The only observation here is one which I shall notice more particularly
when I come to treat on the efficacy of moral management—viz. that,
notwithstanding the deranged state of his mind, and the imaginary objects
which occupy his attention, still he can be roused for a moment to
something like a proper use of his faculties.
_No._ 20.—_Admitted_ 1801.
Nothing satisfactory on record. Said to have been a violent maniac. He
was kept naked on loose straw. Since that time it is said he was
improved by a seton; but still he was to the last a stupid, heavy,
idiotical looking man, and in reality was so. {168} That he was less
dirty, and kept himself dressed, was owing to better habits, into which
proper management had gradually moulded him. But his mind was
irrecoverably gone; he was motionless and silent, unless spoken to, or
urged to some action. His replies were merely monosyllabic, and these
only correct when they referred to something he had formerly best known;
he was, however, drilled into some degree of usefulness, in helping about
the wash-house. He was removed by his friends in April, 1821.
[Picture: No. 20 page 168]
_No._ 21.—_Admitted_ 1801.
Nothing on record.—He was one of those who was formerly kept naked on
loose straw. He has been for years, for the most part, in a moping,
poring, and solitary looking state; yet he has had occasional seasons of
excitement, when the disposition towards furious revenge seemed to
possess him, so much so, that he would, unprovoked, place his back
against a corner of the wall in the attitude of self-defence, shaking his
doubled fists in a daring and threatening manner. Though these
effervescences of his spirits occur as frequently as ever, yet the
malicious disposition seems dying away, and instead of which he will, at
these periods, sing a little comic air, and give other indications of his
mind being happy and full of good-nature, as much so as the little mind
he possesses will enable him to be, if, indeed, beings in such a state
can be said to have minds at all; for what an appalling difference
between them and minds enriched with laborious habits of reading and
reflection!