No statement on record, that gives any satisfactory information. She was a respectable farmer’s wife, and her insanity was occasioned by her husband’s heavy losses of cattle. Her first symptom was throwing her little infant at the feet of the parish officers, saying, “there, take it.” [155] She often repeats, with a very moaning sound, and tears, “God rest thy soul, poor old mare.” She will be easily known, when I say, she is a poor, moaning, miserable looking imbecile, constantly sitting cowering in a corner, always crying for tobacco. She was one of those who were kept naked in loose straw, and hence her inclination to undress herself, her dirty habits, and her peculiar mode of sitting: indeed, formerly, throughout the house, the lowest and worst patients had no seats allowed them.
No. 10.—Admitted 1793.
Nothing recorded of this case. It is said, that when young, he was severely kicked by a horse. There is now a considerable indentation just above his left ear.
His mind, though extremely childish, is altogether in a torpid state, for the most part quiet and good-natured; but sometimes, when more excited, he exhibits a love of mischief, generally very childishly, but sometimes more seriously so. [156a] His temperament is phlegmatic, and he has a heavy, dull look. He has been for years employed in the garden.
No. 11.—Admitted 1793.
Nothing on record. I have been informed, that he was a well-sinker, and that his insanity was the consequence of a rheumatic fever. No one, except a complete idiot, can be in a more stupidly stagnant state of mind; he scarcely notices any thing, and never speaks unless spoken to, and then his answers are merely monosyllables. About once in twelve months, a slight exhibition of excitement shows itself in a sort of ill-tempered obstinate fit, [156b] but which soon subsides, especially with the aid of sulphate of magnesia. He is, together with No. 10, constantly employed in the garden.
OBSERVATION VII.
The observation which suggests itself on No. 10 and 11, is, that from such facts as these, it is very evident, there can scarcely be an old pauper patient in such a state as wholly incapacitates him from being brought, with a little trouble, into habits of useful employment.
As stupid men are generally less diverted from an object which once engages their attention, than men of greater capacity; so it is with these poor automata; if the first difficulty be but once overcome, that of acquiring the habit of working, there is no fear; but they will proceed in it more steadily than those who feel that they have a right to consult their own choice. They cannot be tempted, nor do they possess the power of giving their energies a new direction; and hence, as habit gathers strength, we may depend on them as on our time-pieces. If amusements and employment are good for these, how much better for those who are not past the hope of recovery; it may change the object of their thoughts, and gradually turn them to one of a less dangerous nature. I shall have some very interesting cures, partly attributable to this principle, to state in due course; in the mean time we perceive, that if even they are past the hope of recovery, they are kept in a better and more healthful state; and what is more, it diffuses a satisfactory feeling through the whole system, and they are made happier than they would be by a life of idleness.