Читать книгу On the Curability of Certain Forms of Insanity, Epilepsy, Catalepsy, and Hysteria in Females онлайн

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Lastly, objections have been advanced against the morality of the operation, and I am here at a loss how to give an answer, for I can hardly conceive how such a question can be raised against a method of treatment which has for its object the cure of a disease, that is rapidly tending to lower the moral tone, and which treatment is dictated by the loftiest and most moral considerations. I may here observe, that before commencing treatment, I have always made a point of having my diagnosis confirmed by the patient or her friends.

To the philosophical and charitable mind, indeed, the whole subject is one of the greatest interest, and will lead us to ask the question, may not this “inhibitory influence,” originating in early life, act so powerfully on the mind as to unhinge it from that steadiness which is essential to enable it to keep the passions under control of the will; to enable, indeed, the moral tone to overcome abnormal excitement? And if this be true, does not common charity lead us to think that cases treated by friends and spiritual advisers, as controllable at the will of the individual, may be in reality simply cases of physical illness amenable to medical and surgical treatment? Is it not better to look the matter steadily in the face, and instead of banishing the unhappy sufferers from their home and from society, endeavour to check their otherwise hopeless career towards some of the latter stages of this disease, to restore their mental power, and make them happy and useful members of the community?