| Description Of Item | Illustration from the collection of Alexander Morison. Plate 93 of Morison’s 'The Physiognomy of Mental Diseases' (1840). Unsigned [François Rochard]. Also reproduced as illustration to lecture by Morison on Hoddinot case reprinted in 'A Selection of Papers and Prize Essays on Subjects Connected with Insanity read before the Society for Improving the Condition of the Insane' (1850).
'Portrait of B. H., aged 40 [sic].
This person, of weak intellect from birth, was capable of a certain degree of education, so as to enable him to fill the situation of copying clerk; he fell into bad company, and was induced to commit theft, for which he was tried, and acquitted on the ground of insanity. In general he is quiet and inoffensive, seldom speaking unless when spoken to, and answering a few questions regarding the ordinary incidents of life in a rational manner. He is subject to frequent attacks of excitement of several days continuance; during which he talks incoherently, is restless and apt to strike and kick those about him — these attacks are preceded by shuffling his feet. About ten years ago, on the attendant being called out of his room, he shut the door, placed a long sitting form close to the fire, laid his body on the form and the back of his head upon the fire; he was found in this position, and in a state of insensibility; he was immediately removed to an open window, a copious discharge of blood from the nose took place, and in the space of about half an hour the state of insensibility ceased. His head, upon which the hair had been very thick, had much the appearance of, what in Scotland is termed, a singed sheep's head; the bone was visible in several points, in one of which it was quite black ; large portions of scalp, bone, and brain with its membranes were successively removed, leaving a nearly circular surface of about six inches in diameter, now protected by a thick membraneous substance, yielding upon moderate pressure, which gives no uneasiness; some parts of this membranous integument are of a denser texture than others, it throws off thick scales, more or less firm approaching to a horny consistence ; it is for the most part dry, but at times a purulent moisture exudes from portions of it.
Previous to this occurrence he had made an attempt to cut his throat with a razor, and was in the habit of knocking his head against the wall, but he has not attempted to do so since that time.
It appears that this extensive injury, by which the greater part of both parietal bones, part of the occipital bone, and a large portion of the upper surface of the brain were destroyed, has not produced any perceptible change in the mental condition of the patient.' |