should be removed from observation, since irresponsible crime exercises the force of example.

If vice and intemperance had no rule over reason, our plans would be simple, since our motives and incentives would be directed to a pleasing, and also to a very limited object. But by far the larger portion of madness is produced

by vice and intemperance.

The charities of England—its greatest pride-abound in funds and endowments, to an extent more than required, if used wisely and economically; but ostentation guides every movement of charity, and architectural schemes and plans, frequently regardless of the home comforts and domestic treatment of the lunatic, are the exclusive objects of regard at the precise moment, which, if lost, is irredeemable. most unpretending abode is likely to be the most comfortable, and desirable refuge for the lunatic, and unnecessary external grandeur (not forbidding objects of cheerfulness), conveys to the mad mind, a profound sentiment of irony.

The

No doubt, with our improved ideas of healthful conditions, a normal lunatic establishment could be created upon just and correct principles; and the ground plan of such a building, when perfected, should become the model which, on a large or small scale, might be universally adopted.

Suppose a circular hamlet of villas, consisting of separate blocks of one story each, having the same extent of vacant space between each block as the block itself occupies; built upon a large, elevated, and suitable area. A concentrical communication, and a perfect system of atmospherical diffusion, being also effected by this means; and aided by telegraphic communications, emanating from a central signal house, the site of which, being appropriated as well for the

offices, namely, signals, gas, and water works, magazines, and kitchens; and from which centre, also should radiate tunnelled inclines to each separate villa, to carry provisions, meals, and medicines, thus a perfect system of communication would be formed both by personal assistants, by signals, and by rails; and these offices, occupying as they would a large central area, might be hidden by a suitable surrounding planted screen. And each of these detached villas, might have ornamental gardens, and shrubs arranged round them, and thus be constructed, to produce a pleasing variety in the perspective.

Such a normal lunatic asylum, would be able to supply officers, of every grade and description, from the medical superintendant, to the humblest nurse, for the use of all asylums, public and private in the kingdom.

Lunatic establishments are generally on the voluntary principle, which applies more or less to county lunatic asylums, and the number of strictly charitable lunatic asylums in England is very few. The two, which approach nearest this definition, namely, Bethlehem and St. Luke's, being endowments, have all their objections as well as advantages. The voluntary principle not being national, or cosmopolitan, cannot be evoked at will, and being independent, as its name implies, it is at the best slowly and capriciously brought into action, and can never be governed or directed on any large scale, or for any extensive object.

Since classification of lunatics, is the pivot, upon which the whole system of the treatment of madness should turn, the limited finances of separate counties are inadequate to work out this problem, of the policy and discipline of madness. And county asylums, at present, do not in

clude a system of classification with any success; pauperism being engrafted on the county system, and its objects being mainly the custody of incurable lunatics, it has not yet been able to grasp a scheme, which should exclude incurable lunatics, and to ensure devotion, not only to the custody, but also to the treatment and cure of madness.

A centralised union, emanating from a number, or aggregation of counties, which would enable them to establish district hospitals, for the reception of recent and curable cases, and to reject all incurable, epileptic, and idiotic cases, is a very desirable scheme. Such might retain the principle of local direction, and government in its administration, and the visitors might be elected by either parliamentary voters, or parochial rate-payers; the chairmen of quarter sessions, to be considered ex officio visitors; and which should include a certain number of medical men, who, it is suggested, might be elected by the suffrages of the qualified practitioners in the district, and who alone should be paid for their duties.

Twelve such institutions, exclusive of St. Luke's and Bethlehem, would provide for all the curable lunatics in Great Britain, and the existing county asylums, would then sufficiently and properly fulfil their object, and provide a refuge for the incurable and the criminal. The visitors should be men fitted by training, and acquaintance with the subject of madness, and should have enlarged views, disciplined by education and inquiry, and be able to devote leisure and perseverance to its duties, and who, in their communication with those who have the care of the lunatic, would endeavour to obtain from them, information of the wants and condition of their patients, and by liberal confidence, inspire a spirit of improvement, which would assist

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RELATIONS OF MADNESS.

to pave the way to a better practice, and to discountenance any brutality.

Thus it will be seen, that the policy which should guide the treatment of madness, is simple and with good feeling and intelligence, may be made an agreeable occupation, since truth and mercy should direct it.

"The quality of mercy is not strained,

It falleth as the gentle dew from heaven."

So ought the sympathies of the attendant to fall upon the delusions of the insane, soothing and correcting them without harshness, or anything inducing the inspiration of fear, since, although helpless, they are aware that they are different from others, and objects of remark, and are desirous by seeking solitude to avoid provoking a comparison of their condition.

A cheerful countenance and address have a more powerful influence than words, in checking maniacal emotions, if practised by one who has never forfeited the esteem of the patient; and whose office has been to administer only encouragement and advice. This influence over the patient may be acquired even in the first interview, and is seldom forfeited. The physician who, while reading the passing tumult in the countenance of his patient, identifies himself with his feelings, and with his state of mental confusion, and administers comfort and consolation, and who at the same time inspires him with confidence, by presenting truthfulness in his intercourse towards him, will soon obtain a permanent influence for his amelioration.

APPENDIX.

APPENDIX A. A.1

(From page 73.)

"The results of pathological anatomy can, however, never have more than a limited application to the physiology of the brain. We are unacquainted with the laws according to which the different parts of the organ participate in the affections of each other, and we can only, in a general way, regard as certain that organic diseases in one part of the brain may induce changes in the function of other parts; but from these facts, and the results of pathological anatomy, we cannot always draw certain conclusions.

"Degenerations in the most various parts of the brain, which appear, from experiment, to have no immediate connection with the central organs of the sense of vision, nevertheless frequently cause blindness; and at this we must be the less surprised, since, even in diseases of the spinal cord, as tabes dorsalis, imperfect amaurosis is a frequent symptom. "The same remark applies to the relation of lesion of the different parts of the brain to mental diseases; the brains

Müller's 'Physiology,' v. i, p. 838*.