432 DwigM's Cases of DeUrium* 



his return, he directed them to get tip early the next njorniug, 

 to assist him in making the fence. In the course of the evening 

 he became delirious, and continued in this situation several 

 years ; when his mental powers were suddenly restored. The 

 first question which he asked after the return of-his reason, 

 was, whether his sons had brought in the beetle and wedges. 

 He appeared to be wholly unconscious of the time that had 

 elapsed from the commencement of his delirium. His sons, 

 apprehensive that any explanations might induce a return of 

 his disease, simply replied that they had been unable to find 

 them. He immediately arose from his bed, went into the field 

 where he had been at work a number of years before, and 

 found the wedges, and the rings of the beetle, where he had 

 left them, the beetle itself having mouldered awa3r. During 

 his delirium, his mind had not been occupied with those sub- 

 jects with which it was conversant in health. 



2. Mrs. S., an intelligent lady, belonging to a respectable 

 family in the State of New-York, some years ago undertook a 

 piece of fine needlework. She devoted her time to it almost 

 constantly for a number of days. Before she had completed 

 it, she became suddenly delirious. In this state, without ex- 

 periencing any material abatement of her disease, she continued 

 for about seven years ; when her reason was suddenly re- 

 stored. One of the first questions which she asked after her 

 reason returned, related to her needlework. It is a remark- 

 able fact, that during tlje long continuance of her delirium she 

 said nothing, so far as was recollected, about her needlework^, 

 nor concerning any such subjects as usually occupied her at- 

 tention when in health. 



3. A lady in New England, of a respectable family, was for 

 a considerable period subject to paroxysms of delirium. These 

 paroxysms came on instantaneously, and after continuing, an in- 

 definite time, went off as suddenly ; leaving her mind perfectly 

 rational. It often happened that when she was engaged in ra- 

 tional and interesting conversation, she would stop short in the 

 midst of it, become in a moment entirely delirious, and com- 

 mence a conversation on some other subject, not having the 

 remotest connexion with the previous one, nor would she ad- 



