ART. I.-BRITISH INSTITUTIONS FOR THE INSANE. In our last Number we gave a general outline of some of the principal lunatic asylums of North America, which contained many interesting facts and statements culled from the valuable reports drawn up by the medical officers of these establishments. On the present occasion, we propose adopting a somewhat similar proceeding, in regard to the numerous institutions for the treatment of lunatics, of which Great Britain may justly feel proud, as shown by the official documents now on our table, and with which we have been favoured by the physicians or superintendents of the different asylums. Amongst so many instructive reports, it is difficult to select wherewith to begin our analysis; nevertheless, we think Yorkshire merits precedence, being the largest county in England, as also on account of the great importance of its lunatic institutions, whereby so much benefit is conferred upon the general population. The first we would notice is that of the asylum at Wakefield, and drawn up by Dr. Corsellis, already well known to the profession, who states that "He has the satisfaction to record that the events of the last year afford a review of comparative prosperity. The inmates have been unusually free from serious physical disease. But one accident has occurred of sufficient importance to disturb for a short time the tranquillity of the household.* By far the larger portion of the inmates have appeared contented and happy; whilst all have been (so far as outward circumstances could render them) quiet and comfortable; and the curative results have not only equalled, but in some measure surpassed, former experience. Succeeding to the painful events of the * A patient escaped while taking his usual walk, and drowned himself. |