On suicidal impulse.

  • Christie, James, 1829-1892.
Date:
1864
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On suicidal impulse. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    fit/-. ON SUICIDAL IMPULSE. // 7^7**' firyaJL /uria/it. ftasn*&5 &&L AA) /c£ ~ ftL' ^ V ^ ^ frl<lftCl C£L @ Q&2. <sj S/Za^U * &fci7? The subject of suicidal impulse presents itself, in its widest generalization, under two distinct aspects:—First, as an impulse emanating from a mind in a perfectly healthy state ; and secondly, as a symptom of cerebro-mental disease. It is only in its latter aspect, as an impulse symptomatic of the existence of cerebro- mental disease, that the subject is at present placed under consideration. The suspected or the ascertained existence of suicidal tendency in any individual, even although no other symptom of mental disease be appreciable, is well calculated to excite suspicion regarding the mental state; and if vague doubts, from other sources of evidence, had been previously entertained, the know- ledge of the existence of a suicidal tendency is generally regarded as confirmatory of a state of mental alienation. The existence of such a tendency may be suspected by the general appearance; by certain peculiarities in conduct; by the state of the feelings, or by the nature of the delusions, hallucinations, or illusions, if such be present. Or it may be known by actual attempts at self- destruction ; by the distinct intimation of such a determination; or by threats which, although sometimes merely meant to alarm, are frequently uttered in such a manner, and under such circum- stances, as to leave no doubt concerning the ultimate object aimed at. When a person, in consequence of suspicions regarding his mental state, is subjected to close observation and rigid examina- tion regarding the existence of such tendencies, he is generally pronounced to be suicidal if his acts have been such as might have resulted in self-destruction, or if his mental state be such as to lead to the probable conclusion that, in the future, he may originate acts of such a nature. It is not considered absolutely necessary to inquire whether or no the motives originating the actions were of a suicidal nature, the practical question being, Is the patient dangerous to himself? A person of unsound mind may leap from a window for the purpose of escaping from an imaginary danger; he may do so under the influence of hallu- 7 a