contrary ideas to shew the fallacy, or the too great estimation, of the
painful ideas. 2dly. By change of place, and thus presenting the stimulus
of new objects, as a long journey. 3dly. By producing forgetfulness of the
idea or object, which causes their pain; by removing all things which recal
it to their minds; and avoiding all conversation on similar subjects. For I
suppose no disease of the mind is so perfectly cured by other means as by
forgetfulness.

Secondly, the pain in consequence of the ideas or bodily diseases above
described is to be removed, first, by evacuations, as venesection, emetics,
and cathartics; and then by large doses of opium, or by the vertigo
occasioned by a circulating swing, or by a sea-voyage, which, as they
affect the organs of sense as well as evacuate the stomach, may contribute
to answer both indications of cure.

Where maniacs are outrageous, there can be no doubt but coercion is
necessary; which may be done by means of a straight waistcoat; which
disarms them without hurting them; and by tying a handkerchief round their
ankles to prevent their escape. In others there can be no doubt, but that
confinement retards rather than promotes their cure; which is forwarded by
change of ideas in consequence of change of place and of objects, as by
travelling or sailing.

The circumstances which render confinement necessary, are first, if the
lunatic is liable to injure others, which must be judged of by the outrage
he has already committed. 2dly. If he is likely to injure himself; this
also must be judged of by the despondency of his mind, if such exists.
3dly. If he cannot take care of his affairs. Where none of these
circumstances exist, there should be no confinement. For though the
mistaken idea continues to exist, yet if no actions are produced in
consequence of it, the patient cannot be called insane, he can only be
termed delirious. If every one, who possesses mistaken ideas, or who puts
false estimates on things, was liable to confinement, I know not who of my
readers might not tremble at the sight of a madhouse!

The most convenient distribution of insanities will be into general, as
mania mutabilis, studium inane, and vigilia; and into partial insanities.
These last again may be subdivided into desires and aversions, many of
which are succeeded by pleasurable or painful ideas, by fury or dejection,
according to the degree or violence of their exertions. Hence the analogy
between th