The works of Legoyt, Morselli, and Wagner, contain an almost complete estimation of the statistical proportions in regard to the causes and means of suicide in France, Italy, Germany, &c., and to them I am greatly indebted for such information. The Bibliographical Index contains the titles of other works which have been consulted. Let me hope that my humble efforts may tend in some degree to the prevention of self-destruction, and the promotion of a more robust and healthy public opinion on the subject: if this volume conduces to these ends my object will have been achieved. In conclusion, I must express my deep obligation to my friend Dr. Duncan MacLarty, for his many welcome suggestions, and for his care in revising these sheets for the press. WM. WYNN WESTCOTT, M.B. 4, Torriano Avenue, London, N.W. TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE CHAPTER I. Introduction; the Ethics of the Subject 1 „ II. History: Ancient and Modern 7 „ III. Notable Suicides: Ancient, of the Middle Ages, and Modern 17 „ IV. Origin of the Name; Classic Authors, examples of the Literature of Suicide, English and Foreign 29 „ V. Jurisprudence; Suicide as a Crime in England, and abroad 43 „ VI. Jurisprudence; Suicide and Life Assurance; in respect to Marriage, and to Wills 51 „ VII. Present Rate, and Increase, in Europe 58 „ VIII. Causation in general, Classification 65 „ IX. Effect of Race, Climate, &c. 75 „ X. Effect of Education, Religion, and Morality 81 „ XI. Effect of Urban and Rural Life, and Employment; the effect of Military, Naval, and Prison Life 93 „ XII. Effect of Times and Seasons 102 „ XIII. Effect of Age, Sex, and Social State 107 „ XIV. Mental Diseases 116 „ XV. Epidemic Suicide, and Suicide from Imitation, and for Notoriety 129 „ XVI. Effect of Bodily Diseases, Alcoholism, Want of Sleep; Hereditary influence, and Spiritualism 135 „ XVII. Effect of Tædium Vitæ, the Passions, Misery, and Despair 141 „ XVIII. The Means of Suicide, their relative frequency at home, and abroad 144