At the same time it must be allowed, that many incipient cases, requiring seclusion and separation from friends, would be aggravated by too sudden an introduction amongst masses of insane patients; and even by the very circumstance of arriving when there is the chance of exciting the usual horror and prejudice entertained against such places; but this ought not, and would not be the case, were the plans and systems of classification I have advocated, carried into practice. Every way and in every thing, we have imperfections and abuses; and it is much easier to condemn than to cure them; and they who at once believe abuses exist in proportion to the popular description that is given during some temporary excitement and prejudice, are not safe persons to have the important charge of removing them. I make these remarks, to show, that while a paternal government is justly, most anxious to protect the persons and property of those who can no longer protect and defend themselves, they should at the same time remember, that sanity of mind is still of much higher value; and that therefore concern about the property should not out weigh our concern for the cure. I say nothing in the mean time, of the degrading suspicion and paralyzing interference, which the best and most conscientious man may under such system feel, in proceeding with the plans which, he from experience, knows to be essential to their restoration; but I contend, that the _common error in legislation_, _of making property of more value than life_, must here as well as wherever it is committed, have a baneful influence. In this instance, the acts or laws made under the influence of this very great and very selfish delusion, produce this very serious mischief, that they tend to increase the prejudice and aversion common to places of this description, some of which would otherwise be considered not merely unobjectionable places of residence, but places of seclusion, very agreeable in themselves, and most desirable as places of cure.