474 MAN OF SCIENCE. 



details. Suffice it to say, that we came to the conclusion 

 that he was suffering from an overworked mind, dis- 

 ordering his digestive organs, enervating his whole 

 frame, and threatening serious head affection. We told 

 him this, and enjoined absolute discontinuance of work, 

 bed at eleven, light supper (he had all his life made 

 that a principal meal), thinning the hair of the head, a 

 warm sponging-bath at bed-time, &c. To all our com- 

 mands he readily promised obedience. For fully an 

 hour we talked together on these and other subjects, and 

 I left him with no apprehension of impending evil, and 

 little doubting but that a short time of rest and regimen 

 would restore him to his wonted vigour.' 



It may occur to many to ask how it could happen 

 that medical men so circumspect, so vigilant, so able as 

 Professor Miller and Dr Balfour, having become ac- 

 quainted with these symptoms of insanity, did not sug- 

 gest that precautions should be taken, to the extent at 

 least of removing fire-arms from the person and presence 

 of their patient. Miller's fear of robbery had returned 

 in all its force. A revolver lay nightly within his reach. 

 A broad-bladed dagger was ready to his hand. At his 

 bed-head lay a naked sword. Why were not these 

 taken away ? The reply is that, though paroxysms of 

 madness had already visited Miller, he had revealed no 

 trace of suicidal mania, and the circumstances under 

 which his mental disorder had originated were not such 

 as to suggest alarm. His brain had been overworked ; 

 but the labour which had shaken his nerves and sapped 

 his strength, had been congenial to him ; and his con- 

 versation was that of one who looked with hope and 

 with interest to the future. His intellect, besides, apart 

 from the maniacal belief which at moments oppressed 

 it, that he was made the sport of demons in the night, 



