We call it insanity when external restraints are broken down and disregarded; we cannot decide how long absurd and delusive feelings and notions have monopolized all the operations of the little world within. I shall have occasion hereafter to adduce the history of many cases which will serve to illustrate the truth of these views. I may briefly mention, that they occur most frequently in those families where such a constant April atmosphere exists: and, as a further argument it may be stated, that a greater proportion of victims to these causes occur among the women than among the men; and in the male sex we find they are those of a more feminine character, or those whose feelings naturally predominate over their understandings. Thus children who resemble their parents, through the spirit in which they were conceived and brought forth, become still more like them by example and education; and hence the very important fact, that the greater number of those who lose the power over their own minds, are from among those who have been unaccustomed at an early stage of their existence to exercise a salutary control over their feelings and habits; and of those especially such as naturally possess strong animal and sentimental feelings. Hence it is said, “that of all the causes of mental derangement termed moral causes, perhaps the greatest number may be traced to the error of early education.” {147} Thus, as I have already remarked, an only child, or the youngest, (who has often as much exclusive attachment as an only child, because he is the son of old age, or is young when the rest cease to be children; or may be the only one left at home,) are numerous amongst the insane.