It is not to be understood, that the above are absolute symptoms of approaching insanity. No doubt, many will shew them, that are in no danger of the complaint; but they are such as should put their friends upon paying particular attention; for in many cases, where the symptoms are as plain as possible, those about them have not the least suspicion of approaching insanity; and weeks, and even months, run on, during which, the complaint gathers strength every day, and the opportunity of preventing it is lost.

I have been frequently astonished at the extreme stupidity of the whole family, in this respect, and have more than once exclaimed, that I never saw a mad person in a family, where all the rest were not fools: but this may proceed from the very great reluctance, to be convinced that this is actually the complaint. It must be noticed, that in the attempts to prevent it, where the symptoms are sufficiently apparent, no mention must, on any account, be made of

insanity;

insanity: the necessity of taking a little medicine, may be pleaded upon the looks being altered; or any pretence but the real one. When insanity comes on by degrees,* which is often the case, it is certainly a great reflection upon the friends and relations, if no attempt has been made to prevent it.But it unfortunately at times gives no previous notice.

It appears that some have a wonderful power of concealing from observation the previous symptoms. I have known several instances, where, from the most apparent state of perfect rationality, the person became all at once the most furious maniac. Some of these cases took place while the person was on horseback, after hard drinking, immoderate exercise, or having been very much agitated by some violent passion. But it may be expected, that a proper attention to the above, may enable those that are in danger, to see it themselves in time, to be sufficiently aware of the consequen ces, and to use means to prevent it.

I have

I have known some, whose symptoms were very evident, use means themselves, that were effectual for preventing it during their whole lives. And it is my firm opinion, that in nineteen cases out of twenty, sufficient notice is given, either by visible symptoms, a presentiment, or dread of the complaint.

CHAP. IV.

MANAGEMENT,

HE, who undertakes the government of madmen, should himself be wise: for it not only requires firmness of mind, and patience, but also some degree of acutepess, and invention, to detect and circumvent that extreme cunning, and proneness to mischief, of which maniacs are to such a surprising degree capable,

Humanity is an absosute requisite, By humanity, is meant, that he who has the management of the insane, should be determined upon doing all the good possible, with the least possible suffering to the patient; it does not imply, that he should be restrained from exercising due authority. A late writer forbids the use of the whip,

yet

yet recommends a mode of punishment, far more objectionable. If any sort of punishment is to be used, the whip is undoubtedly the best, as being the most prompt, and least disagreeable in its consequences; nor is the temporary pain it may occasion, to be brought into competition with any good it may do, if it be really found of use. But there can be no rule laid down: in five cases out of six, the whip is useless; yet, in some, it is absolutely necessary and beneficial: it should never be used but as a punishment for violence, or extrememe rudeness.

If a lunatic offers to strike the attendant, and immediately receives a few stripes of the whip, he either sees the justice of the punishment, or the consequences of his act, and is generally soon restrained; but nothing can be more foolish, than the attempt to enforce obedience to orders, such as taking of medicine, by the use of the whip: it only begets opposition and obstinacy.