Some may think that the authors are inclined toward an exaggerated charity in suggesting the measure of responsibility for many human actions, but the physician that is brought much in contact with those suffering from mental defects of various kinds soon learns how easily complete responsibility becomes marred. Responsibility is dependent entirely upon free will; and while the great principle of free will remains solid in truth, no two men are free in exactly the same manner. Physical conditions have not a little to do with modifications of freedom of the will. To point out this fact to the clergyman and the physician has been our intention, for a proper appreciation of it will widen the bounds of charity and save many that are more sinned against than sinning from the injury of grievous misjudgment. It is better to run the risk of exculpating a few individuals whose responsibility is not entirely clear when the application of the same principles lifts many others above the rash judgment of those that can be of most help to them. {viii} {ix} CONTENTS _The Authorship of the respective Essays is indicated by the signature at the end of each Essay_. Chapter Page I. Ectopic Gestation 1 II. Pelvic Tumours in Pregnancy 40 III. Abortion, Miscarriage, and Premature Labour 48 IV. The Caesarean Section and Craniotomy 55 V. Maternal Impressions 60 VI. Human Terata and the Sacraments 69 VII. Social Medicine 88 VIII. Some Aspects of Intoxication 105 IX. Heredity, Physical Disease, and Moral Weakness 120 X. Hypnotism, Suggestion, and Crime 129 XI. Unexpected Death 135 XII. Unexpected Death in Special Diseases 150 XIII. The Moment of Death 164 XIV. The Priest in Infectious Diseases 168 XV. Infectious Diseases in Schools 187 XVI. School Hygiene 202 XVII. Mental Diseases and Spiritual Direction 211 XVIII. Neurasthenia 230 XIX. Hysteria 235 XX. Menstrual Diseases 240 XXI. Chronic Disease and Responsibility 245 {x} XXII. Epilepsy and Responsibility 251 XXIII. Psychic Epilepsy and Secondary Personality 259 XXIV. Impulse and Responsibility 266 XXV. Criminology and the Habitual Criminal 271 XXVI. Paranoia, a Study in Cranks 282 XXVII. Suicides 306 XXVIII. Venereal Diseases and Marriage 311 XXIX. Social Diseases 317 XXX. De Impedimento Matrimonii Dirimente Impotentia 326 APPENDIX. Bloody Sweat 347 INDEX 357 {1} ESSAYS IN PASTORAL MEDICINE I ECTOPIC GESTATION Ectopic gestation is gestation in the uterine adnexa, the peritoneal cavity, or the horn of an abnormal or rudimentary uterus. It is opposed to natural uterine gestation, and, since it includes pregnancy in an abnormal uterus, it is a more comprehensive term than extrauterine pregnancy.