VESANIJE. 527 



edy ; but there are many instances of maniacs who have been 

 exposed for a great length of time to a considerable degree of 

 cold, without having their symptoms anywise relieved. This 

 may render, in general, the application of cold a doubtful rem- 

 edy : but it is at the same time certain, that maniacs have 

 often been relieved, and sometimes entirely cured, by the use 

 of cold-bathing, especially when administered in a certain man- 

 ner. This seems to consist in throwing the madman into the 

 cold water by surprise ; by detaining him in it for some length 

 of time ; and pouring water frequently upon the head, while 

 the whole of the body, except the head, is immersed in 

 the water ; and thus managing the whole process, so as that, 

 with the assistance of some fear, a refrigerant effect may be 

 produced. This, I can affirm, has been often useful ; and that 

 the external application of cold may be of service, we know 

 further from the benefit which has been received in some man- 

 iacal cases from the application of ice and snow to the naked 

 head, and from the application of the noted clay cap. 



Warm-bathing also has been recommended by some prac- 

 tical writers ; and in some rigid melancholic habits it may pos- 

 sibly be useful, or as employed in the manner prescribed by 

 some, of immersing the lower parts of the body in warm water, 

 while cold water is poured upon the head and upper parts. Of 

 this practice, however, I have had no experience ; and in the 

 common manner of employing warm-bathing, I have found it 

 rather hurtful to maniacs. 



MDLXXI. According to my supposition, that the disease 

 depends upon an increased excitement of the brain, especially 

 with respect to the animal functions, opium, so commonly 

 powerful in inducing sleep, or a considerable collapse as to 

 these functions, should be a powerful remedy of mania. That 

 it has truly proved such, I believe from the testimony of Ber- 

 nard Huet, whose practice is narrated at the end of Wepferi 

 Historia Apoplecticorum. I leave to my readers to study this 

 in the work I have referred to, where every part of the prac- 

 tice is fully, and, as it appears to me, very judiciously deliver- 

 ed. I have never, indeed, carried the trial so far as seems to 

 be requisite to an entire cure ; but I have frequently employed, 

 in some maniacal cases, large doses of opium ; and when they 



