A dissertation on the features and treatment of insanity. Containing a retrospect of the most important modern theories on the subject : and observations on the inadequacy of our present knowledge of the physiology and pathology of the brain to elucidate the phenomena of mental derangement / by John Syer.

  • Syer, John, 1937-2009.
Date:
1827
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A dissertation on the features and treatment of insanity. Containing a retrospect of the most important modern theories on the subject : and observations on the inadequacy of our present knowledge of the physiology and pathology of the brain to elucidate the phenomena of mental derangement / by John Syer. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Without presuming to understand that which is utterly hid from our view, for the wisest pur- poses, and which may be regarded as a specimen of that forbidden fruit which is constantly solicit- ing our curiosity, and as constantly eluding our researches; from every insight we can obtain of human nature, man is still found to be that flexible being of time and place, that he is at once the architect of his own mind, and the author or enemy of his own happiness; at one time actuated by the purest love of virtue and benevolence, and at another instant the prey of the most impetuous and degrading passions. ‘Though instinctively led to provide for his own preservation, yet the sad catalogue of human infirmities, and we cannot except even insanity, tends to shew that the far greater proportion of the physical as well as moral evils of life are entailed on him, through his own imprudence, and that frequently under these cir- cumstances, “the figure of the human species is all that remains.” If the doctrine of cerebral disorganization was true to the extent to which it was attempted to be carried, in explaining the phenomena of insanity, then indeed would the efforts of nature or art be more generally unavailing; we could scarcely calculate upon the favourable issue of half the present or past cases which have already repaid ourapplication ; and instead of torturing a miserable