In speaking of coercion, I cannot avoid reprobating a practice, which has prevailed in some private receptacles for the insane, but which, it is presumed, will henceforward be discontinued. I mean, the practice of half-stifling a noisy patient, by placing a pillow before the mouth, and forcibly pressing upon it, so as to stop respiration. It is unnecessary to enquire, how such wanton cruelty came to be introduced; it must have been the suggestion of ignorance, and the perpetration of savageness and brutality. Sighs, tears, sobs, and exclamations, are the unaffected language of passion, and come kindly to our relief, in states of sorrow and alarm. Indeed, they appear to be the natural remedies, to "Cleanse the stufft bosom of that perillous stuffe, Which weighs upon the heart." The mild and rational practice of Bethlem Hospital, tolerates these involuntary ejaculations. It is there considered, that a noisy and loquacious maniac, has not the power to control his utterance of sounds, which, from the habitual connexion between ideas and speech, must necessarily follow. It is there only viewed as a symptom, or part of the disorder; and that, if the cause cannot be suppressed, the effect should not be punished. As madmen frequently entertain very high, and even romantic notions of honour, they are often rendered much more tractable by wounding their pride, than by severity of discipline. Speaking of the effects of management, on a very extensive scale, I can truly declare, that by gentleness of manner, and kindness of treatment, I have seldom failed to obtain the confidence, and conciliate the esteem of insane persons, and have succeeded by these means in procuring from them respect and obedience. There are certainly some patients who are not to be trusted, and in whom malevolence forms the prominent feature of their character: such persons should always be kept under a certain restraint, but this is not incompatible with kindness and humanity.