| Description Of Item | Illustration from the collection of Alexander Morison. Plate 97 of Morison’s 'The Physiognomy of Mental Diseases' (1840). Unsigned [Alexander Johnston].
'Portrait of D. H. aged 31.
This is an unmarried female who resided with her parents until the age of sixteen years, when she began to wander from place to place, and to absent herself whole nights from their roof; she was continually in mischief – striking people, tearing her clothes, and breaking windows, until she became quite unmanageable at home, and was removed to the workhouse; here she manifested the same mischievous disposition, and was so violent in her conduct that at the age of twenty-one she was sent to the County Lunatic Asylum, where she remained six months, and was discharged at the desire of the parish authorities. She had no sooner returned to the workhouse, then she set fire to her bed; upon which she was sent to the asylum, where she continued about six years, manifesting the same michievous [sic] propensities, and exhibiting a great desire to attract observation; at her earnest desire another trial was given her at the workhouse; she remained three weeks, and has been again sent to the asylum, where she now is. This female has never exhibited insane ideas, although her conduct has been so unruly and mischievous.' |