Insanity: Its Causes and Prevention

erest in relation to it has been manifest, not only in the writings of specialists, who have made it a study, and the care of its subjects a pr

ho are so unfortunate as to have experienced it, but rather a disease which invades the brain in the same way that diseases of another character affect other portions of the system, bearing with it neither more nor less of responsibility or disgrace; 2, and, as a result in part from this

obligation concerning those who become helpless from the effects of insanity has come into general recognition. Now, however, it is readily conceded that this unfortunate class appeals even more

nimal-life. When, however, disease invades the brain, and the individual no longer holds sway over the purposes evolved from his mental operations, he becomes the most helpless of creatures. Thought no longer follows the dictation of the will; designs or plans, for the present and future, are no longer possible. That intellectual power on which he so much pri

often of much service in promoting both the happiness and the recovery of the patient. But in the case of the insane the opposite is true: the atmosphere of home and the care of friends are unfavorable conditions. More o

thought necessary to comfort and recovery; they more or less fully realize their own condition and requirements, are capable, in some measure at least, of controlling th

tment; they rarely recognize their conditions fully enough to feel the necessity for doing any thing, beyond yielding to those impulses which may be uppermost for the time being; t

ority of insane persons cannot be cared for in private homes, except at greatest disadvantage to other members of the family as well as themselves, renders it

efficiency, have been placed in the care of them. In some countries commissioners have been appointed whose duty it becomes to see that kindness and sympathetic care take the place of former neglect and cruelty; physicians and others, influenced by professional and philanthropic motives, have been active in efforts to secur

obligation and respond so generously to it, appears to be a cheering and hopeful indication. So far as it goes, it indicates a diminution of selfishness and a growth of

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