THE INSANE DIATHESIS.
CHAPTER IV.
THE INSANE DIATHESIS.
The ideal human system would be one of perfection, that is, it would be one so constituted as to discharge all its functions perfectly. Yet, its capacities would be limited as they now are, though not to the same extent. Digestion of such articles of food as the system requires would be perfect, though this might not be true as to many other articles, which are appropriate as food for other animals. Sight and hearing would be perfect, but only within certain ranges and distances; memory would be perfect in reference to every thing comprehended and understood. The limitations would be dependent on the inherent nature of the organism, in its relation to the external world. What is stated above as true, in relation to certain parts of the system, would be equally true of the functions of all parts of the human system, both physical and psychical.
Now, the actual human system approaches toward this ideal one in a greater or less degree. It possesses all the faculties, both physical and psychical, but they are tainted with imperfections, and their health varies from the highest state attainable, down to some assumed standard, below which we say that a diseased condition exists. It will, however, be observed, and hereafter more definitely appear, that this border-line is merely one of assumption. No definite standard can be applied to all persons, and a condition which would be normal for one person may not be so for another. Besides, the actual condition of many persons is one of changing stability, both in respect of the body and the mind, and this may depend upon causes which operate from either within or without.
A few simple statements in reference to differences existing among persons, as to those physical and mental conditions which are inherited, may be in point, and prepare the way for other considerations.