OBSERVATION VIII.
The observation, or rather the moral, in this case is so obvious, that it is almost superfluous to add, that from the nature of his case, and his own account of himself, his system both of body and mind had been brought into the extreme state of morbid irritability by the conjoined excitement of the dissipated companions, particularly of his early life,—unchecked in their effects by the exercise of any moral restraint over himself; and hence his mental powers and passions were not so much shattered and decayed, as they were like a vessel without its pilot, the sport of every wind and wave that assails it: bad habits had become too inveterate to allow the will to be taught obedience to reason; all measures of coercion, instead of inducing self-control, could only irritate and exasperate, as he was perhaps still less accessible by religion than by reason. I believe, however, that by gentle, and indirect means, he gradually became less boisterous in his manners; but it is proper also to add, that from age and disease, the sinking of his physical powers and animal spirits might imperceptibly, but more effectually, tame him.
No. 16.—Admitted 1799.
Nothing on record.—It is said she was a belle: she is thin and tall, and is remarkable for a demure, prim, affected, stiff manner of sitting, like vanity turned to stone. She will spend hours in dressing, undressing, washing, &c. I have never heard her say more than “pretty well, thank you.” Her mind seems rather empty and motionless than diseased or deranged.
No. 17.—Admitted 1799.
Nothing on record.—She is a neat, clean, but rather crabbed-looking, middle-aged woman; and who, unless she is provoked, is scarcely to be distinguished from the sane; but when provoked, she is exceedingly abusive, and exhibits the deranged state of her mind. She is very useful as a laundress, and is known only by that name. The great objects of her affections are cats and kittens. [164]
No. 18.—Admitted 1800.
Nothing on record.—He was an Italian, of a swarthy complexion, dark eyes, black hair; and to look on his countenance reminded one of an assassin, “the mark was upon him.” He was subject to violent fits of excitement when he was suspicious and thought himself insulted by a look or a word; and from his ignorance of the English language, he might perhaps have greater scope for suspicion. When offended, he gnashed his teeth; striking one hand violently against the other; appearing from these, and various other indications, to be preparing for action, and lashing himself into a state of the most determined revenge, he watched his opportunity, and seizing his victim with his teeth, was quite delighted if he drew blood. He bit several, some seriously; and in one instance, he bit a piece completely out of the lip of another. They all agree in the house that they never saw a patient so ferocious, or one where harsh measures seemed more justifiable; yet nothing could conquer him—his attendant believes “he would have died first.” It was no accidental result of passion, but the settled object of his mind. [165a] He would chuckle and triumph over the injury he had done; and this was the more remarkable, as his mind in other respects was so much gone, that he continued to the time of his leaving the asylum, occasionally a dirty patient. Still it ought to be stated, that this ferocious disposition and these dirty habits, if they had not been absolutely grafted on his natural disposition, must have at any rate been made much worse by his brutalizing treatment; for he was one of those who were formerly kept naked in loose straw,—besides having during this time lost his toes, supposed to be from his exposure to the cold, he could not so well defend himself, and so might have been taught by necessity to have recourse to his teeth. That he was made worse by his treatment, is evident, as latterly he became sensible of kindness, and improved in personal cleanliness; and his general manners indicated much less malignity of feeling; indeed something like affection [165b] and gratitude to his attendants, began to excite in them, without effort, kindly feelings towards him. At first, (after the new state of things) it was with the utmost difficulty that he was made to keep his clothes on, or to be kept clean; but latterly, for many weeks together, he went on without any restraint whatever. He was removed in May, 1822.