Case CLX

A lady, having become melancholy after giving birth to a child, struggled long between reason and insanity, and, finally, concluded that she had committed a capital crime, which infamy had caused the death of her husband, whose spirit haunted her. Every evening she would sit at the window and gaze at a white post, which appeared to her as the ghost of her husband. Several weeks having passed in this manner, without any amelioration, her husband resolved on seeing her, for, although he was told that sequestration was an essential means towards recovery, he conjectured, with much reason, that the best method of proving his existence, was to appear before her.

It was in rain for the physicians to object that hi* wife would look upon him as a ghost; his importunity was irresistible. The results of the visit, as communicated by the husband, were wonderful. "So soon," said be, "as I entered the diningroom, where my wife usually set, she ran to a corner, hid her face in her handkerchief, and then turned towards me, appearing for a moment pleased to see that I was living; but presently, in great terror, cried out that I was dead, and had come to haunt her. This was exactly what the doctors had predicted, and, for some minutes, I thought all was lost.

"Finding that persuasion and reasoning only served to irritate and confirm her in her belief, I abandoned this means, and endeavored to attract her attention on other subjects. It was some time since she had seen either myself or the children; I drew her arm within mine, took her into the garden, and began to tell her all that had happened to myself as well as to them, since her departure. These details soon arrested her attention, and she began to be interested; I entered into the most minute and circumstantial particulars of our nursery, the house, and of her friends. I felt that I was gaining ground, and when I thought that her attention was quite gained, I hazarded the question, in a jesting manner, if I was not very communicative for a ghost. She commenced laughing. I immediately quitted the subject, and again talked of her children and friends. The plan succeeded beyond my expectations; I passed the evening with her, and left her perfectly tranquil."

This happy result was entirely successful, and although general objections may be raised against the attempt, it is impossible not to recognize that it does sometimes succeed.*

Leuret's method should naturally find its place here; although we have pointed out its principal features, we think that an example from his work is indispensable, in order to make it well understood.

Case CLXI

A., forty-two years of age, a carpenter, unmarried, entered Bicetre on the 18th of June, 1839.

Of a nervous sanguine temperament, A. made much use of alcoholic drinks; he said that his father, likewise, drank much, which, on several occasions, caused a derangement of intellect. A., being of an active and impatient disposition, was easily put out of temper. When working at his trade with his companions, he could not endure the slightest jesting. However, he had never evinced any symptoms of insanity, until, fifteen days prior to his admission into Bicetre, his sleep began to be disturbed. It was then that he experienced hallucinations. He believed himself to be pursued by spies; the voices which he heard called him spy. At the same time, he took it into his head that the master carpenter had spoken of buying for him a wine store, which was alongside the yard in which he worked.

* Conolly, op. cit. p. 402. We know of a similar case that occurred in Esquirol's establishment, and the account of which we received from an eye-witness.

He betrayed no agitation on his entrance into the asylum, but related that for a month past he had been subjected to many torments and persecutions. Three persons especially persevered in annoying him, the wine merchant amongst the number, who treated him as a spy and a thief. A violent dispute arose on the subject, and the patient demanded 500 francs damages. He also spoke of the proprietor, who had made him many promises. This man, he said, liked him much, and his wife gave him a thousand encouragements every hour in the day. A. often heard the voices of his enemies speaking to him; moreover, he imagined himself very rich, and that he had command of everything of the most beautiful kind.

The treatment administered to him for some time consisted in cupping on the nape of the neck, baths with affusion, foot-baths, and lemonade. He was afterwards required to work, but he obstinately refused.

On several douches being administered, he promised to go to work, but the promise was almost immediately forgotten. Indeed, he tired out the patience of M. Ferrus. He slept nearly the whole of the day, either in the yard, or by the side of his bed, continuing very calm, and never speaking of his insanity.

On the 12th September, Leuret, who had undertaken him, inquired if he was willing to work; he refused, alleging bodily weakness as an excuse, and saving that, after all, he could not be detained long at Bicetre; that he would soon be released, and would work at his trade as 60on as he was restored to liberty. He complained, besides, that he was subjected to the tricks of a number of persons who gave him no peace night or day, and entirely prevented his having an instant of rest.

A. was immediately taken to the bath and placed under the douehe; when Leuret questioned him on all that had occurred since his entrance into Bicetre.

"For six months I have studied things here of which I was ignorant; I have learned all these things by looking at the stars; for instance, I have acquired some knowledge of anatomy."

"What is anatomy?"

"Anatomy is the different things that appear in the clouds; animals and people. I have seen different persons in the sun; and have learned that the sun gives me light. There is a person in the moon whom I do not know."