| Description Of Item | One page leaflet with details about the symptoms and treatment of a patient named James Wallace. From the collection of Thomas Laycock. On the last page is written ‘James Wallace. Edward [illegible]. Juvenile Dementia Vi mania [illegible].’
The notes explain that Wallace, aged 21, was a ‘native of Kilmarnock lately residing at Peebles – working as a labourer admitted May 1st 1803. Previous History – said to have had nervous attacks when a boy at school […] Eight days ago before admission became violent & struck his brother and became restless – deciding to leave the house at all hours.’ Although able to answer simple questions such as his name and age ‘correctly but slowly,’ it is noted that when asked ‘any questions requiring an effort of memory is generally answered ‘I don’t mind.’
Among instructions for the patient’s treatment the following suggestion is made, to give the patient: ‘Cod liver oil given a short time continuously and perhaps alleviated with bitters may be had. He should be encouraged to read and write and to occupy his mind, as he appears to be very intelligent and this is reason to believe that a proper and gradual use of all his faculties, a variety of occupation and amusement would strengthen both his mental and bodily power – mania [illegible].’
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