There is nothing particular to observe here, unless it be the obvious
remark, that from his age and confinement for such a number of years,
among beings who, for the most part, have no commerce with right feelings
and thoughts, it is wonderful that any thing like powers of mind should
still remain; or that he should, excluded from the excitement and
collision of the world, possess any inclination to exercise them; but
this is most probably owing to the amusements and employments already
stated; and for the sake of drawing attention to this fact, have I been
induced to make any observation on this case.
_No._ 4.—_Admitted_ 1787.
There is no statement of this case on record; but I have been informed,
it was the consequence of injury on the head. He is a hopeless, and the
most striking, case of idiotcy, at present in the house: a poor, simple,
innocent, dangling, pouting, starved-looking creature, with a bluish red
nose, and his head hanging forwards, saliva running over his falling
lip—generally moving about to gratify his childish curiosity. Yet, as
little mind as there is about him, still even he has fluctuations of the
animal spirits: sometimes he is depressed and miserable; at other times
he is animated and happy. When depressed, he for the most part repeats,
in a feeble, plaintive tone,—“poor creature.” When animated and happy,
he will throw his arms about in a most laughable manner, to the great
amusement of other patients; so much so, that it is impossible to convey
any conception of it, unless it be by making an old person try to imitate
the frisky movements of an infant’s arms. These exhibitions are of rare
occurrence. He will mumble over a tune very correctly, {121a} but has
seldom any words. He is pleased with striking objects, particularly such
as have glaring colours about them; and women, or their dress, arrest his
attention. {121b}
[Picture: No. 4 page 120]
_No._ 5.—_Admitted_ 1791.
There is likewise no statement of this case on record, from which any
satisfactory information can be drawn.
His personal appearance, and moping manners, were so very like the case
described, No. 2, that it was common for those in the house to mistake
the one for the other. He, like many other old and incurable cases, sat
in a solitary, half-dozing state, his head reclining against the
fire-guard, and seemed, when roused, like one who wakened out of his
sleep unrefreshed. He was most remarkable for his extreme good nature,
and excellent disposition. {122a} When on his death-bed, his gratitude
and affection to his attendant (who was certainly an excellent nurse)
were very pleasing. He had been long sinking from disease of the lungs,
constantly coughing and spitting; and, latterly, purulent matter, in a
very great quantity. He died on the 13th April, 1822.
_No._ 6.—_Admitted_ 1791.
There is no statement of his case, and I have not been able to collect
much information about him. It is said, he received a severe wound, and
the mark remains on the upper back part of his head. {122b} Report says,
that he fancied himself in love with a farmer’s daughter, and walked
whole nights before her father’s door, without the slightest previous
acquaintance with the object of his choice. This would seem rather the
effect than the cause—a common mistake; they are constantly confounded
together, or mistaken for each other. It is certain, that his neighbours
were obliged to send him to a place of confinement, for this
reason—whenever he saw any cattle in a poor pasture, he, from the impulse
of his nature, invariably removed them into a better.
[Picture: No. 6 page 122]
He is well known through the house, and even through the town; and on
this account, I feel some hesitation and difficulty in attempting to
describe his case.
He is a general favourite, and every one meets him, and he meets every
one, with a welcome, good-natured smile, and he appears so much pleased
to entertain them with some extraordinary ridiculous tale, that a
stranger would suppose he talked absurdly, on purpose to amuse him. {123}
Notwithstanding all his talk, he is most industrious, and the most useful
man in the house; does his work most correctly and systematically;
delights in going upon errands amongst his acquaintances in town, always
delivering the messages properly; and the moment he has done so, begins
with his own strange nonsense, to the great delight of his hearers. His
spirits are always even, he has regular exercise, and his good nature is
proverbial; nothing vexes him, unless it be, threatening that another
shall be employed instead of him, to do the work he has been in the habit
of doing for his favourites in the house.—His delight is, night or day,
to be of service to others, so that his energies are wholly and regularly
expended in being useful, making himself happy, and pleasing all who come
near him.