miseries of heart and of life.
Then, indeed, would the fire of Divine Love purify the earth of the human
mind;—then would the oil of charity be the fuel on the altar of every
heart;—then would the light of Divine Wisdom ascend into understanding,
there to remain a sun without clouds for ever.
_No._ 24.—_Admitted_ 1802.—_Aged_ 25.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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