| Description Of Item | Illustration from the collection of Alexander Morison. Plate 72 of Morison’s 'The Physiognomy of Mental Diseases' (1840). Unsigned [Alexander Johnston].
'Portrait of E. W.; an unmarried female; aged 24.
This woman’s disorder was caused by terror.
She did not appear to understand what was said to her; never spoke; never moved from the position she was placed in, and asked for nothing – but took food when offered her.
Her habits were dirty; her appearance was slovenly; and her complexion sallow.
She had been for some months in this state when her portrait was taken. Strong laxative medicines were given to her; several blisters were applied to her head; an extensive eruption of pustules was produced, and continued for some time upon the back of her head and neck; and the douche was applied for a considerable number of times, but very little amendment was produced. She continued quite silent, except upon one occasion when a bible was accidentally put into her hand, and, to the surprise of those about her, she read aloud some verses, but without appearing to understand what she was reading; she also walked up and down a gallery very slowly; after which no further improvement took place.' |