On man's power over himself to prevent or control insanity / [John Barlow].

  • John Barlow
Date:
1855
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On man's power over himself to prevent or control insanity / [John Barlow]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    45/142 page 33
    cause and effect, it has been found sufficient to cui'b violence, and enforce a certain degi’ee of peaceable demeanour towards the attendants. And in this the insane person differs not from M. Pinel to exemplify the use of the Douche, not only as a punishment, but also as a means of suddenly divert- ing the thoughts of the patient from the subject which is engrossing them. A woman of strong constitution who had been mad at intervals for ten years, was most violent; struck every one around her, tore in pieces her clothes, bed clothes, &c., and was perfectly unmanage- able. On her admission into the Salpetriere, as soon as she began tearing every thing around her, a strong douche was applied, and she was fastened down in her bed by a strait waistcoat. As soon as she entreated for pardon she was released ; and on a relapse the same means immediately re-adopted. She became better, but the physician, under whose superintendence alone these measures were allowed to be used, fell ill during twelve days. The patient relieved from all fear of punishment fell into her old ways, and was as bad as ever. The doctor then took his place again, and threatened to punish her, of which she took no heed. She was con- ducted to the bath, and had a strong douche of cold water, during which the doctor spoke to her strongly, but without anger, and told her she would be still more severely treated. She shed a torrent of tears, became quite calm, and was soon after cured. The following cases are given by M Esquirol. ‘ ‘ A patient injures and destroys whatever comes within his reach. He beats his attendant, enters his apartment, barricades it, and then tries to demolish it. I order R
    digitised image 1
    digitised image 2
    digitised image 3