nsanity differs from ordinary insanity in its sudden
onset, intensity of symptoms, short duration and abrupt ending. To
establish a plea of epilepsy in cases of crime, one must show that the
individual really did suffer from true epilepsy, and that the crime was
committed at a period having a definite relation to the epileptic
seizure.

=Alcoholic Insanity.=--This may occur in three forms:

1. _Acute Alcoholic Delirium_ (_mania a potu_), due to excessive amount
of alcohol consumed.

2. _Delirium Tremens_, due to long-continued over-drinking. The patient
suffers from horrible dreams, illusions, and suspicions, which may lead
him to attack people or commit suicide.

3. _Chronic Alcoholic Insanity._ Loss of memory is the chief symptom,
with paralysis of motion, hallucinations and delusions of persecution.

=Responsibility for Criminal Acts.=--To establish a defence on the
ground of insanity, it must be proved that the prisoner at the time when
the crime was committed did not know the nature and quality of the act
he was committing, and did not know that it was wrong. At the present
time, however, the _power of controlling his actions_ is usually made
the test.

The plea of insanity is brought forward, as a rule, only in capital
charges, so that the prisoner, if found guilty, will escape hanging. If
proved 'guilty, but insane,' the person is sentenced to be kept in a
criminal lunatic asylum 'during His Majesty's pleasure.'

XLIV.--EXAMINATION OF PERSONS OF UNSOUND MIND

The following hints with regard to the examination of patients supposed
to be insane will be useful: The general appearance and shape of head,
complexion, and expression of countenance, gait, movements, and speech,
should be noted; the state of the general health, appetite, bowels,
tongue, skin, and pulse, should be inquired into; and in women the state
of the menstrual function should be ascertained. The family history must
be traced out, and the personal history taken with care, especially as
to whether the unsoundness came on late in life or followed any physical
cause. Ascertain whether it is a first attack, whether the patient has
suffered from epilepsy, has squandered his money, grown restless, has
absurd delusions, etc. In order to ascertain the capacity of the mind,
questions should be asked with regard to age, birthplace, profession,
number of family, and common events, such as the day of week, month, and
year. The power of performi