Insanity: Its Causes and Prevention

by Henry Putnam Stearns

Indeed, if we ever should be able to definitely determine the connections between morbid changes in the brain and the various modifications of thought and action among the insane, while we should be in a position to frame more perfect classifications of the insaniæ, yet it is not easy to perceive how we should be much the gainers in our appreciation of the ultimate causes of insanity, or in its treatment.

Notwithstanding all these and other difficulties, however, we may hope for progress in the future in our ability to appreciate at least some of the causes of insanity more fully and be able to avoid them.

A few sentences in the form of a recapitulation will serve to recall some of the more important points embraced in our discussion, and indicate through what channels we may anticipate successful effort in the prevention of insanity.

I.—In Improved Methods of Education.

1. A larger appreciation of the importance of individuality in giving instruction. The teacher will have a fewer number of pupils, and find it necessary to study the peculiarities and tendencies, both physical and mental, of each one. Instead of having all together pass through a regular routine of education, with little or no reference to mental constitution, the system will be, in some measure, adapted to the present, and what may appear to be the future, requirements of each scholar.

2. There will be less importance given to education of the brain by means of books only, for all children, and a larger importance to industrial education. Inasmuch as the large majority of the members of society must obtain the requirements of living by industrial operations, society will appreciate more fully the importance, not only to itself, but especially to the individual, of so educating each person, that he may be self-supporting, and consequently less liable to become a diseased and dependent member of it.

3. A larger importance will be given, in methods of education at home, to inculcating and enforcing obedience to laws and regulations. This is essential, not only to the interests of society, but especially to those of the individual in his relations to the laws of health. Man is endowed not only with intellect, but with a will in the direction and use of it, and it becomes his duty and essential to his interests to find out those courses of conduct which will lead to health. In a considerable degree he is capable of regulating his conduct so as to be in harmony with such regulations. If, however, he is not taught the necessity of obedience while young, and how to obey easily, the lesson becomes one very difficult to learn in later life, and he is in great danger of never learning it.

4. A larger degree of importance will be given to education in relation to physiology and heredity, especially so far as they relate to the institution of the family. As the well-being of both society and the individual depends so largely on that of the family, a knowledge of the laws of heredity will be considered as essential to all persons who enter into the relation of marriage, so that tendencies toward diseases may be, at least in some measure, avoided.

II.—In Reference to Certain Habits and Customs of Living.

1. One of the most important of these will relate to the use of alcohol, in its various forms, as a beverage. Its stimulating and deteriorating influence upon the brain will be more fully understood and avoided, thereby removing one of the largest factors in the causation of insanity.