
KIDD’S OWN JOURNAL. 
269 

THOUGHTS ON SOMNAMBULISM. 

WHAT A REMARKABLE THING is som- 
nambulism! How mysterious in its opera- 
tions; how very singular in its effects! I 
have been led to notice this subject, from 
having very recently had an opportunity of 
making some observations on a case of the 
kind. The individual to whom [I allude, had 
been under my notice for five or six weeks. 
He was of the phlegmatic temperament, and 
about twenty years old. He had _ been 
accustomed to the habit of walking in his 
sleep from childhood ; though the habit had 
increased with his age. One other member 
of the same family, | may remark, was also 
subject to it. 
Its mode of manifestation was by midnight 
wanderings, whilst in a state of sleep. The 
somnambule would go into nearly every 
room in the house which was accessible ; 
there busying himself in moving about or 
arranging various articles which were in the 
way. These peregrinations took place nearly 
every night; and everything that was 
“remarkable * generally commenced at a 
certain hour—-(between twelve and one). 
This person would sometimes do the most 
extraordinary things; things which would 
appear almost incredible, although well- 
attested. He would go out of doors, and 
after crossing two or three fields, and a 
narrow plank over a bridge, he would return. 
He also performed various domestic duties, 
such as usually require some little skill; 
viz., lighting a fire, unlocking and unbarring 
a door, wrapping up parcels, &c. 
When we remember that these things were 
done without the assistance of the eyes, and 
by the sense of touch only,—does it not 
appear marvellous? The individual referred 
to was sometimes watched while in this 
state, and followed; when, if addressed, he 
would reply to any questions asked. The 
answers were, of course, frequently mal- 
apropos; and appeared to have reference to 
some imaginary circumstance that had taken 
place. . 
Another remarkable peculiarity in this 
case was, that on the following morning 
there was a recollection of what had taken 
place the previous night, although it only 
left the shadowy impress of a dream! In 
most cases I have read of, the persons 
affected were unconscious of it. It is very 
difficult, I should imagine, to cure their 
mania; for, when the doors have been 
secured, certain somnambulists have been 
known to make their exit from the windows. 
It is just possible that constant watching of 
the person, and rousing him on any attempt 
to quit the apartment, might lessen its effect. 
Somnambulism has excited many specula- 
tions. Itis evidently of a different nature 


to talking and muttering in one’s sleep, 
which is not very uncommon. Shakspeare 
says—‘‘ There are a kind of men so loose of 
soul, that in their sleep will mutter their 
affairs.” {fam not enough of a physiologist 
to explain the cause ; possibly, there is some 
peculiarity in the conformation of the brain, 
which induces this species of delirium; 
there is evidently an unequal effect on the 
senses; for while part of them are in a state 
of torpor the rest are unweariedly active. A 
phrenologist might perhaps ascribe it to an 
undue excitement of the organ of ideality ; 
or probably the organ of memory may be 
deficient. 
Somnambulism has very likely been the 
cause of many of the ghost stories which 
have been propagated in all ages. Let us 
suppose a case as above; where an individual 
is in the habit of promenading, dressed only 
in his robe de chambre. If seen by any 
person not acquainted with the circumstance, 
the latter imagines he beholds an apparition. 
Too terrified to approach, and examine the 
cause, he becomes convinced of the reality 
of “spiritual appearances;” and spreads 
terror amongst his neighbors. Something 
similar has been introduced by Shakspeare 
in his tragedy of Macbeth, where Lady Mac- 
beth repeats the circumstances of the murder 
committed. It is also the basis of the 
popular opera La Sonnambula, wherein the 
heroine, Amina is first disgraced but after- 
wards vindicated by means of a similar 
denouement. The doctor in Macbeth remarks, 
““T have known those who have walked in 
their sleep, who have died holily in their 
beds.” May this prove true of all who are 
thus afflicted !—CERURA. 
SUMMER—ADIEU! 

Good bye to thee, Summer, I bid thee adieu! 
For the leaves of the forest are faded and few ; 
The breath of Old Winter hath silvered the spray, 
And night is fast creeping on beautiful day. 
Good bye to thee, Summer, in woodland and dell 
The flowers have bade thee for ever farewell ; 
The smile of thy coming their race will restore, 
But they, dearest Summer, will meet thee no 
more ! 
Good bye to thee, Summer; our parting doth seem 
To me as the close of a beautiful dream, 
Which fancy hath wreathed in radiance so bright, 
And broken her spell in the darkness of night. 
Farewell, oh farewell then, and thou wilt away : 
I ask not why hurry, nor bid thee to stay, 
Nor vainly repine—chilly Winter must reign— 
But hope, dearest Summer, to meet thee again. 
Good bye to thee, Summer, I bid thee adieu ! 
For the leaves of the forest are faded and few ; 
The breath of Old Winter hath silvered the spray, 
And night is fast creeping on beautiful day. 

