Essay on the Classification of the InsaneAllen, M. (Physician)
Science
Essay on the Classification of the Insane
Allen, M. (Physician)
Mental illness
The observations that naturally suggest themselves on this case on the
efficiency of mild treatment, are so obvious, that it would be obtrusive
particularly to state them. I cannot, however, omit adverting to the
fact of the probability of his having lost his toes by exposure to cold,
because it illustrates the remark made in observation V. Patients, in
former times, were kept naked in loose straw; and from their exposure to
cold, mortifications in the extreme parts were common; and then writers
on insanity say, that mortification of the extreme parts and
insensibility to cold, are symptoms of mental derangement!!—See also
observation 12th.
_No._ 19.—_Admitted_ 1800.
Nothing on record. He was a respectable tradesman.
He is constantly muttering and talking to himself, apparently busy in
making calculations, holding in his hand something he calls an almanack,
made by himself, as well as some pieces of money he has polished. He
repeats something, seemingly as a duty imposed upon him, perhaps meant as
a prayer. Though the shrivelled and decayed scraps of mind that remain,
look only like the apparitions of his previous habits of life; yet they
so wholly engross his attention, that he never notices passing and
external objects around him. Sometimes, however, he can with great
difficulty be for a moment diverted from his object, and while roused,
will answer questions with considerable point and shrewdness, but returns
as quickly into the same uniform abstracted state.
He is evidently of a contented and happy disposition. There is something
in his appearance and countenance which seems to say, “I have been a
respectable and good-natured fellow.”
OBSERVATION X.
The only observation here is one which I shall notice more particularly
when I come to treat on the efficacy of moral management—viz. that,
notwithstanding the deranged state of his mind, and the imaginary objects
which occupy his attention, still he can be roused for a moment to
something like a proper use of his faculties.
_No._ 20.—_Admitted_ 1801.
Nothing satisfactory on record. Said to have been a violent maniac. He
was kept naked on loose straw. Since that time it is said he was
improved by a seton; but still he was to the last a stupid, heavy,
idiotical looking man, and in reality was so. {168} That he was less
dirty, and kept himself dressed, was owing to better habits, into which
proper management had gradually moulded him. But his mind was
irrecoverably gone; he was motionless and silent, unless spoken to, or
urged to some action. His replies were merely monosyllabic, and these
only correct when they referred to something he had formerly best known;
he was, however, drilled into some degree of usefulness, in helping about
the wash-house. He was removed by his friends in April, 1821.
[Picture: No. 20 page 168]
_No._ 21.—_Admitted_ 1801.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account