| Description Of Item | Illustration from the collection of Alexander Morison. Plate 96 of Morison’s 'The Physiognomy of Mental Diseases' (1840). Signed A J [Alexander Johnston].
'Portrait of S. C. aged 40.
This is an unmarried female, whose mother and grandmother were insane; she is a woman of quick perception, and warm affection for her relatives. She enjoys good health, with the exception of occasional headache. She has had several attacks of mental disorder, each of which has continued more than a year; during these attacks she becomes very loquacious, and makes use of oaths and abusive language, contrary to her usual habits; she wanders from home, purchases articles of which she has no need, is very fond of attracting attention, and is preverse [sic] and turbulent in her conduct; when removed to a place of confinement she is very troublesome to other patients; if she has an opportunity, breaks windows, and indulges in dirty and slovenly habits; in the midst of all this disorderly conduct she never expresses an insane idea, and will converse about her actions with great clearness and intelligence. Although in a great measure destitute of self-control, she allows that some of her mischievous actions are done with a view of provoking certain persons she dislikes.' |