Eighteenth report of the directors of the Dundee Lunatic Asylum, for the year ending 31st May, 1838.

  • Dundee Lunatic Asylum
Date:
[1838?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Eighteenth report of the directors of the Dundee Lunatic Asylum, for the year ending 31st May, 1838. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    ■4 real frame—as we know not how matter and spirit act and re-act on each other, it may be supposed that the causes of insanity lie far beneath the depth of human research, and that less will be known of this disease than of any other. It appears also in an almost infinite variety of forms—some¬ times one chord of the machine is affected, and sometimes another—sometimes an illusion elevates, and sometimes it depresses—sometimes a phantom gladdens, and sometimes it alarms—sometimes an aberration invigorates, and some¬ times it overpowers. The remedies applied have also dif¬ ferent effects on different constitutions; and in whatever aspect the disease appears, it has a claim on our warmest sympathy and attentive regard. The experience of former ages has conferred benefits of no small importance on the present generation—theories have in some measure been abandoned, and facts have been accumulated to a large amount, for the guidance of those who undertake the charge of insane persons in the present day. Lunatic Asylums are but of recent origin, and one of the greatest advantages re* suiting from the establishment of them is the experience conferred on those who are entrusted with their manage¬ ment. In the Asylum at Hanwell there are now 640 pa¬ tients, and all of them under the inspection of one Super¬ intendent, who has the advantage not only of prescribing the remedies, but also of directing the treatment in every respect; and who has thus opportunities of observation, and means of conducting experiments, which never could be obtained in private practice. In no department of medical science has there been such marked improvement as in the treatment of lunacy. It is, however, to the change in the moral treatment, which lies more immediately in the province of the Directors, that they take leave to solicit public attention. Gentleness, candour, exercise and useful labour, have now succeeded to harshness, deception, inactivity and rest. The hands that were formerly bound in chains are now handling the spade and the mattock; the mind that was once bewildered by the arts of false representation, is now soothed by the voice of truth; the solitude and rest which once benumbed
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