was accomplished, re-commence the first plan.

It has been said, that the expressed juice of ground ivy will cure madness: I have no faith in this; but when other means have failed, it should be tried: three spoonfuls is ordered for nine mornings together.

None of these violent measures should be had recourse to, till the others had been rendered hopeless; nor is it at all likely, that they would be of use in the beginning. And no change should, on any account, be attempted, if the patient appears in a convalescent state. In this, great patience must be exercised.

It will be proper to make particular remarks at stated periods, and compare them; once a week may be a proper interval; and if the least amendment be perceived, to go on in the same way. Changes too soon in medical treatment, are dangerous, in a state of convalescence; I have found them so. "It must always be understood, in the relaxing system, that due regard be not only had

H 2

had to the strength and constitution of the patient, but that sufficient time is allowed for the medicine to operate a change as an alterative. I have known an instance, where all the measures used, appeared proper; but they were administered with so much violence as to cause the death of the patient, before time was given for amendment.

It must be understood, that insanity is a chronical complaint, and cannot be expected, like fevers and inflamations, to terminate in a few days; and however tedious, nothing can justify the giving up all attempts, and pronouncing the case incurable." No medical man can take upon him to say, that any case of this kind is incurable; it is well known that patients have recovered after being afflicted many years; and can it be just or humane to doom an unhappy fellow being to chains for the remainder of life, on the bare probability of not recovering? In all complaints where the will of the patient

patient is consulted, it is usual to persist in the use of means to the very last; and why should it not be so in this? It is not only a reflection upon the science of medicine, but upon human nature, that so many poor creatures should have been pronounced incurable, and from that time treated in such a manner as to prevent all chance of recovery. It proves that tenderness and compassion, even to our nearest connexions, are but too often short-lived virtues,

I will now recapitulate the whole of the treatment I have recommended: (viz.) ́ In management, to observe a firm and humane treatment; to allow of no disputing, or irritating language, and never to use coercion but when absolutely necessary; to observe the first advances to convalescence, and apply proper mental remedies, so soon as the case will admit of their being useful; to give light and healthy food, in small quantities; to allow nothing strong to drink, unless justified by debility. In medicine, to avoid all kinds of narcotics, and at the be

ginning all tonics and stimulants; to use purges without intermission; to use the warm bath, and pediluvia; to use frequent friction to the legs, feet, back, and other parts of the body; to hold the head over the steam of warm water; to use solvent, and antispasmodic embrocations to the head; to encourage perspiration, and the secretion of urine; to allow the patient to sleep undisturbed; to use vomits with caution, and the cold bath only as a sudden shock; and to take care that the patient is not exposed to the cold: above all things, to have great patience and perseverance.

I hope in what I have said, that I have been sufficiently plain to be understood, which, in point of language, has been my only object. I have great confidence in the methods I recommend, and this confidence is founded on the proportionate numbers that have recovered, under this, compared with what I have been able to learn of the success of other modes of treatment. So far I am entitled to attention, if not credit;

nor

nor are the scientific reasonings of learned writers entitled to credit, unless confirmed by successful practice.

It is a natural question, Who is this that writes with so much confidence? The question is of no importance in the cause of truth. I have given a sufficient reason, in my preface, for not affixing my name, and I could give others, was it of consequence to the reader. I expect very little advantage from what I have written, except a trifle of self-approbation; yet it is not many years since a more fortunate person than myself, refused a thousand guineas for the disclosure of what these contain.

pages