| Description Of Item | Illustration from the collection of Alexander Morison. Similar to plate 23 of Morison’s 'The Physiognomy of Mental Diseases' (1840). Signed A J [Alexander Johnston].
'J. H., aged 50, a Gentleman’s Butler.
In this patient, who was a very sober person, the disorder came on suddenly six months before his portrait was taken, he did not exhibit any well-marked delusions of grandeur, but he used to swear, and stamp with his feet violently, saying, 'I shall be ruined.' He spoke with hesitation, but could walk pretty well; he had no recollection of past events; did not know his own name, where he came from, the day of the month, the month itself, or even the year; and he would cry like a child. He was under treatment about nine months: purgatives were given, he was bled, cupped, had leeches applied to his shaved head, two blisters applied to the nape of the neck, and a seton inserted in it. From none of these remedies was any benefit derived; the paralytic symptoms and the state of dementia gradually increased.' |