This patient, on her first admission, was suspicious, vindictive, and implacable,—refusing food, and medicines, &c.—after recovery, and returning voluntarily, she was confiding, affectionate, and submissive, comparatively, even in her worst state. On my seeing her at her own home, at the time of her second admission, she instantly said. “Good God! had you been here three days before, you had saved me!” On asking if she would like to return with me, she instantly said, “above all things in the world.” She came, and was apparently well in about ten days, and so continued for about seven weeks, when she returned home: but in less than a week she came back in the most raving and furious state, and yet nothing apparently dangerous or vindictive; on the contrary, she showed affection and attachment to us all; and if she displayed any vindictiveness, it was connected with some past recollections: but this has been slight and evanescent, compared to that which she exhibited in her former state;—a testimony, even from among the insane, which shows how much depends on the directions we give to each other’s mental energies. In this case, long walks in the most secluded parts of the forest, often removed or lessened an approaching paroxysm, and always superseded the necessity of having recourse to any restrictive measures. She is now perfectly recovered, and returned home. * * * * * Now, it is evident that ferocious and furious maniacs are those, wherein a direct system of coercion is said to be essential; and yet it is evident, that these are cases where it must do the greatest injury. They are those in which the animal part is excited and inflamed, and of course all causes of irritation must increase it. It is adding fuel to the fire, which already burns too fiercely—it is lacerating a wound which requires to be mollified with ointment. The best-tempered house-dog becomes savage by being constantly chained. Restraint and coercion are only justified when used either from absolute necessity, or as the mildest species of discipline; and then in all instances it _must_ be proportioned to the causes and exigencies of the case; or when they are so violent, or so unconscious of their own state, or so bent on their own destruction, that there is less evil to be feared by restraint, than by indulgence.—But even here, popular feelings, prejudices, and fears, must not be the judges.