460 Insanity. [Nov. 
should be encouraged, and every effort of returning reflection be guided 
with a gentle and imperceptible hand. No mistakes should be noticed, 
lest the exposure shock and discourage him. If painful recollections 
rise on reasoning on any remaining delusion, the subject must be 
changed, and resumed on a: more favourable occasion. All questions 
relative to domestic matters should be answered promptly, where 
there is nothing to excite, but discreetly and shortly. The very flood 
of reminiscences endangers, and the difficulty, of course, is in hitting the 
medium. 
The memory is more impaired than is generally suspected. Lunatics 
recognize readily ; but that appears to be the only pari of memory unim- 
paired. But the difference in individuals is immense—to some,. the 
retrospect is a perfect blank—to others like a dream—whilst others are 
in possession of all the realities of it ; some refer to it with indifference— 
some with thankfulness for escape—others with pain and abhorrence. 
Of course they must be treated accordingly. The most satisfactory sign 
of convalescence is the fading of long delusions, and not replaced by 
new ones—especially if the patient allows them to have been delusions. 
To reason with a lunatic is folly—to oppose or deny his hallucination 
is worse, because it is sure to exasperate. If we wish to make an 
impression on him, it must be by talking at him, not to him. Though 
he will not listen to what is addressed to him, he will readily ap- 
ply what bears upon his own situation, more forcibly than any body 
else can do. To break the chain of morbid ideas by fraud, trick, terror, 
or surprise, is always hazardous. The chances are greatly against suc- 
cess, and failure makes matters worse. Nothing is found of equal effect 
with engaging the confidence of the patient. A cheerful, encouraging, 
and friendly address—kind, but firm manners—patient to hear, but 
prudent in answering—never making a promise that cannot safely be 
performed, and when made, never to break it—vigilant and decided— 
prompt to control when necessary ; and willing, but cautious, in remov- 
ing it when once imposed—* these are the qualities,” says Dr. B., — 
« which will always acquire the good: will and respect of lunatics, and 
a command over them that will accomplish what force can never attain.” 
From all which it must be evident that great personal and individual 
attention is indispensable. No hope, generally, can there be of success, 
where patients are huddled together, and treated, in classes, all on one — 
system. There must be great separation, and constant vigilance and | 
inspection, and this involves great expense. Asylums, supported by 
contributions, or by counties, well attended to and superintended— ~ 
where money-making is not the object of the institutions—seem to be the 
only means of effecting material good, and especially among the poor. 
These institutions are every where spreading Liberal, but not extrava-_ 
‘gant remuneration should be given to conductors—rewards in propor- 
tion to cures—every encouragement given to personal care and kind= 
ness—all useless and severe’ restraint forbidden—and the forbiddance 
‘rigorously enforced by the authority of superiors. 
