In my last lecture I endeavoured to explain the reasons why no one of the present theories of insanity was able to account for all the varieties of the disease. I founded this opinion partly upon the nature of the disorder itself, and partly upon our ignorance of the manner in which the minute internal structure of the brain and cord is altered by the symptoms, and partly upon the uncertain light which the present state of science throws upon the subject, and I pointed out the manner in which I hoped that future investigations might aid us in solving this difficult problem. In my present lecture I propose to speak of the morbid anatomy.

Gentlemen—My first and most agreeable duty, on taking possession of this chair, to which you have called me, is to express to you the gratitude which I feel for the distinguished honour with which you have invested me. I cannot hope to enable you to estimate the sincerity of the feeling by the force of its expression, for I can only, in very simple terms, assure you that I heartily appreciate your great kindness; and I can only very briefly acknowledge the eminent favour which I have received at your hands.

A System, called the cottage system, has of late years been attracting the attention of many of those interested in the construction of our lunatic asylums. The careful study of the requirements of the insane, which distinguishes many of the beautiful structures recently erected by the English counties has succeeded in producing what may be regarded as nearly the perfection of our present system; and unless it can be shown that an arrangement based on entirely new principles ought to be adopted, there remains little to be done in the way of improvement. Every proposal, therefore, which suggests a new principle of construction deserves the serious consideration of our profession; and the cottage system has been so highly commended by many respectable authorities that an examination of its merits will not be unacceptable to the readers of the Journal. The following pages are intended to be devoted to this object, as well as to the consideration of how much, if any, of the peculiarities of the system should be adopted in future arrangements for the accommodation of the insane; whether it should be adopted in place of our present system, engrafted upon it, or rejected altogether as unsuitable or impracticable.

The diversity of phenomena which compose the universe is but apparent; the physical forces, however varied they may appear, are but diverse manifestations of the same principles, always active, but the effects of which often vary their mode of application as well as the duration of their action. In like manner, the most simple phenomenon requires the co-operation of a multitude of diverse actions regarded by us as so many distinct forces. Thus there is not an isolated fact in nature, nor one in disagreement with universal order. Every phenomenon is one of the consequences of universal laws. If these laws are not clearly known in the complexity of their applications, the facts which are ever before us indicate at least their character and the direction which they take. Thus critical minds, enlarged by the school of scientific experience, refuse to accept speculative systems and supernatural theories which involve the existence of phenomena in the universe in disagreement with the principles which govern it. A fact of this sort is proclaimed, science subjects it to scrutiny, and generally recognises that it is but the effect of forces analogous to those which occur in phenomena already observed, but acting in a different manner.

Within the last twenty years, the influence of German literature and science, previously little felt, has operated strongly upon English thought and English society. German literature, popularized by translation, finds a multitude of admiring readers; yet, compared with German science, its effects on the opinions and, consequently, on the practical habits of our fellow-countrymen have been trifling. In the modern history of metaphysics, German works occupy a most prominent place; and in religious thought, such has been the influence of the productions of the German press, that the prevailing theology is deeply imbued with what are called the rationalistic or neological principles of German professors. So when we look to modern physic, we also find its principles intimately connected with the researches and hypotheses of German physicians; so much so, indeed, that there has arisen in the medical profession a rational school, ignoring many an old-world theory of the principles and practice of medicine. What has been more popular, more readily received in this country than German physiology? It is not only represented by translated treatises, but actually forms the basis of home-produced works. The German writers furnish, in their elaborate treatises and monographs, the quarry from which the material is mainly drawn for the construction of English works; and this we can safely assert, after giving credit for much good English matter and for skill in modelling the whole structure to the English taste. German physiology, having preceded, has latterly been followed by German pathology, foremost among the teachers of which stands Professor Virchow, whose remarkable treatise on cellular pathology has recently appeared in an English dress, and commends itself by the mass of facts it contains, as well as by its ingenious hypotheses, to every pathological student.

The remarks I have to offer for your consideration this evening relate to the subject of suicide, both in its medico-legal and social aspects. I am led to think that the every-day opinions entertained of suicide, its causes, &c., are altogether erroneous, and themselves a source of untruth and of much evil in society. If we will take the trouble to read the statements made in the newspaper press as to suicide and the parties implicated in the same, it is apparent that the act of self-destruction is, as a very general rule, viewed as one of a perfectly voluntary character—as one originating in the will—the normal will—of the individual most concerned. The world, so to speak, ignores the fact—the important fact—that every case of suicide is the accompaniment and consequence of a positive brain disorder, the effect of cerebro-mental disease. Need I add that a better acquaintance with psychological science—with the brain, its functions and diseased states—must, one day, cause this fact to be duly appreciated. Pending such a state of things, we must look for not only the false judgments of editors of public journals, but for the want of common justice on the part of Life Assurance Offices as towards their clients. I shall hope to prove to you, Mr. President, first, that the act of suicide is, at all times and under all circumstances, but one of the many indications of cerebro-mental disease—of, in one word, insanity; second, that the conduct of Life Assurance Societies towards their numerous clients, and in so far as suicide is concerned, is in all respects incompatible with an advanced psychology, and at variance with a due sense of right and common justice.

History of the case.—G. C—, No. —, æt. 41, single, a Scotchman, was admitted into the Hayward's Heath Asylum on the 31st October, 1860.

In 1856, this patient was committed for seven days to Maidstone Gaol for some breach of the peace while under the influence of drink, and he then stabbed a fellow-prisoner (who subsequently died of the wound), whom he had never seen before, and who had in no way provoked or offended him. His own account of the transaction is that, on the second or third day after his committal, he was coming out of the chaplain's room, and being left alone in the corridor, a sudden idea took possession of his mind that he was in a place where men were cut up for preserved meat for the navy, and that seeing a carpenter's chisel lying on the ground (some repairs were in progress), he took it up, and blindly attacked the first prisoner he met.

The particulars of the new Acts relative to the care and treatment of lunatics will probably be before the public at the time of the appearance of this number of the Journal. The proposed Act affecting Chancery lunatics has already appeared, and requires no particular comment. It is to be hoped, however, that the enormous expense attendant on opposed commissions may be diminished. The absurd reference of one of the most delicate and difficult of metaphysical questions to a jury will still, no doubt, prevail.