Manual of lunacy : a handbook relating to the legal care and treatment of the insane in the public and private asylums of Great Britain, Ireland, United States of America, and the Continent

Front matter

The Library of the Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine

MEDICAL SOCIETY OF

LONDON

Preface

At the desire of the publishers and author of this work, I have undertaken, by means of a short Preface, to introduce it to the members of the Legal and Medical professions.

It is scarcely necessary to say that it affords me much pleasure to accede to their request, and thus assist in the debut of my son, about making (to quote the language of Lord Byron) his “ first dash into literature.”

I am glad of the opportunity of advancing with him to the footlights of the great stage of letters, and, after an affectionate grip, of the hand, and a few cheering and stimulating words, leave him to the kind judgment of his audience — the critics.

The author has compiled this volume with great care and unflagging industry. I have glanced through the proof sheets and found the data accurate. I believe the book will be of great value as one of reference to lawyers as well as to all persons associated with lunatic asylums, and interested in the legal care of the insane.

Duriug the progress of the work, the author has

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PREFACE communicated with the most distinguished continental alienists, as well as with the lunacy officials of Scotland and Ireland, and they have kindly placed at his disposal much valuable information relative to the laws regulating the confinement of the insane in their respective countries, which has been embodied in these pages.

He hopes that this volume will fill a gap existing in medico-psychological literature. No medical practitioner having access to it can for the future plead ignorance of the law as an excuse for its violation, as he will find here clearly specified everything that he is required to know in regard to the legal confinement of persons (paupers as well as others) alleged to be of unsound mind, not only in licensed, but unlicensed, houses as “ single patients.”

The author has also drawn attention to the documents the physician is required to arrange and sign, in conformity with the provisions of the Lunacy Acts, previously to, and after, placing a patient under restraint. Instructions are also given for drawing up the official records necessary to be kept by the resident medical or non-resident medical officer of an asylum, and suggestions are made as to the mode of signing the medical certificates, order, and statement, authorising the use of restraint, and of filling up the reports it is obligatory for the medical officer to make for the inspection of those appointed by the government to visit asylums, and to report as to their condition.

But, what is of more importance to the busy prac-

PREFACE

IX titioner (who, in moments of difficulty, may have no authoritative work at hand to consult, and no experienced legal friend on the spot to whom he may apply for information), he will find pointed out in this volume the rocks and dangerous quicksands to be avoided ; in other words, he can easily ascertain what he may, and may not, do in reference to the confinement and detention of persons alleged to be mentally unsound, and fit subjects for surveillance.

The “ pains and penalties ” to which he makes himself liable for any infraction of the lunacy laws are here distinctly detailed, so that he who runs may read and understand his responsible duties when called upon to assist' in temporarily curtailing the liberty of a person on the plea of his being mischievously insane, and consequently unfit to be at large, govern himself, or to manage his own affairs.

The reader will also find in this manual valuable statistical facts relating to the insane in this and other countries, with an account of the principal asylums, public and private, the names of the proprietors, resident and consulting medical officers, and information with regard to the scale of charges for the maintenance of the patients, as well as instructions for obtaining ready admission for these afflicted persons, should it be necessary to place them under “care and treatment” in asylums specially organised for their reception.

The author has analysed the Acts of Parliament that refer to Commissions of Lunacy and Chancery patients, and briefly indicated the course to be

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PREFACE pursued should it be necessary to petition the Lord Chancellor to issue a writ De Lunatico Inquirendo, in order to enable the Court to protect and administer the property of insane persons.

In the final chapter are delineated the characteristic symptoms of the various phases of insanity, which the physician has to describe when certifying to a person’s mental derangement prior to his being placed under restraint, with a short explanation of the nosological terms representative of particular types of insanity which he will be required to define, when giving: evidence in a court of law as to the existence of the unsoundness of mind of persons accused of crime, or alleged to be deficient in testamentary capacity.

I wish to add two or three words in conclusion. I offer no apology for saying, what the diffidence of the author would obviously preclude him from stating, that he has brought to the composition of this work a considerable amount of knowledge acquired from a careful study of the literature of insanity, as well as valuable practical experience regarding the laws regulating asylums and the confinement of insane persons, from his having resided for several years in my establishment at Hammersmith, and taken an active part in its management.

Forbes Winslow, M.D.

Cavendish Squaee:

October 1873.

Chapter I. History Of Lunacy Legislation

Recognition of Insanity by the Ancients — Madness of Saul and David — Asylum at Jerusalem, 491 — House of Grace at Bagdad — Property of Lunatics formerly under the Care of Tutores— Treatment of Lunatics in the Olden Time — Operation on a Lunatic, 1660 — Insanity in the Reign of Elizabeth — Bethlehem itospital, when founded — St. Luke’s Hospital, when founded— Eirst Lunacy Enactment, 1744 — Committee of House of Commons, 1763 — Lunacy Act, 1774 — Lunacy Act, 1813 — Committee of House of Commons, 1814 — Lunacy Act, 1828 — Lunacy Act, 1845— Lunacy Amendment Act, 1853-1862 Pages 1-18

Chapter II. Present State Of Lunacy In England And Wales

Commissioners’ Report, 1872 — Statistics of Insanity — -Institutions for the Insane — Average Cost of Patients in County Asylums — Statistical Tables 19-27

Chapter III. Epitome Of The Lunacy Act

Masters in Lunacy — Commissioners in Lunacy — Jurisdiction of Commissioners in Lunacy— Visitation of Commissioners— Enquiries made by Commissioners— Night Visitation by Commissioners —Single Patients— Property of Lunatics— Visitation of Gaols and Workhouses— Dangerous Lunatics— Discharge of Lunatics by Commissioners— Liconces for Asylums — Duration of Licence — Cost of Liconce— Residence of Licensed Person in Asylum— Death of the Licensee — Refusal to Renew Licence . . . 28-40

Xll

Chapter IV. On The Management Op Asylums And Licensed Houses

Admission Book — Case Book — Statement — Discharge of Patients

Death of Patients— Medical Journal— Official Books kept at Asylums— Commissioners’ Entries— Escape of Patient — Transfer of Patient — Boarders in Asylums — Correspondence of Patients — Ill-treatment of Patients — Unjust Confinement of Persons — Attendants in Asylums — Notices of the Engagement and Discharge of Attendants Pages 41-55

Chapter V. Private Patients

Order for Admission into an Asylum — Statement of Admission — Medical Certificates— Discharge of Patients in Consequence of insufficient F&cts — -“Pacts of Insanity” observed by the Medical Man signing — “ Other Facts ” communicated to him by Friends of the Patient — Instructions for filling up Medical Certificates as issued by the Commissioners of Lunacy — List of Metropolitan and Provincial Private Asylums 56-81

Chapter VI. Single Patients Confined In Unlicensed Private Houses

Statistical Table of Single Patients — Provisions of the Law relating to Single Patients — Preliminaries necessary for the Reception of Single Patients — Medical Visitation Book — Notice of Death — Notice of Discharge — Counsel’s Opinion on certain Matters relating to Single Patients — Lord Shaftesbury’s Remarks on Single Patients 82-93

Chapter VII. Pauper Lunatics

Meaning of Torm (Pauper) — Preliminary Stops for the Admission of Pauper Lunatic into County Asylum — Section of Act referring to Admission of Pauper Lunatic into County Asylums — Pauper Lunatics in Licensed Houses — In Workhouses — Provision as to Lunatics wandering at large — Number of Patients in County and Borough Asylums, and Average Cost por Head . 94-110

XH1

Chapter VIII. Commissions In Lunacy And Chancery Lunatics

Ancient Mode of dealing with Property of Persons of Unsound Mind — Lord Coke’s Classification of Persons non compos mentis — Object of a Commission in Lunacy — Preliminaries prior to Commission — Petition for Enquiry — Affidavits in Support of Enquiry — Enquiry conducted by Jury — Enquiry without Jury— Opposition of Commission— Power of Commissioners to enquire into Lunatic’s Property— Form of Subpoena for Attendance of Witnesses at Commission— Evidence of Witnesses residing Abroad — Mode of conducting Commission — Appointment of Committees — Duties of Committee of the Person and of the Estate — Death or Retirement of Committees — Proceedings for dealing with the Property of Lunatics when it does not exceed 1000?., or the Income 50?. per annum — Single Chancery Patients — Visitors of Chancery Lunatics — Lunatics beyond the Jurisdiction of the Court — Supersedeas of Inquisition — Traverse of Inquisition — Chancery Patients in Licensed Asylums Pages 111-139

CHAPTER IX. ST. lure’s AND BETHLEHEM HOSPITALS FOR LUNATICS

Regulation respecting the Admission of Patients — Charges for Patients— Questions required to be answered prior to the Admission of Patients — Instructions to Persons applying for the Admission of Patients — List of Clothing required by each Patient — Order for Admission — Medical Certificates — Bond necessary to be signed.

Bethlehem Hospital — List of Patients — Instructions relative to the Admission of Patients- — Persons who are eligible for Admission— Certificate given by the Minister of the Parish that the Patient is a proper Object for the Charity— Bond on Admission — List of Clothing required by each Patient — Order for Admission —Statement — Medical Certificates' .... 140-159

Chapter X

LIABILITIES INCURRED BY THOSE CONCERNED IN THE CONFINEMENT OF PERSONS ALLEOED TO BE INSANE.

Liabilities of Proprietors and Modical Supcriiitondonts— Infringement of the Law by receiving a Patient without Order — Statement and Certificates — Liability of Person signing the Order for Ad-

XIV mission — Liabilities of Medical Men who sign the Certificates — Discharge of a Patient by Commissioners in consequence of an Illegality in one of the Medical Certificates — Action against an Unregistered Practitioner for signing a Certificate. Pages 160-169

Chapter XI. Lunacy In Scotland

Form of Statement for Admission lodged with Petition to the Sheriff — Medical Certificate — Order granted by Sheriff — Notice of Admission— Medical Report respecting Patients in Asylums — Resident Medical Officers — Discharge of Patients — Register of Lunatics— Death of Patients — Boarders in Asylums— Single Patients in Private Houses — Correspondence of Patients — Commissioners in Lunacy — Statistics of Insanity in Scotland — List of Private and Public Asylums 170-189

Chapter XII. Lunacy In Ireland

Particulars relative to Licences — Statement and Order for Admission— Medical Certificates — Notice of Admission — Entry Book of Patients kept at Asylums — Escape, Removal, or Death of Patients — Visitation of Asylums by Inspectors — Single Patients in Unlicensed Houses — Commissions in Lunacy — Inspectors in Lunacy — Statistics of Insanity in Ireland — List of Public and Private Asylums 190-202

CHAPTER XHI.

LUNACY IN FRANCE.

Departments in France to contain Asylums — Regulations respecting Asylums — Appointment of Medical Officers to Asylums— Licences — Voluntary Patients — T)' Office or Judicial Lunatics — Alleged Cases of Insanity — Statistics of Insanity in France — List of Asylums in France — Private Asylums in Paris and its Vicinity — Commissioners in Lunacy ..... 203-214

Chapter XIV. Lunacy In Belgium

Licences— Admission of Pationts into Asylums — Medical Certificates Notico of Admission — Visitation of Patients — Single Patients —

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Discharge of Patients — Classification of Lunatics — Medical Officers of Asylums— List of Asylums in Belgium — Insane Colony at Gheel — Statistics of Insanity in Belgium . Pages 215-232

CHAPTEB XV.

LTJNACT IN GEBMANY.

Particulars relative to Asylums — List of Asylums belonging to the German Confederation — Public and Private Asylums at and in the Neighbourhood of Berlin —Statistics of Insanity in Germany.

233-242

Chapter XVI. Lunacy In United States Of America

Condition of Lunacy in America— List of Asylums in America — Statistical Tables ....... 243-246

Chapter XVII. Lunacy In Bussia

Particulars relative to Asylums 247-248

Chapter XVIII. Becent Lunacy Statistics And Insteuctions

Statistics of Insanity on Jidy 1st, 1873— Particulars relative to New County Asylum in Middlesex— Instructions recently issued for the Guidance of Persons signing the Order and Medical Certificates with certain Cautions — Changes in the Commission

Patients in Asylums — Remarks by the Commissioners on Private Asylums— Remarks on Seclusion — Important Remarks by the Commissioners on Single Patients- -Regulations respecting the Detention of Persons of Unsound Mind in Workhouses— Statistical Tables of Insanity on the Continent . . . 249-267

Chapter XIX. Definitions And Explanations Of Terms

Mania, Acute, Chronic, and Recurrent— Monomania— Melancholia, Acute and Chronic— Dementia, Acute and Chronic— Imbecility—

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Idiocy — Nymphomania — Kleptomania — Delusions, Hallucinations, and Illusions— Delirium — Dipsomania — Homicidal and Moral Insanity — Puerperal Insanity — General Paralysis of the Insane — Feigned Insanity and Medical Evidence in Court. Pages 268-298

APPENDICES.

LUNACY ACT, 1845, 8 and 9 Vict. c. 100.

Appointment of Commissioners in Lunacy — Particulars relative to the Commissioners in Lunacy— Secretary to Commissioners — Appointment of Clerks — Oath taken by Commissioners — Jurisdiction of Commissioners — Licences — Special Meetings of Commissioners — Visitor of Asylums beyond the Jurisdiction of the Commissioners in Lunacy — No Commissioner, Visitor, or Secretary to act as such if interested within one Year in a Licensed House — Alteration of Asylum — Notice to be given to the Commissioners — Licences granted by Justices — Renewal of Licence, what to contain — Licence to be made out in a given Form — Charge for Licence — Annual Accounts made out by Secretary of Commissioners and Clerk of the Peace — Provision when the Person licensed is dead or incapacitated — Provision when Licensed House is rendered unfit by Fire or otherwise— Revocation of Licence — Hospitals containing Lunatics to have Printed Regulations and Medical Attendant — Licence required for two, or more than two, Patients — Book of Admissions — Notice of Admission of Patient sent to the Commissioners — Notice of Escape sent to Commissioners — Statement of Death sent to Commissioners — Ill-treatment of Lunatics — Residence of Medical Officers in Licensed Houses — Medical Visitation Book in Licensed Houses — Case Book — Visitation of Licensed Houses by the Commissioners — Licensed Houses beyond the Jurisdiction of the Commissioners inspected by Visitors — Commissioners at Visitation to examine House and all Lunatics therein confined — Enquiries made by Commissioners at their Visitation — Official Books placed before Commissioners — Visitor’s Book — Patient’s Book — Copy of Official Entries transmitted to Board — Doubtful Cases to be mentioned in Patients’ Book — Visiting Commissioners’ Report to Commissioners in Lunacy of Houses not within the immediate Jurisdiction of the latter — Power of Commissioners to make Rules — Visitation of Asylums by Night — Who may authorise the Discharge of a Patient from an Asylum — Dis-

XVII charge of Pauper Lunatics — Discharge of Dangerous Lunatics prohibited — Discharge of Patients by Commissioners — Visitation of Doubtful Cases of Insanity by Commissioners and Visitors respectively — Regulation of Dietary of Pauper Lunatics — Information given by Visitors and Commissioners as to the Detention of a Lunatic in an Asylum — A Commissioner or Visitor may give an Order for the Admission to any Patient of a Friend or Relative — Temporary Leave of Absence of Patients — The “Order” for Admission to remain in Force for Fourteen Days in the Event of an Escape — Commissioners to report to the Lord Chancellor periodically — Single Patients in Unlicensed Houses — Commissioners to report to Lord Chancellor if the Property of Lunatics is not duly protected — The Master in Lunacy instructed by the Lord Chancellor to enquire into the Property of Lunatics, and to appoint Committees— Proprietors and Superintendents may plead Order and Medical Certificate in bar of all Proceedings at Law — - Witnesses summoned by Commissioners to give Evidence in any Matter required — Conviction for Offences against the Act — Appeal to Quarter Sessions — Action to be commenced within Twelve Calendar Months — Prosecution of Offenders against the Act by Commissioners— Copy of Official Documents miscarried — Cost incurred by Commissioners ; how met — Visitation of Gaols and Asylums by Commissioners — Visitation of Lunatics under Care of Committee — Visitation of Criminal Lunatics — Power of Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State to authorise the Visitation of Lunatics — Meaning of the various Terms used in this Act — Schedule — A. Form of Licence — B. C. D. repealed— E. Registry of Admissions — F. superseded — G. 1 . Register of Discharges and Death — G. 2. Form of Notice of Discharge or Death — H. superseded — I. Form of Summonses . . . 299-360

Residence of Licensed Persons — No Person not a Pauper to be re • ceived into a Hospital or Licensed House without Medical Certificates and Order — Provision whore Patients may be received on one Medical Certificate only — Boarders — Pauper Lunatics received on one Medical Certificate — Single Patients — Penalty for Ill-treating Lunatics— “ Facts ” to bo stated in Medical Certificates — Amendment of Order and Medical Certificates — Persons prohibited from Signing the Order and Certificate— A False Certificate a Misdemeanour — Power of Commissioners to lesson the Number of Medical Visits made to Single Pationts — Visitation of Single Patients by Visitors — Annual lloport of Medical Visitors of

a.

Single Patients — Provisions respecting the Discharge of Single Patients — Lord Chancellor empowered to authorise the Discharge of Single Patients — Notice in the Event of the Eecovery of a Private and Pauper Lunatic to be given to the Friends and Guardians— Provision in Case of Death —Transfer of Private and Single Patients to Asylum— Notice of Discharge of Single Patients — Change of Residence or temporary Removal of for Benefit of Health of Single Patients — Lord Chancellor may direct the Person who signed tire Order for Admission to furnish him with a Statement of Lunatic’s Property — Form of Admission — Medical Visitation Book — Notice of Discharge of Attendants for Misconduct— Special Investigations made at the Direction of Commissioners— Regulations for Hospitals to be submitted to the Secretary of State — Commissioners may make Regulations for the Government of Licensed Houses — Penalty incurred by Persons obstructing the Execution of Commissioners’ Orders — Bethlehem Hospital subject to this Act — Interpretation of Term — Commissioner or Secretary to be at Time of his Appointment a Practising Barrister of Five Years’ standing — Schedules A. 1. Form of Order and Statement for Admission of Private Patients — A. 2. Medical Certificate — B. 1 . Order and Statement for Admission of Pauper Patient — B. 2. Medical Certificate for Pauper Patient — C. Notice of Admission — Medical Statement — D. Form of Medical Visitation Book 361-381

III. LUNACY ACTS AMENDMENT ACT, 1862, 25 & 26 VlCT. C. 111.

Interpretation of Terms — Establishment of County Asylums — Provision for Care of Chronic Lunatics — Superannuation of Officers in Asylums — Provision for Superannuation of Matrons — Licensed Houses — Notice of Alteration to be given to Commissioners — Provision as to non-Resideut Proprietors — Ponalty for Infringing Terms of Licence — Extension of Powers as to Boarders — Provision for sending Pauper Lunatics to Asylums — Detention of Lunatics beyond Fourteen Days prohibited excopt under Special Circumstances — Admission of Chancory Patients into Asylums : no Certificates necessary — Porson who signs “ Order for Admission ” to have seen Patient within one Month — Persons prohibited from signing Order — Provision respecting Defective Certificates — Transmission of Documents to Commissioners relative to Admission of a Patient — Visitation by Commissioners — Powor for Removal of Lunatic from Workhouso to Asylum — Removal of Single Pauper Pationts to Asylum — Statement of Condition of

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Pauper Lunatics transmitted to Guardians — Copies of Official Entries in Asylum Books. — Patients permitted to be absent on Trial from Hospitals and Private Houses — Penalty for conniving at Patient’s Escape— Correspondence of Private Patients — Statement of Condition of Single Patients — Discharge of Private Patient — Report to Coroner on Death of Single Patients — Definition of Physician, Surgeon, and Apothecary — Schedules A. 1. Eorm of Licence — B. 1. Quarterly List of Lunatic Paupers.

.382-401

Forms of Notices respecting Pauper Lunatics and Lunatics wandering at large 403-418

Index 419

The Author will he obliged to any of his readers if they will have the kindness to point out any errors into which he may have fallen in preparing this volume for the press, or to forward him any important information relative to the subject matter of this work, which, if used, he will be happy to acknowledge and embody in subsequent editions.

Sussex House, Hammersmith, W. :

November 1873.

MANUAL OF LUNACY.

Chapter I. History Of Lunacy Legislation

I propose in this chapter briefly to sketch the progress made in lunacy legislation from the earliest period in which we have any record of statutory enactments for the protection of the insane.

The recognition of insanity by the ancients is clearly established. Our Classical writers, who lived many years before Christ, frequently allude to the subject.

Repeated reference is made in the Bible to persons mentally afflicted.

The madness of Saul may be mentioned as one of the first instances of mental disease that we possess. David was supposed to have subdued by music his attacks of maniacal fury.

David, who reigned from 1055 to 1015 b.c., feigned madness, and in the first book of Samuel (chap, xxi.) we find this simulation alluded to as follows : — •“ Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad : wherefore then have ye brought him to me ? Have I need of madmon, that ye have brought this fellow to play the madman in my presence ? Shall this fellow come into my house ? ”

Notwithstanding the constant allusions to madness

Recognition of madness by the ancients.

The madness of Saul, one of the first allusions to insanity.

David's feigned madness mentioned in the Bible 1055 n.c.

First institution for lunatics established in the East, 491.

Asylum at Bagdad in the twelfth century.

Emperor Alexins founded hospitals for the insane in twelfth century.

Dealing with property of lunatics under the “ feudal system.”

among the ancients, we do not meet with any account in the writings of that period of hospitals appropriated to the insane, or of any legislative enactments for their protection.

The first institution for the insane was established in the East. In the year 491 one existed at Jerusalem.

In the twelfth century, Benjamin of Tudela mentions there was a lai’ge edifice at Bagdad, called “ Dal Abnerajphtcm ” or “ House of Grace.” In this building all persons of unsound mind were received in summer, and kept confined in ehains until they recovered.

This establishment was visited by the magistrates every month, whose duty was to examine the state of the patients, and to discharge those who had recovered.

In the same century, the Emperor Alexius founded hospitals for the insane. Asylums were common among the Moors. About thirty years ago there was at Fez, the holy city of the empire of Morocco, a Muriston, or Asylum, in which the poor patients were chained, and treated as cruelly as lunatics were in the Timarahanc at Constantinople during the sixteenth century.

Under the feudal system in this country, when lands were held under military tenure, subject to military services, when the vassal was rendered incapable of performing such duties, the lord seized upon his rents and profits ; this custom applied to all idiots and infants.

The lawless and violent practices of the ancient barons made it reasonable to suppose, that in consequence of the spoliation and waste that constantly occurred in the property of lunatics, the Legislature was induced to place them under the immediate protection of the Crown ; but the exact period at which this change was effected is unknown, and we do not even know by what statute the King first acquired this jurisdiction. It appears to have had no existence in the time of John, as no allusion to any prerogative of this nature can be found in Magna Charta ; and Bracton, who wrote in the reign of Henry III., does not mention it.

We are informed by Meta that certain persons called Tutores used to have the custody of the lands idiotarum et stultorwm , and be states that in consequence of an abuse of their trust, a statute was made in the reign of Edward I., 1272, by which “ the custody of the persons and the inheritances idiotarum et stultorum, being such a nativitate, was given to the King, with a reservation to the lord of all his lawful claims for awards, relief, and the like.” This statute is not in print, but in the subsequent reign the Act “ De Prcerogativa Regis ” was passed, the ninth chapter of which enacts that “ the King shall have the custody of the lands of natural fools, taking the profits of them without waste or destruction, and shall find them with necessaries, of whose fee soever the lands be so holden ; and, after the death of such idiots, he shall render it to the right heirs ; so that such idiots shall not alien, nor their heir be disinherited.”

Also, “ the King shall provide, when any that beforetime hath had his wit and memory happen to fail of his wit, as there are many per lucida intervalla, that their lands and tenements shall be safely kept without waste and destruction, and that they and their household shall be maintained comfortably with the profits of the same ; and the residue shall be kept for their use, to be delivered unto them when they come to be of right mind.”

By this it appears, that the duty of protecting all mentally afflicted devolved originally upon the King in his capacity as parcns-patrice.

We perceive by this brief sketch that the object of the Legislature was to protect the person and property of lunatics, little if any attention being given to their medical or moral treatment. Wo have abundant evidence, that beforo asylums were founded, lunatics wore

The person and property of the lunatics formerly in the hands of “ Tutores. ’

The King originally considered to be the protector of lunatics

Lunatics subjected to cruelties in the olden tlmo.

Anecdote showing the inhuman feeling entertained towards lunatics in 1660.

Insanity in the reign of Elizabeth.

treated with great cruelty. They were frequently cast into prison, and their delusions, from a misconception of their nature, punished with death.

The prejudice against, or rather the inhuman feeling entertained towai’ds persons mentally afflicted, is curiously illustrated by an anecdote mentioned in the History of the Royal Society : —

In 1660, when experiments were being made in the “ transfusion of blood,” an account was received by the Society of two experiments made in Paris before the Academy of Sciences, on a youth and on an adult, whose veins were opened and injected with the blood of lambs.

The experiment having succeeded so well, the Royal Society became anxious to perform it in England. Sir George Ent suggested, that it would be advisable to perform this operation upon some- mad person at Bethlehem. This proposal having met with the approbation of the Society, Dr. Allen, the medical officer at Bethlehem, was called upon to produce a lunatic for the experiment ; he, however, positively refused to grant their request. In Paris, the operation was attempted by M. Denis, but the lunatic during the process died in his arms. Many lunatics in the olden time were burnt for witchcraft, others were confined in dens fit only for wild beasts.

During the reign of Elizabeth, we read of the insanity of Arthington, Coppenger, and Hacket. Arthington was under the delusion that Coppenger was a prophet of mercy, and that Hacket was king of Europe : these two were to go before him and separate the sheep from the goats. Arthington was hanged, drawn, and quartered.

Wo read of another lunatic named Vonnor, who was under the delusion that all human governments were about to cease, and in consequence of this belief, he proclaimed our Saviour king in the public streets. He was followed by a rabble, who were attacked by the militia. Venner was executed in January, 1660, protesting his belief that Cromwell and Charles II. were Christ’s usurpers.*

“ Many of these poor creatures had more need to be relieved than chastised ; more mete were a preacher to admonish them than a jailer to keep them, and a physician more necessary to helpe them than an executioner or tormentor to hang and burn them.” +

The oldest hospital in Europe for the insane is Bethlehem.

In 1247 Simon Fitz-Mary, one of the Sheriffs of London, in consequence of the superstition then existing, was desirous of founding a religious house.

By a deed of gift which is still extant, he appropriated all his lands situated in the parish of St Botolph, the spot known as Old Bethlehem, for the foundation of a priory.

The prior, brethren, canons, and sisters, for whose maintenance he provided, were distinguished by a star upon their mantle, and were directed to receive and entertain the Bishop of St. Mary of Bethlehem, the canons, brothers, and messengers of such order, as often as they came to England.