Curious ideas regarding insanity are common, and are apparently fostered by the reportorial writers of the daily papers. We read of people who are "insane on a subject." This is an impossibility. Many people can be drawn out and led into a betrayal of their mental condition only when a certain topic or idea is discussed. But although exhibiting their insane condition only when this topic is broached, they are in no respect sane. Not every act of an insane man is an insane act, we must remember. Forgetfulness of this fact leads to errors in the superficial. You will hear people say that a certain person must be sane, because during a half day's companionship nothing astray was noticed. True, there may be a long period of self-control, or of absence of test; but occasional conduct will establish the fact of constant insanity. Again, we hear the expression: "He cannot be insane; there is too much method in such madness." The answer to this silly remark is that there is method in all madness except some epileptic insanity and terminal dementia. Insane people prepare careful plans, with all the details thoroughly considered, and perfect methods to escape from hospitals with the greatest cunning. One must never take it for granted that the insane person is so demented mentally as to be unable to appreciate what is said and done. One should never talk about the insane man in his presence, but should include him in the conversation as if sane, as a general rule, allaying his suspicions and avoiding antagonism. Do not agree with the delusions of an insane person, except so far as may be necessary to draw them out. Yet avoid argument over them. Simply do not agree, and do not strengthen them by appearing to share them. His food should be prepared for him, and his medicines administered to him as to any other sick person. His baths should be regularly taken. A depressed patient should be very carefully watched. If the slightest suspicion of a suicidal impulse be present, the patient should never be left alone. Many a valuable life has been saved through the moral support of constant companionship; while we read very frequently of the death of an insane patient who sprang from a window during a brief period of relaxation of watchful care. Some people think it a protection to one insane to elicit from him a promise not to be depressed, and not to do anything wrong. One might as well secure a promise not to have a rise of temperature. The gloom of despondency and the suicidal impulse are as powerful as they are unwelcome and unsought; and the wretchedly unhappy patient cannot alone meet the issue and resist.