Many married persons get into this destructive habit of indulging in these extremes of anger and affection; and where they are known to have existed in no common measure, they propagate this their state of mind in their children, and which is afterwards most effectually and successfully educated by their conduct and example; and hence such domestic circles are fruitful soils in producing insane cases. I could state some fearful examples of the truth of these observations, but I would gladly throw a veil over these melancholy pictures of human nature. The sword may slay its thousands, but the demon of domestic strife is much more destructive to man’s life, health, and peace. I mention all these matters, to show that such are exactly, in their incipient form, the cases which require the most delicate, intellectual, and laborious attention. The delusions which occur in an after stage, arise out of these habits, and until they appear without disguise, it is difficult for strangers to pronounce them insane; and yet these are causes which produce the worst and most incurable consequences; and if cure is to be effected, it can only be by a system of management, which by calming and tranquillising the mind, will best allow the physical effects to subside. But when this painful and irritable state of mind has been of long duration, and some chronic and inflammatory state of insiduous, slow, and gradual growth, is the consequence; then a longer time will be required before cure can be brought about. I may here remark, that it is absurd to suppose we can expect this, by moral or medical means singly,—they must always co-operate, and never be separated in the mind of him whose object is cure: and it is a most important and fearful consideration, that on their treatment depends the increase or diminution of their disease. To show there is the greatest difficulty, delicacy, and anxiety required to be exercised in the management of these cases, it is only necessary to mention, that they are precisely those, who, as I have already said, though they are either in reality, or ultimately prove the worst and most dangerous cases, can nevertheless, in the incipient stage of the disease, and more especially immediately after being placed under moral restraint and medical care, exert their remaining power of self-control over their delusions and extravagances, so as to appear, for some considerable time, perfectly sane. Indeed, it may be considered as a general fact, that where the insane person preserves his individuality of character, and his alarming state is chiefly indicated by his having his prominent peculiarities in the natural constitution of his mind in a highly exaggerated and caricatured state, (which is always a most unfavourable prognostic, and more particularly if this exaggeration be grounded in self-love,) the incipient stage assumes this delusive appearance.