Karl Pearson 
247 
Warwick County Lunatic Asylum, to whom I owe a copy of the Asylum notes on 
this case, has made full inquiries as to the family history of the patient, but without 
success, this being no doubt due to the fact that the patient was illegitimate. 
I have cordially to thank Sir James Crichton-Browne, for mentioning that he had 
many years ago seen this boy, and suggesting inquiry at the Asylum. 
Particulars as to a Deaf-mute Albino Idiot. 
Admitted, July, 1852. " W. L. aet. 9. A congenital idiot. Is the natural 
son of a deaf and dumb mother. For some time after going to the Birmingham 
Asylum where he has been about 16 months he had frequent bleeding from the 
nose, and used to scream a good deal in the night. He is deaf and dumb ; but not 
destitute of intelligence. He is very active, running and jumping about, climbing 
chairs, tables, etc., and has a habit of spinning like a top, though not nearly so 
much as formerly. He is of an affectionate disposition." There is nothing interest- 
ing related in the notes after this date. He is stated to have had frequent attacks 
of severe epistaxis — and generally to have been in poor health. 
He died on Sept. 18, 1865. 
"Post-mortem examination 23 hours after death. Body extremely emaciated, 
rigor mortis well marked. Skull thick and dense. Dura mater thickened and 
firmly adherent. Arachnoid slightly thickened. Convolutions of cerebrum ad- 
herent. 
Cerebrum. — Middle lobes very prominent and the corresponding fossae at the 
base of the skull proportionately deep. Grey matter of convolutions firmer than 
usual. 
Punctae sanguineae very numerous. About three drachms of fluid in each 
lateral ventricle. Choroid plexuses granular. Right optic thalamus eroded super- 
ficially along the tract of the taenia semicircularis and its substance soft and 
easily broken down. Anterior part of the floor of the 3rd ventricle of a gelatinous 
appearance and a buff colour. Pineal body soft and friable. Corpora quadri- 
gemina soft and almost diffluent. Cerebellum. — A small patch of superficial 
softening on each side of the anterior part of the under surface. Olivary bodies 
small and ill-defined. Pleurae adherent throughout. Pericardium universally 
adherent externally. Lungs full of tubercular matter. 
I certify that the apparent cause of death of the above-named W. L. was 
Phthisis (chronic)." 
W. H. Parsey, Medical Officer. 
(Copied and forwarded to K. P. by Alfred Miller, Medical Superintendent, 
in letter of Jan. 25, 1909.) 
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