The alarming increase of Insanity, as might naturally be expected, has incited many persons to an investigation of this disease;—some for the advancement of Science, and others with the hope of emolument.
More than ten years having elapsed since the publication of the “Observations on Insanity,” a trifle, which the Profession has held in greater estimation than its intrinsic merits could justify: the present work is modestly introduced to the public notice, as a corrected copy of the former, with considerable additions, which the extensive scope of Bethlem Hospital would have furnished more liberally to a more intelligent observer.
To have taken a comprehensive survey of the human faculties in their sound state; to have exhibited them impaired by natural decay, and transformed by disease, would have implied an ability to which I cannot pretend; would have required many volumes to unfold, and perhaps more patience than any rational experience could have attributed to the reader. The contents of the following pages are therefore to be considered as an abbreviated relation, and condensed display of many years observation and practice, in a situation affording constant opportunities and abundant supplies for such investigations.
John Haslam
Wiki: Haslam
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Content/Chapters:
DEFINITION OF MADNESS
SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE
CASES, WITH THE APPEARANCES ON DISSECTION
CASES OF INSANE CHILDREN
CAUSES OF INSANITY
ON THE PROBABLE EVENT OF THE DISEASE
MANAGEMENT
REMEDIES FOR INSANITY.