1809.] 
ments, and systematical order, kept 
tranquil to that degree, that no one 
‘would conjecture it to be the abode of 
maniacs; and after visiting every part of 
it, in company with a gentleman, my 
neighbour, in which we passed more 
than two hours, without hearing the 
slizhtest outcry, or seeing any symptoms 
that could induce us to think they suf- 
fered any uneasiness, one of the party, 
at taking leave, paid the Doctor a de- 
served and handsome compliment, by 
turning to me and saying, “It, by the 
decrees of Providence, I should ever be 
afilicted with the malady, which we have 
just seen so well accommodated, and 
gently relieved, i eutreat you to instruct 
my family to place me here.” 
Nothing indeed seems to be wanting, 
connected with the comforts of the in- 
habitants of this extensive building ;-for a 
chapel is provided for the convalescents, 
where service is regularly performed, 
and a large shaved bowling-green, -in 
view of the front of the building, en- 
closed by green hedges, is always used 
as a daily promenade, for such as are 
orderly and obedient; while others are 
allowed with their keepers, to extend 
their walks round the whole estate ‘and 
farm, which is all in a ring-fence, and 
divested of every common thoroughfare. 
Thus I have given you aslight sketch of 
a plan, that every one must wish to see 
more general, at a period when it is by 
all medical men contessed, that insanity 
is making rapid strides in this Island; 
but before I conclude, it may be both 
amusing, interesting, and useful, to state 
that, besides the ordinary system of 
alleviation, practised in other respect~ 
able houses, the reflecting mind of our 
humane professor, has adopted one pe- 
culiarity, which report states to be very 
effectual in caiming, and very essential 
often, towards completing acure. He 
employs all the lower order of his pa- 
tients occasionally, in their several ac- 
quired occupations, or trades; and [was 
no less pleased than astonished, to find 
a lunatic blacksmith working at the 
forge, and preparing locks and bars, for 
the purpose of confining others in the 
same state, during his lucid intervals; 
while in the grounds, other insane people 
were making hay; and in the laundry, 
two more female patients busily em- 
ployed in ironing linen. The better sort 
also, as much as possible, seem doubtful 
if they are confined, as they practice 
drawing, needle-work, take their airings, 
and pay and receive visits frem each 
On the true Origin of the Art of Printing. 
tation. 
479 
_other, and the family; occasionally dining 
at table with them, under no other 
seeming restraint, than they might be 
expected to submit to as invalids, under 
the advice of a physician; being, I ob- 
served, never contradicted, however ab- 
surd their remarks; and only controlied 
in their attempts to infringe the rules of 
the institation, One result of the giving 
the free access to the courts at all times, 
had I found been, thatthey were far less 
clamoreus than usual; and the day being 
fine, when 1 was there, I observed that 
the geverality were lying on the bank of 
the mounts, musing, or viewing the uills 
from their summits. 
To superficial observers, it may seem 
that madness would level all feelings, 
and that thus separating them into grae 
dations of rank, might be unnecessary, 
but it is not so; on the contrary, 
etiquette is more than useful, it is abso- 
lutely necessary to-be observed; and no 
punishment, [ am informed, so speedily 
reclaims them from disobedience, as a 
‘threatened short exile to the ward of a 
lower class. Since this establishment 
has been completed, or about the same 
time, it seems to have been a generally 
received opinion, that mansions on a 
large scale of this kind, were wanted in 
every county; and the leyislature has 
accordingly passed an act, for the purpose 
of enabling the magistrates to erect 
them; as yet, [ believe only one has been 
established; but as many will, doubtless, 
originate from this act, I think this 
sketch of a building, planned and exe- 
cuted by a gentleman, who has long 
made the cure of this dreadful malady 
his peculiar stady, may be generally use- 
ful, by painting out what seems to me, 
to he an almost perfect model for iini- 
Your's, &c. 
G. CUMBERLAND, 
—— 
To the Editor of the Monthly Magazine. 
STR, . 
\ KE. have for two or three centuries 
been amused, and imposed upon 
by anecdotes of the origin of the art of 
Printing; and as many cities have claim- 
ed the honour of this usefal invention, as 
claimed the nativity of Homer. 
A very slightconsideration will prove, 
however, that these claims and preten- 
sions are founded im ignorance or er- 
ror, the art of printing being, when first 
used, only anew application of a very 
ancient invention. 
All your readers, who have seen an 
impression of a broad seal on the ancient 
Charters 
