the whole system, and thus combining a mental and physical power of diversion to the train of thoughts which injuriously occupy and produce a destructive fire in the mind, fatal to its existence; yet in these cases, we may produce a greater irritation by unnecessary compulsion. It is well known, that in many cases, besides the animal and angry passions being very active, pride and vanity are with many, if not the whole cause and very seat, often parts of the disease; and that when once excited, all moral means to restrain and subdue them are as futile as it would be to attempt by artificial aid to quench the fury of a burning volcano. I have often, however, known the violent maniacal excitement very much lessened in force, and bettered in direction, by being allowed, with an attendant, to ramble, and dance, and scream about, in the secluded parts of the forest, for a whole day together, and which superseded the necessity of the straight waistcoat. {80} When this class of patients cannot be induced to walk, they may be pleased with carriage exercise, and in cases of approaching marasmus, where much fatigue would be injurious, airings will amuse and help to invigorate their feeble system, and perhaps, retard in some degree, the progress of destruction. Though I have incidentally been led to notice the importance of employment and amusement, as a remedial measure of great efficacy among the insane; and though I could adduce many further striking proofs of its being apparently the sole cause of cure; I feel, to do so in this place, would be to forestall and usurp a subject to which I intend (as it deserves) to devote a separate essay; yet I cannot help saying, that I have some recent cases in proof of its efficacy, that were it not that their peculiar character and employment is so striking, that to describe them, would be almost to name them, I should feel tempted to bring them forward, for the purpose of proving that, among a better class of patients, this employment must never, on any account, be made a disagreeable task, but a matter of pleasurable choice, if we mean it to have a beneficial influence. This is often very difficult; a task requiring great tact and no selfishness. I believe, considering the class of patients we have under our charge, I am justified in asserting, that there is no place where a greater number, or more pains have been taken, and greater sacrifices made, so to employ and amuse them. Dr. Gregory used to mention the fact of a farmer, who, by giving his patients, on their first admission, convincing proofs of his undoubted strength and pugilistic pre-eminence, brought them to a state of passive obedience and non-resistance, and then made them work; and, it is said, cured them.