On the frequency of hallucinations in mania - Why? - Abstract of hallucinations ' in mania - Cases - Observations on the inclination to steal - Progress of hallucinations - Hallucinations may be symptomatic - Remarks on the influence of the sexual organs - Hallucinations in puerperal mania - Effects of hallucinations and illusions on maniacs - Recapitulation.

The rapidity with which thoughts, recollections, and objects succeed each other in the mind of the maniac; the difficulty he finds in making comparisons, and fixing his attention, must powerfully unite to favor the production of hallucinations and illusions.

This combination is, therefore, very usual in mania. Messrs. Aubanel and Thore have computed that 54 out of 181 maniacs had hallucinations. In the cases they noticed,

None of these were cases of hallucination of all the senses. These physicians truly remark that the number must be greater, since many hallucinations escape notice in the midst of maniacal excitement, and by consequence of the other disturbances in the midst of which they exist.

Of the maniacs in our establishment at our last census,

It will be perceived that all our maniacs had either illusions or hallucinations. Although we cannot draw conclusions from so small a number, yet incessant observation authorizes us to believe that the proportion is considerable.

Case LX

- M. P., aged thirty-nine, tall, fair-skinned, with a highly developed muscular system, and a temperament lymphatic-sanguine, was remarkable for a large and high forehead, and intelligent countenance. He spoke several languages. His aptitude in business gained him a well-merited reputation; his only fault being an excessive confidence in his talents, and a belief that he could do anything.

For twenty years, he managed one of the first houses of business in his native city with so much success that the principal retired on a large fortune, leaving him to direct the establishment. All thought that he had obtained the summit of his desires, when it became evident that his conduct was no longer the same; he entered into commercial speculations which differed greatly from those he carried on as an equal partner with his former principal, and employed in them considerable sums. These speculations, which put a stop to the chance of making a rapid fortune, were not conducted with the talent which he had heretofore exhibited. Warm discussions took place between the two merchants, and they agreed finally that neither should act separately. Notwithstanding this solemn promise, Mr. P. continued to act on his own account, alleging in his justification that he was sure of his game, and would return capital and interest.

Here we may introduce a highly interesting observation. It frequently happens that a man noted for probity and integrity becomes dishonest, embezzles, and robs; then there is wonder and indignation; and the reprehensible acts are punished. The unhappy being has undoubtedly expiated in a prison the fault of a disease. Facts of this nature have so often been presented to us, that we would call the special attention of magistrates to this form of derangement. A patient was recommended to us by Dr. Ollivier d'Angers; it was necessary to ascertain whether he was really insane, for, in examining his accounts, there was found a defalcation of 10,000 francs. His family, much alarmed, hastened to indemnify the plaintiffs. An examination of two months left us no doubt on the subject; it was a case of insanity, with paralysis. The embezzlements took place during the growth of the disease. C, during his employ in a banking-house, had a tremendous fall, and struck his head; but he was able to resume his occupation. On proving the accounts, a deficit of several thousand francs was discovered; on account of his capacity and probity the prosecution was discontinued; he was dismissed. Sometime afterwards he was placed under my care. I observed a general paralysis, without other derangement of the faculties than a weakness of memory; his one fixed idea was to return to his situation, where he said he was expected. As in the preceding case, all that occurred during the growth of the disease had faded from his remembrance. The man is still moving about; but his mind is irrevocably destroyed.

Thus, when a man whose conduct has always been irreproachable, changes his habits and commits eccentric and reprehensible acts, he should be carefully watched, never lost sight of; and often, at the end of a few months, more or less, a mental derangement will appear, which, in most cases, exhibits itself in insanity accompanied by general paralysis.

The merchant who patronized Mr. P. was much surprised at his conduct. But, as he was under great obligations to him, and had taken due precaution to ward off any unfavorable result, he contented himself with watching him. The mystery was soon explained; Mr. P. was seized with a violent attack of mania, that lasted fifteen days. His recovery was rapid, and apparently entire; one only of his near kinsmen, who watched him closely, observed that his ideas were neither so clear nor forcible as formerly, whilst his self-esteem was augmented.

Mr. P. returned to his business, without resigning his hazardous speculations. More than once they must have caused him bitter regret. Probably, he was himself conscious of tho change in his intellectual powers, and was much affected by the circumstance, for a fresh and more violent attack came on towards the close of September, the description of which, as given by his relative, will never be effaced from my mind.

"I was," said he, "alone in the country with Mr. P. and his wife, when the attack came on; our house was far from any habitation. For several hours he wandered about restlessly, opening and shutting doors violently; every instant added to his fury. Suddenly, he exclaimed that he was God. 'Kneel down!' he continued, in a terrible voice, and with an inflamed countenance. 'I will, I obey, because I know it is God who commands.' * That is well, get up. Now lie down on the bed, that I may operate on you.' He then passed his hands over my entire person, tickling the soles of my feet. If I moved, he said: 'You have no patience; I must begin again.' I took care not to exhibit any signs of fear, and to all his commands, I replied: 'I obey, since God ordains it.'