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"JLLUCIN
ACTIONS:
0
i
APPARITIONS,
ECSTASY,
VISIONS,
DREAMS,
AND
SOMNAMBULISM.
MAGNETISM,
DE
A. BRIERRE
CHEVALIER
L'ORDRE
DK
L'lNSTITUT
DE
LATJBEAT
DE
DE
MEMBER
AND
LECTURER
THE
ON
OF
OF
FRENCH
E.L.S.
HULME,
ANATOMY
NATIONALS
ETC.
THE
COLLKGE
ROTAL
COMPARATIVE
SCHOOL
SURGEONS
AT
OF
THE
ENGLAND,
OROSVENOR
MEDICINE.
LONDON
HENRY
L'aCADEMIE
FROM
T.
D'HOHKEUl
LESION
ETC,
MEDICINE,
ROBERT
OF
LA
DE
ET
TRANSLATED
By
BOISMONT, M.D.
RENSHAW,
356,
1859,
STRAND.
FLACK
71
f:
"n
JB9f
SAVJIX
AND
EDWARDS,
PRINTERS,
COVRNT
"""
GARDEN.
OHANDGS
STREET,
'
(\
ON
HALLUCINATIONS.
CONTENTS.
OF
TABLE
PAGE
|TAP.
INTRODUCTION
I.
AND
DEFINITION
18
HALLUCINATIONS
OF
VISIONS
Di
II.
HALLUCINATIONS
CO-EXISTING
[II.
HALLUCINATIONS
INVOLVING
IV.
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
V.
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
DEMENTIA,
VI.
II.
WITH
27
SANITY
72
INSANITY
....
THEIR
MONOMANIA,
101
ILLUSIONS
STUPIDITY,
MANIA,
114
PARALYSIS
GENERAL
AND
TO
RELATIONS
....
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
144
TREMENS
DELIRIUM
NOT
DISEASES
NERVOUS
STITUTING
CON-
152
INSANITY
III.
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
IX.
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
AND
X.
HI.
HALLUCINATIONS
T.
MAGNETISM,
193
IN
OF
TREATMENT
HALLUCINATIONS
INFLAMMATORY,
FEBRILE,
AND
CHRONIC,
HISTORY,
'II.
ANIMAL
ECSTASY,
SOMNAMBULISM
ACUTE,
CAUSES
162
DREAMS
.
HALLUCINATIONS
XI.
AND
NIGHTMARE
245
DISEASES
OTHER
270
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
MORALITY,
OF
RELATION
AND
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
339
RELIGION
....
397
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
RELATION
TO
MEDICAL
PRUDENCE
JURIS-
424
HALLUCINATIONS,
INTRODUCTION.
"-
epochs in
all
of man,
constitution
mental
in the
the
irresistible
where
there
dominates
pre-
after the
craving
unknown,
which manifests
and a belief in the supernatural,
itself
in the multitude
The
by a love of the marvellous.
of the Great
who
dreams
and of boundless
Spirit,
savage
hunting-grounds in a future life ; the Arab who
wanders
in the enchanted
and
palacesof the Thousand
One
carnatio
Nights; the Indian who loses himself in the inan
of Brama
world
who
consults
professesto
the
what
that
the
inhabitant
believe
afford
of
the
civilized
fortune-teller,or
it cannot
of
him
demands
; all
from
obey
the
netism
magsame
believingsomething.
At first,it seems
astonishingthat such opinions
should
much
have obtained
is
so
influence,and one
is a compound
of errors, or
tempted to ask, if man
the sport of illusions ; but a deeper investigation
of
the
that
these
us
question will convince
opinions
are
only deviations from the religioussentiment.
History and tradition alike inform us that man
forth pure, but
of his
came
free, from the hands
Creator.
And
his guide, he
as
long as reason
was
want
"
INTKODUCTION.
was
and from
superstitions
; bul
and the laps(
liberty,
errors
world
of his
creation.
own
that wildest
imagination,
to break
endeavouring
perpetually
The
bind
which
it to
reason
of
our
away
and when
i
faculties,
from the tie
it has
succeedec
nc
this,there are no fables,no strange beliefs,
or
extravagantdreams, that it wil
singularillusions,
love better to believe than tc
We
not propagate.
examine," says Bacon,* and this inclination especially
mind.
"ev"
in the infancyof the human
prevails
in
"
seem
have
been
creation.
favourable to the
that of the Middle
the
The
overrun
centre
air
was
with
triumphsoi
Ages ; they
animals,the
terrifiedhis hearers.
The
in
us
Bacon
De
Dignitateet Augment.
v.
INTRODUCTION.
dren,
after supper, to his wife and chil"iris
cottagerelates,
his adventures at a witches' meeting. His
lieves
is warmed
by the efiects of wine,he beimagination
been presentat these
repeatedly
and he tellshis tale in a forcible
meetings,
imaginary
The result is not doubtful,
and impressive
manner.
the children and the wife are utterly
terror-stricken,
believe all that theyhave justheard. It isthe
and fully
who
the husband,whom
theylove and respect,
father,
and taken part in ;
is speakingof what he has seen
why should they doubt him ? These tales are deeply
accumulate ; the
impressedupon their memories,tjiey
fear passes away, but the conviction remains,and at
to the place. They
attracts them
lengthcuriosity
anoint themselves,
theygo to rest,and their dreams
before them.*
On
bringthe scene
circumstantially
waking up, theyquestioneach other,and mutually
relate what they have seen ; they thus confirm their
whilst he who has the strongest
previousopinions,
the
exercises the greatestinfluence over
imagination
fixes the details of the
others,and soon permanently
that he has
unreal
narrative.
shepherdhas
Thus
taken
sorceries in which
the
part are
established favt,and
an
of
imagination
an
and
are
not
time,if
his hearers
deterred
the
by
fear from
liness,
live-
relating
similar adventures. f
Such is in fact the
of many errors.
Once
origin
; theybecome
theyare repeated
theyhave originated
which
formed into a system of doctrines and opinions
into the mind with its earliest impressions,
enter
subjectthe strongestintellects to their influence,
and
continue
reason
reasserts
her
is well established.
The fact of these anointings
De
la
de la Verite,
Recherche
t. i. lib. 11,
+ Malebranche :
: Paris,
De V Imagination,edition Charpentier
chapitredernier,
*
1843.
B2
ItfTKODUCTION.
and
rights,
forces the
to
imagination
proper limits.
in this way false
When
facts by whole
admitted
as
are
impressions
received
The
certain extent
their conduct.
is useful
These
or
which, if I may
embodiment, and
them
to
to do
by
they
set
idea
"
which
Heaven
has
commissioned
What
force which
themselves
loftiest powers
representsome
persons
idea of
an
necessary to the age
the expression,
use
they are the
announce.
a
their
contemporaries
; but
which
of
opinionsand prejudices
in the
are
are
at work
an
evidence
that
man's
in them.
to our
applythese principles
sent
precombining with them certain logical
psychosubject,
facts. We
surrounded
are
by an external
world,which finds an avenue
by every sense, and
fillsour brain with countless sensations and images,
which an emotion of the mind, a passion,
a state of
abstraction or disease may reproducein an instant,
the desire
and colouring.Hence
in all their variety
feel to call up images of the past. These vivid
we
We
propose
to
reminiscences which
affect
us
different ways,
false or real,
stitute
con-
in two
INTRODUCTlv
and
hape
fection of
no
form
this is but
re.
our
fc
hallucinations,
anythingwhich can effect
impressionon the mind, may, under certain
stances, produce an image, a sound, an odou
has for a long time givenhin,
Thus, when a man
he frequent,
up to habits of profound meditation,
the idea with which he was occupiedclothe
perceives
itself in
material
the vision
by
form
and
disappears,
time
when
the
he
explainsit
But, if this man
to
ceases
himself
lives at
to
of spirits,
appearance
then the
phantoms is general,
him
reality
; but
labour
belief in the
and
demons, ghosts,
vision becomes
the mental
; as
is
in life justas
well
as
the
who
man
has
tions
hallucina-
no
at all.
This
remark
hallucinations of celebrated
themselves
would
from
the
men.
To
have
generalbelief
to
the
pated
emanciof their
have
requiredthem to be of a different
when that belief contained nothing
nature, particularly
reprehensible.In adopting these opinionsthey
of society
shared the mistake
at large;but their
their actions,
their doctrines,
those
were
enterprises,
of moralists,
of philosophers,
and of benefactors of
their race.
They fulfilled a necessary mission,and
their names
inscribed amongst those of
are
justly
whom
humanityis proud.
which should particularly
A circumstance,
be borne
in mind, is,that in the majority
of these cases, the
to realize their idea.
hallucination did but helpthem
time
Those
illustrious men,
who
have
been
so
unjustly
" JCTIOK.
and
/commenced by originating
marked
by the impressof their
as
only after havingthought over
and when
their minds had
roundly,
and without
/ghestpitchof enthusiasm
no
great work is possiblethat they
"
"
iT
idea clothed
in
which
,ilucination,"
not
,ter, was
ie
make
we
in this
material form.
case
use
The
of for want
signof insanity,
result of
who
esides,
;me
difference between
the
ex-
usefulness
nor
aim.
The
the consequences
of
the period
in which the persons lived theyexercised
their reason
influence over
no
; while those of the
were
"
others
are
and
individual,
are
more
or
less
with
complicated
insanity.
must
we
studythe life of a great man
and of a
never
forgetthat it consists of a history
is the undying,
the spiritual
biography. The history
part; the biographyis the perishable
part. If we
attempt to judgeof one without the other we deceive
and we deceive others.
The aspirations
of
ourselves,
geniusgiverise to phenomena which deviate from the
the rough material,
the irregularit
course
common
; they are
in the marble, which disappear
beneath
to leave only his masterthe chisel of the sculptor,
piece
in view; theyare, ifyou please,
hallucinations;
but they have no
influence on the truths taught"
"When
we
IFTBv^^TION.
only the
was
givento
the world.
disappearance
throughwhich theywere
means
Now,
an
idea,like
himself,
the other
spiritual,
parts,the one
considered in relation to its
material ; a hallucination,
to our notion,
characteristic phenomenon,is,
according
of the sensible signof the idea. In
the reproduction
state of tension
the thinker it is the highestpossible
of which his mind
is capable a state of positive
opposed to that of
ecstasy. This opinionis directly
M. Baillarger,
who attributes it to a kind of arrest of
consists
of two
man
"
the
attention
shall discuss
we
the
of this
merits
does
the
reason.
it offer
an
celebrated
men
have
that
been
hallucinations,
signsof mental
their conduct
without
the
it is certain
Hence
liable to
offering
any
most
alienation.
of
are
the charge
If,however,we strongly
protestagainst
we
broughtagainstthese loftyintellects,
insanity
with
that hallucinations,
aware
complicated
fully
reason,
have
existed in
whose
some
in
history.
of believing
is characteristic of our
The necessity
this impulseis guidedby faith and
species.When
combined
it conducts us
reason
safelyto the goal
towards which we all tend ; bat,if it rests exclusively
the greatest
the other of these principles,
or
upon one
to ensue.
Paith apart from reason
are
errors
likely
leads to superstition,
and reason
without faith almost
always results in pride. The hallucinations which
names
are
these two
arise from
and
as
various
as
of
sources
are
error
of the individual.
The
desire
as
rous
nume-
dailyoccupations
of ill-regulated
INTEODTJCTION.
anomalies.
The
enlightened
and will always
nations into the greatestabsurdities,
the temporary success
of the charlatan,
until
ensure
some
new
passionleads them to abandon the one of
It is impossible
enamoured.
which they were
even
from these two
to glanceat the hallucinations arising
the combinations
as
as
numerous
sources, for they are
vidual
of thought as diverse as the shades of indieven
"
character.
the mind
much
However
may
be concerned
they
productionof hallucinations,
to this
source
there
are
in the
all be
cannot
others which
are
ferred
re-
duced
pro-
into
the
For
this
two
classes
we
reason
have
cause
of them
is different.
those
causes,
"When
and
ing
treat-
in their relations
hallucinations,
and religion,
to psychology,
we
history,
morality,
enter into the details which the importanceof
of the causes,
shall
the
dependingon moral
causes.
dependingupon physical
"
those
but
same,
and of
demands.
subject
In discussing
a
questionof this kind, it is only
the appareasonable to ask us our opinion
concerning
ritions
of Scripture. It neither accords with our
convictions to avoid a reply. "We
or
our
principles
of the statements
in the Bible
admit the authenticity
the
and
the
!New
Testament; we
INTRODUCTION,
ing
insanityarisfrom the diseased condition of the individual,
so
in the same
sons
perway we believe that many religious
which were
have been subject
to hallucinations,
the errors, and the prejuconnected with the opinions,
dices
of the age, without
their reason
being affected,
the victims of a diseased imagination.
whilstothers were
It is onlybjrexaminingthese different elements that
we
can
hope to approximateto a true solution of the
perfection
question. Our most generallaws partakeof our imliable to exceptions.
and are perpetually
sum
pointsof
If,then, we briefly
up the principal
of the unthat the feeling
this chapter,
known
we
perceive
attaches himself,
and from which
to which man
arises the want
of somethingin which to believe,a
love of the marvellous,a desire for knowledge,and a
cravingafter excitement,is itself only a weakened
condition of the religious
sentiment.
while there
When
were
the
others combined
pathwayof
with
philosophy
is
Ideas
are
the
food
of the
understanding
; they
"
10
not
INTRODUCTION.
the mind
out of
which
order,the
latter may
is in fault.
mind
which
The
instrument
directs it is sound
is*
the
remain
but it is never
altered.
inactive,
Sometimes, indeed,it breaks its way throughevery
and shows
that it has preserved
all its
obstacle,
its long repose.
In the sick
energy notwithstanding
man
governedby a phantom, it still continues its
with perfect
regularity.
operations
the
of firstprinciples
has given
When
forgetfulness
rise to a number
of false ideas,
and imbued the mind
with certain popular,but superstitious
errors, it is
the outward
present themselves
hallucinated,
just as in
it is the objectswhich
surrounded
the
other cases
individual in his daily
lifethat are represented.The
effects producedby hallucination are of two kinds :
in the
to
the
theydo not
other,they superinducea
one
case,
affect the
disordered
reason
state
in the
of the
intellect.
of
the authority
Lastly,whilst fullyrecognising
that it is itself
the reason, it must not be forgotten
under restraint,
and may therefore be commanded
to
and yieldto a higher authority.
stay its course,
is not required
Agreeingwith Bossuet,that religion
to submit to its questioning
beyond a certain point,
of Scripture,
admit as authentic the apparitions
we
from the hallucinations of
and separatethem entirely
religious
persons, derived from certain popularbeliefs
with reason.
which are not incompatible
These preliminaries
we
being established,
proceed
to describe the general
arrangement of the work.
The definition of a hallucination ought to precede
and it is with this that the book comits history,
mences.
If hallucinations
were
requirean elaborate
This
from beingso.
12
INTBODUCTION.
different to the
of
woman
an
not
"
Illusions sometimes
monster.
of
the
assumes
realitya man
becomes a
; a pieceof wood
may be
illusions are
unfrequently
Not
appearance
hideous
so
is
subjectto
at
the
sions,
illutime.
same
accompanied
by reprehensible
and
dangerousacts.
Hallucinations are especially
frequentin insanity.
The fourthsection contains those which are combined
with monomania
and other forms of insanity.The
kinds of monomania
most
liable to this complication
delirium tremens, demonomania, erotomania,
are
lypemania,
A
"c.
nostalgia,
speciesof demonomania
to a considerable extent,in which
formerly
prevailed
the persons who were
attacked imagined they had
relations with demons
Succubi.
which
were
termed
Incubi
and
To this division
show
belongthose hallucinations
in that particular
form of
as
stupidity.
themselves
which
insanity
The
who
is known
which
occur
themselves
in delirium
from narcotic
arising
section;we have
"fifth
hallucinations
which
show
frenzy
form the subject
of the
poisons,
considered it rightto separate
arise from
the
use
of these
because
substances,
panied
accomthey are not necessarily
spoken of in that part
by insanity
; they are
of
our
work
which
treats
of the
causes
of hallucinations.
tions
arrangedthose hallucinawhich are
with catalepsy,
epilepsy,
complicated
"c.
hysteria,
hypochondriasis,
and dreams form
The hallucinations of night-mare
in
the seventh section. It is evident that night-mare,
In
are
13
.yTEODUCTIOlS'.
certain
respects,resembles
observed
in this disorder.
dreams, which
to
bear
study of
The
and
insanity,
It is the
that
with
same
strong analogyto
it is
regard
tions.
hallucina-
the
of dreams
has
physiology
interest ;
suppliedus with certain facts of peculiar
which happen in this state are, we
the presentiments
in most instances by the existence
conceive,explained
of hallucinations. Nevertheless,
do not
presentiments
in dreams,nor
occur
can
exclusively
they alwaysbe
have shown
we
by hallucinations. Lastly,
explained
hallucinations have sometimes
that nocturnal
in the form
There
under
the
of
is
the
epidemic.
condition
singular
name
attention
which
placedin
the mind
an
of the
of ecstasy,
which
of all observers.
has
The
mind, known
justlyattracted
hallucinations
one
are
occurred
the
upon
have
we
section.
The concentration
of
eighth,
one
particular
objectfor a long time
We
be referred.
have
several
times
noticed the
currence
oc-
thousand
several
observed
Qt'3rvous
gi ve
persons
in these
in Sweden.
The
tions
hallucina-
different conditions
of the
in somnambulism,
system, especially
rise to
conduct
on
which
would
the individual.
entail
grave
may
sponsibility
re-
14
INTBODUCTION,
are
lucination
This classificationincludes all the varieties of halwhich
and to it we
to
have
think may
under
come
notice,
own
our
be referred allthat
are
likely
occur.
The
divisions
numerous
we
have
established show
primarydivision
to which
converge a
the dominant
in insanity,
on
the nature
Their
indicated
as
physical,
of this chapter,
the centres
are
number
of secondarycauses.
As
into moral
at the commencement
causes.
and
of the hallucination
thus when
demonology,sorcery, magic,lycanthropy,
men
see
wolves,
devils,
or vampirism
prevails,
sorcerers, were"c.
The character of the hallucinations
vampires,
also varies with the kind of civilization; thus,
with the Greeks
they assumed the form of pans,
that of genii;
fauns, and naiads ; with the Romans
and in the Middle Ages that of angels,
saints,and
times every possible
combination
devils. In our own
When
of the ideas may laythe foundation of them.
the lattt?
causes
giverise to hallucinations,
physical
characters.
will have corresponding
t"f
only the secondarycauses
Properlyspeaking,
hallucinations are treated of in the precedingparagraph,
it is necessary that theyshould be considered
elevated point of view ; and this hi"
from a more
devoted i o
been attemptedin a chapterespecially
their physiological,
historical,
moral, and religions'
aspects. In the first part of this chapterwe ha\ '"
of ha If
endeavoured to show that the primarycause
a
belief in
LN'TKODTJCTIOtf.
15
leadingprinciples,
and in an ill-regulated
condition of the ideas,
result in an
which ultimately
abnormal reproduction
of their sensible signs. After entering
upon a more
extended
consideration of the nature
of ideas,of
their subdivisions,
of the principal
of the
operations
concerned
mind which
in the production
of hallucination
are
have
that these ought freshown
quently
we
to be regarded as
occurringin an almost
normal
have pointed
state of things,
out when
as
we
of
speakingof physiological
ecstasy. This mode
regardinghallucinations enables us to explainhow it
is that many
celebrated men
have been
subjectto
them, and yet must not be looked upon as havingbeen
insane.
The examplesof Loyola,of Luther,of Joan
of Arc, are decisive proofsof the correctness
of this
opinion.
All our arguments are especially
intended to show
that these illustrious persons were
the impersonation
of an epoch,of some
idea ; that they fulfilled
special
useful and necessary mission,and that their
some
hallucinations were
different from those
altogether
which are
observed
in the present day. In this
have also endeavoured
to distinguish
chapter we
between
the apparitions
of Scripture
and those of
well as those of many
Christians.
as
profanehistory,
If we are not mistaken,we have thus presented
the
doctrine of hallucinations in a more
completeform
than has hitherto been
Examinations
afford
tc
of
after death
anatomy
Until
can
done.
of hallucinations is stillto be
plished.
accom-
16
INTEODTJCTION.
our
shown
numerous
by
criminal institutions.
civiland
examplesthat
It is
the hallucinated
placedbeyond a
was
therefore
which
of
doubt
in the
of this work.
course
racters
importantto establish chatrue cases
to distinguish
serve
most
should
those
from
hallucination
which
are
simulated.
obtained
into the
by inquiring
by examining
historyof the case, by interrogating,
and by prolongedobservation of the
the writings,
consider
individual.
we
By the use of these means
well as medical men,
have the
that magistrates,
as
between the hallucinated and
power of distinguishing
of confinement is previously
The question
criminals.
discussed when
speakingof the treatment, but it is
These
characters
there
reconsidered.
cases,
are
Useful
when
especially
could not
in
great number
the
person is
be enforced in others without
of
dangerous,ft
great injury
to
the individual.
will remains
do not
in those
cases
where
the hallucinations
have shown
that this is
no
longerthe
case
But
where
we
the
perverted
"
formed
example,when he believes a relative is transthat he chargeshimself with
into the devil,
or
17
INTEODTJCTION.
electricity
for
him,
tormenting
In
his
met
of
have
readers.
with
been
his
poisoning
food
of
or
"c.
endeavour
should
instruct
of
purpose
composition
the
author
have
tlie
leads
fulfilled.
work
to
like
interest
to
The
us
the
as
favourable
hope
that
well
reception
these
the
present
two
to
as
we
tions
condi-
18
I.
CHAPTER
definition
There
man
is
and
no
be
hear sounds
convinced
others
hallucinations.
of
the
of
psychological
history
that which
To
which
what
no
other
ear
see
no
relates to the
other eye
perceives,
of sensations which
reality
is surelya matter
for
incredulity,
of the
regardwith
examination
than
hallucinations.
beholds,to
to
questionin
curious
more
of
subject
division
full of interest.
Instances
of hallucinations
they have
occurred
ages ;
by the
in the presentday,the
progress of science ; yet,even
phenomena,
part they play in many psychological
their occurrence
in various diseases,
and especially
in
mental affections,
renders their studyof the highest
importance.
and how is it to be
What, then,is a hallucination,
denned ? Does it presentitselfalone,or complicated
Such are the questions
with other diseases ?
with
which we must commence
our
inquiry.
Aristotle,Zeno, and ChryAmongst the ancients,
with these false perpartially
acquainted
ceptions,
and theyendeavoured to distinguish
between
them and true perceptions
theypointed
; moreover,
those of sight,
of
out three kinds of hallucinations
hearing,and of smell ; but theydid not observe all
all the conditions under which taey
their degrees,
nor
were
sippus,
"
occur.
Arnold, in
nearlycorrect
our
was
opinion,
definition of hallucinations
gave a
Ideal
"
"
20
DEFINITION
tion
cerebral
AFD
mental
phenomenon,occurring
of the senses, and consisting
of external
independently
which the patient
believes he experiences,
impressions
although there is no external agent actingon his
as
In another
senses.
"
or
part of
the
he
work
same
says,
The
the
of
opinions
the
of the
with
the
period.
M. Lelut considers
intermediate
and
individual,
between
hallucination
the
as
phenomenon
actual sensation
and
the
Leuret
sur
FragmentsPsychologiques
la
Folie,
p.
133.
Paris.
1884.
t Aubanel:
Essai
sur
les Hallucinations.
These.
Paris:
183),
DIVISION
OF
21
HALLUCINATIONS.
of mental disease,
in which a man
converts the
variety
insane conceptions
of his mind into actual sensations,
or
who, in consequence of these same
conceptions,
his true sensations by assimilating
them to
negatives
his perverted
ideas.
M. Baillarger
admits two kinds of hallucinations
the one
from the combined
influence
complete,
arising
of the imagination
and the organs of the senses
; these
hallucinations he terms
psycho-sensorial
; the other,
exercise of the
being due solelyto the involuntary
and the imagination,
and denominated
memory
chical
psyhallucinations. He
defines a psycho-sensorial
hallucination as the perception
of a sensation,
pendent
inde"
of all external
the
excitement
of the organs
of
and
as
Des Hallucinations,
des Causes qui les produisent
Baillarger:
caracterisent. Memoires
et des'Maladies
de VAcademie
qiCelles
de Medecine, t. xii. Paris : 1846.
t Walter CooperDendy
London : 1841.
The
Philosophyof Mystery,p.
125.
22
DEFINITION
When
consider this
phenomenonin a psychological
view we
shall explain
ing
our
meaning,by showthe spiritual
portionof an idea that is,its
we
pointof
that
essence
"
forms
never
"
AND
part of
sign alone
classification of
founded
the
and
hallucination,
constitutes
its foundation.
hallucinations
should
be
previousexamination of them, in
simple and complicatedconditions ; but this
of proceeding,although most
methodical,
their
manner
would
upon
be attended
of the work
from
his mind
the reader
comprehendingat
would
endeavours
be
would
once
lost in the
fail to
do
would
derstanding
un-
be prevented
the
generalplan;
and all our
details,
more
than
to
leave
feeble
we
impression.For this reason
proceedat
to describe our classification,
once
havingfirstpointed
out the divisions which have been generally
adopted.
which
Esquirolonly admits mental hallucinations,
therefore cerebral or idiopathic.
are
M.
which
take
Leuret
has
divided
termed
occur
in the
visions.
He
includes
incubi
those which
and
commonly
succubi*
1. The
of the
hallucinated
phenomena
attribute them
to
are
to which
of the nature
aware
fully
and they
they are liable,
condition of the
eased
mind, or to a disimagination
; the intellect is
DIVISION
OF
sound, and
perfectly
false
sometimes
hallucinated
2. The
23
HALLUCINATIONS.
do
not
veloped.
deextraordinarily
perceivethat
arise without
impressions
may
their
the intervention
tion
fullybelieve in the intervenof the external
of their senses, and in the reality
which they experience.
impressions
where the
These divisions onlyinclude those cases
3. The
With
with
M.
insanity,
Aubanel
ideas,and
do
which
a
distinguishes
"the
hallucinations
regularseries
not
is met
with
in the
plicated
com-
insane,and
of
rence
incohea
sorial
sen-
mania," manifested
and various
by numerous
forms of hallucinations,
sometimes
but
well-defined,
more
confused,and having the common
frequently
of themselves
of
character of constituting
a
species
regular,
insanitythat is to say, they are inconsistent and irlike the acts and words of the maniac during
"
his delirium.
Paterson, profiting
by the labours of Ferriar,
Hibbert, and Abercrombie, as well as by his own
Dr.
of these admits
hallucinations with
the reason.*
Paterson : On
SpectralIllusions.
No.
CLIV., 1843.
Journal,"
*
the co-existence of
"
Edin. Med.
and
Surg.
24
DEFINITION
Like
him
most
Paterson
Dr.
The
of
writers
the
and
who
have
preceded
sions.
illu-
that
classification
extended.
more
AND
We
we
illusions,
for,althoughtheyconstantly
proximate
apto each other,they have a different origin.
distinctions
These
havingbeen
arrange hallucinations
the following
table.
of their
into ten
Many of
further
are
importance,
established
subdivided
sound
"
of
a
state of mind
"
comprising
hallucina-
by the
understanding
shall
shown in
as
sections,
these,in consequence
Section 1. Hallucinations
with
co-existing
we
1. Corrected
smell,
"
sight.
hearing,
taste,
"
tions
touch.
,,
of all the
,
2. Not
Section 2.
with
corrected
senses.*
of themselves
Simplehallucinations,
constituting
of insanity,
form
but uncomplicated
a
monomania, mania,dementia,"c.
Section 3. Hallucinations
in their relations
apply to
to
sions.
illu-
DIVISION
25
HALLUCINATIONS.
OP
of
constituting
Complicatedhallucinations,
and combined
themselves a form of insanity,
Section 4.
1. With
monomania.
2.
stupidity.
"
3.
mania.
"
dementia.
4.
"
5.
"
Section 5.
imbecility.
Hallucinations
drunkenness,
and
with
delirium
tremens,
effects of narcotic
the
and
poisonoussubstances.
Section 6. Hallucinations
not
but
diseases,
monomania, mania, or
with
complicatedwith
nervous
dementia.
1. With
2.
"
3.
"
4.
"
5.
"
catalepsy.
epilepsy.
hysteria.
hypochondriasis.
hydrophobia.
Section 7. Hallucinations
with
Section 8. Hallucinations
with
Section 9. Hallucinations
mations,
inflamwith febrile diseases,
nightmareand
ecstasy.
acute, chronic,and
and with certain states
1. With
acute
2.
fever.
dreams.
of the
other
affections,
atmosphere.
delirium.
"
cerebral diseases.
3.
"
4.
"
5.
"
inflammations.
parenchymatous
typhoidfever.
intermittent
6.
fevers.
"
7.
"
8.
"
9.
"
"c.
pellagra,
gout, chlorosis,
last stagesof hectic diseases.
convalescence,
syncope, asphyxia,
"c.
10.
"
"c.
influences,
atmospheric
26
DEFINITION
Section
to
with
religion
authentic
and
avail
subject,
in
which
unnecessary
the
they
to
the
whether
Hallucinations
noticed
with
of
and
chapters
are
devote
facts
labours
of
our
illusions,
special
at
those
chapter
avoid
related,
to
them.
and
establish
cessary
unne-
have
course
re-
same
time
writers
on
other
epidemic
divisions
most
an
of
or
morality,
we
the
other
their
in
to
of
the
was
to
the
tries.
coun-
forms,
it
is
and
the
while
and,
own
intimately
select
to
to
of
containing
most
history,
adapted
experience,
own
ourselves
same
of
our
pathology,
hallucinations,
accumulation
to
best
tions.
hallucina-
isundoubtedly
mental
be
those
of
theory
which
must
established
of
"
philosophy,
rule
our
cases,
correct
of
medicine,
"
varieties
subject
branch
here
have
we
known
a
interesting
connected
the
all
investigating
most
and
which
include
In
HALLUCINATIONS.
hallucinations.*
sub-divisions
seem
the
Epidemic
10.
The
OF
are
subject,
therefore
28
HALLUCINATIONS
In many
but are
CO-EXISTING
WITH
SANITY.
cases
it becomes
which
was
at
an
obedient
first
physiological,
passes
into
a state
pathological
state,and with that commences
of insanity.
The existence of images,
or rather of physiological
is placed
hallucinations,*
beyond a doubt by numerous
both of a physical
and of a moral nature. They
facts,
may indeed be producedby an illusion of the organ
of vision or of hearing.
relates
Brewster,in his Letters on Natural Magic,~\
an
experimentof Newton, which shows that every
has the power of producing
hallucinations at his
one
after having regarded
pleasure.This philosopher,
for some
time an image of the sun
in a looking-glass,
much surprised,
his eyes towards the
was
on
directing
dark part of the room, to see
a
spectreof the sun
ness
bit by bit until it shone with allthe vividreproduced
and all the colours of the real object.The hallucination
afterwards
recurred
wherever
he
was
in
the dark.
Paterson
phenomenon takes
placeon lookingfixedlyat a window in a strong
and then at a wall ; a spectral
of \
light,
impression
the window, with its panes and bars,soon
presents
itself.
J To these examples may be added that of
remarks
that the
same
don:
Lon-
CO-EXISTING
HALLUCINATIONS
WITH
SANITY.
29
one,
and
is
condition which
shows
how
lucinatio
haleasily
be
produced.
Nothing,"says Meister, so well illustrates the
nature of our
thinkingfaculties as to consider them
in the different conditions of waking and of sleeping,
and in that intermediate state between
and
sleeping
in a more
are
waking,where the external senses
perfectstate of quietand rest,than in the most profound
may
"
"
repose ; when
the external
from
in
are
state
of
sense
is cut off
sometimes
usuallyprecedesor follows that of sleep,
it arises from prolongedmeditation
on
one
object,
when we
one
or
on
are
idea,especially
placedamidst
the silence of nature, in the recesses
of a forest,
or
surrounded
are
by the darkness of night. Under
these circumstances
a
singleimpressionor a single
image becomes arrested before us, and takes exclusive
of our thoughts; at such times the understanding
possession
intuitive powers.
acts only by its own
Entire scenes, broken
connected
or
pictures,
pass
before
the
vision
of
inner
our
slowlyor rapidly
We
sense.
fancywe behold,and behold with the
have never
most
thingswhich we
perfectreality,
seen.
They are, in truth,phantoms which the power
has invoked around us, happy or
of our imagination
beneath the charm of its magic.
miserable,
convinced that devotees,lovers,would-be
I am
all indebted
are
illuminati,
Swedenborgians,
prophets,
their presentiments,
to illusions for their miracles,
their prophecies,
their visions,
their intercourse with
and their visits to heaven and to hell;
beings,
angelic
"
30
CO-EXISTING
HALLUCINATIONS
SANITY.
WITH
and superstitions
word, for all the extravagances
time I
of their contagiousreveries. At the same
have no hesitation in declaring
that,under the same
of genius have conceived
the
circumstances,men
portionof
greatestbeauties and the most original
has discovered
their writings
; that the geometrician
the long sought-for solution of his problem; the
constructed the most
ingeniousof his
metaphysician
theories ; the poet been
inspiredwith his most
in
effective
verses
the
with
musician
his
most
pressive
ex-
with
and brilliant passages ; the statesman
cover
expedientsthat all his experiencehad failed to dis-
"What
him
and the
is there who
man
image of
the
glory,who
beloved,or,
has not
and
All who
marvellous
said there
mind
the
observes
that the
tent
were
summoned
before
if enamoured
of the
of
trumpet,
country,have
of the
his
has not
are
climate
over
its inhabitants.
of that countrywhich
productions
It is
throw
"
the
state of
most
Meister: Lettres
sur
certain
source
of reverie which
V Imagination,
p. 19.
Paris,an.
vii.
CO-EXISTING
HALLUCINATIONS
31
SANITY.
the human
WITH
is
that
the occasion
on
of
of their
one
kind
same
halts
numerous
of
gentleand
of the
indescribable
an
breath
same
from
heaven
emotion
at
the secrets
What
hearts with
the
time,and inspired
particular
same
thought? This is one of
the
offered for
tenderness.
that
of Grod and
country,and
of
with the
their minds
state
desert.
where
But
similar
I love the
mysteries
f"
contemplation.
This is also the opinionof M. Combes, junior.
The
Oriental,"he observes, is indolent and
voluptuous. The keff is as necessary to his existence
are
our
"
"
Chambi.
Chambas.
t Des
Sid-el-Adj -Mohammed,
Outrages du
Molenes),Journal
General
des Debats
Daumas
du 4
member
of the
tribe of
(Articlede M. Paul de
Mars, 1851.
32
as
CO-EXISTING
HALLUCINATIONS
WITH
SANITY.
or
him.
cover
desires
plunged,and
is
one
Oriental seldom
thinks
the act of
to
never
leave.
thinkingfatigues
the hours
During
him
too much.
are
fixed,and
The
voluntarily
dreamy and
objector a
in
ideal
an
In those
world,and to fillitselfwith vain chimeras.
hours of ecstasyevery Oriental is a poet ; but he is
and producesnothing."*
the poet of egotism,
that we
It is to this power of the imagination
are
for those
indebted
delightof
tales which
marvellous
are
the
It is this which
the Oriental.
with
genii,
peoplesthe
with
magicians,
The
state of reverie
Our
here
object
is,therefore,
highlyfavourable
of physiological
and
to the production
hallucinations,
how, in powerfulthinkers,it becomes the
explains
achievements.
of their greatest
source
may
The
two
divisions
we
each other
Combes
fils:
show
merelyto
co-exist with
from
*
is
sound
have
that hallucinations
state of the
established
by the
are
reason.
guished
distin-
different intensity
and
Voyage en Egypteet
en
Ntkbie.
HALLUCINATIONS
vividness
of
CO-EXISTING
WITH
SANITY.
33
the
exist in
man
We
not
are
corrected ; but
unaffected.
so
remains
reason
I.
Subdivision
in both
series the
Hallucinations
with a
co-existing
and corrected by the judgsound state of the intellect,
ment.
The hallucinations belongingto this division
In some
instances they
may exist for a longtime.
be produced
can
by an eifort of the will.
who succeeded to a large
Example 1. A painter
of the practice,
and (ashe thought)to more
portion
than all the talent of Sir Joshua
was
so
Keynolds,
that he informed me," says Dr.
extensively
employed,
and small)three
Wigan, he had once painted(large
in one
This would seem
hundred
portraits
year.
impossible
; but the secret of his rapidity
physically
this : he required
and of his astonishing
success
was
and painted
with miraculous facility.
but one
sitting,
him execute a kit-cat portrait
of a genI myselfsaw
tleman
in little more
to me
well known
than eight
and a most
hours ; it was
minutelyfinished,
striking
"
"
"
"
likeness.
"
On
askinghim
sitter came,
to
I looked
34
HALLUCINATIONS
CO-EXISTING
from
hour, sketching
wanted
no
another
sitter.
more
time to time
"
my
first
in the chair,where
had
been
"
with
took
and
him
I may almost
proper person
I looked from time to time at the
worked
canvas.
away my canvas,
I wished to resume
When
own
the
on
put
I tooJcthe man
and sat
portrait,
him as distinctly
I saw
as
ifhe
his
SANITY.
WITH
in
me
before
vividly.
say more
imaginaryfigure,
of it.
for
Well
my
and
me
so.
my children that it was
lose the distinction between
GraduallyI began to
and the real person,
the imaginaryfigure
disputedwith sitters that theyhad
At last I was
the day before.
sure
me
then
and
"
then
"
when
of
with
it,and
"
in
an
in my memory,
peopledescribe their visits,I have
dead
been
I suppose they
I recollect nothingmore
I lost my
exceptthe
period,
is
times
some-
all is confusion.
thirtyyears
was
"
and
blank
sort
of
remembrance
of them ; but I must not dwell
imperfect
these subjects.'
on
fact that when
this gentleIt is an extraordinary
man
after a lapseof thirty
resumed
his pencil,
years,
well
when
he painted
as
nearlyas
insanity
compelled
His imaginationwas
still
him to discontinue it.
I saw
as
was
vivid,
provedby the portrait
exceedingly
of half-anhim execute, for he had onlytwo sittings
for the dress and for the
hour each ; the latter solely
which he could not fix in his memory.
eyebrows,
"
It
was
found
danger,and
he
that
was
the
excitement
persuadedto
threatened
discontinue the
36
HALLUCINATIONS
very
proudof
He
in confinement
At
worn
length,
resolved not
CO-EXISTING
WITH
SANITY.
his
ceedingly.
logical
powers, humiliated him exbut was
was
never
eccentric,
placed
to the slightest
restraint.
or
subjected
out by the annoyance, he deliberately
year of existence
paidall his debts wrapped up in separatepapers the
of the weeklydemands
in hand,
amount
waited,pistol
to enter
another
on
"
"
"
the
remarkable
instances
been recorded
ever
"
It
of
hallucination
which
has
:
"
gentlemanto be called
into attend the illnessof a person, now
longdeceased,
who in his lifetime stood,as I understand,high in a
particular
departmentof the law,which often placed
the propertyof others at his discretion and control,
and whose
conduct,therefore,
being open to public
he had for many years borne the character
observation,
of a man
of unusual steadiness,
good sense, and
integrity.He was at the time of my friend's visits
confined principally
to his sick-room,
sometimes
to
and exerting
to business,
bed,yet occasionally
attending
his mind, apparently
with all its usual strength
and energy, to the conduct of important
affairs entrusted
did there,
to him ; nor
to a superficial
observer,
appear anythingin his conduct,while so engaged,
that could argue vacillation of intellect or depression
His outward
of mind.
symptoms of malady argued
acute or alarmingdisease. But slowness of pulse,
no
and conabsence of appetite,
of digestion,
stant
difficulty
their
seemed
to draw
depressionof spirits,
hidden cause
which the patient
was
originfrom some
determined
The deep gloom of the unto conceal.
was
Wigan
Opus cit.p.
126.
CO-EXISTING
HALLUCINATIONS
fortunate
gentleman
could
conceal
"
not
the
reduced
from
obvious
briefness and
the
37
SANITY.
WITH
embarrassment,which
his
he
friendly
physicianthe
"
constraint with
of
interrogations
his
which
medical
he
swered
an-
adviser,
for cuting
prosethe sufferer's
my
his
iuquiries.He appliedto
of that secret
the source
to learn,
if possible,
family,
griefwhich was gnawing the heart and suckingthe
life-blood of his unfortunate patient.The persons applied
denied
after
togetherpreviously,
to,
conversing
for the burthen which
all knowledge of any cause
affected their relative.
obviously
"The
to
medical gentlemanhad finally
recourse
and urged
serious argument with the invalid himself,
himself to a lingering
and
of devoting
to him the folly
pressedupon him
melancholydeath. He specially
the injury
which he was
character,
doingto his own
of
it to be inferred that the secret cause
by suffering
and its consequences
his dejection
was
somethingtoo
scandalous or flagitious
to be made known, bequeathing
and dja?
in this manner
to his familya suspected
moved
The patient,
honoured
more
name.
by this
speciesof appealthan by any which had yet been
urged,expressedhis desire to speakout franklyto
Dr.
Every one else was removed, and the door
he began his
of the sick-room made
secure, when
confession in the following
manner
:
.
"
"
than
'
You
conscious
dear friend,be more
of dyingunder the
in the course
cannot, my
I, that
of
oppression
am
can
you
manner
consumes
understand
in which
my
the
it acts
that
physician,
my skill
servingyou ; yet medical science has many resources,
with its powers can never
of which those unacquainted
38
HALLUCINATIONS
form
an
CO-EXISTING
estimate.
of your
to say what
symptoms
of
us
within
or
'
repliedthe patient,that
since
one,
Sage. Tou
the Duke
'
we
SANITY.
tell me
the
But, until you plainly
it is impossible
for either
complaint,
may or may
of medicine.'
that
WITH
read
not
be
I may answer
is not a
case
my
of it in the famous
remember, doubtless,the
d'Olivarez
in my
'
was
you/
singular
novel of Le
disease of which
Of the
he
power,
died?'
because
'
he
was
'
its imaginarypresence.'
the sick man,
and abhorrent
'
and
overcome
I,my
heart-broken
dearest
by
said
doctor,'
painful
persecuting
that my reason
is totally
to combat
vision,
inadequate
and I am
the effects of my morbid imagination,
sible
senI am
disease/
dyinga wasted victim of imaginary
listened with anxiety
The medical man
to his patient's
statement, and for the present judiciously
avoiding
of
the
sick
man'
s preconceived
fancy,
any contradiction
minute
into the
contented himself with more
inquiry
he conceived
with which
of the apparition
nature
of the mode by
himself haunted,and into the history
made itself master of
which so singular
a disease had
his imagination,
secured,as it seemed, by strong
of the understanding
againstan attack so
powers
irregular.The sick person repliedby statingthat
and at first not of a terrible,
its advances were
gradual,
character. To illustrate this,
he
even
or
disagreeable,
of the progress of his
account
gave the following
am
so
disease.
'
two or three
My visions/he said, commenced
when
I found myselffrom time to time
years since,
embarrassed by the presence of a large cat, which
I could not
and disappeared
came
exactlytell how,
forced upon me, and I was
tillthe truth was
finally
"
'
HALLUCINATIONS
CO-EXISTING
WITH
39
SANITY.
of
me
when
within
the
of
course
few
it gave
more
'
bag
hras,glidedbeside
and, whether in my
the
stairs before
drawing-room;
was
house
own
as
me,
and
like the
me
if to
sometimes
though it was
announce
me
in the
appearedto mingle
evident
sufficiently
that I
which
this
"
'
40
times
hundred
an
my
CO-EXISTING
HALLUCINATIONS
image
that it is
no
SANI1T.
but merely
reality,
summoned
excited
own
over
WITH
what
up
of
of
avail such
while the
reflections,
and presage of mortality
is before ny
emblem
at once
eyes, and while I feel myself,though in fancyonly,
the companion of a phantom representing
a ghastly
while I yet breathe on
inhabitant of the grave, even
the earth ? Science,philosophy,
has no
even
religion,
for such a disorder ; and I feel too surelythat I
cure
shall die the victim to so melancholy
a disease,
although
sight.
I have
But
no
in the
belief whatever
of
reality
the
tom
phan-
placesbefore me/
distressed to perceive,
"The
from
physicianwas
these details,
how
stronglythis visionary
apparition
fixed in the imaginationof his patient. He
was
urged the sick man, who was then in bed,
ingeniously
with questionsconcerningthe circumstances
of the
phantom'sappearance, trustinghe might lead him, as
which
it
sensible man,
contradictions
into such
and
sistencies
incon-
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
CO-EXISTING
HALLUCINATIONS
delusion,'said
his
41
SANITY.
WITH
to
you firmness
Can you
of this ?
friend;* 'have
'
'
the two
between
half-drawn
curtains
the foot
at
'
Not
because
body,even
when
cannot
persons
overcome
who
suffer
them.
and
him
*
in
patient,
last
In dreams
"which freezes
we
us
are
with
has
no
existence,and yet we
cannot
Witchcraft,
p. 27.
42
HALLUCINATIONS
In many
CO-EXISTING
of the most
is that which
case
was
a bookseller
by Nicolai,
Example 5. In the last
ago,
"
"--
1790
SANITY.
the hallucination
cases
One
such
WITH
I uuderwent
dispositio
dependsupon inaccounts of
interestiug
some
published
years
at Berlin.
ten
months
of the year
which
trials,
of September
me.
agitated
.greatly
in particular
repeated shocks of misfortune had
befallen me, which producedthe deepestsorrow"
It
had been usual for me
to lose blood by venesection
twice
This was
done once
the 9th of
on
year.
July,1790,but towards the close of the year it was
omitted.
"
In the firsttwo
months
much
affected in my
very
nature
disagreeable
a
mind
circumstance
extremely.At
ten
on
occurred
the 24th
which
o'clock in the
of February
irritated
forenoon
my
me
wife
In the
a
afternoon,
figurewhich
seen
in the
the
o'clock,
morning againappeared.
stance
happened a circumcould not
which,as may be easily
conceived,
to the apart*
very agreeable.I went, therefore,
I
be
I had
was
alone when
this
"
44
HALLUCINATIONS
CO-EXISTING
WITH
SANITY.
with the
alwaysable to distinguish
greatestprecisionphantasms from phenomena. I
knew
extremelywell when it onlyappearedto me
that the door was
opened,and a phantom entered,
and when the door really
and any person
was
opened,
I
manner.
was
in.
came
"
to
It is also to be noted
at all
me
that these
under
times,and
appeared
figures
the most
different circumstance
seen
before.
of both
part,I saw human figures
sexes
: theycommonly passed to and
fro,as if they
had no connexion with each other,like peopleat a
where all is bustle ; sometimes theyappearedto
fair,
For the most
have
amongst
saw
with
business
them
another.
one
persons
Once
or
twice
horseback,and dogs
on
all appearedto me
figures
if theyhad
as
as
distinctly
in their
existed
colours of clothes.
the
colours
were
But
somewhat
think,however,that
in
nature.
"
About
four weeks
of the
CO-EXISTING
HALLUCINATIONS
45
SANITY.
WITH
contained
and
anything disagreeable.Intelligent
voured
respectedfriends often appearedto me, who endeawhich stillleft deep
to console ine in my grief,
traces
"
on
my
mind.
at this time I
suitable remedies.
It
was
be
I
with
alone
was
the
the
This
performedon
was
the
surgeon,
swarmed
room
with
human
duringthe
tion
opera-
forms
of every
another ; this
kind.
same
Twice
or
if I may be
sensation as if I saw
againwas
so
allowed
to express
which
something,
in
myself,or
a
gone."*
~VVe would
reader
to
sightand
*
moment
3803.
46
HALLUCINATIONS
his
CO-EXISTING
WITH
and observed,
that
sensations,
of the
mental
mind
anxietyhe
in the
SANITY.
his
order
disastonishing
conld only be explained
by the
had undergone,and by the disturbance
was
duced
pro-
it.
by
On the 26th of December, 1830,"
Example 6.
standingnear the
says Dr. Brewster, Mrs. A. was
fire in the hall,
and on the pointof goingup-stairs
to
her husband's
dress,when she heard,as she supposed,
voice calling
her by name,
here ! come
come
!' She imagined that he was
to me
at the
calling
door to have it opened,but, upon going there and
to find no
one
opening the door, she was surprised
there.
to the fire she againheard
Upon returning
the same
voice calling
out very distinctly
and loudly,
here !' She
then opened two
come
come,
doors of the same
and upon
seeingno perroom,
son
she returned to the fire-placeAfter a few
she heard the same
moments
voice still calling,
"
"
'
'
'
,
come
to
and
loud,plaintive,
me,
come
somewhat
away !' in a
impatienttone. She
come
'
the house
"
as
at the time.
Mrs,
Subsequently,
of them
of
A. had
much
numerous
other illusions,
racter."
alarmingchaBrewster adds, that duringthe six weeks
within which the three firstillusions took place,
Mrs.
reduced and weakened
A. had been considerably
by
troublesome
a
cough. Her generalhealth had not
been strong,and long experience
put it beyond a
doubt that her indisposition
from a disordered
arose
some
"
more
HALLUCINATIONS
state of the
CO-EXISTING
digestive
organs.
Her
47
SANITY.
WITH
system
nervous
"
"
became
course
reduced
of
to the
few
method
speediest
lost sightof him
greatestwretchedness.
In the
under
months
the
home
he
of
inspection
died.
the
was
body,and
will
quested
re-
it
Brewster
Opus
48
HALLUCINATIONS
CO-EXISTING
WITH
SANITY.
This
occurred to
room,
proceededto my bedthese circumstances,
undressed myon
reflecting
self,
the candle,when I felt my
and had extinguished
left arm
suddenlygraspeda littlebelow the shoulder,
I struggled
to my side.
and forcibly
to free
pressed
myselffor a time,callingaloud, Let go my arm,'
heard the words
Don't be afraid,'
I distinctly
when
uttered in a low tone. I immediately
said, Allow me
when I felt my arm
the candle,'
and
to light
released,
to another
for
I then proceeded
part of the room
for a moment
the candle,never
ing
doubtto light
means
me.
'
'
'
but
that
one
some
was
in the
I at the
room.
giddinessand faintness,
I succeeded,however,
which almost overpowered
me.
the candle,and, turningtowards the door,
in lighting
of the deceased D. standing
before
I beheld the figure
same
time
felt
an
uneasy
It
was
dim
receded
it with the candle in my hand ; it immediately
rate as I advanced,and proceeding
at the same
thus,
alwaystowards
slowly down-stairs
door
lobby,when it stood
and openedthe street
became
so giddy that
me,
it
until
still. I
passedthrough
we
came
passed close
door ; but at
I sank down
to the
to
this moment
on
one
it,
I
of the
HALLUCINATIONS
CO-EXISTING
WITH
49
SANITY.
had
dressed in
never
the
seen
individual
during: life
similar way.
In all its characters it
than any
approximatedthe illusions of fever more
other which
I have
could have
witnessed,and
considered
it
never
real
for
ment
mo-
object.It is
other exciting
in this instance,
to find any
difficult,
cause, exceptthe pain felt in my
arm, which I now
refer to cramp of the triceps
muscle actingon the
state of mind incident to spectral
peculiar
illusions,
with a powerfulimagination,
together
already
greatly
circumstance of the case.
excited by the peculiar
I
may
arm
state
I have
that
felt the
in
feeling
same
without associating
it with
since,
any similar
the
sequences."
con-
"
Paterson
50
HALLUCINATIONS
to
CO-EXISTING
WITH
SANITY.
me
that
secondly,
which were
the best
objects
such
were
defined,and remained the longestvisible,
I had no recollection of ever havingpreviously
as
seen.
hours I had constantly
For about twenty-four
before
the features and dress of which
a human
me
figure,
visible as that of any real existence,
were
as distinctly
and
the
and
of
"
human
principally
appearedas if a number of objects,
small scale,
faces or figures,
were
on
a
placedbefore
and gradually
dallions.
removed, like a succession of meme,
all of the same
size,and apThey were
peared
all situated at the
to be
the face.
After
it became
and
fainter,
vivid,seemed
one
had been
then
recollect
with
object
far
as
nor,
that, in
which
as
for
seen
distance from
a
few minutes
another,which
was
more
which
place,
During all this
not
same
am
I had
aware,
succession of scenery I do
singleinstance I saw any
been previously
acquainted
;
were
the
of
representations
any
combinations, of which
new
I could
not
trace
the
materials."*
original
adds Conolly,how it was
that
If it is asked,'
did not lose their
Nicolai and the Englishphysiologist
will be, theynever
believed
the readyanswer
reason,'
"
'
'
'
Bostock
vol. iii.p.
Systemof Physiology,
204.
52
HALLUCINATIONS
CO-EXISTING
WITH
SANITY.
the
attendance
I
table,and
endeavoured
was
to
undeceive
bottle
no
me,
the
on
in
theynext
that
me
table,nor
believed in what
I had heard.
But
was
the noise
distinct
so
have
persons
delirious ;
and assured
was
been
was
the
dreaming,then,that
was
there
I admonished
M. Andral
to
him
confined to
stretched out in the room, where he was
of indisposition.
This vision
account
his bed on
from
arose
upon
time he entered
lecture-room.
frequently
happensafter having held the head
for some
down
time,that on raisingit up we feel
ourselves giddyand bewildered ; we see brightlights
before our eyes, and experience
a disagreeable
singing
In some
will give
in the ears.
persons this position
It
rise to hallucinations.
Example
which
house
and when
"
10.
she
had
was
for
woman
some
engaged to
was
time
employedin
been
clean
uninhabited
on
Conolly:Opus
cit. p. 101.
HALLUCINATIONS
CO-EXISTING
WITH
53
SANITY.
"
eventful to others."
circumstance
The
mind
the
had,however,passedout
of the
writer,when
manner
:
following
it
was
of the
recalled to him
in
"
on
employedfor a few daysin writing
a
subject
professional
; and it so happened that,of a
forenoon,when thus engaged,on raisingmy eyes
"
from
I had been
before
as
when
very
me,
with
I first saw
him
extended
on
board.
identical,
onlythat the
by his side,now
formerly
apparelwas
hat,which
distinctness of
strangerstood
outline as perfect
was
directed towards me
head ; his eyes were
of expression,
which before
benignity
*
290.
His
broad-brim
covered his
the
struck
peculiar
me
so
54
CO-EXISTING
HALLUCINATIONS
much,
beamed
now
from
SANITY.
WITH
his countenance.
In
few
he
minutes
disappeared."*
the brain,is
All mental
labour, by over-exciting
liable to giverise to hallucinations. "We have known
man,
persons, and amongst others a medical
many
heard voices calling
who, when it was night,distinctly
would
would
to them ; some
or
stop to reply,
go to
the door,believing
they heard the bell ring. This
in persons
to us
not uncommon
seems
disposition
selves.
who
in the habit of talkingaloud to themare
Example
the
of
case
affected
such
himself
the
extent
an
meets
by
read
We
12.
gentleman
"
in
who
Abercombie's
has
been
work,
of spectral
figures.To
appearance
exist that,if he
does this peculiarity
at first satisfy
friend in the street,he cannot
the individual or a
whether
he reallysees
spectral
figure. By
difference between
close attention he
them,
in the
can
outline
remark
of the
real
own
mind
and
he has
of producing the illusion,
faculty
no
power of vanishingit ; and,when he has called up
can
or scene, he never
spectral
figure
say
any particular
The gentlehow long it may continue to haunt him.
man
of sound mind, in good
is in the prime of life,
Another
of his
health,and engaged in business.
he
has
the
Paterson
HALLUCINATIONS
CO-EXISTING
"
the
of
state
4"
judgment.
II.
In
in the
same
but
intellect,
not
letter addressed
though
manner,
Hallucinations
some
55
SANITY.
WITH
with a
co-existing
corrected by the
years back
to
Bernard
to give
d'Apt,who had requested me
him
I franklyacknowledged
spiritualism,
my opinionon
sympathiesfor that great creed. This
my
questionhas also been examined by M. Guizot with
him
believe that the
his usual ability.With
we
depends upon it. It is in
very existence of society
vain that modern
which,in spiteof its
philosophy,
of
is unable to explainthe actual cause
positiveness,
phenomenon, attempts to rejectthe supernatural
any single
this
and is
element
itself
shows
everywhere,
;
tellects
deeplyrooted in the hearts of all. The greatestinits most fervent disciples.
are
frequently
Dr. Sigmond,in his remarks on hallucinations,
goes
of
a man
even
further,for he says, there is scarcely
who
eminence
has written his biography,or laid
M.
"
the secrets
open
of his inmost
soul,but
ledged
acknow-
has
emotion, either
It is thus
fantasia
or
hallucination." f
that hallucinations
are
often mistaken
for
to
however
realities,
improbablethey may seem
those who
time,
experiencethem ; but, at the same
the
is not
reason
affected
them.
by
The
iu dividual
event, of which
he
gives
but privately,
more
some
or less plausible,
explanation
of the mind ; from a
through a particular
disposition
rather to the superor
tendency to superstition,
natural,
he is led to regard it as the forerunner of
has witnessed
Abercrombie
p. 380.
Eleventh
f Forbes
remarkable
Winslow's
London
1841.
Journal,vol. i. p.
Psychological
586.
56
HALLUCINATIONS
WITH
CO-EXISTING
SANITY.
as
an
high destiny,
importantevent, or of some
vidence.
from heaven,or as a warning from Proinspiration
tence
have believed in the exisMany greatmen
and hence
of their star,or their guardian
spirit,
theyhave not been unpreparedto witness the appearance
distinctive
The
of miraculous
apparitions.
character of these hallucinations is that they do not
tain
the conduct,and the individual may mainprejudice
for virtue,
in the world a high reputation
ability,
believe they have
and wisdom ; often,indeed,we
some
served
as
an
conceived.
he had previously
out the projects
carrying
Many instances of this kind have occurred,the
truth of which is guaranteed
by the high position
of the persons themselves, and by the undoubted
of those who were
present.
veracity
Example 13. In 1806 General Eapp, on his return
from the siegeof Dantzic,havingoccasion to speak
to the Emperor,entered his cabinet without being
tation
announced.
He found him in such profoundmedithat
his
entrance
was
Doticed.
not
The
general,
seeingthat he did not move, was afraid he
noise.
and purposelymade
a
might be indisposed,
turned round,and seizing
Eapp
Napoleonimmediately
by the arm, pointedto the heavens,saying, Do you
rogated
that ?" The generalmade no reply; beingintersee
a second
time,he answered that he perceived
responded the emperor, "you
nothing. "What!"
did not discover it ? It is my star,it is immediately
in front of you, most
brilliant ;" and, becoming gradually
more
excited,he exclaimed, It has never
abandoned
all great occasions ;
me
; I behold it on
is a
it commands
to advance, and that to me
me
had this
M. Passy,who
sure
sign of success."
anecdote from Eapp himself,
related it at the meeting
of the Academie
des Sciences Morale et Politique,
on
"
"
the 4th of
1846.
April,
HALLUCINATIONS
CO-EXISTING
WITH
57
SANITY.
"
It is now
than thirty-five
more
Example 14.
that the following
years ago," says Dr. Winslow,
singularcircumstance occurred to the Marquis of
Londonderry: He was on a visit to a gentlemanin
"
"
The
mansion
fabled to inhabit.
such
was
one
as
The
apartment,also,
which was
to his lordship
calculated
was
appropriated
from its antiquechato foster such a tone of feeliug
racter
panelsof its
; from the dark and richly-carved
wainscot ; from its yawning chimney,lookinglike the
entrance
to a tomb ; from the portraits
of grim men
and women
arrayedin orderly
procession
along the
walls,and scowlinga contemptuous enmity against
the degenerateinvader of their gloomy bowers
and
venerable halls ; and from the vast,dusky,
ponderous,
and complicated
that concealed the windows,
draperies
and hung with the gloomy grandeurof funeral trappings
about the hearse-like pieceof furniture that was
destined for his bed.
Lord
Londonderry examined
himself acquainted
his chamber ; he made
with the
spectresare
forms
and
mansion
as
faces of
the
ancient
possessors of the
theysat uprightin their ebony frames to
he
the
that there
a lightgleamingou
perceived
his head.
loftycanopy over
no
intruder must
have entered into
supposedthat some
his apartment; and,turninground hastily
to the side
from whence
the lightproceeded,
he, to his infinite
astonishment,saw, not the form of any human visitor,
but the figure
of a fair boy surrounded
by a halo of
stood at some
distance from his
glory. The spirit
bed.
own
faculties were
be
not
ing
deceiv-
imposed on by
58
HALLUCINATIONS
the
of
ingenuity
then
were
advanced
WITH
CO-EXISTING
inmates
towards
of the
some
of the
numerous
Lord
castle,
SANITY.
guestswho
Londonderry
figure
; it retreated before him ;
he
as
advanced, the apparition
retired,until it
entered the gloomy end of the capacious
and
chimney,
then sunk into the earth.
Lord
turned
Londonderry rehis
to
harassed
effect of
so
"
bed,
but
an
not
the consideration
event
not
by
the
excited
of
to him.
the
Was
?
imagination
The
was
extraordinary
it real,
or
the
mystery was
solved.
easily
resolved in the
searched
looks, that
excited
various
much
offered. At last,
the
explanations
the
gentleman who owned the castle interrupted
various surmises by observing,
that the circumstance
which had justbeen recounted must naturally
appear
been
mates
inthose
who
have
not
to
very extraordinary
and are not conversant with
long at the castle,
the legendsof his family
donderry,
;'then,turningto Lord Lonhe said, You have seen
the 'Radiant Boy.'
were
the
'
'
Ee
content,it is an
omen
of prosperous fortunes.
60
HALLUCINATIONS
of the
WITH
CO-EXISTING:
SANITY.
the
Wishing to overcome
difficultieshe encountered
of
in Norway by means
the sword, he proposed to dispatchhis son
Oscar
of reducing
at the head of an army, for the purpose
the rebels,
which was
a proceeding
stronglyopposed
the
State.
One
Council of
by
day,after an animated
discussion on the subject,
his horse and
he mounted
a
gallopedsome
; having gone
way from the capital
King
of Sweden.
considerable distance he
dark
forest.
Suddenly he
clad,and with her
strangely
beheld
old woman,
hair in disorder. " What
an
do you want?"
asked the king,sharply. To which
"
the apparition
If Oscar goes to the war
replied,
the first
but receive,
you meditate,he will not give,
and
blow."
Bernadotte,struck with the apparition
its
words, returned
his
palace. The
day,
the traces of a sleepless
bearingin his countenance
he presented
and in a state of greatagitation,
night,
I have changed my mind,"
himself at the council.
he said ;
will negotiate
for peace ; but I must
we
to
next
"
"
have honourable
sudden
What
was
those
who
terms."
Had
change?
the
knew
pointin
cause
the
of the
weak
endeavoured
reason,
justice,
that the
and humanityr Or is it not more
probable
idea which occupiedhis mind, and, as constantly
happensin dreams, and even in the waking state,had
assumed
was
a visible form, and the mental
operation
? This explanation
mistaken for an actual occurrence
seems
woman
exact
to
us
much
should
reasonable
more
have
whither
locality
been
the
than
that
an
placeherself in
of the king had
caprice
able to
old
the
led
him.*
in his
Example 16. M. de Chateaubriand relates,
Lifeof M. JRance,that one day this celebrated man
of his chateau of Veretz,
was
walking in the avenue
*
HALLUCINATIONS
CO-EXISTING
WITH
61
SANITY.
when
He
his bed.
on
was
could not
around
be
It would
illustrious
men
of this
obtain
himself
beside
so
from
singleword
that
those
him.*
examples of
tions
to hallucinasubject
their having in any way
easy to mention
who have been
kind,without
many
Malbranche
Thus,
within
distinctly
God
him
upon
Byron
to pursue
he
spectre,which
over-stimulated
confesses
at
one
time
seemed
Goethe
the effect of
when
she
to
come
said
voice call
was
which
but
Johnson
Dr.
was
by
an
brain. J
celebrated
The
him.
followed
was
the voice of
out
asserts
positively
"
that
he
Samuel."
tinctly
disThis
off.
a long way
residing
from intestinal disease,
man
what
the
arm
was
of the wall.
that
he
one
day saw
the
Paris
1844.
J Idem,
p. 126.
62
HALLUCINATIONS
plainthe
result which
and
some
to have
seems
false sensations
the
taken
were
being affected a
dependedupon the opinions
reason
"
not
SANITY.
persons
for their geniusand their talents. As, in
precedingcases, the
but without
realities,
for
WITH
of hallucinations in
occurrence
remarkable
the
CO-EXISTING:
these
errors
persons who
liable to them.
were
Example 17.
at Eome
Benvenuto
order
Cellini,who
was
of the
imprisoned
given an
Pope,has
of his sufferings
in the memoirs
account
interesting
which he has left of his life. As soon,"he says, as
failed me, I felt all the miseryof my conthe light
finement,
and grew so impatient,
that I several times
was
goingto layviolent hands upon myself;however,
by
"
as
was
not
allowed
knife,I had
"
not
the
means
of
I once, notwithstanding,
carrying
my designinto execution.
contrived to placea thick plank of wood
over
that,
my head,and dropped it in such a manner
it would
if it had fallen upon
have
me,
instantly
me
to death ;
insensible.
almost
'
CO-EXISTING
HALLUCINATIONS
from
never
'Do
63
SANITY.
plied
then,'reyou attempt to deface
and
in his providence,
the
'
and
WITH
destroythem ? Trust
giveway to despairwhilst
you,
admirable
exhortations,
recollect the thousandth part."
of which I cannot now
and "At this juncture
His sufferings
were
increased,
the invisible being that had
preventedmy laying
to me, stillinvisible,
violent hands upon myselfcame
but spoke with an audible voice,shook me, made me
is at hand
;'with
many
more
! lose no
! Benvenuto
rise up, and said : ' Benvenuto
time, raise your heart to God in fervent devotion,
!' Being
and cry to him with the utmost vehemence
seized with
knees,
whole
'He
I fell upon
consternation,
several prayers, togetherwith
sudden
said
and
my
the
psalm,
that dwelleth in the secret
then, as it were,
'
"
with the
same
earnestness
Christ,I
thus delivered
'
64
CO-EXISTING
HALLUCINATIONS
WITH
SANITY.
hurried
where
me
he
of
havingthe figure
showed
in
an
a
apartment,
human
form,
the firstdown
upon
beautiful countenance, on
gravitywas conspicuous
particular
; he then
of
his cheeks,and
which
youthwith
to
me
most
innumerable
figures
upon
'
I did not
because
so,
the
my
know
what
street
a
high wall
my eyes, I saw
I then
darted his refulgent
rays.
lifting
up
sun
friend,how
to be able to
see
sphereof
the
sun
was
on
in ;
which
'
said, O,
myselfso
?'
He
as
there-
CO-EXISTING
HALLUCINATIONS
showed
upon
righthand,and
to
several
me
bade
little distance
"WITH
stepswhich
were
ascend them.
me
from
65
SANITY.
upon
my
Having
gone
him, I mounted
several of
the whole
rays dazzled
me,
solar orb
lustre of
In
sun
this
;
fall on
its powerful
O brilliantsun
I whom
I have
behold ; I from
henceforward
other object,
though the fierce
and blinds me.'
quiteoverpowers
stood with
the
my eyes fixed on
after I had continued thus wrapped up for
manner
time, I
some
'
no
thy beams
and
and because
the cause
of it,
I, upon perceiving
and lookingsteadfastly
the great
on
opened my eyes,
exclaimed
luminary,
so
long wished to
desire to behold
the whole
on
profoundly
manifested
itselfto
me
influence
my voice : O wonderful power ! 0 glorious
divine! how
much
beauteous
art thou to me
more
'
out
aloud,
'
miracle !
divine ! 0
dost thou
lavish
on
miracle !
G-od !
mency
cle-
mercies
the very
66
HALLUCINATIONS
CO-EXISTING
figureof
the
WITH
and
SANITY.
tittered these
words,
Christ
and with
to return
thanks
ing
Almighty. This wonderful phenomenon havappearedbefore me about eightminutes,vanished
and I was
from my sight,
instantly
conveyedback to
to the
my
couch."
the apparitions
exampleswhich follow,
which
by the sympathies
explained
may be partially
of the same
members
and in
exist between
family,
have often noticed a common
whom
we
psychological
between
the
husband
and wife,
character,
especially
tenance,
expressionof counproducingnot only the same
the same
but even
tone of thought. Such
interchangetheir thoughts
persons will frequently
with each other,
without any direct communication
but, as it were, by a kind of divination.
the
Example 18. One morning,in 1652, Philip,
second Earl of Chesterfield,
a
saw
thing in white,
like a standingsheet,within a yard of his bedside.
He attemptedto catch it,but it slid to the foot of
it no more.
His thoughtsturned
the bed, and he saw
then at JNetworth,with her
was
to his lady,who
In the two
"
"
by
Tlie
Thomas
Lifeof Benvenuto
Cellini.
original
68
HALLUCINATIONS
several hours
the
light,
CO-EXISTING
of watchfulness
ventured
WITH
from
SANITY.
of bed
it.
extinguish
after woke up in great agitation,
His father soon
and
him to re-light
commanded
it,which he did,much
and the marks
of
wonderingat the anger displayed
his father's countenance.
On askingthe
terror
on
of the alarm,he was
reason
put off by some
vague
son
out
excuse,
be informed
to
future time
some
he would
of it.
had
when, findinghis
elapsed,
disturbed by the light,
he once
rest so very much
own
his father appeared in a sound
when
sleep,
more,
it ; but the father almost imventured to extinguish
mediately
tion,
jumped out of bed in the greatesttrepidawith him
remonstrated
his disobedience,
on
the lamp,and told him that whenever
he
re-lighted
"
week
or
more
was
appearedto him,
could againobtain
the
and
spectreof
remained
his deceased
immovable
wife
till he
when it disappeared.
light,
the boy's
This made
a
strong impressionon
mind; and fearingto aggravate his father's grief
should he relate the Ramsgate adventure,he soon
a
"
inland town
about
after left Paris,and went
to an
sixtymiles off,to visit his brother,who was at school
there,and
he had
to whom
had occurred to
for
himself,
entered
scarcely
the house
when
salutations,
the
son
not
fear of ridicule.
and
He
'Has
came
down-stairs the
shown
He
had
usual
said to
signs of
lately.
very strangely
other nightin his shirt,
in
greatestalarm,declared he had
ghost,and dared not go into his room
the
what
exchangedthe
of the schoolmaster
him,
communicated
any
seen
his mother's
and
again,
then
"
of terror.'
fainted away from excess
"
Had there been a coincidence in
pointof time,"
Dr.
HALLUCINATIONS
WITH
CO-EXISTING
to the earth?"
69
SANITY.
This
argument does
to us so irresistible as to Dr. Wigan ; for in
not seem
the vision did
the case
of the Earl of Chesterfield,
"With respect to the vision
time.
at the same
occur
plained
appearing to three different people,it may be exby the strong affection which they had for
the deceased,by her dyingunder the most
distressing
and from the fact that
each of the
circumstances,
familyhad the power of forming a voluntaryimage of
any objectat will on shuttingthe eyes, and that each
of it,more
could draw from memory
a representation
"
or
less accurate."*
Example
entitled De
The
20.
celebrated
la Demonomanie
des
:
following
history
of a person now
I have heard,"he says,
living
which alwayswaited on
who
had a spirit
him, and
for more
than thirtyyears.
whom
he had known
Every morning,at three or four o'clock,the spirit
at his door,and that getting
knocked
up, he would
"
"
"
open
the
The
him
sible
sen-
Wigan: Opws
cit. p. 167.
70
HALLUCINATIONS
nothing has
occurred
to him
WITH
but what
SANITY.
he has
been
of beforehand.
warned
"
CO-EXISTING
and
day,being in great danger of his life,
havingprayedto God with all his heart that it might
to
him, at daybreak,being
please Him
preserve
and waking,he perceived
between sleeping
his bed a
on
young child clothed in a white robe,whose countenance
of marvellous beauty. This reassured him."*
was
interest attached to it,as
has a peculiar
This case
an
exampleof those hallucinations to which M. Michea
of hallucinations dedoublees,
has given the name
or
those which occur
on
only one side of the body.
consider the conclusions to which
Let us briefly
have
this chapterleads,the illustrations of which we
refer to
purposely multiplied.Many of the cases
have selected
well known, and we
persons who are
them because no one has ever
thoughtof chargingthese
of them have correctly
persons with insanity. Some
of the
regardedtheir hallucinations as the offspring
from an unhealthystate of
or
as
arising
imagination,
the body. Others,led by their belief in the supernatural,
the
of
the
their
opinions
period,
by
vanity,
by
have privately
or
feelings,
explained
by superstitious
One
disordered
with their
in accordance
them
the
been
intellect ; in
source
of their
own
mind
may be
out
withto glideinto the hallucination of insanity,
beingpossible
always to pointout the boun-*
the one condition from the other^
which separates
.dary
limits.
difficultis it at all times to establish precise
so
this chapter,
In concluding
we
are
gladto support
its
J. Bodin
et suiv.
in
Grand
Augevin
in-8vo:
cles Sorciers,
la Demonomanie
p. 11,
At Rouen there is an edition
Paris,1587.
De
in 1593..
CO-EXISTING
HALLUCINATIONS
our
own
known
opinionsby
the
WITH
SANITY.
of
authority
"
71
critic well-
It is
certain,"
"
says
made
A.
de Chambre
les
"
1850.
72
CHAPTEE
HALLUCINATIONS
Section
In
the
I.
INVOLVING
hallucinations
The
"
we
cases
INSANITY.
simpleand
isolated.
"
hitherto considered
have
but
unaffected,
remained
III.
in those which
the
mind
follow there
not,however,be
It must
alwaystakes
unhappy man
the influence
it ; and
his
becomes
when
when
even
and
hide
an
to
about
him, but he
morose.
Moreover,
full possession
of him, he
from those
sufferings
silent,sorrowful,and
illusion.
firmed,
con-
greater,he endeavours
his torments
stillstrives against
it,convinced
of
more
happen that
even
his actions
not
controlled
"
words
or
the
most
mostlyduringthe
extravagantcommands.
silence of the
It
night,
earlyin
is
the
INVOLVING
HALLUCINATIONS
73
INSANITY.
of hallucinations
occurrence
at these
high
razor
followed
of the governor
treason, and
these
Under
which
when
these
events
unsettled
he
circumstances,
cut
he recovered
Cured
accusinghim.
pursuedhim ; he imaginedhe was surrounded by spies
and denounced
by his enemies. The voices repeated
that he had betrayedhis trust,
to him, day and night,
that he was
and that he had no
native
alterdishonoured,
but to destroyhimself.
They successively
addressed him in all the European languageswith
which he was
heard less distinctly
acquainted:one was
than the rest,because it made use of Russian,
which M. N. spoke with less facility
than the other
languages. In the midst of these differentvoices the
invalid readily
that of a lady,
who bade
distinguished
him
take
M.
more
answer
become
courage,
JN".would
with
readily
the voices ; he
to converse
privacy
would question
and
and
them, he would use words of defiance,
the persons he believed
enragedin addressing
7i
HALLUCINATIONS
lie
INVOLVING
INSANITY.
with ; he was
convinced that his
conversing
could divine his most
enemies, by various means,
secret thoughts,
convey to him reproaches,
menaces,
evil
with
and
which theyoverwhelmed
him.
counsels,
On all other points
his reasoning
was
perfectly
correct,
was
sound.
JN".passedthe
where
he
kept
interested him
open
If
house.
at
the
his
chateau,
conversation
but if it
longerheard the voices,
them
he perceived
and would
slackened,
imperfectly,
then
leave the
voices.
the
he
of 1812
summer
He
now
no
autumn
following
beset
to Paris.
came
The
the
In
same
and tormented
during the journey,
him after his arrival. The voices continually
repeated, Kill yourself you cannot survive your
honour."
"I will
^No,no !" repliedthe sufferer,
terminate my existence when I have been justified
; I
will not bequeatha dishonoured name
to my daughter."
Placed in my charge,"
"the invalid
says Esquirol,
kepthis room, but did not communicate his secret to
symptoms
him
"
"
"
"
At
me.
I should
the
prolongmy
voices
which
months
visits.
he
seemed
I advised
him
tormented
anxious
him
call
to
babblers.
This
He
then detailed to
all
me
me
at that
time
theywere
'
"
'
'
76
HALLUCINATIONS
with.
INVOLVING
hallucination
The
was
INSANITY.
the
only evidence
of
cerebral
habit the
cause
recovered
entirely
his
of this continuance
?"*
patientin
of the
Government
this
case
hearing.
was
ployed
em-
offices in
Paris,
where he had shown considerable capacity
mented
; but,torby one fixed idea,he began to fail in the
and was
of his duties,
discharge
compelledto leave
one
his situation.
His
reason
was
sound
perfectly
when
spoke of
matters
he addressed
to
one
of
:
superiors
"
"
house and at my
both at my own
produced,
noise in my ears, which was
a deafening
office,
quite
time
offered
and
the
same
me
they
insupportable, at
insults. They called out to me concernthe grossest
ing
persons
at all hours
of the
: Des
Esquirol
Maladies
vol. i. p.
Mentales,
160
1838.
HALLUCINATIONS
INVOLVING
77
INSANITY.
dition
con-
begged
of them to write,and ask me
theymay
any questions
think proper, so that they may satisfy
in
themselves,
the absence of the medical men,
not only that my
is perfectly
sound at the present time,but
reason
This I hope will induce
that it alwayshas been so.
them
to take proceedings
againstthe persons who
have deprived
of my liberty.
me
so
"
would
and
that in
few
days
house,and
Persons
led
to
me
think
favourable termination
procure
own
my
has
kindness
Tour
who
to this
you
affair,
allowed to act
subjectto
are
that
as
I think
to
proper."
hallucinations
of
observation
Even
the
subjectof
hallucination.
This
fact,which
sensations
have
once
been
impressedon
the
brain may
who
*
vol.
be
dead
had been
Calmeil
Deuxieme
art.
many
years, walked
Hallucination,
p.
edition.
51 9.
"
on
the roof
en
Dictionnaire,
30
78
HALLUCINATIONS
of the house.
and
INSANITY.
to
continually
calling
was
him.
"Ah,
glassof
complainsthat
why don't you givehim
wine ?"
She
would
then
she
Quick ! bring
clothes. He
some
him
Grod !"
my
"
to eat ;
a
She
conversingwith
would
him
INVOLVING
he has had
thing
no-
soup and
some
either external
or
the
clouds,from
neighbouringhouses, from the ground, from the
from chimneys,from cupboards,
of rooms,
corners
also come
"c. ; but they may
from the head, the
other important
stomach, or some
Sir,"said
organ.
a lunatic to
me,
pointingto his stomach, strange
hear a voice
thingstake placethere ; I continually
"
"
which
threatens
He
would
the attitude of
dayin
incline
listening.
are
of
this and
opinionthat
belongto illusions ;
for,in most
beating of an
change,which the
organic
exists the
into
similar
artery, or
insane
symptoms
person
some
other
transforms
real sensation.
bined
hearingmay exist alone,or comand of the other senses.
with those of sight,
Hallucinations ofsight.These hallucinations have
at all times playedan importantpart in the history
is applied
of mankind; and to these more
particularly
is used to designate
the term vision,while visionary
In ancient
the persons that are affected by them.
times, and during the Middle Ages, the belief in
universal.
Castles and graveyards
visions was
were
while there was
haunted by spirits,
a person
scarcely
with an
who had not met
apparition.In our own
times,the northern nations of Europe,some
parts of
and entire countries stillbelieve
own
our
provinces,
Hallucinations
of
"
HALLUCINATIONS
in visions.
INVOLVING
works
The
of authors
histories,which
marvellous
79
INSANITY.
are
filled with
the
ignorantscepticism
as
a parcelof old
eighteenth
centuryrejected
tales. In the present day, science,more
women's
them by means
of natural laws.
explains
enlightened,
Their numbers, and the frequencyof their occurrence,
giveto hallucinations of sightthe second rank
aberrations of the human
in these singular
mind.
had experienced
Example 24. M. N., aged forty,
which he endeavoured to forgetby
domestic troubles,
of the
the
of wine.
use
he had become
Several
months
restless and
30th of
before
odd in his
his illness
The
manner.
without havingindulged
April,184
more
seized with a feverish
freelythan usual,he was
treated by bleeding
and other
delirium,which was
These means
suitable remedies.
produceda temporary
amendment, but symptoms of excitement soon
returned ; he heard the sound of persons threatening
him, he uttered cries of terror, and he constantly
asked
"
paroxysm
house.
On
of this kind
his entrance
His
was
that he
was
It
in
was
broughtto
my
looks.
manner
out, convinced
that there
were
persons
concealed
in
he demanded, "Where
Every moment
are
they ?" The next day he was put in a bath,where,
accordingto a plan that has been adoptedfor some
he remained
eighthours,
years at my establishment,
the douche
d' irrigation,
the patientbeing
receiving
his
room.
confined
as
in
an
inquiredwhat
was
the
meaning
He
tinually
con-
of such
De
VEmploi
"
80
HALLUCINATIONS
INVOLVING
INSANITY.
and
commissaryof police,
requestedto be set at liberty.Observingthat he
excited by the sightof the attendants,
was
violently
Eor six days he was
nately
alterI left him quitealone.
bathed,purged,nauseated,and allowed only
At the end of this time
limited supplyof food.
a
he seemed
more
calm, and requestedparticularly
to speakwith me.
he spoke as follows :
On my presenting
myself,
and with
Sir,I was broughtto your establishment,
"
"
reason
excitement
and
statements
sense
common
reproachher
which
in
was
did
the
agaiustmy
know
that
state of
great
most
extravagant
wife were
wanting
I have nothing to
a
with.
it is not
scene
time
I said
things; my
in
the
for at
But
witnessed,and
which
tracted,
dis-
by a
will relate
to you.
"
in the
was
ordered
me
in consequence
I saw, as
clothed in black
when
bath, which
as
plainly
enter
the
medical
of my
feverish
you
see
had
man
excitement,
now,
man
my apartment,who looked at
faces at me, and endeavoured
made
attentively,
me.
to torment
Indignant at such unpardonable
how much I
conduct,I showed him by my manner
the chimney of
He then approached
was
displeased.
the stove,laid hold of it,and disappeared
throughthe
recovered from this singular
opening. I had scarcely
from under
three men
I saw
when
come
spectacle,
towards me, making the same
my bed; they advanced
gesturesand grimacesas the first. Overcome with
I shouted for my
knife,that I might kill
passion,
them, when they also passedup the chimney,and
them before,
seen
Although I had never
disappeared.
on
my mind,
yet their features are so impressed
them anywhere. Before leaving,
that I should know
they covered my bed with all kinds of disgusting
me
INVOLVING
HALLUCINATIONS
animals.
at
Certainly,
myself;but
would
The
that moment
regardsthe
as
81
INSANITY.
truth
was
beside
of these
facts,I
attest it with
my blood."
in which
calm,collected manner
"''his
historyto
at
least
M. N. related
as
astonishing
tale. I made
no
reply,as I knew by experience
it would onlyserve
to irritate him.
Some days
when the conversation was
after,
renewed, I thought
time to speakto him plainly
it was
about his hallucithat it was
nation.
all
Well," he said, admitting
I not sufficiently
recovered for you to
am
imaginary,
allow me
to return home, where my presence is absolutely
me
was
as
([his
"
'
At
"
necessary ?"
the end of
recovered his
dupe of
which
had
month
He
reason.
M.
was
N.
aware
and promisedto
delusion,
led to
allowed to remain
his illness. He
another
had
completely
he had
been the
avoid the
causes
to
requested
month, when
country. I saw
he would
be
be
manner
may
assume
as
many
forms
as
there
are
individuals.
He
would
on
Democritus,who,
discoveries in anatomy,was reckoned
G
82
HALLUCINATIONS
distracted
INYOLYING
his
by
INSANITY.
till Hippocrates
fellow-citizens,
of their mistake."*
cured them
of the
hallucinations must
than
Example 26. An old man, who died at more
sat down
to table during
eightyyears of age, never
the latter part of his life without fancyinghimself
surrounded
by a number of boon companionswhom
This octogeDarian
he had known
fifty
years previously.
which
had onlyvery feeble sightwith one
eye, over
shade.
also he wore
a green
Every now and then he
his own
saw
image in front of him, which seemed to
be reflected by the green shade.
related to Dr. Abercrombie
Dr. Dewar, of Stirling,
a
tion.
very remarkable instance of this kind of hallucina"
It occurred in a lady who was
quiteblind,
and sunk. She never
disorganized
with a
seeinga little old woman
crutch,who seemed to walk before her.
illusions when
no
windows
of her
apartment set
wide
open, to allow a
filled the room,
number
perfectly
distinguish.
Example 27. A lunatic was in the habit of seeing,
the wall of his cell,
a number
to the rightof him, near
whom
he would sometimes address
of beautiful women,
with compliments.This man
sometimes
with insults,
*
Biography,vol. v. p. 405.
f Abercrombie : Opus cit. p. 379.
British
84
HALLUCINATIONS
INVOLVING
others
drawings: amongst
the
of the
portraits
I entered his cell,"
When
notice, he was
drawingthe
spectrehe pretendedhad appeared
were
"
his mother.
devil and
INSANITY.
"
to him.
Edward
"
III.
was
of his most
one
acknowledgmentof
and in
had
Blake
the monarch's
in oils in three
portrait
as
were
likelyto
questions
such
embarrassed
have
the
him ; but
unaffected manner,
most
sion,
condescen-
his
drawn
sittings.I put
visitors,
constant
he
answered
and
without
them
in
tation.
hesi-
any
Do
'
"
I
they appear.
Antony last night,but
them
when
Marc
did not
I knew
foot in my house.'
do these illustrious dead visit you ?'
he set
moment
the Roman
'
"
'
"
sometimes
to
expect
At
At
the
what
hour
o'clock
one
long,sometimes
see
short.
The
I saw
the unfortunate Job, but
day before yesterday
than two minutes ; I had
he would
not
staymore
wards
hardlytime to make a sketch of him, which I afterbut silence !
Here
is Richard
engraved
do you see
him ?'
Where
III. !'
Oppositeto
'
'
"
"
the
on
you,
other
it is his first
'
do you know
his name
?'
My spirit
AVhat
him, but I cannot tell you how.'
recognises
visit/
'
"
How
"
'
"
is he like ?'
"
his
see
ah !
'
"
'
Stern,but handsome
I have
profile
; now
he turns
now
"What
to
life?'
"
converse
'
?'
questions
any
me
at
he is terrible to behold.'
to me,
Could
the
presentI only
face ;
three-quarter
:
'
"
to
'
?'
ask him
"
Certainly.
If he pretends
have
reply?'
Majesty's
"
no
'
need
This ;
of words.'
'
"
What
onlyit is somewhat
is his
longer
INVOLVING
HALLUCINATIONS
85
INSANITY.
twenty thousand
fifteen or
for what
but
is immortal
of them
do
you
is not
no
wrong
onlypreserved,
better
who
world, and the man
of ingratitude,
his assassin is guilty
for it
reproaches
is by his means
he enters into a happierand more
But do not interrupt
state of existence.
me
perfect
;
in a very good position,
he is now
and if you say anything
he will go.'
more,
Blake is a tall man, pale,speakswell,and sometimes
he is not deficient in talent as an
:
eloquently
passes
into
men
"
and artist/'#
engraver
he
when
Spinello,
paintedthe
Lucifer with
he
such
fallen
angels,
represented
terrible appearance
that
and had the
production,
frightened
by his own
before him,
figureof the devil perpetually
was
him
for the
hideous
form
which
who
he
proached
re-
had
years.
and he was
"
The
account
verbatim
of
as
follows
"
May, feelinghimself
inclined to
*
little unsettled
he thoughthe
business,
Revue
Britannique,
p.
184.
would
and
take
1823.
Juillet,
not
walk
86
HALLUCINATIONS
into the
INVOLVING
INSANITY.
havingstrolled
into St. Paul's Churchyard,
he stoppedat the shopwindow
of Carrington
and Bowles, and looked at the
of the cathedral. He
which was
one
pictures,
among
had not been longthere before a short,grave-looking,
clothes,
elderlygentleman,dressed in dark-brown
and occathe prints,
came
sionally
up and began to examine
entered
castinga glanceat him, very soon
the view of
into conversation with him, and, praising
St. Paul's which was
exhibited at the window, told
him many
anecdotes of Sir Christopher
Wren, the
and asked him at the same
time if he had
architect,
ascended to the top of the dome.
He replied
ever
in the negative. The stranger then inquiredif he
had dined,and proposedthat they should go to an
in the neighbourhood,
and said that after
eating-house
dinner
was
Cityto
his mind
amuse
and
placethat
he could
pointout
every
of the
left the
the
table,and
cross,
which
ascended
to
they entered
at
moment
distance,and
doing,for
to
know
what
he
was
at
that
show
him
HALLUCINATIONS
INVOLVING
happened that
It
any such person.
been for a long time
past he
weeks
powerfulthat
so
terror,that he should
like to
health,and
came
bad
in
87
INSANITY.
see
for
sudden
it
some
thought
his
overcame
his father.
He
had
sooner
became
overwhelmed
of the vision
For
the power
"
inquiredin
He
cast
on
me
took
two
or
from
him."
way
look of
arm,
my
three rooms,
'
It is of no
conscious of
Dr. Arnould
this power
what
a
has been
was
adds,
exercised ?
fidence,
suspicion
mingledwith conand after leadingme
through
and then into the garden,exclaimed,
use
"
there is
no
concealment
sees
us
the
man
of
he
and he
was
hears
us
that heard
'
Have
deep agitation,
the
cross
"
I not
He
told you
the
on
and that he
in
replied,
top
voice
that he lives
of St.
Paul's,
88
HALLTT
CITATIONS
INVOLVING
INSANITY.
to
dreadful
free from
consciousness
that
of my life is
placecan afford me
action
no
his
and no
inspection,
from his power.' On my replying
that the
security
afford him protection
darkness
of the night would
what you
from these machinations,
he said, I know
but you are quitemistaken.
I have only told
mean,
part of the building
you of the mirror,but in some
what
which he passedin coming away, he showed
me
which
be called a great bell,and I heard
sounds
of
from
to it ; sounds
came
it, and which went
a
laughter,and of anger, and of pain; there was
dreadful confusion of sounds,and as I listened with
wonder
and affright,
he said, This is my organ of
with
hearing; this great bell is in communication
all other bells within the circle of hieroglyphics,
by
which every word spoken by those under my control
is made
audible to me.'
Seeingme look surprisedat
him, he said, I have not yet told you all ; for he
walls and
his spellsby hieroglyphics
on
practises
houses, and wields his power, like a detestable tyrant
he has
of those whom
he is, over
the minds
as
enchanted,and who are the objectsof his constant
I
spite,within the circle of the hieroglyphics.'
how
asked him what these hieroglyphics
were, and
he perceivedthem ?
He
replied,Signs and symbols
of
their
which
true
ignorance
you, in your
ing
meaning,have taken for letters and words, and readhave
and
as
thought, Day and Martin
you
! they
Warren's
Blacking! Oh, that is all nonsense
are
onlythe mysteriouscharacters which he traces to
mark the boundaryof his dominion,and by which he
preventsall escape from his tremendous
power. How
have I toiled and laboured to get beyond the limits
'
'
'
'
HALLUCINATIONS
89
INSANITY.
INVOLVING
days and
nights,till I fell down under a wall exhausted by
and dropped asleep; but on
fatigue,
waking I saw
the dreadful signsbefore my eyes, and I felt myself
as
completelyunder his infernal spellsat the end as
at the beginningof my journey.' *
of his influence !
Once
I walked
for three
"
There
be
cannot
an
of
instance
hallucination
enter,and
their
the
air of truthfulness
sufficient to
are
narratives,
which
attaches to
all
remove
feelings
of mistrust.
in
which
manner
caused
the eye
to
mistake
them
for realities.
Hallucinations
cases
are
Treatise
Mind, by
touch.
"
It
is said
that
these
difficultto
to be confounded
*
of
James
Insanity,and other
Cowles Prichard,
p. 455.
on
the
affecting
Disorders
London
1835.
90
HALLUCINATIONS
INVOLVING
INSANITY.
questionthat
quitecapableof
near
Wall
profoundlyskilled
him by means
He
in
there
was
of villains
gang
who
pneumatic chemistry,
of what
he
termed
an
who
of the seven
very absurd account
composed the gang, and even invented
the
torments
he
heart could
have
gave
sailed
as-
air-loom.
persons
for
names
communication
of the intellect.
Mathews
with
believed
the
operations
they could
in the .bladderof
pleasureproduce a precipitation
calculus ; that they could
a
any person, and form
make the organ of hearingappear to be seated in the
of the air-loom and magnetic
thigh; that by means
they could introduce into the brain
impregnations
force
idea ; that they could violently
some
particular
fluids into the head, elongatethe brain,and many
Mathews
made
other things equallyabsurd.
even
where he believed these persons
a
plan of the room
resided,and drew the whole of the apparatuswhich
he imaginedthey used in their various operations.
at
92
HALLUCINATIONS
myself.
few
INVOLVING
days
after
INSANITY.
attacked
was
with,
fever."*
The
affections of
extraordinary
who
sense
believed
of touch
our
the
sense
observed
more
opinion,
the hypochondriac.
Amongst the remarkable
of
the
of touch
instances of hallucination
is the
of
Berbiguier,
running
continually
case
that
goblinswere
his body,restingthemselves upon him in order
over
to fatigue
These
him, and compel him to sit down.
invisible enemies wandered
him day and night;
over
their weight was
so
great that sometimes he was
afraid of beingsuffocated. To defend himself against
their attacks,
he conceived the idea of dexterously
catchingthem beneath his linen,and then pinning
them to his mattress, or enclosing
them in bottles.f
These show themselves
Hallucinations of smell.
of every form of insanity,
at the commencement
and especially
of partial
in cases
insanity.Writers
have remarked
that the presence of saints spreada
sweet
perfume through an apartment,while devils
infect it.
of smell,like those of
Hallucinations
taste,seldom occur
by themselves,but combined with
those of hearing,
sight,or touch. They are far less
than the others.
frequent
Lunatics
who
experiencehallucinations of smell
agreeable
complainthat they are surrounded by fetid and disthe
odours,or imagine theyare breathing
odorous bodies
delicious scents, althoughno
most
"
are
have
been
even
lunatic
*
them
near
declared
some
before
of them
deprivedof
there
Correspondancede Goethe
the
were
et de
1821.
of smell.
sense
cellars
beneath
Bettina, trad. M.
Albin,vol. i. p. 68.
f" Lei Farfadets,ou tous les Demons
de Terre-Neuve du
Monde, par Babiguier
Paris
their illness
ne
sont
Thym,
pas
de
the
Sebast.
I'autre
3 vols. in-8vo.
HALLUCINATIONS
INVOLVING
where
Salpetriere
Hospital,
INSANITY.
93
they had
a
slaughtered
number
of men
and women,
and that every day she
horrible smell from the putrifying
a most
perceived
had in our establishment a ladywho,
bodies.*
We
after attempting
to suffocate herself,
complainedthat
tainted with the smell of charcoal ;
was
everything
smelt vinegar,
she stuffed her nostrils,
but stillthe
odour accompaniedher everywhere.M. Esquirol
same
has reporteda similar case.
Hallucinations
mon
comof taste. These are not more
than the preceding. The
invalids,
especially
"
those
who
in the
excellent
with one
other
or
complicated
of the principal
forms of insanity
are
rare, and when
they do occur they have many pointsof resemblance
with pure monomania.
There is generally
observed
of the
some
derangementof the intellectual faculties,
of the tastes,"c.
three
affections,
Take,for example,
recorded by Esquirol,
of the cases
nations.
as
simplehalluciOne of the hallucinated spoke with reverence
and in appropriate
terms
concerningreligion
its
miracles ; yet duringthis serious conversation
and
he was
engaged in drawing a number of ridiculous
objects.Another, who was only affected with hallunot
Lelut
JJes Maladies
*
+ Esquirol:
Opus cit.
Ment.,
vol. i. p.
196, "c.
94
HALLUCINATIONS
INVOLVING
INSANITY.
of
about to appear.
cinations
Experiencehas provedbeyond a doubt that hallushow
may
been
never
Christ
was
themselves
insane,but theyare
most constantly
met with in mental
insanity
in
nervous
They occur in some
complaints,
and
affections,
Section
II.
General
"
of all the
with
some
many
fevers.
severe
Hallucinations.
"
flammator
in-
tions
Hallucina-
do not appear
simultaneously
for it has often 'happenedthat the
founded
hearingand of sighthave been con-
senses
be common;
hallucinations of
to
in
diseases.
illusions of
touch,of taste,and
of smell.
to show that
concur
Nevertheless,
analogyand reason
and observation has provedthat it
they may co-exist,
is sometimes
It is also
with
the
case.
patients
probablethat,by questioning
care
that hallucinations
than is
supposed.
generally
of this kind we
amongst the curious cases
select the following
:
aged forty,
highly
Example 31. Mademoiselle
has alwaysbeen
and therefore very sensitive,
nervous,
extremelychangeable.In her youth she would never
From
"
to
presentdisorder.
She
saw
HALLUCINATIONS
INTC-LYING
95
INSANITY.
which
hitherto been
had
close to her
bearable and
at
tance,
dis-
the
sightwas no longer
and ultimately
all the others
the onlysense
implicated,
the one
of hearingwas
became involved.
The sense
now
most
came
disordered
seemed
what
seemed
At
times
she owed
herself eloquently;
to
a power
expressed
for when she spoke from her own
the voices,
impulse
she used much
simplerlanguage. Frequentlythe
voices led her into a high order of subjects
their
:
discourses included geography,
and elocution
grammar,
she expressedherself
; they reprovedher when
badly,and corrected the faults she had committed.
One day the voices persuaded her she was
sessed,
posand she went
to a clergyman that he might
that time her ideas concerning
exorcise her.
From
and threw her into
most
eternitywere
distressing,
the deepestdespair.Once the voices revealed to her
that she should be queen, and playan importantpart
in history
: she kept this to herself for many
months,
waitingfor the fulfilment of the promise; but this not
she perceivedthat the voices had deceived
being realized,
her.
held the most singular
They constantly
and extravagantconversations with her: she was wholly
unable to resist them
unless they said something
comical that made
her laugh. She would
hear them
lently
viomocking her ; then they would assailher more
than ever, perverting
all she said and did.
If
she drank
tell
a glassof sugaredwater, they would
her it was
poisoned; and for many hours she would
she
96
HALLUCINATIONS
be in
INSANITY.
INVOLVING
of
"When
she
out, if
walked
scented with
was
she would
well-dressed
voices would
its
recognise
greathorror. If it was
smell tobacco,yet she
cry
musk, and
perfume,of
a
man,
out
person
that the
at that moment
which
she would
she had
immediately
that these
fullyaware
pretendedodours existed onlyin her imagination.
She often had singular
visions : her apartmentwas
filledwith people
would pass before
; longprocessions
her, or she would see onlyportionsof an individual,
him in profile,
the half of him, or she would
as
see
would be large,
with onlyone
or
or
eye ; the figures
was
small,or deformed,and
shapes. At other
that the individual had
her
as
the most
assume
times
nary
extraordi-
she would
while
lost,
see
he would
the eye
flybefore
if to avoid her.
flavour.
taste,and
disagreeable
She would
seem
to be
hands.
This
she is well
ladysays
arise from
aware
affection ; but
nervous
theyare stronger
her reason,
Their power is
than
where
to
come
to Paris
her.
to go
back
time,because
she
thoughtthe
HALLUCINATIONS
97
INSANITY.
INVOLVING
to M. Bouquier,
lengthshe came
who recommended
"c.
remedies,she said,
blistering,
which could only do her harm, for what she required
and cold baths, and particularly
were
warm
pure
wine.
the
Bordeaux
voices
told
her
to
Yesterday
go
and when
she reached this locality,
to Bercy to get it,
the voices immediately
declared the wine was
good for
nothing.
The voices had persuaded her to take a bath,promising
entered
to be quiet; but she had
scarcely
when they made such a horrible disturbance that she
could not remain
in it. The voices are
unwilling
she should talk,they have therefore confused her
ideas,and she cannot
express herself clearly.In
words, and has
fact,she splutters,
repeats the same
journeyuseless
; at
"
of what
think
to
she wishes
counteract
at
directly
may
the
understand
influence
to
of the
voices, she
looks
that they
addressing,
persons
she
is
from
her
eyes
she
what
cannot
clearly.
She perceives
that the voices make
her do most
unreasonable things; she wishes to oppose them, but
is unable,and is compelledto obey them, for they
express
possess
This
irresistibleinfluence.
an
to us
recommended
lady,who was
by
Bouquier,wishes to enter our establishment that
after
may be watched,and her body examined
death.
M.
she
her
of
me
the voices
convinced
are
strongerthan
badly.I
am
it is
my
will. I
trulydesirous
for
impossible
the considera-
98
INYOLYING-
HALLUCINATIONS
INSANITY.
tion of this
case.
First,there is the
extraordinary
derangementof all the senses, and then there is the
derangementof the individual herself;the struggle
of the intellect againstthe revolted senses
mentary
; a mofollowed immeconsciousness of the illusion,
diately
by their triumph over the reason
; and, lastly,
of the will,struggling
in vain
the entire subjection
againstthe power which governs it. It is a subject
worthyof the deepestconsideration of the philosopher.
she is the dupe of her senses, the
knows
The woman
sportof chimeras,yet she cannot escape from their
She has been deceived a hundred times,
influence.
of this,
and feels it always will be so ; yet,in spite
one
fact,which
psychological
her.
There
will not
escape the
festation
is,this fresh mani-
and that
observer,
of a double principlea duality,
by means
overwhelmed
of which this invalid,
byjibesand jokes,
and horrible suggestions,
and readyto
by menaces
suddenlyfinds herself supported
giveway to despair,
by words of kindness and encouragement. One
one
might say there were two spiritsone evil,
good,
itself. For
each drawing her towards
ten
years,
condition
which
this
has
lasted,
pathological
during
to direct her own
the invalid still continued
affairs,
attend to the management of her property,and fulfil
all her duties to society
; yet for six years these false
notice
of the
"
"
have
sensations
There
is
no
left her
never
change
that
intuitively
her
in her
moment's
habits,only
desert
ultimately
her,and she seeks,in advice which she cannot follow,
of her sufferings.
some
mitigation
in a
of this lady is equallyinteresting
The case
pointof view. Thus the hallucination
medico-legal
which possessed
her, and whose unreal nature she
but which,nevertheless,
she was
recognised,
generally
led her to undertake longjourneys,
to obey,
compelled
reason
will
repose.
she feels
100
HALLUCINATIONS
avoid
to
this
followed
were
misfortune
advice
this
into
unknown
to
ceased
make
to
and
I had
this
morning,
said
is,
Sir,
is
no
The
attended
some
days
They
told
and
madness
The
to
be
will
question
allowed
The
his
friends
prudent
reason
and
his
cannot
conduct
for
taking
away
be
is correct,
just
any
managing
his
and
his
his
of
console
"
the
such
permitted
few
days
to
person
make
but,
conclusive
he
does
and
cause,
search.
regrets.
Ought
that
after
groaned,
In
quite
be
would
and
He
vain
affairs,
civil
wealth
should
left,
result
you.
well.'
my
wishes
words.
arises
liberty,
the
to
nothing
banished
without
in
the
found
naturally
tell
all
He
incoherent
answer
his
provided
time.
had
gold
investigation
an
know
to
they
in,
such
to
until
your
endeavoured
his
time
audible,
into
"
wildered,
be-
truth,
to
it
searched
that
some
some
set
be
him
that
returned
him
threw
voice
from
where
about
am
you
it
promised
occupy
uttered
in
became
became
again
all
hid
the
of the
forgotten
gentleman
to, but
necessarily
have
let
you,
and
voice
advice,
my
entreat
man,
You
this
confused, only
knows.
one
to
the
head
My
house,
gold
After
heard.
were
when
'
there."
the
this
one.
any
riches.
riy
furniture,
and
gold,
ideas
me,
According
hide
must
imperfect glimmering
an
to
and
INSANITY.
property,
itself
my
time
converted
place
and
INVOLVING
we
rights.
see
not
that
no
hate
he
is
valid
101
CHAPTER
HALLUCINATIONS
is
IN
IY.
RELATION
ILLUSIONS.
TO
more
to what
common
it is.
Such
mistakes
perpetually-
are
occur
senses
in persons
of the soundest
intellect
well
as
in the
form
body
of
of the nature
does
upon
vibrations which
the
and
the
evidence
reach it. So
distance
of
of the
ear
sonorous
from
the
that,correctly
speak-
102
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
deceive us,
never
ing,the senses
by the judgments which
of the
true evidence
When
established
which
separatethem
which
appears
absence,in
while
to
certain
from
us
selves
our-
the
upon
Mernoire
sur
les Illusions,
distinctive characters
hallucinations.
The
one
characteristic is the
hallucination
of a
presence
to laythe foundation of an
your
well-known
form
we
the most
the
that
deceive
we
senses.
his
Esquirol
published
he
but
figureis
orator
illusion.
of
that
; he
sees
man
affirms
cat,of Napoleon,or
armies
fightiDgin
the
labours
clouds,angelssoundingtrumpets. This man
under an
illusion. But if,in the stillness of the
night,he hears voices speakingto him ; if,in profound
he
that
one
no
darkness,
perceives
persons
tion.
else can
discover,he then labours under a hallucinaof sightand hearing
The absence of the senses
while it would
would not prevent the hallucination,
form a complete obstacle to the occurrence
of the
observed in a state
frequently
and are easily
corrected by the reason.
It
of health,
is needless to refer to exampleswhich have been so
often quoted;such as the square tower which appears
illusion.
Illusions
round, or
the
river
"
these
are
apparent movement
have long been
cases
of
in the bank
understood
but
are
fortunate
of the most
desirous of
enough to
marvellous
when
tales,
the matter,
While he was
examininginto
witness
it.
M.
EELATION
TO
ILLUSIONS.
103
great number
give rise to
may
condition
and
the
more
Philosophical
Magazine,vol. vi. p.
234.
London, 1798.
104
HALLUCINATIONS
"
It
was
in
IS
at the soiree of
M.
Bellart, and
few
my
Pear, remorse,
and
darkness
all favourable to
are
the
anecdote
an
of this
kind, which
he had from
"
in
move
way so
used,and withal
he
was
wont
to
*
havinga
wear, he
cap
on
so
an
old friend
verily
thoughtthere
56.
was
KELATTOtf
TO
105
ILLUSIONS.
,
to believe.
reportthan he was at firstwilling
A general
panicdiffused itself. He ordered the ship
but not a man
would
to be steered towards the object,
he
the helm ! Compelled to do this himself,
move
that the ridiculous cause
found,on a nearer
approach,
of all their terror was
part of a maintop,the remains
of some
wreck floating
before them.
Unless he had
ventured to make this near
approachto the supposed
ghost,the tale of the walkingcook had long been in
the mouths, and excited the fears of many
honest and
very brave fellows in the Wapping of Newcastle-uponTyne.*
in the
more
Instances
of this kind
number
explaina
are
numerous,
of statements
which
and
are
serve
to
with
met
in different writers.
and yielding
King Theodoric,blinded by jealousy,
of his courtesans,ordered the
to the evil suggestions
virtuous men
of the most
senator Lymmachus, one
of his time,to be put to death.
this
was
Scarcely
cruel order executed,when the king was
seized with
and perpetually
reproachedhimself with his
remorse,
One day a new
crime.
kind of fish was
placedupon
when
his table,
he suddenly
uttered a cry of alarm,
for the head of the fish appearedto him like that of
the unfortunate
Lymmachus. This vision plunged
him into a deep melancholy,
which
lasted for the
remainder
of his life.f
Bessus,surrounded by his
up
to
the
pleasuresof
self
guests,and givinghimthe feast,
ceased to pay
conversation
in
that
no
He
one
listened
else
attentively
heard,when
denly,
sud-
Ellis'sedition of Brand's
Be
Bello Italico.
Popular
106
HALLUCINATIONS
"
IN
"
away.
time
after it
was
known
that Bessus
"
"
At
with
alarmed
theyfled.
to be derived from
The
panicis said
word
attributed
to the
at it that
this circumstance.
arms
from
come
trumpets,which
of
seemed
to
the heavens.
Plutarch
states
that
with
to Rome.
days after
on
Josephus,
few
Plavius
and
Passover,says
the 27th of
incredible
of it would seem
to be a
suppose the account
it not related by those that saw
were
it,and
not
the events
nature
to
as
*
that
followed
deserve
such
Plutarchus
De
it of
so
were
considerable
signals
; for,before
Sera numinus
fable,
vindicata.
sun-
108
HALLUCINATIONS
of the
world
IN
of
patching
or
spirits,
employed in disothers to these gloomy regions,
conceived
they beheld the apparitionof those beings whom
their national mythologyassociated with snch scenes.
verge
In such moments
of undecided
hurry,and
Christian
the violence,
ancients
the
situation,
deities."*
confusion
amid
battle,
saint.
of persons could
illusion. Besides the reasons
multitude
we
have
answers
of the oracle.
"Walter Scott
RELATION
TO
heard
109
ILLUSIONS.
the
of the warriors
groans
"We
order
between
dwelt
have
point
to
them
at
out
and
some
the
in
lengthupon illusions,
dhTerence
hallucinations
which
there
but, while
is
fully
have
considered
it
we
distinction,
in the first instance,to give a general
necessary,
of the two
in consequence
of illusions,
description
admitting the
united.
For the same
being so frequently
tions,
when
speakingof the etiologyof hallucinashall often be compelledto include that of
we
affections
reason,
illusions.
Sometimes
afterwards
an
and is
itself,
which
hallucination,
may
replacedby a
succeed it.
or
complicate
to the Hospital
Example 34. Dr. Martin, physician
the following
to M.
for the Aged, communicated
case
of a plethoric
A man,
Bollex.
habit,after
agedfifty,
noticingan alteration in his sight,which caused
versed,
redouble, sometimes
objectsto appear sometimes
was
suddenlyseized with all the symptoms of
cerebral congestion,
threatening
apoplexy.Three full
of leeches
from the arm, and the application
bleedings
relieved the congestion
a
experienced
; but he then
hallucination,
singular
accompaniedby squinting.At
and
contracted,
longeror shorter intervals his eyelids
turned to the
the globesof his eyes were
alternately
rightand to the left ; at these times his imagination
he described,
presentedto him objectsand persons, whom
and whom
he pretendedto follow with his
eyes as far as the dining-roomor the kitchen,both
where he
of which were
quiteseparatefrom the room
The
in bed.
who was
vinced
was
patient,
thoroughlyconof the reality
mately
ultiof these false perceptions,
died from another attack of apoplexy.
nation.
This case
shows an illusion passinginto a halluci-
110
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
illusions which
at first are
hallucinations,
regardedas false,when the disease increases,
may
Like
to be considered
come
real.
as
four
needles,and
four
seams
she had
of
double
divergence
slight
N. at firstunderstood
he
Milan, where
of these
was
detained.
The
mark
continued
for
Hoffbauer
Sourds-muets
notes de MM.
Medecine
trad, de
Esquirolet
legalerelative
aux
A lienes et
aux
des
l'Alleniand,
par Chambeyron, avec
vol.
8vo.
1
1821.
38.
en
Paris,
Itard,p.
f Cardanus
De
Vita
prqficia.
BELATION
The
The
illusions
house
as
Irish
almost
endless
and
thingsis
of persons
variety.
not
of her friends
One
her enemy,
was
common.
un-
in the
D.
generaltransformation.
one
Ill
ILLUSIONS.
present an
transformation
Miss
TO
in this
another
character
particular
accordingly.This
and
M.
believed she
for many
saw
years, in
the person
of several invalids. Sauvages,
under the
mentions a peculiar
of tentoin vertigineux,
affection
name
of the
hearingto
hearing which
the rightof him
consists
in
the words
the
person
which
have
been
insane
; a
kind word
addressed
to
another
person, or
into jeers,
of the lips,
is construed
simplemovement
curses, or blessings.
like hallucinations,
have often terminated
Illusions,
and murders.
in quarrels,
duels,suicides,
turned
Example 37. M. C, who had been deranged,rehis familybefore he was
to
completely
recovered.
The next
day he went into the cellar,
where
his wife followed him ; and his sister-in-law,
Their profinding
theydid not return, did the same.
longed
a
absence
ascertain
the
alarmed
cause,
and
the
servant,who
went
to
hastilyreturned,uttering
terrible
seated
on
cask,and
razor
covered
with
blood
at
On
112
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
of his riches.
Illusions of the
lead
frequently
the
been
insane
person to
D. suffers from
Madame
struck.
of touch will
sense
think
he
has
eruptionof
an
the
skin,which
arise
which
the
she
which
have
been
spoken
of
as
internal
hallucinations.
Most
of these
illusions
are
associated
with
the
and passionsof
ideas,habits,
previousoccupations,
that she was
the invalid. A young
lady told me
unable
wore
to
rest,because
masks, and
she
was
in the midst of
around
her
perpetual
like many
carnival. This illusion,
others,remained
until she had been with me
some
quiteinexplicable,
time,when
I learnt that it
had
paidto
bal masque
in
originated
visit she
at the opera.
A. Brierre de Boismont
: Observations
homocide.
Monomanie
Paris,1827.
*
sur
medico-legales
la
BELATION
of
Illusions
who
licked
them
for
the
than
hear
poisonous
of
be
Illusions
she
was
lamented.
the
most
of
case
her
having
by
leads
cially
espe-
melancholy,
his
food
him
to
has
attempt
in,
she
During
tender
time.
long
illusion,
and
Gruislain
has
the
to
mistook
many
solicitude
became
who
woman
poor
brought
an
all
simultaneously.
for
joined
son
been
of
seat
aiFected
last
may
the
be
may
may
when
which
idea
an
sense
the
common,
more
complain
person
patient
mistaking
apartment,
is
mon.
com-
starvation.
by
them
his
of
case
accompanied
the
taste
Each
the
Nothing
monomania
to
suicide
of
exceedingly
are
related
walls
oranges.
in
taste
hereafter
have
"We
and
smell
113
ILLUSIONS.
TO
One
army.
the
him
for
years
upon
she
the
son
continued
the
deranged
day
asylum
same
idiot
lated
re-
idiot,
an
the
as
she
to
boy.
one
had
bestow
so
114
V.
CHAPTEE
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
DEMENTIA,
MONOMANIA,
AND
GENEEAL
STUPIDITY,
MANIA,
PARALYSIS.
hallucinations
exist by themselves
may
it is far more
without any complication,
to
common
find them
combined
with some
form of insanity.
Although
lunatics
out of every hundred
Accordingto Esquirol,
less affected by hallucinations.
or
eightyare more
Eecent
is
'
"
hallucinations.
Hallucinations
most
are
frequentin
monomania.
This arises
and
itself,
observed
easily
the
invariably
in such
case
will maintain
cases.
an
they are
the
result of hallucinations
or
illusions.
apartment,and
he
116
HALLUCINATIONS
hallucinations
IN
of
STTJi?IDITT,
MONOMANIA,
sight,either
of
hearingand
bined
com-
separate.
Example 39. On the 3rd December, 1839, M. D.
received into my establishment,
was
coming from the
Eicetre,where he had been placedtwo months previously
or
for
of
act
an
him,
saw
I found
alarmed
look,timid,and
him
with
bewildered
at the
question.
slightest
of a generalfeeling
of cold
He complained
a
very
common
symptom in lypemania; but what tormented
than anythingelse,
the sound of unhim more
friendly
was
and the
which issued from the walls,
voices,
presence of invisible agents, who placedarticles of
in the inside of his bed,in
value within his pillow,
or
order that he might be taken for a thief and become
"
dishonoured.
repose.
It
idea
This
never
to
impossible
was
left him
convince
moment's
him
of the
unsewed, which
he
pretendedwas
filledwith diamonds
amined
exHaving carefully
its contents, he was
tranquilfor the rest of
the day; but on the next the old idea returned,and
desired againto convince him, he told me,
when we
that the invisible
with the deepest despondency,
the diamonds before
agents had taken care to remove
by
hand.
This
unhappy man
duringthe day. At
was
worse
that time he
in the
was
night than
in the habit of
seeinga
man
enter
his
room
who
117
PARALYSIS.
GENERAL
AND
DEMENTIA,
MANIA,
removed
his clothes
of
placedin
stomach.
He
did not
conceal
and
wife,my children,
He
asked
myselfplottedtogetherto poison him.
our
pardonsfor this idea,feelingthat it must seem
else had
very strange,and admitted that,if any one
said such a thing,he would justlybe regardedas
he said,
what he had told us was the truth.
insane;still,
from
that
us
The
lifeof
moment
he
man
believed my
is
he passes from
series of contradictions
one
extreme
to
in
another,and
the
acts
of
118
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
MONOMANIA,
STUPIDITY,
same
the extreme
emaciation
D.
showed
the
To prevent
put into his stomach.
he would endeavour
his food touchingthe plates,
to
it fell,
hold it suspendedin the air,and when
his
anguishwas horrible to behold. On the very day of
his death he declared that I had poisonedhim ; that
his pillows
full of diamonds,and that he should
were
He died,saying
be accused of having stolen them.
that the morsel which he had eaten was
poisoned.
The hallucinations of the lypemaniac
correspondto
and nature of their disease,
to the character
the cause
and to the nature of
of their thoughtsand passions,
substances
were
are
in search of them.
Ascetic
is
insanity
results. When
attended
with most
melancholy
the unfortunate
by it is surrounded by
to the influence
yielding
of the
who
devil,
governs
all
his actions.
The
fear of the
had
mind.
the
devil,
an
formerly
This
dread of future
immense
demonomania, which
influence
was
ment,
punishover
the
considerably
appeared
during the eighteenthcentury,has rewith the restoration of religious
as
feelings,
though evil was the inevitable shadow of good. In
diminished
DEMENTIA,
MANIA,
GENERAL
AND
119
PARALYSIS.
as
many
as
fifteen
these
is of
lunatics
have
hallucinations
numerous
and
illusions.
demonomaniacs
Some
to hell,or
transported
theywitness the torments
believe themselves
of the
transformed
damned.
Others
into
animals,trees,or
fruits ; or they are reduced to ashes,and then,like a
new
pretend that they are resuscitated and
phoenix,
renewed.
Many are surrounded by hideous reptiles
dead bodies.
Some declare they have sold their
or
that they have signedthe compact
souls to the devil,
with their blood,and are doomed
tion.
to eternal damna-
are
some
who
believe
the
rolls,
return
rain
descends,the
to life.
C, of foreignextraction,
Example 40. Madame
aged 48, has alwaysbeen animated, sensitive,and
romantic.
Brought up in the midst of superstitious
customs, and without education,she has had for the
last six years a kind of intermittent
melancholy,
*
Etudes
Cliniquessur
Medico-psycliologiques.
Mai, 1843.
Macario:
et suiv.
Annates
la Demonomanie
Vol. i. lre serie,
pp. 440
"
120
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
MONOMANIA,
STUPIDITY,
itselfin a new
attacks,
presented
who for a long time had neglected
form.
This lady,
became uneasy in her conscience,
her religions
duties,
lost. Haunted
and believed she should be eternally
by this idea, she abstained for several days from
"When she was
broughtto
takingany nourishment.
my house she had constant fits of raving. Quiet at
she afterwards burst into tears, complaining
first,
surrounded
and that she was
that she saw
devils,
by
"
flames.
I am
damned, my children are damned,
time accompanying
save
me," she cried,and at the same
she
the words with the most fearful shrieks,
the wall,broke the windows,
struck her head against
She was
for
and tore her clothes.
calling
constantly
drink,as though she was burnt up by an internal fire.
which,after
For
several
daysshe
three
was
tranquil
; but
at the end
ideas
same
end, her
prolongedhowlings,gave
to
stand
on
possessed.A
which
The
every
terror
countenance
thick
and
but
now
of
spat at
of
one
mouth,
the attendants.
depictedin
despairwhich were
indicated the effects of
too truly
her
her
visions.
frightful
During the last month of her illness her cries
that she was
so
were
obligedto be placed
perpetual,
in a room
by herself. There,alwayscrouchingdown,
her body disfigured
by the blows she continually
sunk in their
eyes fixed,
jaundiced,
sockets,and blood-shot ; her skin cadaverous,
and wrinkled ; her appearance threatening
; her
inflicted on
herself;her
cryingout
constantly
that she
body and
she was
her with constant
tormented
apparitions
and perpeof the most fearful despair,
the picture
tually
and
deliver
her
attendants
to
the
save
besought
lost and
damned, that
the devil
was
in her
was
"
MANIA,
DEMENTIA,
This fearful
her
body.
refused
From
she
drinkingfrom
even
refusing
it had
her
her food.
fifteen
horrible taste.
eyes
121
PARALYSIS.
Towards
the end
of her
dayswithout
eating,only
time to time a cup of coffee,
frequently
it
that
burnt her,and that
that,saying
was
breath,the
Her
GENERAL
to take
existence
AND
and
smell
This
of which
nostrils
from the
arose
was
most
became
now
state of
offensive.
filled with
power,
would
restore
in the
same
that
no
effortswhich
could be made
position.She
died
of
lucination
hala prey to the
same
rigidity,
and declaring
she would not die.
In women
these demoniacal apparitions
often
are
associated with derangement of the sexual feelings,
and
mania
explain the hystericalsymptoms, the erotoand the nymphomania which are so common
in this sex.
Instances of this kind are
exceedingly
state
numerous.
at Nantes
Example 41. An unhappy woman
tormented
by a demon, who presentedhimself to
in
most
beautiful form.
He
addressed
was
her
her in most
alliance.
The
invisible adulterer
even
122
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
MONOMANIA,
STUPIDITY,
her husband
was
sleeping
beside her.
For
six years
the
not daringto
misfortune,
In the seventh
concealed
woman
confess
so
her terrible
horrible
crime.
year, tortured
of her
by the reproaches
she felt terrified,
much
as
conscience,
by her long
of infamyas by the fear of her Saviour,at the
course
she trembled,lest his judgment
thought of whom
should come
suddenlyupon her,and she should be
damned.
to
no
her
of
it,looked
Bernard
learnt
woman
this,she
hastened
tremblingto
throw
whom
she
was
priestshad
had informed
tormentor
holy
to
her,with dreadful threats,
visit him, saying,
that such a proceedingwould not
the abbe was
avail her,for,as soon
as
gone, he, who
had hitherto been her lover,would become her most
of Grod,hearing these
cruel persecutor.The man
with words of mercy,
the woman
comforted
things,
and promisedher the assistance of Heaven; but,as
to him
he directed her to come
nightwas approaching,
ingly
Accordthe next day,and to trust in her Saviour.
she visited him in the morning,and reported
to
man,
and had
him
the
"
"
forbidden
and
blasphemies
threats
of
the
incubus.
no
124
HALLUCINATIONS
form
IN
MONOMANIA,
STUPIDITY,
of
Folle.
had been in
Such
our
show
the attraction,
that
house for more
than ten
was
her,and
his
Her
the
excitement
voice of her
rapidlydiminished:
lover ; but
her
she stillheard
reason
was
soon
MANIA,
AND
DEMENTIA,
GENEEAL
125
PAEALTSIS.
"
and
their
their
countenances
We
of
their
on
lipsand joy in
with
they converse
the pleasurewhich
attended
case
invisible
the
sight
of dementia
companied
ac-
with
where
the patient's
words
paralysis,
were
audible,
and,while in his own
scarcely
house,he
was
was
subjectto paroxysms of rage. JNTo sooner
his family,
than
he separatedfrom
he refused all
nourishment,would allow no one to approachhim,
cries.
and uttered frightful
Eightdays were passed
in the most
turn
rigidabstinence ; satisfied that his rethe onlything that could save
home
was
him,
we
immediatelywrote to his wife. As soon as he saw
her he consented
to take some
broth,and this man,
almost dying,was
able to enter a carwho seemed
riage
with the assistance of onlya single
person.
and
illusions almost
Hallucinations
company
always acCalenture
to sailors.
a febriledisease peculiar
The irresistible desire felt by these persons to throw
themselves into the sea, arises from their mistaking
enamelled with flowers ; they
it for verdant fields,
fresh with moisture,
long to traverse these fertile plains,
and to which their imaginationimpartsthe presence
shades and the sweetest
of cooling
perfume of
the flowers.
At other times,it is for the
purpose of
and to be freed from their
escapingfrom their vessel,
miserable thoughts,
of a phantom.
or from the presence
which existed some
Vampirism and Lycanthropy,
centuries ago as epidemics,
were
accompanied by
"
may
also be
ac-
126
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
STUPIDITY,
companied by
dwelt upon
MONOMANIA,
are
frequently."What we have
these,renders it unnecessary to
most
said with
regardto
into further
enter
details.
Stupidity.
There
to be
lunatics who
are
resemble
unconscious
perfectly
them
theyseem
statues:
of all which
passes around
their mouths
wide open,
fixed,
of
Greorget
gave the name
kind of insanity
to this particular
stupidite
; Esguirol
of dementia
demence aigue;
considers it as a variety
and M. Baillarger,
the highestdegreeof a pecuas
liar
form of melancholia.
this
to
According
writer,*
around these lunatics is changed. They
everything
"
are
of bad
been
take
scar
lunatics for
for women,
men
for men.
hand, theywill mistake women
and threateningphantoms, or
hideous
around
them
Others
appears
hear
or
see
everybody
to be drunk.
which
voices,
frightful
threaten to kill
Others
burn
them.
insult
Their
beds
them
them,and
are
the
filled
sions
explo-
their relations
enemies,and imploretheir
with bullets,
their
assistance ; their bodies are pierced
the ground,or they have the
blood streams
upon
them by pressing
sensation of some
one
suffocating
are
with
struggling
their
their chests.
on
*
Stupidite"A
nnales Med.
Nos.
-Psychol.,
1 et 2.
le Norn de
Paris,3 843.
sous
AND
DEMENTIA,
MANIA,
GENERAL
127
PARALYSIS.
It is
the
nine
not to recognise
in this description
impossible
In
highestdegree of melancholymonomania.
recorded by M. Baillarger
all had either
cases
hallucinations
illusions.
or
M.
at the head
B., aged twenty-five,
of one
of the Government
was
offices,
brought to
On two occasions he
Charenton,August 12th,1833.
had attacks of insanity.The symptoms, at the commencement
of the last attack,seemed to have been
Example 44.
those of acute
pale,his
would
delirium.
At
his entrance
M.
B.
was
his countenance
had lost all expression,
eyes fixed,
and denoted the most profoundidiotcy.
He
remain
the whole
blister
appliedto
and
the neck
towards
dress he
was
vided
pro-
produced some
provement,
imhe
was
cured.
perfectly
The state in which
cannot
be
better
described
than
as
long
dream.
B. mistook
(he
for boats.
had
He
refused
the bath-room
to enter
of Charenton
it),and
were
him
the baths
with
afterwards
his blood
The
him
tinued
con-
blister he
128
HALLUCINATIONS
had had
on
IN
his neck
was
MONOMANIA,
the mark
STUPIDITY,
of the
and
galleys,
by this brand
he
saw
his assistance. He
beingmurdered,imploring
surrounded
was
by the noise of fire-arms ; balls
traversed his body without wounding him, and killed
other people.Everything
confused and disordered
was
in his mind : he no longerdistinguished
nightfrom
lieved
day ; the months seemed to him like years. He beand
he had broughtall these evils upon himself,
for that reason
made several attemptsto commit suicide.
in the Supplementau DicIn the article Stupidite,
were
tionnaire
des
observed
that this
de
JMedecine,we
have
two
by
Dictionnaires
other
and
completesuspensionof the faculties,
by the existence of dreams.
the
Mania.
The
one
MM.
Aubanel
hundred
and
and
Thore
maniacs
eighty-one
they had
observed
instances of hallucinations.
fifty-six
Kone
of these cases
presentedhallucinations of all
the senses.
These physicians
have justlyremarked
would be considerably
but
that this number
higher,
notice in the
that many
hallucinations escape our
midst of the agitation
and other troubles which afflict
the
AND
DEMENTIA,
MANIA,
In
maniac.
GENEKAL
maniacs
seven
in his
M.
when
our
of
a
man
P., aged thirty-nine,
with
had conducted
abilities,
the entire
in
were
our
but
good linguist,
management
fidence
greatcon-
the business
in Paris for
house
largecommercial
who
hallucinations.
either illusions or
Example 45.
and
intelligence
129
PAEALTSIS.
of
twenty years,
was
account.
own
remark
itself. It
a
of considerable
here suggests
importance
who up to
frequently
happens that a man
himself with the
commits
integrity,
in
or
some
way
and
indignant,and
punishment. There
have
unfortunate
persons
act which
crime,an
was
the
is
sufficient number
aberration.
act
no
as
expiatedin prison,
greatest
under
come
of times to induce
of
to
magistrates
An
invalid
was
our
cumstance
Cirnotice
to
specially
this speciesof
sent to us
by
us
Dr.
accounts, there
found
of more
than
deficiency
10,000 francs. Greatlyconcerned,his familywere
endeavouringto buy off the persons whom
earnestly
he
had
doubt in
was
robbed.
our
mind
Two
months'
that it
was
observation
a
case
left
no
of dementia
130
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
with
These
paralysis.
during the time that
MONOMANIA,
STUPIDITY,
embezzlements
the
disease
had taken
place
being engendered.
in
who
was
C,
employed a banking-house,
had had a violent fall upon his head, but, after a
time,he was able to return to his employment. An
of his accounts
examination
ciency
provedthere was a defiof several thousand francs ; the strict integrity
and attention to business which he had previously
and his emshown
ployers
preventedhis being prosecuted,
contented with dismissing
him. Shortly
were
I immediately
afterwards he was
sent to my house.
without any
perceivedthere was
generalparalysis,
of the mental
other disturbance
was
faculties than
of memory.
His constant
was
anxiety
his situation,
where he imaginedhe was
in the
to
loss
return
to
wanted.
As
passedduringthe
time that the disease was
a
being developedwas
blank.
The man
stillupright,
but his mind was
was
irrevocably
destroyed.
preceding
case,
person, whose
becomes
irreproachable,
alwaysbeen
acts in
an
conduct
therefore,a
When,
has
unsettled,and
eccentric,
strange,or reprehensible
manner,
he should be
at the
watched,and frequently
carefully
end of a few months, sooner
will
or
later,insanity
and in the majorityof cases
begin to show itself,
of dementia
the form
with general
will assume
paralysis.
The
conduct
;
which
he
M.
P.
seized with
lasted fifteen
and
seemed
had
no
had
was
of
to be
returned
days.
complete;
longerthe same
while
previously,
Having
was
violent attack of
His
but
plained
ex-
mania,
rapid
recovery was
observed
it was
he
to
his usual
than
once,
creased.
greatlyin-
M.
occupations,
againenteringinto
which, more
afterwards
soon
hazardous
must
have
P.
lations,
specucaused
132
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
had
Scarcely
"
MONOMANIA,
STUPIDITY,
when
he loosened
sparedthan myself,I
surrounded
him
with
cords,
When
stillbore
traces
P. into my
he
establishment,
struggle.I had him
remained
eighthours,
of his recent
mode
in
success
calm
cases
which
of water
I have
then he would
saw
before him
which
times he
declare that he
we
on
was
all around
was
very
Grod,Jesus
all devils. He
were
he bestowed
his head ;
employedwith great
At
of this kind.
on
stones,
precious
him.
his window
for his
he afterwards
that a
doingthis,
voice had told him that he had the power of restoring
and he was
desirous of killing
the
the dead to life,
attendant, in order to cut off his head, and then
He
resuscitate him.
saw
lions,
constantly
leopards,
allof which he described most
and cameleons,
giraffes,
admirably.
himself less
he expressed
As his disease increased,
in English.
in French, and all his monologues were
It has been long observed that the insane,in their
of their
delirium,almost alwaysreturn to the use
less
own
language, althoughthey are sometimes
familiar with it than that of the countrytheyinhabit.
as
assigned,
reason
M.
imitated
often
P.
GENEBAL
AND
DEMENTIA,
MANIA,
noise of
the
133
PABALYSIS.
trumpets; at
leopards
; at
he
times
was
his
alteration
in
months
for two
there
was
no
changesof structure
and it was
dropsical,
there
was
fallen
in
state of
such
prey
received
an
questionsubsequently
that M.
of three months
speech; all
congestion
rapidlyset in,
symptoms of cerebral
and two days after he died
How
did it happen that
informed
the
hesitation in his
the
have
sinkingfrom
was
the end
At
defect and
should
appearance ; but
; his legsbecame
his
evident he
good,and
was
appetite
goingon
were
ruptedly
uninter-
tion
powerfulorganiza! This
to insanity
"We
answer
married
P. had
coma.
againstthe
were
advice
of
murder
of vexation
source
The
by the mob,
him ; for in
of revengof his temperament,the impossibility
ing
men
themselves
cannot
even
be
source
becomes
of
great griefto
the
cause
comprehendedby
Hallucinations
or
mortification.
one
at
and
may
show
of torment, such
other persons.
in the maniac
themselves
the
commencement
maniac
happens that
sometimes
converted
into
time,
illusion becomes
the
and
hallucination,
the persons
mistakes
animals
frightful
cede
pre-
it has ceased.
continue when
It
as
that
afterwards,
by
vice
are
versa.
present for
natural process of
134
the
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
mind, he
MONOMANIA,
detaches the
STUPIDITY,
image from
the
idea,and
placesit
imaginaryanimal. At other
times,the maniac, having mistaken a stranger for
he was
one
some
with,afterwards sees
acquainted
this person before him, and enters into conversation
with him.
These changes are also noticed in other
forms of insanity.
of child-bed,
In puerperal
mania, or the insanity
the most
extravaganthallucinations of sightand
into a state of violent
hearingthrow the patients
tormented
by the fear of death
agitation
; theyare
and undergo all the agoniesof
of beingpoisoned,
or
despair.
this disorder
have published
In an article* we
on
furious contest with the
we
their ears, in
of
suicide. Out
soundingin
commit
two
had
The
hundred
one
mania recorded
puerperal
a tendencyto suicide.
of
cases
urgingthem
cases
some
at
of his enemy,
or
Another
insult him.
window,
he
because
he
He
thinks
you
himself
the
explain
attacks you,
into the person
imagines you
throws
eleven
Bethlem,thirty-
because
and
to
mock
out
and
of the
apartment,or
he mistakes
it for
garden.
refuse their
their firstadmission,
on
Many lunatics,
the
food,thinkingit is poisoned.Some contemplate
flower
heavens
clouds
are
in
are
gorgeous
kind
of
ecstasy,for
gold,and
palacesand mounted
of pure
to
horsemen.
des Medecines
Couche."Bibliotkeque
In
AND
DEMENTIA,
MANIA,
of
consequence
GENEKAL
the
135
PAEALTSIS.
of the patient,
agitation
of obtaining
impossibility
and the
irritability,
from him, it is often very difficult to trace
replies
these eccentric or dangerousacts to their true causes
;
but they are
the less the result of hallucinations
none
his
and illusions.
Dementia.
Sect.
Hallucinations
I.
"
of the
word
in
Dementia.
dementia
"
If
the
always been
restricted to the definition which is generally
given
it
in
the
then
the
of
of
cases
insanity
present day,
included under that head would rarelypresent the
phenomena of hallucinations and illusions.
different degrees which
exist between
the
The
first weakening of the intellect and its complete
meaning
obliteration
have
a
numberless.
are
had
There
are
and
onlya momentary incoherence,
conversation
intellect.
their
if there
as
The
themselves
show
these
What
the
"
enables
maniacal
to
us
monomaniacal
dementia
then
resume
defect whatever
of
at
only
longer or
attracted
most
presentsitself under
the
and
in
dementia
persons
has
types
no
symptoms
in
intervals.
shorter
was
lunatics who
monomaniacal.
our
two
This
establish the
followingclassification:
plete
dementia,maniacal dementia,and com; to
which
it is necessary to add,senile
dementia.
it is scarcely
Regardingdementia in this new light,
that our
results should differ materially
surprising
those of MM.
from
Aubanel
and Thore
thus,while
these
one
gentlemen state
that
and illusions in
Example
never
46.
showed
no
Mademoiselle
any
less than
sixteen of them.
C, aged seventy-two,
symptoms of derangement until
136
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
MONOMANIA,
STUPIDITY,
her
him.
memory
converse
this lady,
we
questioning
months, during the night,she
last for
days.
some
persons in
she could not
seen
her
"
"
When
forgeries.
they
for theywere
it was
a plot,
were
gone, she assured me
she had recognised.
whom
persons in disguise
the
Some
days this lady,who still remembered
she had
events
not
of her
alluded
to
the
and
past life,
which were
questions
deranged; she believed the king had granted
and insisted she was
her a pension,
onlyimprisoned
her of
of depriving
in my
house for the purpose
often
her property. During the night she would
she
with imaginarypersons ; sometimes
converse
to the
answered
while
at
AND
DEMENTIA,
MANIA,
them
in
assured
137
PARALYSIS.
or
respectful
friendly
manner,
other times
morning she
GENERAL
would
she
that
insult them.
One
inmate,Madame
D.,
to her in the middle of the night (each
had come
person is fastened in a separateapartment) to sayand that she had
she was
the Goddess of Insanity,
proclaimedthis throughoutthe country. She then
and pretendedshe was
changedthe subject,
drawinga
that she was
likeness of Destiny,
Madame
Georges,
that I ought to allow her to go out to counteract
the
forgeries.All these communications were made in a
lest the imaginary
low and confidential tone of voice,
me
an
"
"
persons
The
for two
victim
C. remained
the
same
the
me
are
havingincreased.
some
cases
of dementia
in which
the
pressions
affected by external imonly slightly
of associating
; they have lost the power
and their memory
is defective,
but they
their ideas,
stillcapableof holdinga conversation for a few
are
minutes at a time. A ladywho was
in this state was
troubled with hallucinations.
She imaginedthat her
patientsare
brother,who
an
She
room
adjoining
was
had been
convinced
dead
that he knocked
at the
walls,that
run
excited,
dying; she would become greatly
to him, and utteringcries of
wildlyabout,calling
lamentation.
puted
During the night she saw and disof
with peoplewho struck her ; in consequence
that
undressed.
This ladycomplained
this,she never
she was
surrounded by disagreeable
odours,and that
he
was
138
HALLUCINATIONS
her food
IN
poisoned;
was
'drybread,and
The
would
to
STUPIDITY,
she would
drink
monomamaeal
continue
MONOMANIA,
therefore
nothingbut
form, of the
advanced
very
onlyeat
water.
hallucination
stage of
the
may
disease.
Madame
whose
is related
case
M., aged eighty-one,
at page 77,has entirely
lost her memory
; she does
her children,
not know
and her life,
past and present,
is a blank. During four years that she has been in
my
establishment
the
Dementia
frequentlypresents
be
maniac
the two.
who
is
another
; while
dementia
continued
who
is still a
the
very difficult to
lunatic will seem
One
alreadyon
will
seem
maniac.
the diagnosis
soon
increases,
intermediate
itself under
it is sometimes
type,and
between
distinguish
to
has
her.
to torment
maniacal
hallucination
same
state
may
giverise to considerable
the
When
clear ; but
becomes
continue
disease
the
embarrassment.
senses
compelledto
was
he
He
would
and
elector,
breathe
to
injureor poisonhim
shut
round
an
gined
taste ; he imainfected atmosphere,
himself
it, with
up
his
in
his
sword,
fifteen hundred
or
people.
intervals he would
speak and
and
art in an
agreeablemanner,
pace
threateningto kill twelve
room.
in
of smell and
must
was
landed
140
very
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
MONOMANIA,
The
manner.
plausible
dementia
STUPIDITY,
has
increased,
illusions
In
is nearly
dementia,where the memory
complete
and feelings
are
obliterated,
gone, where the passions
and the patients
pay a child-like obedience to their
lucinations
we
attendants,
may stilldetect the existence of haland illusions.
has always
Example 49. M. C, aged sixty-three,
been of weak intellect,
nate.
and, at the same
time,obstiHis children have been obligedto separate
from him.
Arrived at the last stageof dementia,in
which he recognises
no
one, he is broughtto my
when
he goes to
because every night,
establishment,
bed, he is terrified at the sightof murderers,who are
his mind,
goingto kill him. While this idea occupies
he continues to call out to the assassins,
to shout for
and to struggle,
if he was
as
assistance,
defending
himself.
Some
This
days before
againtormented
We
condition
attended
his death
the
hallucination
him.
a
ladyin
it was
state of dementia
for ten
to keep
impossible
same
up any
furious state ever
when-
G-ENERAL
AND
DEMENTIA,
MANIA,
141
PAEALTSIS.
for the
festival. The
women,
and
with
children.
their
delightat
consisted
company
"We have
number,
heard
of men,
her
cry out
the variety
of their
theydescended.
of the promenadersdiminished :
the number
Gradually
she only perceiveda few solitary
groups, and by
"We have
since met
degreesthey all disappeared.
with
similar
two
II.
Sect.
"
cases
ral
Gene-
Paralysis.It
at first seem
singularthat
may
form of insanity
should be capable
"
the
most
severe
of
are
that
but
numerous,
insane
there
can
be
no
doubt
with
and in a
paralysis
state of dementia,have hallucinations of sightand
and in a
hearing. Out of eightlunatics,
paralysed
some
state of
persons,
dementia,whom
Example
to
50.
so
we
have had in
our
ment,
establish-
affected.
Madame
,
longed
beaged sixty-five,
and has
literary
family,
by her writings. At
herself been
the
tinguished
dis-
present time
speechhesitating,
142
HALLUCINATIONS
and
her memory
gone
wreck, the idea that
STUPIDITY,
MONOMANIA,
IN
she
been
has
of this total
poetess still
"
smells, and
the
wines
are
of
the
most
celebrated
number
is under
He
the
believes there is
to devour
His
him.
shark close at
efforts to
He
sends
drive it away are terrible to behold.
forth cries that may be heard a long way off,and
dashes himself againstthe walls of his room
; his
and
features
are
his
distorted,
sockets,and the
to
impossible
sweat
afford him
eyes
pours
any
from
starting
from his body.
is
and one
relief,
are
their
It is
com-
MANIA,
AND
DEMENTIA,
remain
GENEEAL
143
PAEALTSIS.
pelledto
attended
with
him,
upon
and
razor,
was
able to
who
was
by it,that
she
shark
tried to wound
avoid
present
the
was
his
cuts
her.
but
he
Hallucinations
of his
one
frightfulscene,
five days after.
was
Imbecility,
in
at
her
Fortunatelyshe
at this
died
rushed
cousins,
so
affected
Idiotism,
and
Cretinism.
For
the
distinction
must
be made
where
the
imbecile
has
"
and
illusions.
unquestionablya
of
his
mind
credulous
renders
hands
of
mental
faculties
him
designing men
hallucinations.
The
proves
insane
being, and
a
that
docile
the
he
imbecile
this
instrument
examination
may
be
is
condition
in the
of
his
governed by
144
CHAPTER
HALLUCINATIONS
The
IN
effect of alcoholic
known
to render
them
here ;
VI.
we
TKEMENS.
DELIKITTM
on
liquors
too well
are
man
noticingsome
particulars
concerningthe insanity
which they giverise to.
In those lunatic asylumswhich are devoted to the
of the middle classes of society,
one-tenth
reception
of the inmates, says M. Royer-Collard,#
become
insane throughthe abuse of spirituous
or wine.
liquors
At
Charenton
number
the
is four times
cause
attributes
mental
It is
this
to
the
that
same
diseases which
of
of the
have
M.
women.
one-third
cause
from
insane
men
under
come
to remember
that in some
important
propensityto drink does not show
of
this
Bayle
all the
his notice. f
individuals
itself until
insane admitted
M.
Ramou
"
considered
"
1808
formerlyhouse-surgeonto
that 126
of these
were
the
to
1813,
hospital
due to excessive
out of
drinking;while,accordingto M. Esquirol,
26 were
to be attri264 females at the Salpetriere,
*
Royer-Collard
"
Paris,1826.
HALLUCINATIONS
butecl
to
solely
TN
DELIRIUM
the abuse
of wine
from
145
TREMENS.
spirits.The
producedin the insane
are
or
drinkingmanifest themselves
forms ; but those only will be
under
noticed
many different
here which relate to sensation,
and which show themselves
by illusions and hallucinations of the senses.
These
double ; everything
around
see
patients
objects
them is in motion ; they are haunted by shadows and
of
or
voices,
spectres
; they hear the sound of many
separatenoises ; they believe their food is poisoned,
and they are annoyedby disagreeable
odours.
M. Viardot,translator of the Nouvelles Busses
of
M. G-ogol,
says that the Zaporogh Cossacks,who
indulgein the immoderate use of spirituous
liquors,
often attacked
are
they are
then
mentions
the
with
beset
case
of
delirium
with
one
tremens, and
demoniacal
man
who
visions.
saw
that
He
enormous
From
the
numerous
cases
are
broughtin the
the
following
Example 52. M., aged twenty-seven,stout,small,
and of a lymphatic
temperament. In consequence of
his occupation,
he had been in the habit of drinking
:
"
*j
*
Annul.
Med.-Psych.p. 466.
L
1850.
Juillet,
148
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
DELIEITJM
of brandy.
largequantities
admission
into my
he stuttered and was
On
the
day
TKEMENS.
Three
of his
admission
his
symptoms
had
tons,
greatlyincreased ; the walls were covered with skelewho climbed up them and
phantoms,and devils,
then disappeared.
Sometimes
this appearance
was
confined to a space not largerthan a sheet of paper.
which were
before him became transformed
The objects
in a most
Thus he brought
manner.
extraordinary
his medical man
a jug and
a woman's
cap, which he
declared
had
assumed
In his delirium
of certain persons.
mitting
imaginedhe saw his wife com-
he
the most
the form
sanguinaryoutrages.
This illusion
BrierredeBoismont
DeV
"
148
HALLUCINATIONS
confusion
for
he
resolution,
before
DELIRIUM
IX
though a
felt what
it
undaunted
of the most
man
confessed
TREMENS.
to
that
me
he
had
never
terrified.
completely
constantly
During the whole of that night he was
of spectres,
tormented
with a variety
of
sometimes
peoplewho had been long dead,and at other times of
friends who were
living;and harassed himself with
gettingout of bed,to ascertain whether
continually
real or not.
the peoplehe saw
Nor could he
were
alwaystell who were and who were not real customers,
that
into the rooms
in the day-time,
as
so
they came
the subject
of observation,
and
his conduct became
ing,
drinkthough it was for a time attributed to private
other
it was
at last suspected
to arise from some
I was
when
sent
cause
for,the familywere
; and
under the full conviction that he was
insane,although
they confessed that,in everythingelse,except the
he was
foolish notion of seeingapparitions,
perfectly
rational and steady
during the whole of the
; and
and his
his case
to me
time that he was
relating
mind was
occupied he felt the most gratifying
fully
for in all that time he had not seen
one
relief,
tion
apparihe was
elated with pleasure,
indeed,when
; and
to
was
be
"
"
I should
I told him
not
send
him
to
York, for
his
But whilst
complaintI could cure at home.
and had suffered him to
I was
writinga prescription,
him suddenly
be at rest,I saw
get up, and go with a
What
did you do that
hurried step to the door.
a
was
'
looked
He
for ?'
ashamed
and
mortified.
He
had
been
the
so
room
was
phantom,and
he
got up
to
convince
himself.
the medical
particularly
treatment
adopted;but it may be as well justto state
led to the complaint,
the circumstances which probably
of cure.
time previously
he
Some
and the principle
"
I need
not
here
detail
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
DELIKITTM
TKEMENS.
149
tempted,
who atquarrelwith a drunken soldier,
his house
to enter
againsthis inclination,
unseasonable
at an
hour, and in the struggleto
him out, the soldier drew his bayonet,and,
turn
the temples,divided the
having struck him across
temporalartery; in consequence of which he bled a
there
before a surgeon arrived,
as
very largequantity
knew
who
no
one
that,in such a case, simple
was
with the nuger upon the spouting
artery
compression
He had scarcely
would stop the effusion of blood.
recovered from the effects of this loss of blood,when
to accompany
he undertook
a friend in his walkingmiles
match against
time,in which he went forty-two
Elated with success, he spent the
in nine hours.
whole of the following
day in drinking; but found
of
out
himself,a short time afterwards,so much
to the resolution of abstaining
health,that he came
of the
in the course
from liquor. It was
altogether
that abstinence from his usual habits
week following
for several
that he had the disease. It keptincreasing
days,tillI saw him, allowinghim no time for rest.
he able to get rid of these shadows by
Never was
night when in bed, nor by day when in motion,
though he sometimes walked miles with that view,
He
of company.
and at others got into a variety
he suffered even
told me
bodilypain,from the severe
lashingof a waggoner with his whip,who came
every
of
his
but
who
to
corner
a
bed,
particular
night
when
he jumped out of bed to
always disappeared
The
retort,which he did several nightssuccessively.
removed
whole of this complaintwas
by
effectually
After
and active purgatives.
bleedingwith leeches,
he saw
no
more
the first employmentof these means
and after the second,only
phantomsin the day-time,
in his bedroom, between
his milkman
saw
once
and waking. He
has remained
perfectly
sleeping
and can
rational and well ever
since,
go out in the
had
had
150
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
DELIKTTJM
TEEMENS.
viction
conhaving received a perfect
of the nature of ghosts."*
has
The hallucinations vary greatly
; theyare, as
been already
remarked,the reflection of the character
and habits of the invalid. Sometimes,however,they
which a matter
of
in an association of ideas,
originate
chance has givenrise to.
hallucinations occasioned
The
by drinkingmay
producevery serious results. M. R. had experienced
to
great domestic troubles,which he endeavoured
forgetby plunging into continual drunkenness,a
One day he saw
affected his mind.
habit which soon
which made
him a sign to
an
figure,
extraordinary
and fellinto the street ;
follow it ; he rose, pursuedit,
He wa3
he had, in fact,
gone through the window.
stunned
brought to me, completely
by his fall; he
thoughthe stillsaw the phantom,and answered the
put to him in a confused
questionswhich were
and abstinence
A few days'confinement
manner.
dark
as
well
as
restored his
ever,
reason.
who
Writers
recorded
many
the sensations.
treated
have
examplesof
It may,
of hallucinations.
variety
disorder may
show
of
these
derangementsof
in fact,
giverise to a vast
This complication
of the
of the
for
an
It may be
drunkenness
certain
The
monster.
said,Why separatethe
from
those
of drunkenness
reason
the action of
is this :
delirium
shows
hallucinations of
producedby
The
Edinburgh Medical
1810.
or
drugs?
and
disease,
*
enemy
"
is
very
frequent
SurgicalJournal,vol. vii. p.
288.
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
of
insanity,
abuse
of
which
of
liquors
intoxicating
by
produced
rarely
of
of
many
Besides
from
not
until
these
agents
of
still
action
intoxicating
reality
further
form
part
this
best
and
country,
require
to
be
is
body
while
of
symptoms
considered
have
been
in
only
the
temporary
are
their
be
hand,
liquors,
observations
are
itself
other
the
on
is, the
"
may
"
drugs
in
them
this, their
that
in
with
meet
that
cause
the
On
insanity.
of
symptom
primary
the
151
TREMENS.
DELIRIUM
we
eifects
investigated.
different
very
insanity
made,
a
lucinations
hal-
the
separate
so
these
does
that,
lucinations
hal-
chapter.
152
*
CHAPTEE
"
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
VII.
NERVOUS
DISEASES,
NOT
STITUTINGCON-
INSANITY.
Haying
examined
now
in relation to the
we
pass
on
the
of Hallucinations
subject
forms of mental disease,
principal
to the consideration
with certain
nervous
affections which,in
insanity.In
verge upon
diseases will be noticed which
of hallucinations
of them
most
this
in connexion
some
series
presentthe phenomena
in
or
frequently,
peculiarities.
marked
presentsome
in relation
1. Catalepsy
respects,
only those
to
which
Hallucinations.
they
"
The
she
was
was
said around
her.
The
Epilepsyin relation to Hallucinations.
of epilepsy
with insanity
would
frequent
complication
lead us to expect the occurrence
of hallucinations.
2.
"
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
NERYOES
153
DISEASES.
Esquirol
np at the Salpetriere,
of three hundred
epileptic
patients,
that,out
half
than
more
Many
insane.
were
of these
entirely
and
covered
them
adds
most
with blows.
These
hallucinations caused
the
attacks.
These
did not
remarks
and of Paterson,who
to the existence of hallucinations
in
epilepsy.Dr.
patientwho was
strike him
the
on
head
Amongst
met
an
with
the
succeeded
crutch ; at
that
attended,we
the attack
others in whom
was
the
have
precededby
hallucination
the attack.
Example
monomania
have
we
patients
and
apparition,
her
in the fit."*
in whom
many
with
54. M.
of
imaginesthat
seized ten
he
L.
is
relentless enemies.
*
was
subjectto
He
Paterson
often
:
the
of
persecutions
hears them
making
Loc. cit.
154
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
NEBVOTTS
DISEASES,
remarks
to him, and
disgusting
they prevent his
hood
sleeping
by their wicked proposals.From his childthis patient
attacks of
was
subjectto irregular
which were
often preceded
epilepsy,
by a hallucination,
before
moment
a flash of lightning.The
resembling
he used to see the figure
of
losinghis consciousness,
him like the shadows of a
a demon, which
approached
phantasmagoria
; he then uttered a loud cry, saying,
"Here
is the devil!" and fell on the ground.
Sometimes
strange figuresaddress the epileptic
;
him to do a certain act.
theyinsult him or command
It is highly
mitted
probablethat many of the crimes comby these unfortunate persons, and for which
have been severely
the results of
some
were
punished,
hallucinations of hearing and
of sight.
55. JacquesMounin, of Berne,was
Example
fits. At their
to epileptic
symptoms of greatexcitement
attacks
he rushed
like
termination
he
madman
into the
liable
showed
of these
country,
He
assassinated three men.
was
successively
where he
followed,
secured,and thrown into prison,
to the reason
for his actions.
as
was
interrogated
recollected killing
Mounin
stated that he perfectly
his relative,
who was
the three men, especially
one
which he very much regretted.He said that,during
himself surrounded
he saw
of fury,
these paroxysms
by flames,and that the colour of blood delighted
and
him.*
Several lunatics have told
us
theywere
dazzled
by
the attack.
M.
Bellodf has
quotedthe
case
of
young
ales
Brierre de Boismont : Observations Medico-leg
Monomanie
homicide,p. 24. Paris,1827.
f Annal. Med.-Psych.^.384. Nov. 1843.
*
man,
sur
la
156
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
NERVOUS
DISEASES,
affection which
of phenopresentsa greatervariety
mena
than hysteria."When
to the monologues
listening
of hysterical
we
patients,
may often detect
them speakingor replying
to beingswhom
theysee,
with whom
or
theyimagine theyare conversing
; at
other times they complaintheyare breathing
a foetid
has a disagreeable
atmosphere,and that everything
taste.
The
hallucinations which
series
in the
in
occur
the
one
be
hysteria
may
is
reason
affected,
un-
insanit}^.
to strike her.
his work
Hibbert,in
when
the
of
excitement
height,its
effects
on
are
that
Hallucinations,
says,
women
hysterical
is at its
similar to those
producedby
the nitrous
whose
woman,
alwayswarned
was
of her
own
Sauvages states
in the
are
patients
M.
says, that
Michea
is related
by Portius,who#
attack by the apof an hysterical
pearance
image,as in a mirror.
that
the
during the paroxysm
habit of seeingfrightful
spectres.
case
hallucinations
very
attacked the
which
epidemichysteria
of Elizabeth of Louviers.*
female proselytes
nor
are
Hysteriamay exist with insanity,
common
in the
uncommon
which
*
it
disorder
Michea
were
such
cases
is,therefore,
necessary to ascertain to
the hallucinations belong. "When they
Delire des
Sensations,
p.
298.
Paris,1846.
show themselves
as
157
INSANITY.
CONSTITUTING
NOT
precursors
is the
To
with
cease
cause
her, one
hear
crime.
every possible
her,and givenher over
suppose
"
happensin
she
had
the wTorld.
committed
God,"
unto
S. is conscious
of the
of this
absurdity
be regardedas
conduct,and feels that it may justly
pulse
by an irresistibleiminsanity
; but she is compelled
These periodsof
to utter these thingsaloud.
excitement are succeeded by stronghysterical
attacks,
and violent
in which she experiences
long-continued
Mademoiselle
in the womb.
She
spasm commences
that her disease has its seat in the abdomen.
convulsions.
asserts
During
;
The
attack, the
the
she
become
formed
trans-
hideous
sees
his appearance
attendants
she
many
insane
158
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
violence in consequence
NEEYOES
DISEASES,
of the restraint
theyhave
so
longundergone.
The hallucinations
commonly alongwith
the premonitory
but they
symptoms of the hysteria,
also take place during the attack,when
the
may
mental faculties are partially
retained ; theymay also
show
themselves
of
senses
may
illusions.
to
regard
4. Hallucinations
who, from
it were,
His
most
at its termination.
hearingand
but allthe
occur
the focus of
of
The
tions
hallucina-
the most
sightare
be involved ; it is the
common,
with
same
The hypoHypochondriasis.
chondriac
his moral condition,
becomes,as
all kinds of diseases,
is necessarily
in
"
to hallucinations and
illusions.
predisposed
of the
constant
and uninterrupted
contemplation
various forms
favourable
of disease is most
to their
declare,"says M. Dubois
is in
state of
and
d'Amiens,
"
that
ebullition,
maintain
rected
carp ; but she corof touch.
Some
by the sense
impression
hot and cold,either
complainthat theyare alternately
in differents parts of
or
successively,
simultaneously
this
their bodies.
the celebrated writer and
physician,
who fellinto a hypochondriacal
condition,
continually
His
complainedof the state of his digestive
organs.
which
work on Solitude is filledwith melancholyideas,
This state
increased by the French Eevolution.
were
followed by wakefulness,
of things
was
illusions,
optical
Zimmerman,
CONSTITUTING
NOT
159
INSANITY.
of
and
He
of
there
was
in his
own
appearance
opinions
; there
a
loss of
weakness
which
his ideas,and
nervous
want
confusion in
slight
with a timidity
and
memory,
contrasted with his
strongly
was
character.
previous
addition
In
to
these
numerous
symptoms arising
at an earlyperiod
he exhibited
hypochondriasis,
in his extreme
to melancholy
love of
a
disposition
afterwards increased until
solitude. This propensity
exclusive form of insanity,
it assumed
an
producinga
continual fear of seeingsome
his house
enter
one
for the purpose of robbinghim.*
Example 58. M. L. has been tormented for more
from
than
twenty years
with
not
whatever
tumour
serious
and
which, however,
intestines,
deprivedhim of an excellent appetitefor
before him.
He
comes
even
perceivesa
in the left hypochondrium,
which M. Louis
men
are
unable
to
detect.
Two
years ago he
"even
looked at him.
to
ticidier de
VHysterieet de V
Nerveuses
Hypocondrie,t. i. p.
421.
et en
par-
160
HALLUCINATIONS
combination
IN
of
physicaland
produceda disordered
he was
brought to our
On
had
and
his
his entrance
DISEASES,
moral
of the
state
sufferinghad
for which
intellect,
establishment.
he told
us
had
NEEYOTTS
His
constant
him.
Two
blisters to the
employment of
which
his
soon
and a judicious
legs,
goodliving,
ment,
mind, produceda rapid amend-
enabled
us
to restore
him
to
his
family.
5. Hallucinations
in Chorea.
"
Hallucinations
are
in the presentday.
in chorea as it occurs
very rare
in the epidemic
It was, however, quitethe reverse
chorea of the Middle Ages. During the dance,says
apparitions
; theywere
and their imagination
insensible to all external impressions,
whose names
to them spirits,
presented
they
rather shouted out. At a later period
or
pronounced,
declared theywere
of them
plungedin a river
many
the reason
of blood,and that that was
theyjumped
the
so
high. Others, during their ecstasy, saw
heavens open, and beheld the Virginand the Saviour
ing
his throne ; these visions varyingin form accordon
which the religious
to the different impressions
M.
saw
CONSTITUTING
NOT
of
creeds
who
had
One
of
them
that
he
of
the
with
Medecine
conflict.
Memoire
hospital
striking
a
animal
of
class
the
with
la
sur
rabid
and
du
Choree
died
his
patients,
Lyons.
at
bed,
wolf.
in
ing
think-
Another
the
midst
"
vol.
:
Nouveau
xii.
p.
314.
Traite
traduit
Moyen-age,
Annul.
Dubois.
Ferdinand
M.
par
Trolliet
several
Legale,
t
violently
enraged
an
this
in
care
struggling
was
tion.*
imagina-
their
mentioned
has
in
his
expired
Hecker
l'Allemand
under
been
fought
Trolliet
on
"
hallucinations
of
examples
produced
M.
Hydrophobia.
6.
had
period
the
161
INSANITY.
d'Hyg.
1834.
de
la
Rage.
Paris,
1820.
de
et
de
162
VIII.
CHAPTEE
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
Hallucinations
Ant
DEEAMS.
JSightmaee.
in
studied nervous
diseases,
carefully
tween
will have littledoubt of the analogywhich exists becurious facts
nightmare and insanity
; the
one
which
mind
who
AND
NIGHTMAEE
we
has
witnessed
have
leave
no
doubt
in
own
our
when
in the
with
his hair
terror, and
spoke,he
We
air.
at these
would
"
say,
am
what
wonderful
passingover
moments
some
he stillimaginedhe
often
him,
seen
times,
filled with
on
have
when
he
thing,I fly
mountains
after he
was
and cipices."
preawake
sailing
through space.
speciesof nightmare,which we
particular
was
observed, consists
in the
sensation
of
have
flying
alongwith
pursues
enemy, or the danger,from which he flies,
close
and
him.
to
The
him as quickly,
alwayskeeps
and as if he
alarm wakes him up. he feels fatigued,
had gone a longdistance.
Distressingemotions will produce nightmarein
and delicate lady,
A young
of a
nervous
persons.
temperament, avoided all alarming and
susceptible
she heard an anecdote
for whenever
tales,
distressing
Toto be disturbed.
of this kind,her rest was
sure
to be
carried
164
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
cessive
she returned
that
us
his bed-clothes
nightsmen
came
told
and
struggle ensued
; a
to
between
by their carryingthem
uncovered,he awoke.
completely
away : when he was
In other cases, the hallucinations of nightmare,
selves
however
distressing
they may be, do not show themA medical man,
by any external movements.
in the habit of readingin bed, has had his
who was
wife tell him, on
her waking up, that she had
had
a
long and frightful
nightmare: he had not,
however, perceivedher to be disturbed in the
degree.
slightest
them,
which
man
young
placedthemselves
remove
usual state.
terminated
Sometimes
the
persons are
is not real ;
happensto them
awake, and
they were
that what
conscious
theyreason
endeavour
to
as
prove
though
that the
same
false.
are
time advanced
was
apparition
herself and
terminated
Writers
which
towards
to
her.
she
illusion,
endeavour
would
her
allay
reason
fears
with
the matter
cat,or
supposedto
Under
an
these
be
described
some
other
in
of nightmare,
variety
animal,or
the chest
placedupon
circumstances
violent
a
or
monster, is
stomach.
is
oppression
165
DREAMS.
AKD
TSTIGHTMAEE
the
hallucinations
produced by nightmare
the person has woke up ; but they
have ceased when
in the waking state,and be mistaken
may continue
for realities. Lastly,
nightmaremay be complicated
with insanity.
thecary,
Example 60. In a convent at Auvergne, an apothere
where
who
was
sleepiDgin a room
several other persons, had an attack of nightwere
mare,
he accused his companions
and in consequence
themselves
deavoured
of having thrown
him, and enupon
him.
His companionsdenied
to strangle
and
declared he had passedthe night
the charge,
and in a state of violent agitation.
without sleeping,
self,
To convince him, theyplacedhim in a room
by himhavingfirst givenhim a good supper, and made
had the same
food.
He
him partakeof indigestible
attack ; but this time he declared it was
producedby
There was
he minutely described.
a demon, whom
jecting
of disabusing
him of this idea but by submeans
no
him to a regularcourse
of treatment.*
and
mania, hysteria,
Epilepsy,hypochondriasis,
somnambulism, have sometimes the nightmare as a
panies
precursory symptom ; while at other times it accomthe
them.
dreams
Sensual
seem
to
be associated
nightmare.
individual,says Jason, lately
Example 61. An
to me,
came
saying: Sir,if you do not assist me,
of me, I am wastingaway, you see
what is to become
how pale and thin I am
nothing but skin and
; I am
bone, I who had always a good figureand was
with
matter
What
is the
moderatelystout."
with
"
"
"
Schoenckius
Obs. 253.
166
HALLUCINATIONS
disease?"
"
"
what
to
IN
do
attribute your
"and you
replied,
you
I will tell
you," he
be surprised.JN"early
will certainly
a
every night,
.to me, comes
female,whose person is not unknown
"
throws
close to me,
that
violently
so
me
herself
I
on
breathe
searcely
can
There
chest,and presses
my
I endeavour
so.
she holds
to
call
lose all
soon
bound
me
if I cry
and fixed
I replied I knew
is nothingastonishing,"
"
that it was
nightmare all this is only
immediately
the effect of the imagination
a phantom, and
A phantom!" he cried, an
effect of the imagination
with my
! I am
telling
you of what I have seen
even
Frequently,
eyes, and touched with my hands.
"
"
"
"
"
when
am
all my
senses
about
me,
herself upon me ; it
come
seen
and
is in vain that I tryto repulseher ; fear,
anxiety,
I have
and throw
this miserable
vainlyendeavoured
to
condition."
disabuse this
man
of his
he
insane idea ; but after two or three conversations,
began to be convinced of the nature of his malady,
hopes of beingcured.*
show
The hallucinations of nightmaresometimes
themselves in the form of an epidemic.
The first battalion of the regiment
Examine 62.
of which," says Dr. Parent, I
of Latour-d'Auvergne,
the surgeon, was
was
quarteredat Palmi in Calabria,
when it received peremptory orders to march with all
to Tropea,and there oppose the landingof
despatch
which had threatened
troopsfrom the enemy'sflotilla,
and to entertain
"
"
Jason
Obs. 253.
Be
Morbis
"c,
Cerebri,
cap.
xxvi.,et Schoenckius
NIGHTMARE
these
parts.
troops had to
The
It
AND
in the month
was
traverse
battalion started at
and
midnight,
seven
haviog scarcelyrested,and
On
from
the heat.
were
readyprepared.
"
As
167
DEEAMS.
o'clock in the
evening,
having suffered
much
the
come
it was
furthest,
abbey.
the
undress
The
battalion
themselves.
inhabitants
would
not
had
be
It
was
an
old deserted
warned
previously
able
to
us
We
ridiculed their
168
EST
HALLUCINATIONS
of the town.
The
the
day I again questioned
and
of the oldest
and
some
Serjeants,
corporals,
soldiers. They assured me
they were not persons to
or
give way to fear,nor did they believe in spirits
vinced
conghosts,
yet theyseemed to me to be perfectly
that the scene
which had taken placein the
but a real
abbey was no effect of the imagination,
event.
According to these men, they had scarcely
fallen asleepwhen
the dog entered; they saw
him
and were
he
almost suffocated when
quiteplainly,
leapedupon their chests.
the whole of that day at Tropea,
We
remained
and the town
being full of troops,we were
obliged
to retain the same
quarters: we could onlypersuade
the soldiers to go to rest by promising
to pass the
I retired at half-past
eleven with
nightwith them.
the majorof the battalion ; the officers throughcuriosity
next
"
scattered
were
AVe
had
no
about
in the
that
expectation
the
different
scene
rooms.
of the ceding
prewho
soldiers,
The
nightwould be renewed.
re-assured by the presence of their officers,
who
were
when, at one o'clock
kept watch,had fallen asleep,
in the morning, from all the rooms
at the same
who
time, the same
forth,and the men
cry came
had seen
fearful
the dog jump on to their chests,
of being suffocated,
left their quarters,
resolved not
to them
to return
again. AVe were
up, wide awake,
and on the watch to see what would happen; but,as
be supposed,
nothingmade its appearance.
may easily
returned
The enemy'sflotillahaving sailed away, we
the next day to Palmi.
Since the event which has
have traversed the kingdom of
we
justbeen recorded,
of the year, our
soldiers have
Naples at all periods
often been crowded
togetherin the same
way, but
this phenomenon has never
shown itself again."*
*
Dictionnaire
that
probable
lbiJ
DREAMS.
AND
NIGHTMARE
and the
great
to affect the respiratory
heat had combined
organs,
them
to nightmare(incubus,
and had predisposed
favoured also by the uncomfortable locality
ephialtes),
where they were
obligedto sleepwith their clothes
and possibly
also by
on, by the rarefaction of the air,
noxious gas.
its containing
some
It is
Hallucinations
The
analogywhich
of
dreams
those
and
in
Dreams.
exists between
of the
writers who
the
tions
hallucina-
waking state,have
consider
hallucination
duced
inas
that
no
person
for
those
whom
of
the charge
insanity,
could escape
it spares in
less attacked by it
or
daytime would be more
duringthe night.The absoluteness of the proposition
The act of dreaming,in the
is its best refutation.
dition
congreatmajorityof cases, is a purelyphysiological
of the
continuance
a
; it presentsitself as
To prove this,
of the thinkingprinciple.
operations
it is sufficient to produceexamplesof mental operations,
conceived
and actions,
which have been
places,
fore
and executed
during sleep. Dreams should,therebe divided into two series,
as
according
they are
or
pathological.
physiological
modifies the
The
condition of sleep necessarily
is
In fact,in dreams,man
nocturnal hallucinations.
no
;
longermaster of his will or of his movements
in abeyance; he loses the
in generalthe senses
are
the
power
of identification ; he confounds
1V0
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
he believes without
establish
difference between
them
and
the
imaginedone
first canto
day
of the Henriade
that he
had
dreamed
different to what
had
he
"
"
dream.
"
172
HALLUCINATIONS
succession of ideas in
vision of the
the
whole
jarof
had
water
IN
wonders
his
fell when
from
which
the association of
he
saw
hell,though the
ecstasy commenced,
he
when
spilledits contents
existence."*
ordinary
hallucinations
of the
and
of heaven
which
us
in which
Prophet Mahommed,
not
The
to remind
as
sleep,
in
occur
ideas,or
returned
dreams
to
arise
the recollection
are
taken place.Amongst
previously
the many curious instances of this kind,the following
and show
what
of the most
are
some
interesting,
singularevents and combinations of thought may
with dreams.
originate
friend of mine," says
Example 63. A particular
connected with one of the principal
Abercrombie, was
at his placeat the
bauks in Glasgow,and was
is paid,when
tellers' table,where money
a
person
of six pounds.
entered demanding payment of a sum
who were, in turn,
There were
several people
waiting,
of things
which have
"
"
entitled to
be attended
to
before
and rather
extremelyimpatient,
noying,
besides,a remarkable stammerer, he became so anthat another gentlemanrequested
my friend
He did
and get rid of him.
his money
to pay him
of impatience
but with an expression
so
accordingly,
to attend to him before his turn, and
at being obliged
At the end of
of the transaction.
thought no more
the
the year, which was
eightor nine months after,
the
books of the bank could not be made to balance,
being exactlysix pounds. Several days
deficiency
cover
and nightshad been spent in endeavouringto disthe
error,
but
without
success
when
at
last
and went
home, much fatigued,
of being at his place in the
He
dreamt
to bed.
with the stammerer,
bank, and the whole transaction,
my
friend returned
"
Opus cit. p.
25.
AND
NIGHTMARE
as
detailed,
passedbefore him
now
awoke
He
dream
to lead
was
discovered
soon
the
manner
the
indebted
in
sum,
for
(ortithe),
which
noble
exactly
of Bowland, a gentleman
vale of Gala, was
cuted
prose-
considerable
very
of teind
arrears
he
in the balance."*
error
this person
paidto
sum
the
examination,
on
and that it
of interests,
book
for the
for
the
impressionthat
of what
discovery
to be
mentioned, had been neglected
inserted in the
of
to
that
now
accounted
full
him
in
anxiously
so
was
under
173
DREAMS.
the
family,
the
he
accumulated
said to be
was
titulars
(layimpropriators
of the tithes).Mr. E. was
strongly
impressed
with the belief that his father had, by a form of process
to the law of Scotland,purchasedthese
peculiar
that the preteinds from the titular,
and. therefore,
sent
after
was
an
prosecution
groundless. But,
to
industrious
search among
his father's papers, an investigati
of the public records, and
careful
a
had transacted
law
all persons who
evidence could be recovered
business for his father,
no
inquiryamoug
to
supporthis
hand
when
defence.
he conceived
and
inevitable,
he
had
The
periodwas
now
near
at
his determination
to
and make
the best bargain
day,,
he could in the way of compromise. He went
stances
to bed with this resolution,
and, with all the circumof the case
in his mind, had a dream
floating
His father,
who had been
to the following
purpose.
many
years dead,appearedto him, he thought,and
disturbed in his mind.
In
asked him why he was
not surprised
dreams men
at such apparitions.
are
Mr. E. thought that he informed
his father of the
of his distress,
cause
adding,that the payment of a
ride to
Edinburgh next
Opus cit. p.
280.
174
HALLUCINATIONS
considerable
EN
of money
the more
was
unpleasant
he had a strong consciousness that it
sum
him, because
not due,though he was
unable
was
to recover
any
evidence in support of his belief. You are right,
my
t
he
s
hade
I
did
son,'replied paternal
acquirea right
;
to these teinds,for payment
of which you are now
to the transaction
prosecuted.The papers relating
in the hands of Mr.
are
a writer (orattorney),
who is now
retired from professional
business,and
resides at Inveresk,near
a
Edinburgh. He was
that occasion for a particular
person I employed on
to
'
'
but
reason,
who
never
transacted business
on
on
any
'
to pay his
came
gettingchange for
and that
we
Mr.
may have
of a very old date ;
call it to his recollection by this token,
occasion
It is very possible,'
account.
my
other
account, there
culty
diffi-
was
Portugalpieceof gold,
were
tavern.
"
Mr.
words
awoke
R.
of the
in
vision
thoughtit worth
the
morning,with all
imprintedon his mind,
while to ride
across
the
the
and
country to
to Edinburgh.
Inveresk, instead of going straight
When
he
came
there
he waited
on
the
gentleman
in
the
He made an immediate
whole returned upon his memory.
search for the papers, and recovered them, so
that Mr. R. carried to Edinburgh the documents
"
which he was
on
gain the cause
losing. There cannot be a doubt
gentlemanhad heard the circumstances from
necessary
verge of
this
to
the
that
his
KTGHTMAEE
AXT"
175
DEEAAIS.
gave
them
train of
association
which
recalled
in the dream."*
There
well
are
which have
authenticated
givennotice
at the time
or
occurred
of
soon
an
instances of dreams
event
after.
that
"
occurring
clergymanhad
was
come
"
Abercrombie
Opus
cit.p. 288.
lb. p. 291.
176
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
of Druminond
the executors
of Hawthornden
(Drum-
mond's
been
Mr.
Cambden'
him
it
not
be
from
He
of
with
but
was
if it
which,amazed, he
unto
God, and in the morning he came
to tell him, who
s chamber
persuaded
cut
prayedunto
with
an
In
dejected.
sword
; at
at which
apprehension,
the meantime
there
he should
came
letters
at
the
time of
the resurrection."*
66.
astonished at the
he was
disturbed,
continuance of his dream, and felt inclined to go to
his friend,but, being fatigued and reasoningas
before,he againarrangedhimself to sleep. For the
he was
but now
third time his friend appeared,
pale,
he said,"you
and disfigured."Alas!"
bleeding,
A
second
time
Ferriar
Opus cit.p.
58.
FIGHTMAEE
AND
requested
you, and the
At daybreakyou will
deed is done ; now
avenge me.
meet, at the gate of the town, a cart filledwith dung,
have not
to
come
stop it,order
when
177
DEEAMS.
me
it to be
midst ; provideme
rites of burial,
and punishmy murderers."
body
concealed
in
the
and
pertinacity
longeradmitted of
This
the minuteness
with
the
of the details
of ideas connected
of the dream.
he had intended
*
+ Cicero.
the
to sail had
been
wrecked.*
Pythian Oracles.
De
On
178
HALLUCINATIONS
opinion,"says
"The
an
IN
"
illustrious
revealed to
writer, that
in our
dreams,
us
Old
and
intellect.
The
numerous
examples of
myselfI
matter.
dreams
satisfied with my
than once
I have more
am
furnish
Testaments
New
that
dreams
of
us
him
birth,or
if he had
it was
whether
was
been
blind
from
his
born
'
You
are
He
ignorant,
how beautiful
then,'she said, of the effect of light,
it is ; nor can you conceive the glory
and
and pleasant
of the sun.'
I have never,'he said, enjoyed
splendour
I
the sightof that beautiful object,
nor
can
I believe it to be
form any idea of it ; nevertheless,
then seemed
glorious.'The blind man
surpassingly
and assuminga tone
to change his voice and manner,
he continued, should
of authority,
My example,'
'
'
'
'
'
Bernardin
de Saint-Pierre : Paul
et
Virginie.
ISO
HALLUCINATIONS
is sometimes
so
great,that
substances
distinguish
and
are
of which
those around
him
are
conscious.
quiteun-
influence of
deny the extraordinary
but there
atmosphereupon certain organizations,
would
Some
the
IN
numerous
aware
of
facts which
peraments
prove the existence of temthat their possessor is
so
susceptible,
coming atmospheric
changeslong before
character affords an
moral
for observation.
All
those who
equallycurious field
have loved strongly
that the
presence.
To presentiments
are
allied antipathies
and
closely
viduals
sympathies.Well-authenticated cases show that indikind of shudder
the
have experienced
a
on
danger.
approach of an enemy, or any unknown
of carefully
had the opportunity
Some
years ago we
instinctive feeling,
an
noticinga ladywho possessed
itself immediately
manifested
which
precedingher
introduction to a stranger The sensation which she
was
alwaysconfirmed by the result.
experienced
but
Much
presentiments,
might be said concerning
the subject.
forbear from enteringfurther on
we
and serious minds
rejectsuch
Unimpressionable
but sensitive persons believe in them.
doctrines,
most
borne
instances
out
they are
not
realized
where
In
theyare
niscences
the result,
they consist either of remiof a simplecoincidence.
Nevertheless,
by
or
that any
quitecertain
NIGHTMARE
with
AND
This
incredulity.
systematic
to
seems
in
us
with what
accordance
is observed
181
DKEAMS.
with
common
to take
place.
Presentiments
therefore explained,
in
are
causes
cases, by natural
; yet, without
many
chargedwith a love of the marvellous,may
great
being
not
we
which seem
to deviate
say that there are occurrences
from the ordinary
of events,and at least depend
course
known
which
upon relations stillmost imperfectly
"
exist between
man
or
on
"
the
exalted condition of
an
connected
are
and
spiritual
physicalnature of
the nervous
system ;
of phenomena which
included under
?
magnetism and somnambulism
Example 67. Mademoiselle R., who was possessed
of an excellent understanding,
and who was
religious
without being bigoted,
before her marriage,
resided,
with her uncle,a medical man
of eminence,and a
are
member
some
of the Institute.
distance
from
At
this time
that she
to
not
was
the
one,
of
cure
Spain,while
surrounded
Parisian
the other
Christian
persons
who
name,
the
was
at Paris.
sently
Pre-
by
in her
name
saw,
; she
her mother,and
surrounded
that she
same
at
was
her
country,and was
One nightthis young
ladydreamed
her mother
about
pale,melancholy,
of whom
she
askingfor
was
invalid made
daughterwho
whom
dream, the
ing
who, thinkher granddaughter
of the
to fetch her,when
room
signs to them
in Paris,and
was
she
wished
to
see.
that
not
it
her
Her
her
was
daughter,
grandlook
pressed
ex-
the greatestgrief
at her absence ; all at once
her countenance
the pallorof
changed; it assumed
death,and
The next
she sank
down
lifelesson
day Mademoiselle
her bed.
E., seemingvery
much
182
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
dead ; but
was
entered
he
into
further
no
explanations.
Mademoiselle
months
after,
Some
order, found
"What
letter which
to
had
vantage
R-.,takingadput his papers in
laid aside.
been
on
readingin it all the parsurprise
ticulars
which had passedin her dream,and which D.
had passedover
to cause
in silence,
being unwilling
her further excitement when her mind was
alreadyso
aifected.
strongly
made to us by the ladyherself,
This statement
was
in whom
confidence.
we
placethe most perfect
Great
caution is necessary in judging of such
the one justrecorded ; the explanation
occurrences
as
which has been appliedto the clergyman's
dream,
mentioned
by Abercrombie (p.175),mightbe brought
her
was
forward
in the
present case
do
explanations
but
confess
must
we
satisfy
us, and that
of the
these events seem
rather to belong to some
of our being.
deepestmysteries
shall relate
As bearingupon these reflections,
we
the following
anecdote,mentioned
by Dr. Sigmond,
that
these
who
received it from
not
the widow
privatesecretaryand friend
One
day,in the presence of
had turned
of M.
Colmache, the
of M. de Talleyrand.
the minister,
the conversation
of those sudden
subject
upon the
warningswhich have been looked upon
from the world of spirits
to man
observed
any
note
that it would
be
Example68.
"
difficultto find
as
of his
cations
communisome
a
man
one
of
life,
rienced
expe-
"
remember," said Talleyrand,
upon
NIGHTMAEE
occasion,having
one
with
moment,
know
not
never
once
to
an
been
this moment
life. Without
I should
inspiration
tale.
I had
friend Beaumetz.
whom
with
whence
it
that
not
came
that
sudden
have been
single
one
nameless
it saved my
my
gifted,for
and
unknown
183
DEEAMS.
AND
I
power.
; it has
one
occasion
and
rious
myste-
here
to
tell
with my
a shipin concert
freighted
He was
a good fellow,
Beaumetz,
I had
ever
lived
on
the most
intimate
and
in those
of kindness
and attachment
to
me.
I had
184
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
he had
'
What
ever
been
need
to waste
they will
me,
and
let
time in
reach
never
us
for
remarkable
take
penning those
Come
their destination.
turn
the
on
letters ?
with
Battery; perhaps
to
be
may
When
advance.
arrived
had
we
the
at
broad
"
in his
mad,
incoherent
discourse
"
for I had
freed my
before him.
arm
'
from
Beaumetz,'
shouted,
'
you
mean
eye upon
dismayed.
to murder
me
NIGHTMARE
185
DREAMS.
AND
not
avert
to
words, and
strove
with extended
and
left,
to pass me,
He
arms.
flunghimself
then
into tears.
'
thought has
haunted
'Tis true
"
day
me
from
you
here.
edge
of
would
Look
the
have
his eye
bubbles
tossed
on
by
his
the
white
but
excitement
mad
foot of the
instant
demon
the
parched lips;
night,like a flash
for this I brought
within
The
done.'
same
was
in another
parapet:
unsettled,and
was
It
stand
! you
been
and
he
the
work
had
left him
foam
stood
was
under
in
longer
no
which
he
to lead him
for he suffered me
labouring,
A
few days'repose,
home
without
a
singleword.
abstinence,
bleeding,
completelyrestored him to his
former self,
the circumstance
and, what is most extraordinary,
had been
was
Eate
It
metz
between
us.
whilst
was
to return
to
mentioned
My
at work."
was
friend that
him
never
to
; he
France
alone.
prosecute the speculation
of his
enabled
left BeauThe
Prince
Talleyrandcould never
speak of the precedingevent
without
shuddering,and to the latest hour of his
for an instant gifted
existence believed that
he was
with an extraordinary
and during a quick and
light,
revealed to
vivid flash the possible
and the true was
a strong and
powerfulmind," and that upon this the
whole
of his destinyhinged.
This speciesof momentary
is
exaltation,"
says Dr. Sigmond, "which
with the most
but is remembered
not againrepeated,
"
"
186
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
vivid
is what is more
known
impression,
immediately
o" fantasia."* In France
it is named
by the name
presentiment
We
have
de Madame
de
Crequi,the
Example 69. The Prince Radziwil had adopted
of his orphan nieces.
She resided at a chateau
one
in Gallicia. In the chateau was
a
largehall,which
separatedthe apartments of the princefrom those of
his children,
and throughwhich it was
necessary to
out
to the other,withpass, in order to get from the one
going into the open air. The young Agnes, only
"
five
or
taken
of
looked
was
pression
ex-
the Sibyl
picturerepresenting
hung over the door. For a long
to
Cuma, which
time they endeavoured
which
was
upon
to
as
this repugnance,
childish fancy; but the
overcome
a
effects of these
the child
that at
own
serious to
so
attemptswere
lengthshe was permittedto have her
open
or
of the
the
weather,rather
doorwaywhich producedsuch
The
way,
time
married,and
pass
through
of
feeling
alarm.
to be
the young countess was
largepartyhad assembled at the chateau
came
a
than
when
Forbes Winslow's
In the
Journal,vol.
Psychological
i. p. 586.
188
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
remarkable
on
record.*
Condorcet
that,when engaged in
often
he was
calculations,
related of himself
profoundand obscure
state and retire
to leave them in an incomplete
obliged
than
to rest ; and that the remainingstepshad more
themselves in his dreams. Dr. Franklin
once
presented
Cabanis that the bearingsand issue of
also informed
events,which had puzzledhim when awake,
political
unfolded to him in his dreams.
not unfrequently
were
Hernias says it was whilst he slepthe heard a voice
some
dictate to him
the
Some
Pasteur.
work
which
he
maintain
persons
has
entitled the
the Divina
Corn-
by a dream.
suggested
Galen
became
a
physicianin consequence of a
a
dream, in which Apolloappearedto him on two
him immediately
different occasions,
and commanded
to devote himself to the studyof medicine.
nected
that dreams may presenta conIt is well known
series of events
so
that,
represented
forcibly
the dreamer
starts from his sleepwith his mind
as
stronglyimpressedby what has passed,it requires
media
was
some
evidence
been
are
to
convince
him
has
which
Dreams
of his imagination.
offspring
several successive
marked
on
thus strongly
may recur
nights. I remember," says M. A. Maury,in
the
"
Moreau, de
la Sarthe
Melanges de
Litterature.
NIGHTMARE
his Memoire
AND
(p.31), "to
during the
of
189
DREAMS.
have
dreamed
eighttimes,
one
"
this
how
philosopher
these
house,when
to
matters
he had
it
him
refused
The
was
next
day,having
that he
in another
to do
"
so
had
plained
ex-
person's
"
to have been
*
Saint
deceived."*
xviii.
190
HALLUCINATIONS
The
IN
hallucinations of dreams
rated
oblitegenerally
pression,
on
waking up, or, if they leave a partialiminfluence on the
they have no perceptible
conduct ; this,however,is not the case when theyare
when
the precursors of mental
disease,nor
they
occur
duringsleepin the insane ; theythen become
extremelyvivid,and are firmlyengraven on the
dreams have been mentioned
Pathological
memory.
and there can
be no
doubt that at
by all observers,
times they may afford useful indications.
the
G-alen mentions
of his
one
this
same
The
that he
an
invalid who
dreamed
Conrad
bitten
was
of
made
legswas
legwas
learned
case
are
on
Gresner
dreamed
night
chest by a
one
not
of the mind
have the
may
same
effect.
ETGHTMABE
ber ;
on
upon
191
DREAMS.
A.KD
follows
my
'
Do
you
desire honour
bottle
me
as
was
I paced about,
hearingthese words.
On my
myselfwhat this could mean.
questioning
in the wall,through
a window
righthand I perceived
made
whose brilliancy
which there came
me
a
light,
and changed the
forget the words of the liquid,
of my thoughts; for I was
current
contemplating
thingswhich surpassedall description.The light
lasted but an instant,and with a feeling
of desolation
I returned to my
bottle,and carried it away
I felt desirous of tastingthe contents,
with me.
I succeeded in openand, with considerable difficulty,
ing
I
with
o
f
awoke.
This
a feeling
it,when,
horror,
left me
with a strong desire to know
occurrence
my
wish
for
which lasted
soul,a
three-and-twenty
years,
that is to say, until 1633, when I had a vision,
during
astounded
at
which
my
and brilliantspiritual
essence.
composedof a crystalline
like a pea in its husk,
contained in an envelope
It was
and I heard
you
saw
voice which
the intellectual
operatedon
whoever
'
said to me,
Behold
what
throughthe openingin the wall.' This vision
a
should behold
body would
part of
my nature ; for
the eyes of his
be blinded."*
obliterated from
completely
may become
the mind of the person, so that he entirely
forgets
had such a dream.
that he ever
The
This
dream
circumstance
of the
probablyexplainssome
presumedinstances of second sight.
The
portant
sleepof the maniac has always afforded iminformation.
Esquirolwas so convinced of
this,that he has frequently
passed the night in
*
Van
p. 269.
Ortus Medicince
Amsterodami,1643.
Helmont
Imago Mentis,"c,
vol. i.
192
HALLTTCrNATIONS
EN"
them
watching
his
Leuret,
his
in
that
reason
and
perceptions
judge
if
minds
be
would
dreams
The
maniac,
had
violent
him
his
and
voice
resisted
when
she
fixed, and
to
awake
continued
the
with
their
dreams,
their
up
between
exists
and
attended,
which
and
ideas
same
themselves
who
wards
after-
week
the
opinion.
this
troubled
pointed
been
already
had
had
that
agitated
during sleep,
commence
successive
several
during
nights,
the
day.
successive
her
"
Kill
it
drove
but
the
during
unhappy
thy daughter.
woman
the
idea
from
her
At
sacrificed
The
first
thoughts
ultimately
waking
are
nights,
this, and
was
mix
saying
she
night.
during
their
has
realities
as
Schoul
.
the
sound.
which
for
length regarded
widow
ideas
insanity.
continued
are
in
the
to
occurs
not
was
in
hallucinations
Some
did
also
of lunatics
during
supports
feelings presented
during
have
Gregory
dreams,
revealing
number
occasionally
perfectly recovered,
warded
re-
insanity.
what
case
Dr.
whom
with
at
of
insanity
following
been
JPsychologiques,has
they
which
the
has
day, according
they
DEEAMS.
patient
certain
perfectly
and
the
his
happens
coincidence
out.
are
correctly
what
the
of
which
conversation
The
cause
the
state, and
waking
by
Fragmens
during
AND
perseverance
once
there
who
They
the
sleep
remarked,
his
than
more
during
and
NIGHTMARE
state.
her
became
Some
child.
193
CHAPTER
hallucinations
in
and
IX.
somnambulism.
Hallucinations
authors who
All
magnetism,
animal
ecstasy,
in
Ecstasy.
treated of
have
ecstasyare agreed
devotees and
conditions
the
insane
exercise
over
the
these
of ecstasy in persons
The most remarkable ecstatics have been carried away
morality,
by an extreme regardfor religion,
poetry,
states
for philosophy
fine arts,the sciences,
or
; they
of the Deity
have been givenup to the contemplation
the
or
of nature.
most
condition of the
This
favourable
to
the
existence
of
mind
is also
hallucinations,
in the ecstatic.
they are very common
Count Emanuel
Example 73. The celebrated visionary,
Sweclenborg,
imaginedhe had the singular
ness
happiof enjoying
frequentinterviews with the world
of spirits,
with minute
and has favoured mankind
of the scenes
he visited and the conversations
descriptions
and hence
"
The
graciously
pleasedto
unworthy servant,in
Lord
manifest
a
Himself
to
personalappearance
o
me,
his
in the
194
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
ECSTASY,
ANIMAL
a
1743, to open to me
sightof the spiritual
with spirits
and
world,and to enable me to converse
has continued with me
to
angels; and this privilege
this day."
year
the visions
Example 74. Very similar to this were
of John Engelbrecht,
who, after passingmany years
in a state of the most
gloomy and agonizingdespondency,
in which he had frequently
been tempted to
commit
to his friends and
suicide,
appearedat length,
to himself,
to die,
and to be restored againto life,
and
fancied he had visited,
during the short space from
his supposeddeath to his resuscitation,
first hell,
and
afterwards
heaven,and
was
freed from
his
"
"
"
"
And
their touch.
I
at midnight,
o'clock,
much
about
twelve
hearingfailed
seemed
to
me
"
and
the
when
watchman
distinctly
; and
midnight the bodily
o'clock at
left
cried eleven
me
too.
taken up with my
Then
whole
was
"
as
body,and
it
it
196
hallucinations
I had
manner,
in
recovered
animal
ecstasy,
strengthagain to
my
such
greatadvantage."
Arnold
"
that the pretended
npon this case,
death was of an exceedingly
short duration ; for Engelbrecht himself tells us, that the ivliole
process was but of
remarks
moment's
that
continuance,
o'clock at
when
midnight,
lefthim,
and
o'clock
the
ecstatic
After
hiin.
that when
it
his
much
about twelve
failedand
bodily
hearing
the watchman
rapture
this he had
was
for
cried twelve
had
fullypassed upon
several years frequent
is no
of
than may
existence.
more
our
This
be said of many
division enables
us
to
other conditions
arrange
in
one
class
celebrated
many
resulted from profound
and
prophets,saints,philosophers,
persons
whose
ecstasies have
meditation,from
from
or
thoughts,
*
a
a
enlightenmentof their
intuition ; while in
supernatural
sudden
197
SOMNAMBULISM.
AND
MAGNETISM,
pythoness of
Middle
Ages,
the Illumithe nuns
of Loudun, the Convulsionists,
Madame
enthusiasts.
nati,and many other religious
have created so much
noise in
Guyon, whose opinions
the world,says herself that,in her most exalted condition,
she saw
God and his angels.
It would
seem
probablethat the ecstatic state
would
only have been manifested in those whose
theless,
itself. Neverhad had time to develope
imagination
be ranged the
class may
the celebrated sects of the
antiquity,
the
other
we
read in the
Theatre
des
sacre
Cevennes
(p.20),that
or
even
able to
preachand
to
prophesylike
other
ecstatics.
of the
children
greater number
at Amsterdam
brought up in the hospital
girlsas
well as boys,to the number
of sixtyor seventy
disease : they
attacked by an
were
extraordinary
In
1566
the
"
"
climbed
over
upon
the
frightful
; theyspoke in foreign
things,
languages,
they uttered the most astonishing
and even
revealed what was
passingat the time in
the municipalcouncil.
One
of these children announced
of the
to a certain Catharine Gerardi,one
of the hospital,
that her son, Jean
superintendents
Nicolai,purposedleavingfor the Hague, where he
went
to the
would come
to no
good. This woman
side of the Basilicon where she arrived,
just as the,
Their appearance
Council
that
His
was
had broken
Nicolai
mother
leavingfor
he
question,
was
It seems
up, and found her son.
himself a member
of the Council.
asked him
the
if it were
Hague.
admitted
that
Much
it
was
at
the
but when
he
disturbed
so
had revealed
he returned,and informed
intention,
of it,who, findingthat the projectwas
entreated the party to abandon it.
the consuls
one
discovered,
198
HALLUCINATIONS
ECSTASY,
ANTMAL
children
These
and
IN
about
ran
the Provost,to
of his conduct.
portions
We
are
assured
even
that
of
one
the
remarkable
most
is that
of
catalepsy.
when
the fit has
The majorityof the cataleptic,
passed,speak of the indescribable joys they have
of the frightful
phantoms theyhave seen,
experienced,
intercourse
visions and the angelic
or of the heavenly
vations
wrhich theyhave witnessed.
Many remarkable obserof this kind
may
be
met
with
in medical
writers.
of low
aged twenty-four,
Example 75. A woman,
went
to
originand without education,occasionally
with the greatestattention to the
church,listening
sacred word ; this led her to a true repentanceand
hatred of sin. One
to a horror and
day,when she
she became
to the preacher,
was
suddenly
listening
deprivedof motion and sensation. When the service
found fixed as a statue,perfectly
terminated she was
her eyes open and directed towards heaven.
insensible,
At
the end
*
Van
of
an
Dale
hour
Be
she
recovered
pref.pp.
Iclololatria,
herself.
18 et 19.
To
those who
been
her
questioned
she
of all external
unconscious
109
SOMNAMBULISM.
AND
MAGNETISM,
stated
that
objects,
she had
felt
condition
the
recurred
as
many
hundred
times
in
and
forty days sometimes
slighter
sometimes longerand more
shorter,
profound; but in
space
of
as
"
was
strongestammonia
frictioDs with it
of the skin had
During
were
no
effect
warmth
state.
Almost
she
could
on
as
soon
as
her
nostrils ;
or
punctures
her.
the
pulse,the respiration,
body,remained in its usual
the attack
had terminated
usual
occupation
; all the
functions of the body were
and properly
regularly
performed. For nearlyfourteen days she abstained
from eatingand drinking. What
is remarkable,the
after she had listened
came
on
generally
paroxysms
to the singingof psalms or to the readingof the
when
she would
ardent love
Scriptures,
express an
for Christ.
This affection,
which had resisted all
of treatment,was
cured by change of air and
means
return
to
exercise.*
with hysteria.It has
Ecstasyis often complicated
that hysterical
have
women
long been remarked
visions and hallucinations in the
same
manner
as
the
ecstatic.
The
narrative
following
from
between
Dr.
at
Sanderet,professor
Besancon, shows
nervous
system.
Example 76. In the villageof Yoray (Haute
or
Saone),seven
eightmiles from Besancon,resided
*
Frederici Hoffmanni
p. 50.
Opera Medica,
200
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
ECSTASY,
ANIMAL
girl,Alexandrine
Lanois, aged seventeen.
young
Her countenance
possessedno characteristic expression
a
; her
simple,quiet,and good,and
until the following
events
took place,
she had never
attracted any particular
attention. Her parentswere
for her living,
and assisted
poor people; she worked
manners
were
her mother
word,
was
In
had
in the management
of the house.
In a
she
accordingto the expressionof the priest,
person of the
the month
of
pleurisyon
for about
under
greatestobscurity.
February,1850, this young girl
her left side. After being well
she had a relapse,
and was
again
month
medical
treatment
attack of intermittent
and
fifteen
then
this
was
followed
fever,assuming at
tertian
form.
At
first
the
by
an
quotidian
of
end
of
daysthis was cured by the use of sulphate
quinine.
heard of this illness,
was
when, in
Nothing more
the beginning of the June
following,she had an
affection of the nerves,
accompaniedby hysterical
which
occurred
fits,
twenty or thirtytimes during
the day, lasting,
however, for only a few minutes.
At these times the girlbecame
quiteunconscious,
and it requiredseveral persons to control her movements.
This state only lasted for a few days,and
under the use
of antispasmodics.
disappeared
At the end of July,the states of ecstasy commenced.
Every attack was periodical
; she sleptfor
awake
for twenty-four
twelve, and then remained
hours.
All the precautions
recommended
dical
by the meoccupyingthe
man, such as employment,dancing,
useless ;
were
mind, rest, muscular exertion,
utterly
the fit came
and went
at the appointedmoment.
She
would
the approach of the attack,saying,
announce
I am going
declare
," and, when restored to herself,
she had been in paradise.Now, also,she began to
"
recite prayers, to
further.
under
the
The
who
At
use
days these
givenme
upon Alexandrine
of her illness.
in
afterwards,
but the
reappeared,
Six weeks
was
was
attended
commencement
attacks
visions terminated
of cold baths.
precedingaccount
had
reversed.
201
SOMNAMBULISM.
AND
MAGNETISM,
The
attack
now
M.
Lanois
the month
course
by
Jeunin,
from
the
of
of
lasted
October,the
the phenomena
for twenty-four
It was
hours,and the waking state for only twelve.
I happened to be passingthrough
at this time, when
that I was
the village,
to
requestedby a piouswoman
this miraculous
see
girl.It was about four o'clock in
told I must
and I was
the afternoon,
be quick,if I
wished to see her in her waking state,for .the attack
I found
would
her in a small,
at four.
commence
which was
filledwith people,
who
badly-lighted
room,
there out of curiosity
she was
were
; they told me
going off. I looked at my watch, and it was exactly
two minutes
past four.
laid on her bed,her countenance
She was
perfectly
composed,her eyes closed,but the lids in perpetual
motion ; her limbs were
supple,and fell back gently
when
and involuntarily,
lifted up.
The respiration
was
regularand even ; the pulse was quick. Her
hands were
her chest.
After a
nearlyjoinedacross
few minutes,she rubbed them gentlytogether. Her
observed to me
mother
that she was
about
to sing,
a
and, in fact,she had commenced
song in a clear,
voice,without any effort,but in a voice
thrilling
unlike her own.
Although her song consisted of
in which
she
country ballads,yet, from the manner
sang, it
was
not
unmusical.
When
202
HALLUCINATIONS
ternal
corner
but
she
IN
felt
nothing;
the
she
Presently,
"
to
She
the
remove
is about
to
coverings
rise,"said
ease
and, with surprising
even
endeavoured
result ;
same
her mother
ANIMAL
ECSTASY,
a
then,without disarranging
stood up in a kind of
singlefold of her white petticoat,
formed
recess
by the curtains ; her head was slightly
her arms
inclined forwards and to the right,
hung
down, with the palms of the hands directed forwards
and at some
distance from the sides of her body ; the
left legwas
bent,and the hipswere somewhat
slightly
down,
and
inclined.
of
which
and
some
she
this state
In
an
is very common
is of a classical
what
in this
design.
and
guidedby
sentation
repre-
Conception,
the country,
Alexandrine
then
said
words
singing,her
stand
under-
she said.
body, they
even
natural
part of
the
but, unlike
so
confused,
most
prayers ;
rapidand
were
formed
descended
continuous
arms
at
gentlyand
motion
than if
to
rightanglesto
with
theyhad
placethe
more
been
arms
described.
fatigued
by my experiments,
and her
her forehead was
covered with perspiration,
usual,
mother was
as
surprised,
by somethingwhich w as unher
of suffering
on
at the expression
depicted
The
invalid seemed
204
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
we
ECSTASY,
and
affair was
ANIMAL
increased the
a
miracle-.
general
The only-
of
the
of
January,Dr.
Druhen
accompanied
to Voray. He found the facts of the case
me
justas
to him, but,in order to satisfy
I had related them
himself of certain phenomena,he repeated
my tests,
For instance,
he
of his own.
and also added some
under
suddenlyplaceda bottle of strong ammonia
On
the nose,
but without
the
also netized
magher,but in vain.
questioned
and
patient.,
He
MAGNETISM,
The
AND
112, and
205
SOMNAMBULISM.
the
The
22.
respiration
attacks were
hours, as
periodical,
lastingthirty-six
the white ladyhad foretold ; the waking periods
were
of twenty-four hours' duration.
While they lasted
and it was
the same
with the first attacks
nothing
At
from
the
time
of
her.
when the
our
visit,
passed
the bladder was
attack was
drawingto a close,
empty.
In the intervals she enjoysordinaryhealth,eating
and drinking,
and performingall the functions of the
other persons.
as
{Annates Medicobody the same
Avril,1811.)
psi/chologlques,
The periodicity
of the attacks induced me
to prescribe
the sulphate
of quinine. This was
afterwards
administered in largedoses by the medical man
at
Yoray,but without any beneficial result.
this Ecstatic of the Yosgesalong with
We
saw
M.
Duchenne, of Boulogne, MM.
Bouchut, and
Brown-Sequard. The two last provedher insensibility,
her diseased condition,
of a
and, therefore,
by means
of electricity.
She presentedto us
strong discharge
of prevision
the same
with regardto the
peculiarities
pulse was
"
"
"
of her
occurrence
We
with
of the
attacks and
hallucinations.
have
present.
The
of her
harmonious
tone
the
features,
206
HALLTJCINATIOXS
of
IN
herself and
receivingboth
establishment
not
was
ANIMAL
ECSTASY,
her
for
accepted,
into
mother
truth and
our
science
of ecstasy.
77. Jeanne des
state
Example
belongingto
"
"
...
"
"
me
cause
torment
months
behold
ate
me
nor
drank.
in every
the most
On
the form
...
For
lunatic,
of
most
hideous
man,
who
seemed
saw
to do
he uttered
with every blow he gave himself,
is for such a
frightful
cry, and said each time : That
the
a
and
sayinga prayer.
I
Palm
myself,
Sunday,while chastising
without
"
the
spectres. For
I was
killing
my eyes.
raise
I
that
might
myself
my soul to God.
like
fifteen daysI have walked in the forest,
never
Then
possible
manner,
horrible
closed
same
sin.
"
but
At
more
of great rapture,
feelings
experienced
I felt that I was
temptedby the
frequently
times I
devil."
One
of the most
of ecstasyis
cases
extraordinary
related by several writers worthy
of credit
Edmond
under
:
_..
of
Professors
the
MM.
"
Cazales,Cerise,"c.
the
and
"
which
had
de Marl
several
informed
was
Those
lost.
was
him
the
who
is known
the 16th
on
family. In
of
attacks
severe
Bore,
#
Tyrol.
born
was
When
his
Garres, Leon
name
infancyshe
207
SOMNAMBULISM.
AND
MAGNETISM,
in
illness.
1832, her
did not
like
person
took
He
communion.
promised to
fessor
con-
replyto
attended
that this
her
watch
who
girl
ceived
re-
her
her
on
who
present,
accustomed
to the
clared
desight,
that she had never
He undertook
changedher position.
this state of things,
for fear it should
to remove
persons
habitual with
her.
had
bound
herself when
For
become
she
were
phenomena
more
or
she
ecstasies
less
until
extraordinary,
went
At
attracted by
people,
the ecstatic.
It is said
to Kaldern
that
between
the third
The
curious
entered
her
were
repeated,
the
that
time, crowds of
to visit
fame, came
fortythousand
the
months
persons
of July and
the whole
time in a
September. Marie remained
interdicted by
state of ecstasy. These visits were
The Prince-bishop
of Trente,wishthe authorities.
ing
to ascertain the truth of the matter
Les Stigmatise
es du
Tyrol,ou VExtatiquede Kaldern, et la
de l'AUePatiente de Capriana ; relations traduites de l'ltalien,
Paris,1843.
mand, et de FAnglais,par M. Leon Bore.
*
208
TS
HALLTTCIInATIONS
government,visited
of the
mation
pronouncedthat
constitute
which
well
was
After this
interdict.
ECSTASY,
ANIMAL
these
state
of holiness
known,
but
not
was
parts.
not
that
state
in itself
her
piety,
of .disease.
the police
removed
prudentdeclaration,
of the
In the autumn
He
its
fessor
year, her conof her hands,where at
same
in the middle
perceived
the marks of the crucifixion appeared,
a later period
indentations as if they had been hollowed out by the
body. At the same time
projecting
pressure of some
and was
attacked
the part became
painful,
frequently
On Februarythe 2nd, 1834, at the fete
with cramps.
her wipe the middle of her
he saw
of the Purification,
like a child at
hands with a pieceof linen,frightened
the blood she noticed.
Similar marks
soon
afterwards
showed
on
her
before
the
colour
mounting
crossed,so
From
hands.
could
no
cheeks,and
her
to
her
arms
that
longerbe kept a
secret.
The
she
was
state
on
of
her knees
ecstasy;
at the
her hands
and
maoketism,
crossed upon
countenance
her
was
209
somnambulism.
bosom,
directed
her
slightly
upwards towards
raised to heaven,
from which
completeabstraction,
expressedthe most
nothing around could
were
disturb her.
For
hours
gether,
to-
the
slightest
very gentle
210
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
ANIMAL
ECSTASY,
the
However
attendants.
"
eyes become
largetears descend
Her
vacant
The
parts about
fixed and
more
her cheeks.
slowlyover
mouth
the
and
more
become
spasmodically
face is similarly
The
increase
by them.
consists of
assumes
tongue becomes
swollen,and
to cleave to the parchedsurface of the palate
seems
;
the convulsions,
alreadyincreased in strengthand
The
incessant.
hands, always
frequency,are now
crossed,at first sink slowlyand feeblydown, and
then more
a dark blue tint,
quickly; the nails assume
intertwined.
Soon
and the fingers
are
convulsively
The breathingis
is heard in the throat.
a
rattling
and is accompaniedby convulsive
stillmore
oppressed,
as
though it
heavingsof the chest. The latter seems
come
while the features beencircled with bands of iron,
was
be recognised.
that they cannot
so
disfigured
a
darker
hue
the
remains
The mouth
is nippedand
nose
are
fixed,
readyto start
eyes, constantly
At long intervals a few gasps
their sockets.
pointed
; the
from
body
sinks
another
Matters
to be known.
a
minute
or
comes
down, completelyexhausted : it beand scarcely
sunken, drooping,
figure,
minute
remain
and
half.
hands
At
againplaced
212
HALLUCINATIONS
As
manner.
endeavours
knows
ANIMAL
ECSTASY,
silent for
understand
long time,she
her by signs,
does not
that
how
not
them
make
to
and when
IN
and with
her.
"
happinessand
Her
is
cence
inno-
There
nature.
is
no
so
either of
appearance
morbid
sentimentality,
no
melancholyor exaltation,
and stillless of hypocrisy
or
pride.Her whole aspect
of youth and
expresses the happinessand serenity
of her friends,
innocence.
AYhen in the society
once
her
to
to
come
second
is to her what
mankind
is artificialand unusual.
when
she
even
conversation,
interested in it,her eyes will suddenlybecome
seems
she
fixed,and in an instant,without any transition,
into a state of ecstasy. During my stayat
relapses
she had been asked to be godmother to an
Kaldern
"
In
of
the midst
infant who
was
baptizedin
her
room.
She
took
it
into
relapsed
and it was
was
actually
goingon.
"
These
and religious
exercises
contemplations
she
dead.
charitable
her domestic
management
duties.
From
do
her
of the
establishment,
who is since
sister,
formerlyshared with a
pensionwhich was given her by some
peopleshe devotes to the education of her
213
SOMNAMBULISM.
AND
MAGNETISM,
her
Every day,at two o'clock,
that she
confessor recalls her to the ordinarylife,
They confer
may attend to the affairsof her honse.
togetheron any difficulties which may arise ; she
of those
the wants
thinks of everything,
anticipates
and with the largeamount
in whom
she is interested,
of
which
sense
common
in the most
ecstatic condition
The
the insane
is not
thing
every-
amongst
uncommon
it
but, to avoid being deceived,
is
sary
neces-
to
obedience
to remain
It may
show
and
in the
monomaniac.
has related the
Leuret
also
who
hallucinations,
before
and
to
at those
who
and
times
She
not
saw
only saw
Grod.
felt
She
ecstasy,
kneel
would
internal elevation
an
Him
to
subject
states of
had
delight.Grod
lunatic
passedinto
her.
of
case
when
she
spoken
plated
contem-
dormitoryand
in the
to
sleepduring the
good and
night,and before she slept. Gt)d was
amiable ; He would smile upon her ; He was
clothed,
and had lighthair. In speaking of the sensation
she said, That the taste of
which she experienced,
the
bread and water, and this state of elevation,
were
which could be enjoyed,
and that
greatestpleasures
if the world only knew
it,it would desire nothing
She
pray.
saw
also in her
"
else."*
The
state
of
high degreeof
with
*
the
Leuret
ages
:
ecstasymay
moral
of
arise whenever
exaltation
it did not
there is
terminate
ignorance,although these
sur
Fragmens Psychologiques
la
Folie,p.
were
344.
214
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
ECSTASY,
ANIMAL
favourable to its
been
observed
this
nate
Sweden, with which we shall termisketch,will prove the correctness of these
in
statements.
Between
characterized
by two remarkable
and prominentsymptoms
of
one
physical,
consistiug
tions,
distorspasmodic attacks,involuntarycontractions,
indicated by a state
"c. ; the other psychical,
of ecstasymore
less involuntary,
or
duringwhich the
invalid imaginedhe saw
heard thingsof a divine
or
character.
or
During their ecstasies
supernatural
these invalids were
possessed
by an irresistibledesire
for preaching
mania
the
to talk and by a constant
of God
hence named
the preachingdisease.
word
and pretended
to prophesy.
The perThey saw visions,
sons
often spokeof the visions theyhad had of heaven
"c.
and hell,
the end of
of angels,
They predicted
the world,the last judgment,and the day of their
that their predictions
own
death,always pretending
In the same
divine prophecies.
were
way the Convulsionists of St. Medard
the end of the
predicted
world,and fixed the exact date of its occurrence
; and
their predictions,
like those of the Swedes and Millefulfilled.
were
never
narians,
these ecstatics
AYhen
the paroxysms
terminated,
seemed
if they had emerged from a dream ; they
as
and began to prodeclared they had seen
visions,
phesy
the
abode
of
the
had
damned
and
seen
; they
of the elect in the presence
witnessed the happiness
of God.
This state might be complicatedwith
and dementia.
The disease commonly
mania,melancholia,
v"as
"
"
attacked
young
persons,
of from
sixteen to
AND
MAGNETISM,
215
SOMNAMBULISM.
thirty
years
noticed
in the intellectual powers was
in these cases, or, if it did occur, it was
the exception.
The
of the discourses and sermons
majority
Wo
were
increase
miserable
phrasesand
made
productions,
absurdities,
repeatedover
but delivered in
would
the
up of the
and over
authoritative tone
an
call attention
especially
ecstatic condition
to
is often
of voice.
same
again,
We
this
point,because
accompaniedby an
nary
ordithoughtswhich endows even
minds with a certain degreeof eloquence.
the
The
state of ecstasyfrequently
occurs
among
of the earth,where
the religious
races
primitive
feelingis largely
developed. The Hindoo is often
into the ecstatic condition.
to fall voluntarily
seen
elevation
The
of the
inhabitants
rendered
this state
of North
ecstatic
and
South
America
are
their traditions,
and while in
believe they are
in communication
by
they
with spirits.
The phenomena
of
216
HALLUCINATIONS
times
lie
was
and
existence,
soul which
IN
ECSTASY,
not
conscious
that
his body
his
of his
seemed
ANIMAL
personal
animated
by a
own
cerning
Having asked him conthe nature of the spirit
which possessed
him,
this spirit
and how
had descended
him, the
upon
foolish question
!
a
prince replied, What
young
not
was
own.
"
Can
own
Hallucinations
in
Animal
it from
me
Magnetism
my
of it."
and
Somnambulism.
their surprise
that a
persons have expressed
medical inquirer
should have introduced into a scientific
Many
work
of previsions,
of clairvoyance,
subjects
of second-sight,
of animal magnetism,and of somnambulism.
But is it rightto reject
whatever amount
of truth these subjects
cism
may contain,because fanatiand credulity
have broughtthem into discredit ?
It is impossible
to deny that a most
extraordinary
condition of the nervous
system is producedby separating
by
the
while at the
time he remains
same
under
the influence
of the
magnetism
North
and
is
practisedby
South
ancients;and
America
the
;
in the sixteenth
it
indigenousraces
was
known
to
of
the
century,Van Helmont
described its leadingprinciples.
Its
and Maxwell
form has been revealed by the Illuminati,
for
modern
Svredenborgwrote in 1763, "Man
may fillhimself
with celestial light,
in this world,if the senses
even
shrouded in a lethargic
are
sleep."
2l7
SOMNAMBULISM.
AND
MAGNETISM,
At
we
have
in
nervous
the
same
time
we
are
to admit
bound
that
or
yet seen a case of completelucidity,
of transposition
of the senses, where vision has taken
placethroughopaque bodies,or at a distance.
tation
have no hesiwe
Having made these reservations,
in sayingthat observation proves that the
of extraordinary
nervous
mena
phenosystem is the source
of these may be explained
; and althoughsome
from the power of the imagination,
this
as
resulting
will not, in all instances,
the difficulties
which
remove
surround the problem.
There is,in fact,
in our
unknown
an
organization
force which is capable
of producing
the most astonishing
results ; it is the influence,
rather the power,
or
of one
will over
another. It is exercised,
not onlyby
words, gestures,and looks,but also by touch. A
of the hands,will often produce
pressure, a contact
never
affections
change.
remedy dependsupon
marked
an
improvement,
It is evident
that
stantaneo
in-
this kind of
in the
degreeof sensibility
medical man, and on the impressibility,
rather on
or
the amount
of sympathy,in the patient.Here, then,
which can be reduced to rule,everyare
no
principles
thing
and
on
depends
idiosyncrasy, a man
may be
but if he is ignorantof this influence,
very learned,
fails in producingthese effects,
or
in all prohe will,
bability,
There
not
believe in them.
are
hundreds
the
of
A
prove this
wills that his
exampleswhich
great actor
his
actingso corresponds
218
to
An
HALLUCINATIONS
the
IN
ECSTASY,
orator
refrain from
sentiment,expresses
himself in such
manner,
ANIMAL
sacrifice themselves
the account
listen to
noble
some
irresistible
an
him
tears.
are
ready to
the
on
of the
which
power
has
man
over
man
has
been
recognisedby
Humboldt
the
in the
individual,
althoughthe
an
same
way
electrified body,
distinct. Cuvier
agents are totally
did not hesitate to admit a certain sympathybetween
the nervous
systems of two individuals. In seeking
for the imaginarycause
of animal magnetism,says
Arago, there has been shown the actual power which
man
has
over
two
his fellow
man
without
the intervention
may
serve
us
as
guidein the
power
studyof a class
220
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
ANIMAL
ECSTASY,
was,
Woe,
asked
him
to Jerusalem
woe
who
he
? and
was
And
!"
whence
when
he
Albinus
? and
came
of
why he uttered such words ? he made no manner
replyto what he said,but stilldid not leave off his
tillAlbinus took him to be a madman,
melancholy
ditty,
and dismissed him.
JSTow,
during all the time
that passedbefore the war
did not
began,this man
seen
nor
was
by them
go near
any of the citizens,
while he said so ; but he every day uttered these
lamentable words, as if it were
his premeditated
vow,
Nor did he giveillwords
Woe, woe to Jerusalem."
to any of those that beat him
good
every day,nor
"
words
him
loudest
was
This
food.
at
the
all he
was
festivals. He
this
dittyfor seven
years and five months,
until
growinghoarse or beingtired therewith,
the
going
round
the
upon
wall,he
cried out
with
his
to the cityagain,and to
force, Woe, woe
And justas he
and to the holyhouse !"
the people,
also,"there
added,at the last,"Woe, woe to myself,
and smote him,
of the engines,
out of one
came
a stone
he was
and killed him immediately
as
uttering
; and
the very same
presages, he gave up the ghost.*
Saint Gregory of Tours, the best historian of the
fifteenth century,has included in his writingsan
nature.
anecdote of an equally
confirmatory
"
utmost
On
Example 80.
Martin,at
Tours
of the
the reader
*
Winston's
par. 3.
to
day of
event
whilst he
It
Josephus,Wars
of
was
was
formed
in-
the
celebrating
customaryfor
with the
the
of Saint
Ambrose
was
at Milan.
present himself
death
the
in the church
mass
the
book
Jews, book
vi.
before
chap. 5,
AND
MAGNETISM,
and
officiating
priest,
the
221
SOMNAMBULISM.
not to read
his orders
do
happened,
that
however, on the Sunday of which we are speaking,
to read the epistle
while the person, whose duty it was
of Saint Paul, was
kneelingbefore the altar,Saint
the mass, fell asleep.
Ambrose, who was celebrating
Two
three hours had passed without any one
or
At lengththeyinformed
venturingto disturb him.
him how long the peoplehad been waiting. Be not
disturbed,"he said; "it has been a great happiness
has chosen to show me
since God
to me
to sleep,
a
that Martin, my brother bishop,
is
miracle ; for know
had
he
received
to
so.
"
about
usual
die.
to
service
remained
The
the
have
said,when
assistants
day and
the
that
the
his funeral
the
"
was
to be
assisted at
you
awoke
me."
surprised.
They noted
greatly
ascertained
hour,and it was subsequently
were
of the
moment
blessed
confessor's
Reason
by
of the
over-excitement
of coincidences
the
? In
difficulty
the
death
the
but
case
at the
cases
brain,and
rence
by the occuris not this onlyremoving
related by Saint Gregory,
of Saint Martin
Saint Ambrose
for these
account
de Tours
was
known
to
it
occurred,although
than
hundred
he was
two
more
leaguesfrom the
placeof the event. In speakingof the presentiments
of dreams, we have quoted the case
of Mademoiselle
alike guawere
R,.,whose character and intelligence
rantees
of the
death
correctness
of the
with
us
gave
moment
Gregoirede Tours
De Miraculis
S.
details which
of her
dream.
she
mother's
Our
vestigati
in-
of the intellect ;
Martini,Kb.
i. chap.5.
222
bat
HALLUCINATIONS
why
should
Let it not
seek
we
be
to be
that
forgotten
highestintellects have
at the
as
ANIMAL
ECSTASY,
wiser,since theyare
which
matters
IN
time
same
to the
cause.
men
state ?
possessedof
the
admitted
has observed
that
we
warned
examplesof persons beingforeof events in their dreams,in states of ecstasy,
and at the time of their death.* I" I cannot
givethe
of it,"says Macchiavelli,but all history,
both
reason
ancient and modern, attests the fact,
that no
great
misfortune
either
town
to a
or
a province
happens
which has not been foretold by some
one
possessedof
the power of prophecy,
announced
or else it has been
sirable
by prodigiesor other celestial signs. It is very deof this should be discussed by
that the cause
with thingsboth natural and supermen
acquainted
natural,
do
not
ourselves
an
advantagewe
possess.
the
the
"Whatever
be
explanation, thing itself
may
cannot be questioned."
t
of Macchiavelli,
I might
In support of this opinion
but I shall content
quote a great number of instances,
myselfwith onlymentioninga few. It was in the
meet
with remarkable
"
reformer
the
of the
of the
calamities which
He
threatened
in 1484, at
the Apocalypse,
and
their
fulfilledtwo
after the
citywould one
This prediction
death
of Savonarola,
when, in
command
the
commenced
on
Brescia,with his predictions
told the peoplethat the walls of
was
both
Bacon : De
f Macchiayelli : Discours
Dignitate.
liv.i. 56.
Tite-Live,
sur
made
Brescia,and
of
223
SOMNAMBULISM.
AFD
MAGNETISM,
slaughterof
frightful
the
inhabitants.*
"
Savonarola,"says Philippede Commines, had
the coming of the king,sayingthat
alwayspredicted
he would be sent by God to chastise the tyrantsof
and that it would be in vain that theyattempted
Italy,
to defend themselves
againsthim ; he stated that the
he entered,
to Pisa,and that when
king would come
the kingdom of Florence would be destroyed
; and so
it turned out, for on that day Pierre de Medicis was
also
Other thingsthat he prophesied
driven away.
"
true, such
came
to him
the death
that the
dominions
at the
reformed
point of
happened as yet,but
author
The
of
"
the Bold.
"
summary,
At
the
Tours,
at
distant
been
revealed
Church
the sword.
XL
should
This
moment," says
the
receiving
was
Medicis.
to Louis
announce
it had
of the
de
of Lorenzo
publicly
preachedthat
also
He
as
death
be
has not
Cattho,
was
the
of Charles
the author
of the
killed,
King Louis
in the church of Saint Martin,
least ten days'journeyfrom
mass
at
was
administered
to
was
Nancy ; and the said mass
him
by the Almoner Archbishopof Vienna, who,
to the said Seigneur,
in givingthe blessing
spoke to
him in these words :
Sir,Grod grant you peace and
repose ; you have them if you choose,quia consummaof Burgundy,is dead ;
turn est,your enemy, the Duke
and his army discomfited.'
The
he is slaughtered,
found to correspond
hour
was
noted,and it was
exactlyto the time when the said duke met his
death."J
'
224
HALLUCINATIONS
Thirteen
Father
years
IN
before
Beauregard,a
remarkable
words
ECSTASY,
the Revolution
noted
beneath
ANIMAL
in
1789,
uttered
predicter,
the arches of Notre
these
Dame:
with which
Thy
name,
songs.
in honour
succeeded
by profaneand licentious
infamous
goddess of paganism,
are
And
you,
Yenus ! you enter here,and
abandoned
the placeof the living
on
Grod,seat thyself
of the
of
Holiest
of the
Holy,
and
even
usurp
the throne
receive the
phemous
blas-
of your new
idolatry
worshippers."*
which is largely
The phenomena of second sight,
believed in in Scotland and other countries,
are
closely
allied to those of prevision.
philosophy
Unquestionably
and physiology
this
are
agreed in rejecting
doctrine ; but the testimonyof many persons in its
that it should be carefully
favour at least demands
investigated.
all the accounts which
AYe are far from accepting
have been reportedof this kind,and shall only quote
which
the following,
Ferriar,Hibbert, and Abercrombie have each regardedin a different light.
"conExample 81. "A gentleman,"says Ferriar,nected
officer in the army, and
with my family,
an
addicted to no
was
quartered,
superstition,
certainly
in the middle of the last century,near
earlyin life,
the castle of a gentlemanin the north of Scotland,
who was
supposedto possess the second sight.
"My friend assured me that,one day, while he
the
was
readinga playto the ladies of the family,
the room, stopped
who had been walkingacross
chief,
He rang
the look of a Seer.
and assumed
suddenly,
Biog. Univ.
Ligne,T. D.
*
t. iii.p. 421.
Nouv.
edit.,article Beauregard.
AND
MAGNETISM,
225
SOMNAMBULISM.
to saddle a horse,to
and ordered a groom
bell,
to a seat in the neighbourhood,
proceedimmediately
and to inquireafter the health of a lady. If the
he then directed him to call
account
was
favourable,
he
whom
to ask after another lady,
at another castle,
the
named.
closed his book, and
immediately
declared that he would not proceedtill these abrupt
he was
confident that they
orders were
as
explained,
were
producedby the second sight. The chief was
to explain
himself;but at lengthhe
very unwilling
owned
that the door had appearedto open, and that
"
reader
The
littlewoman
that
some
"
with
the
that
account
"
At
the
time
another
died of
one
fit,about
apoplectic
appeared.
returned,
the
time
chief
the
when
an
vision
confined to his
was
'
'
'
him
down
close to
chair.'
your
The
the
In
great precipitation.
nightthe fishermen returned,with
one
of the boatmen."
shifted with
Ferriar
chair
the
of
course
the corpse of
recollection of
was
which
dream
Ferriar
had
Opus cit.p.
Q
64.
been
to
was
lucination
halthe
forgotten.
226
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
to
ECSTASY,
ANIMAL
to
ought especially
hallucinations
which
occur
in
be referred
a
state
of
ecstasy.
It
is to
hallucinations
we
must
as
been
as
the instances
observed
Osteaks, and
in the
the
climates,
of second
sightwhich have
the Samoides, the
Laplanders,
Kamtschatdales.
Hibbert
has
Law
Historyof Lapland,
at
Upsal,in Sweden.
f Brierre deBoismont
by John
de la Raison cliezlesAlienes
Annal.
Gazette des Hopitaux, 18 44.
Du Retour
Memoir inedit.
-Psych,t. ii.2e serie,
p. 531.
mourants.
Med.
Professor of
Scheffer,
publisheda.d. 1704.
Englishtranslation,
written
"
228
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
ECSTASY,
ANIMAL
animals.
those which
are
the firstplace,
we
natural
to
observed
in
somnambulism
shall
speakof
somnambulism.
\ This
and
those which
in
belong
singularcoudition
resembles
body are
affected.
The
ideas.
erroneous
nervous
system
examined, somnambulism
previously
favours the production
of hallucinations.
Example 82. A most respectable
person, whose
and part owner
active lifehad been spent as master
of a largemerchant
vessel,related to Sir Walter
which occurred when he
Scott the following
incident,
One
of his crew
was
was
lyingin the Tagus :
murdered
and a report
by a Portuguese assassin,
haunted
the
that the ghost of the slain man
arose
and those
vessel. Sailors are generally
superstitious,
of my friend's vessel became
unwillingto remain on
board the ship; and it was
probabletheymight desert
rather than return
to England with the ghostfor a
which
we
have
"
des Maladies
V Influence
morales.
et des Affections
Cabanis, 7e Memoire
Formation
desldees
Be
sur
la
AND
MAGNETISM,
passenger.
To
prevent
captain determined
229
SOMNAMBULISM.
so
great
examine
the
calamity,
the
story to the
found that,though all pretended
He soon
bottom.
and heard noises and so forth,
the
to have seen
lights,
weightof the evidence layupon the statement of one
of his own
which
mates, an Irishman and a Catholic,
but in
might increase his tendency to superstition,
other
respects a veracious,honest, and sensible
had no reason
to suspect
Captain
person, whom
deceive him.
He affirmed to Captain
would wilfully
that the spectreof
S.,with the deepestobtestations,
the murdered
man
appearedto him almost nightly,
took him from his placein the vessel,
and, according
his life out.
worried
He
to his own
expression,
with a degreeof horror
made these communications
of his distress and apprewhich intimated the reality
hensions.
without any argument at the
The captain,
resolved to watch the motions of the
time, privately
in the night. As the ship bell struck
ghost-seer
twelve the sleeperstarted up, with a ghastly
and
disturbed countenance, and, lightinga candle,proceeded
to the
sate
on
down
some
to
or
galley
cook-room
of the vessel.
He
yet from
which
it about
while,mixed salt in the water, and sprinkled
like one
the galley.Finallyhe sigheddeeply,
lieved
refrom a heavyburden,and, returning
mock,
to his hamsleptsoundly. The next morning,the haunted
told the usual precisestory of his apparition,
man
that the ghost had
with the additional circumstances
but that he had fortunately
led him to the galley,
"
of some
possession
holy
of
in
rid
his
and
succeeded
unwelcome
getting
water,
then informed of the real
visitor. The visionary
was
he knew
not
how
"
obtained
230
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
transactions of the
ECSTASY,
night,with
ANIMAL
as
particulars
him he had been the dupe of his imaginato satisfy
tion.
He acquiesced
in his commander's
reasoning,
and the dream, as often happens in these cases,
after its imposturehad been dereturned no
tected."*
more
In most
but
somnambulism
cases
it is not
to
uncommon
so
many
duringsleep;
observe,in the daytime,
occurs
in which there is
analogouscondition,
noticed an
with regard to
insensibility
particularly
time these attacks will
external objects.At one
come
on
suddenly; at another, they are preceded
by a noise or a feelingof confusion in the head.
less lost ; they
These persons then become
more
or
have
or
are
no
longercognizantof external objects,
idea of them.
a very confused
They will often talk
and
connected
but the
in an
intelligible
manner,
the mind
is alwaysmanifested
actual impressionon
in their conversation.
They will repeat long pieces
of poetry or prose, which they could not do in their
Sometimes
with imaginatural state.
theyconverse
nary
beings, and relate events and discussions
and which it
which had occurred at distant periods,
might be supposedhad long since passedfrom their
better than at
remembrance
; they will sing much
Well-authenticated examplesare menother times.
tioned
themselves
in
of persons expressing
correctly
only imperfectly
languageswith which they were
acquainted.
Some years ago,"says Abercrombie,
Example 83.
I had under my care
a
ladywho was liable
young
to an affection of this kind,which came
on
repeatedly
continued
for
from
and
ten
minutes
during the day,
"Without any warning her
hour at a time.
to an
and
body became motionless,
; her eyes open, fixed,
a
very
"
"
Walter
Scott
Opus
cit. p. 8.
231
SOMNAMBULISM.
AND
MAGNETISM,
hallucinations of somnambulism
giverise
to
strange conduct or to actions involvinggreat
and which might be followed by consequences
responsibility,
most
serious to the individual,
unless the
whole
in
of the transaction
Example 84.
Grascony
; he
had been
Dom.
may
known
was
Duhaget
was
to other persons.
of
good family
with distinction,
"
"
to be
known
"
he
Sometimes,duringthese attacks,
his cell and return
from
times
he would
lead him
to
somnambulist.
wander
back.
treatment, and
rare, and
"
One
He
to it
by himself
the
attacks
come
; but at
about,and it was
was
placed under
after that
other
necessary
medical
became
more
almost
forgotten.
night,beingoccupiedat my
were
some
would
papers, I had
*
Abercrombie
not
bureau
gone
to
Opus cit.p.
313.
bed
in
mining
exa-
at my
232
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
ANIMAL
ECSTASY,
usual
"
"
"
room
this
only
open, but fixed ; he was
eyes were
in his night-dress,
and had a largeknife in
His
clothed
his hand.
He
went
"
of satisfaction.
The
"
"
I was
for the mercy.
so
I could not close my eyes for the remainder
excited,
and I thanked
of the
Providence
night.
The
next
"
'
'
'
'
"
'
'
had
said, scarcely
then
My father,'he
I dreamed
bed, when
233
SOMNAMBULISM.
AKD
MAGNETISM,
that yon
had
to
gone
killed my
mother,
manded
bleedingphantom appearedto me, and deAt this spectacle
I felt in such
vengeance.
that I ran
like a madman
of fury,
to your
a transport
apartment, and, having found you, I stabbed you.
After that I awoke, in a profuse
horrified
perspiration,
at my
attempt,and I returned thanks to G-od that I
free from so great a crime.'
You were
was
nearer
I said.
committingit than you imagine,'
I then informed
him
of what
and
had passed,
showed
him the effects of the blows, which
at the
time he thoughthe had aimed at me.
"At
this sighthe threw
himself at my feet and
burst into tears,lamentingthe misfortune which he
considered had happened to him, beseechingme
to
I considered he ought to inflict
say what
penance
that her
'
"
"
himself.
upon
"
'
act
'
which
over
shall
excuse
had
you
from
you
I shall not
control
no
for
punish you
;
at
assisting
an
but henceforth
and
night,
the
on
opened
which
so
as
is said at
If,under
by
miracle
familymass,
daybreak.'
priorhad
ought not to
murder
the
"
the
"
to
come
these circumstances
monk
the
let you
to
would
have
and he
"
onlyescaped
been
the
killed,
have
been
been
bulist
somnam-
punished,for
involuntaryon his
part.*
The
man,
mention
Neapolitanjournals
who havingdreamed, duringan
his
that
wounded
wife
was
the
case
attack
unfaithful
of
to
of
nambulism,
som-
him,
dangerouslywith a poniard,which
a
counalwayskept about him. M. Maglietta,
he
*
her
Brillat-Savarin
Paris,1828.
Physiologicdu
Goilt,2e
edit. t. ii. p. 6.
234
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
ANIMAL
ECSTASY,
lias published
a reportof
cillor,
maintains
that
the
blows
in a state of somnambulism,
or
duringhis sleep,
ought not to render him liable to punishment.
{Union Me dieale,16th December, 1851.)
able
Lorry has described the phenomena of two remarkhe was
an
cases, of which
eye-witness.A
in a state resembling
somnambulism, used to
woman,
aloud with absent persons, supposingthem
converse
insensible to external
to be present. She was
so
that she could not be excited by pricking
impressions,
to
or
pinchingher body, yet she perceivedobjects
which the current of her thoughtsdirected her, or to
which
and fingers
they had relation. Her arms
in which they were
retained the positions
placedtill
of the
movement
changed by a voluntary
they were
man
limbs.
other
presence
them
died
or
case
of others,and
them.
perceive
could
The
not
be made
mother
to hear
of this female
unexpectedly
; after which,the daughterused
remarkable
her,as
circumstance
if she
was
in these
to
present.
cases
is the
insensible
that,while the individual is totally
of
he retains the perception
to all other impressions,
of his ideas,
all objects
which fall in with the course
themselves with the thoughtsand feelings
connect
or
which occupy his attention for the time being. This
character presentsa striking
analogyto animal magnetism.
tion
affecof
this
c
haracteristics
Other striking
the instantaneous change which it occasions
are
fact
236
HALLUCINATIONS
affected
an
by,a
IN
sermon,
ECSTASY,
ANIMAL
particularly
by an
execution
of three young
in depravity,
which was
account
of
On
remarkable.
"Another
young
remembered
therefore,
girl,
duringthe paroxysms,
her
in
which
had
attention
former
excited
things
forgottenduring
paroxysms, but had been entirely
the intervals,
from an attack,reand on recovering
curred
to the impressions
which had last been made
it
to the fit. In this case
upon her mind previously
is evident hearingtook placein the ordinaryway.
The patient
heard a sermon,
and replied
to questions
in the usual
put to her by other persons, apparently
With regardto vision,
do not believe,
manner.
as
we
Dyce does,that it took placethroughthe medium of
the
eye ; numerous
does not in
girlonce
facts prove
that the
list
somnambu-
generalsee
Prichard
even
Opuscii. p.
188.
Somnambulism.
Artificial
under
come
The
"
consideration
our
237
SOMNAMBULISM.
AND
MAGNETISM,
cases
belong to
These two
state of somnambulism.
induced
super-
conditions
not be confounded
for,
together,
althoughtheyare
to each other,there are sensible differences;
analogous
arises without any known
thus, the first generally
must
cause,
and
is not
somnambulist
under
onlyto
seems
avail himself of
The
single
shall confine
somnambulism
ourselves
here
to
the
examination
in relation to hallucinations.
to say that we
state by means
singular
wrong
have
of
It is
pretendedto explainthis
of hallucinations
what
we
have
the
of
hearing is frequently
preserved
if he
to questions,
as
; the individual hearing,and replying
Touch
is also frequently
unaffected ; in some
awake.
was
cases
it may even
degree of delicacy. It is,so
acquirean extraordinary
which guides the actions of the somnambulist.
to speak,the sense
has recorded
the occurrence
of natural
Sauvages,of Montpellier,
in
somnambulism
two
by
accompanied clairvoyance,
patientswho
An
of
them
account
is found in the Memoires
in the hospitals.
were
In
somnambulism,
sense
V Academic
Eecherches
sur
les
238
HALLUCINATIONS
tions of the
IN
mind, which
with insanity.
classing
Amongst the instances
we
shall select
some
ANIMAL
ECSTASY,
no
one
has
ever
thoughtof
of artificialsomnambulism,
whose
cannot
authenticity
be
doubted.
had
Plantin,aged sixty-four,
Example 86. Madame
recommended
in June, 1828, a somnambule
consulted,
her
warned
to her by Dr. Chapelain
; this person
and
that the glandof the rightbreast was
enlarging,
The patient
threatened to become cancerous.
passed
tion
in the country,payingbut littleattenthe summer
had been ordered her.
to the regimen which
She returned,at the end of September,to see Dr.
ably
considerand told him that the glandwas
Chapelain,
increased in size. He commenced
magnetizing
her on the 23rd of the following
October,and produced
her
few
but
of a
days;
sleepin the course
of clairvoyance
was
state
always very imperfect.
the disease.
but did not cure
This treatment
retarded,
and the doctor considered
At lengththe breast ulcerated,
there was
no
hope,except in excision. M.
of the
Jules Cloquet,the well-known
surgeon, was
to
same
opinion; and it remained with the patient
fluence
thanks to the magneticindecide. Dr. Chapelain,
sent.
he had over
her,prevailed
upon her to conHe
endeavoured
with
all the
power
of his
wake
of the knife.
up with the firstcut
Great,there-
239
SOMNAMBULISM.
AND
MAGNETISM,
in the
she continued
when
their surprise,
fore,was
most
completestate of insensibility.It seemed to
cutting
me," observed Dr. Cloquet,"that we were
a dead body."*
on
Plantin died,fifteen or sixteen daysafter
Madame
which had nothing to do
from causes
the operation,
with it ; her body was
opened,and the circumstances
curious.
connected with the autopsywere
exceedingly
This ladyhad a daughtermarried to M. Lagandre ;
she resided in the country,and could
unfortunately
to Paris until some
not come
daysafter the operation.
Madame
Lagandre was a somnambule, and possessed
"
of
remarkable
lucidity.
to put Madame
M. CloquetrequestedDr. Chapelain
and to
Lagandre into the magnetic condition,
Plantin.
ask her some
concerningMadame
questions
follows :
She repliedto him
as
My mother has
for some
been very weak
days; she no longersees
of magnetism, which sustains her
except by means
life.' 'Do
she has no
artificially;
you think you
a
"
'
"
the
sustain
can
life of
your
mother
'
'
"
No,
she
will
'
"
'
"
'
"
"
abdomen
'
the liver is
*
'
"
white,and
See Archives
1829.
The stomach
and intestines
discoloured
Generates
de
at the
Medecine,t.
xx.
are
healthy,
surface.'
p. 131.
May,
240
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
"
ECSTASY,
ANIMAL
Chapelainmagnetisedthe patientenergetically
the Monday, but could scarcely
on
superinduce
the Tuesday,and
state of sleep. She awoke
on
a
o'clock in the morning. The
expiredabout seven
the statemedical men
ments
were
very desirous of testing
of the somnainbule
with regard to the condition
of the internal organs, and they obtained the
tion.
examinaof the familyto their making an
consent
section
M. Moreau, secretaryto the surgical
of the Academy, and Dr. Dronsart
were
requested
informed that it should be
to witness
it,and were
The examination
made the next day in their presence.
made
was
by M. Cloquet and his assistant,
M. Pailloux,aided by Dr. Chapelain. The latter
before the
had magnetisedMadame
Lagandre shortly
medical men
for the autopsy. The
time named
M.
from
to hear
wished
her
own
what
mouth
she stated
Plantin ;
body of Madame
in a clear voice,
and without
the somnambule
repeated,
she had
to
already announced
hesitation,what
MM.
Cloquetand Chapelain. The latter then led
in which
the one
the
her into a room,
adjoining
examination
was
made, and of which the door was
Madame
closed.
Lagandre was all the time in the
of the partitions
state of somnambulism,and,in spite
lowed
her from the medical men, she folwhich separated
she had
within
seen
the
course
and
operator,
has he made
of the
follows
were
written
right?
'
of the somnambule
down
were
found
to
by
Dr.
autopsy,
as
Dronsart,were
"
Examination
Tuesday,29th
"
of the
'
The statements
which
hands
correct,and
perfectly
be
knife in the
when
"
the
Exterior.
Plantin,
of the Body of Madame
April,1829.
The body of a paleyellow
wasted,
tinge,
and
healed,and
;
wound
large. The
the abdomen
the
margins are
formed
recently
241
SOMNAMBULISM.
AND
MAGNETISM,
united,and
is
three-parts
healthygranulations
covered
with
cicatrix.
Interior. On
"
bile.
no
"The
other organs
not
were
examined."*
The
who
were
followingcases
M. Chardel,a counsellor
who received the account
who
*
have
two
were
Chardel
in the
of them
been
recorded
by
Court of Appeals,
from eye-witnesses,
Psychologie
Physiologique,
p. 260.
B
Paris,1844.
242
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
ANTMAL
ECSTASY,
counsellor in one
of
a
Example 87. A magistrate,
the followinganecthe royalcourts, related to me
dote
wife had
His
in very
maid- servant
delicate
health,whom
and went
without
any
the
depth,and
unusual
an
descended
He
fetch it.
to
fell
asked
for.
backwards,without,
the light
however, hurtinghimself,or extinguishing
This did not prevent him
wmich he held in his hand.
and returning
his object,
with the
from accomplishing
down
had
which
wine
been
He
found
his wife
of the aid of
to avail himself
him
officer in
an
his
This
regiment.
Ah,
the
unhappy
is at
"
horse,but when
he
to
"
cried,
kill himself
!"
see
"
he
him
"
takes
he
a
The
placenamed was
mounted
one
a
instantly
arrived the suicide was
already
quick
league off; some
pistol;run
about
is about
he
!" she
man
committed. t
have
"We
*
Chardel
Opus cit. p.
290.
+ lb.
p. 292.
244
individual
and
it
passes
is
is
which
book
but
guide
this
for
past,
are
which
locality
is
stumble,
about,
and
perhaps
the
this
How
we
and
any
mind,
is
brought
better
guidance
are
compelled
will
about
which
of
to
the
pass
will.
admit,
probably
do
regards
but
always
the
through
These
the
escape
In
our
its
mode
faculties.
nor
minds
of
us.
tion
isola-
thousand
facts
are
ficial
arti-
distinct,
know,
not
wander
more
of
in
complete
more
we
as
are
activity
greater
informed
thoughts
the
perceptions
a
will
pressions
im-
things
himself
he
is
as
to
himself.
injure
indicate
with
finds
him,
his
him
relates
the
he
all
serves
person
to
the
extended,
of
the
of
which
where
action
unknown
somnambulism,
more
if
letter
the
which
characters
which
the
stairs,
through
the
mirror
and
case
the
the
of
or
reflected,
in
brain
reads
internal
an
ETC.
localities
him,
which
he
before
are
his
several
there
is
It
writing.
the
ECSTASY,
in
distinctly
sees
apartments,
he
IS
HALLUCINATIONS
are
ferent
difunder
which
their
we
duction
pro-
245
CHAPTER
in
hallucinations
febrile,
and
chronic,
acute,
Hallucinations
X.
in
Cerebral
inflammatory,
other
Acute
diseases.
Delirium
and
Diseases.
/These
which were
disorders,
long confounded with
of the brain,and were
named
inflammation
by some
acute madness
acute delirium,
but which, alongwith
or
M. Lelut, we
have
separatedfrom this group of
#
leads us
diseases,
by a natural transition from
to inflammatory
disorders.
nervous
The presence of maniacal excitement,which is one
of the symptoms of acute delirium,
would lead us to
and illusions
expect the existence of strange conceptions
of the senses
in the mind
of the invalid,
and
this is what
observation
has shown
to be the
case.
Some
when suffering
from acute delirium,
patients,
imaginethey see persons hidden under their beds,in
similar localities; theywill pointthem out,
or
closets,
and
endeavour
themselves
to
drive them
surrounded
away.
Others
believe
by frogs,or
which
serpents,
There
are
can
ready to devour them.
hardlybe a
doubt that the terror which
is exhibited,
the cries
which are uttered,the desire to bite and strike,
to
or
themselves from elevated spots,
which are
precipitate
*
246
HALLUCINATIONS
noticed in
of the
delirium
and
character,
who
was
demons
INFLAMMATOEY,
proceedfrom the
patients,
hallucinations of an alarmingcharacter.
nature
acute
EEBEILE,
of these
some
existence of
The
IN
very
which
hallucinations which
in accordance
are
with the
habits,the
individual. A lady
of the
pursuits
cried out,
religious
continually
the
surround
me
in
occur
leave me,
"
Satan !
See the
ciful
Mer-
invalids mistake
those
around
them
for their
or
they are transformed,and take
personalfriends,
Illusions of taste and smell
on
peculiar
appearances.
The patients
also noticed in acute delirium.
will
are
their drink with expressions
often reject
of horror,
that it smells of smoke, that it has a most
declaring
nauseous
taste, and that it is intended to poison
them.
Others
taste
while
of
partaking
Hallucinations
are
in
kind of
ecstasy
them.
Inelammatoey
in
and
othee
Diseases.
pathologycontain numerous
the existence
observations which prove most clearly
and severe
in inflammation
of hallucinations in slight
fevers,
of the different organs, in the most
opposite
"Works
on
internal
by
hallucinations.
woman,
nineteen
Broussais
relates the
case
of
duringher labour
ACUTE,
AND
CHRONIC,
247
DISEASES.
OTHER
head,who thought
and a large black dog,which
she saw
a coffin,
lights,
This woman
advanced to devour her.
presentedall
leeches
the
were
symptoms of plethora. Some
and
these visions,
ordered,which sufficed to dissipate
troubled
was
with
noises in the
intellect was
seated
the
he saw
in his room, when, to his great surprise,
of his friends enter, who, after
door open, and one
self
in the room, placedhimoppositeto him, and looked fixedlyat him.
he
Wishing to receive his visitor with politeness,
several turns
he had taken
had he
scarcely
figurevanished. He
rose
vision. Soon
then
afterwards
accompaniedby several of
In the
became
steps,when the
perceivedthat he had had
the apparition
reappeared,
who surhis acquaintances,
rounded
advanced
few
in
similar
hour
the
the
manner.
company
seemed
as
apartment
holdingthem. These
though itwould
ranged
phantoms followed him into his bedroom, and arhis bed, so that he had
around
themselves
in obtaining
a few hours' sleep.
During
greatdifficulty
and were
his sleeptheyreappeared,
as
numerous
as
the previous
on
evening.
so
numerous,
be
of
incapable
who
day,when
he
of the
year before he had bled him for congestion
brain. On several occasions he had also been troubled
applied
; the
and
next day the phantoms had greatly
diminished,
disappeared.
theyhad entirely
by night-time
of hallucination
Many writers have noticed the occurrence
before an attack of apoplexy.
of the brain will also
of the membranes
Inflammation
with haemorrhoids.
Some
leeches
were
248
HALLUCINATIONS
give rise
IN
this
to
have recorded
and two
hundred
The
treatise
of
sense
Martinet
several
smell,and
and
contained
cases
of
Encephalitis
on
INELAMMATOBY,
MM.
phenomenon.
Parent-Duchatelet
one
FEBKILE,
in their work.
Bouillaud
M.
of
(pp.8,
of hallucinations
cases
illusions of
sight and
touch.
tions
meningitishallucinaepidemiccerebro-spinal
In
M. Tourdes,the author of
very numerous.
several
history of this epidemic,has mentioned
are
remarkable
"
"
"
I visited Mr.
R., who
was
headache.
America, with a most excruciating
tion
obtained some
He
temporary relief from the formain
of matter under the scalp
came
on
; swellings
of respiration
the throat,and he had some
difficulty
At this time he complainedto me that
when in bed.
to
he had troublesome dreams, and that he seemed
from
me
he
he
had
had, for
an
the
hour
his wife
seen
judgmenttold him
the impression
was
and
In
whilst awake.
dream
short time
two, been
or
after he told
convinced
that
conversation
and
he
had
with
important,that
his
he
son
so
very
could
and
not
help
particular
the whole to his friends in the morning,and
relating
not
requestingto know if his wife and son were
arrived from America, and at that time in
actually
the house.
he
He
me
was
and
consultation,
him
to
to be insane.
me,
had
and
would
asked
bring
ACUTE,
AND
CHRONIC,
OTHER
249
DISEASES.
and apparitions,
and
imaginationof spectres,
for he had alwayshitherto been an unbeliever
figures,
in ghostsand in everythingelse. He felt,
and his
friends acknowledged,
and
that he was
sane
perfectly
the
on
strong in mind
"
Having
he had
as
been
ever
with
satisfied him
the
in his life.
and
nature
tent
ex-
of his
and
room,
but in
for
was
brightbrass lock he
and
friends,
saw
and have
taken
purposely
them
hold conversation
and
a
and when
nature
up
I have been
book, I
him
could he look at
with
have
him,
him
seen
in his mind's
known
momentarily
seeingthem too.
man
he
intruders
lantic
his Transat-
againsaw
afterwards
never
it but he
have
free from
time
and I
hearing
I say momentarily,
for he is
of strongparts,and perfectly
convinced of the
of the
turned
complaint;
from
for whenever
spoke,and
converse
ever.
on
He
ligion,
re-
then
Edinburgh Medical
and
SurgicalJournal,vol.
vi. p. 291.
250
HALLUCINATIONS
worn
out
with
up
by
woke
IN
becomes
fatigue,
INFLAMMATORY,
drowsy,but
horrible
dreams, which
reality. The subdued
of
appearance
FEEKILE,
have
is
soon
all the
light,the
combine
room
to
the
prepare
ramblingdelirium.
Example 91.
Abercrombie,
"
"
for
way
and
constant
friend,"says
highlyintelligent
whom
I attended
presentedthe
appearance
of
an
old and
grey-headed
of
most
man
a
benignantaspect. His visits
manner.
always conducted exactlyin the same
were
He
the lefton
by a door which was
hand side of the bed, passedthe end of the bed, and
seated himself on
chair on the right-hand
side ; he
a
then fixed his eyes upon the patient
with an expression
of intense interest and pity,
but never
spoke;
continued
visible for some
seconds,and
distinctly
entered
the
then seemed
Example
"
whom
room
92.
"
lady,"says
the
writer,
same
feverish
years ago in a slight
a
men
distinctly
party of ladies and gentle-
I attended
some
saw
disorder,
sittinground her bed-chamber,and a servant
handing somethingto them on a tray. The scene
continued in a greateror less degreefor several days,
varied by spectacles
of castles and churches
and was
the
first
full
impressionthat
affection of vision
connected
theyhad
patienthad
if
it
with
was
the
been
from
morbid
fever, and
by watchingand
the changesin the scenery."
describing
studied the effects of
who has carefully
Conolly,
amused
herself and
her attendants
252
is
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
FEBEILE,
opens
hand, and by
thingspresentwith
becomes
in
reverie,
your
or
a
INFLAMMATORY,
has
delirium
patientat
much
out
than
more
other
any
be
may
what
the
result.
woman,
poor
who was
dispensaryat Stratford,
very
of health,complainedthat she never
saw
the half of a person'scountenance, or of
these apparitions
object. Sometimes
appear
the
the third
case
the
his friends
he
in
his
to
he does receive
he cannot
In
times
watched
another,as
of
cases
the
"
again,as
this
case
AND
CHRONIC,
ACUTE,
OTHER
253
DISEASES.
in
his
attention."
We
have
on
of the existence
fever
notice
of visions
the
Abercrombie
commencement,
from
typhus
escaped the
have
in the
been
served
ob-
of,and
course
this fever.
quotes from
farmer
not
of
the
Christian
Observer
who, when
returningfrom market,
brilliant
was
deeplyaffected by a most extraordinary
which he thoughtbe saw
light,
upon the road,and by an
in the lightwhich he supposedto be our
appearance
He was
Saviour.
greatlyalarmed,and, spurringhis
horse, gallopedhome ; remained agitatedduringthe
seized with typhus fever,then preevening; was
vailing
and died in about two
in the neighbourhood,
afterwards
the
ascertained,that on
days. It was
morning of the day of the supposedvision,before he
left home, he had complainedof headache
and languor
be no
doubt that the spectral
there can
; and
case
of
had
course
Hallucinations
duringconvalescence
the
which
circumstance
of Hibbert.
at
in the
ourselves
appearance
the fever.
The
was
connected
author
relates that
of
friend of
his,who
from typhus fever,imagined that
convalescent
was
feet high. His bed seemed
ten
his body was
six or
feet from the ground,so that he was
afraid to
seven
get out of it. The opening of the chimney was as
gular,
sinmost
largeas the arch of a bridge; what was
same
the persons
curious
most
around
were
of their natural
size.
254
halltjcixatioe's
fevers
i:nt
eebetle,
entlammatoby,
ting
accompaniedby hideous spectres,indicathe entire derangement of the economy
and
dissolution.
approaching
Moreau, of Larthe,mentions,in the Encyclopedie
Mentale," having attended
MetJwdique,art. "Med.
thirteen years old,who had scarcely
or
a child twelve
attack of
any knowledge of Latin, but during an
fever was
guage
suddenlycapableof speakingthat lanare
with
tolerable correctness.
The
same
child
us.
coma
and death.
Hallucinations have
been
observed
in the
typhus
fevers,and in several
armies,in pestilential
of the Middle Ages.
of the epidemics
of the plagueat Athens
in his history
Thucydides,
classed by modern
writers
a disease that has been
with typhus speaksof spectreswhich alarmed the
the case
of men
inhabitants.
Procopus mentions
who, duringthe plague,fellvictims to this scourge,
havingdreamed of demons who touched them, and
fever of
"
"
informed
them
they would
speedilydie.
During
CHBONIC,
ACUTE,
OTHER
AND
255
DISEASES.
epidemicwhich
the
depopulatedNeo-Caesarea,the
and heard phantoms in their houses.
inhabitants saw
"When the plaguebroke out in Egypt,in the reignof
the Emperor Justinian,
shipsof brass were seen upon
the sea, navigated
who had no
heads.
by black men
tinople,
During an epidemic which depopulated Constanthe people were
horrified by the sight of
from
went
demons, who, in the dress of ecclesiastics,
house to house, bringingdeath upon all the inhabitants.
Cases
related
are
which
leave
of hallucinations and
occurrence
pupilof
no
questionof
the
the celebrated
Hildenpractitioner
brand,who was attacked by typhus,imagined,
during
which lasted for seven
his delirium,
days,that he had
the partof the viper-eater
to him ; a character
assigned
in
an
seen
a
state
time
he
of indescribable
endeavoured
and
agony
to
seize and
dangerousreptile.*
In some
of
recent
descriptions
is made
of armies, mention
of
sight. The typhus at Mayence was
with this symptom.
fever,which modern
Intermittent
the
he
was
had
in
terror
every
swallow
the
typhus fever
hallucinations
of
plicated
comfrequently
observers believe
sometimes
Hildenbrand
par
Du
Grasc,
p. 70, in-8.
traduis
Typhus Contagieux,
Paris,1811.
la Folie dans
: De
+ M. Baillarger
Ann.
Med.
de l'Allemand
Psych.Noveinbre,1843.
256
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
FEBKILE,
INFLAMMATORY,
organs.
smell
are
common.
a paper
on
a
Hungerford Sealyhas published
biliarydisease of hot climates,which is
peculiar
characterized by constant
irritability,
accompanied
by a greatlyexalted state of the mind and of the
muscular system. It mostlyattacks persons who have
three years,
been resident in the country two
or
of nostalgia
and have begun to experience
feelings
the imagination
is troubled with visions,
The mind
Dr.
power
excited
becomes
over
difficulty.
Prom
amongst
the
reason
the
exampleswhich he giveswe
of the English clergymanat
shall select the case
When
Dr. Sealy visited this patient,
Messina.
countenance
he found him in bed
haggard eyes
glaringout of his head and deeply suffused and
and almost vergingon
bilious ; skin dry and parched,
the icteroid tint
tongue dry and red at edges,and
covered with a brown fur in centre and back portion
pulse small and quick his general expression
denoted the deepestmisery,though his mind was
"
"
"
"
"
"
Dr.
clear. He had been ill three weeks."
perfectly
Sealypurgedhim, appliedleeches to the head, and
After twelve hours,
to the feet.
mustard sinapisms
a perceptible
there was
improvement.
"
progress of his
strong resemblance
During the
his
disease,
the
tions
hallucina-
clairvoyance
His perfrightful.
of the magnetic
vading
; his visions were
to
tear
to
near
wish was
him, shout,
everything
his limbs leave
He fancied he saw
and curse.
to sing,
of the
convinced of the unreality
his body. He was
bore
to
ACUTE,
CHBOKCC,
AND
utmost
257
DISEASES.
OTHEB
result of
diseased
the delusive
the
delusion
vision,
by the
reason.
in the
its origin
bodilydisease had evidently
also proved
viscera ; this was
and chylopoietic
biliary
by the character of the evacuations."*
A curious case
of hallucinations occurring
duringa
long attack of pneumonia is recorded in the fifteenth
volume of Nicholson's Philosophical
Journal,p. 289.
Example 93. About twelve years ago," says the
writer, I had an attack of fever,arisingfrom some
inflammation which caused acute pain in
deep-seated
occasioned by a cold caughtat
the left side. It was
the breakingup of the hard frost in the springof
1795.
The pulse was
generallyabout 110 in the
which lasted some
weeks,
minute, and the illness,
was
through
accompaniedwith disordered perception
after the
The first night,
almost its whole duration.
with
attended
great
settingin of the fever,was
of
and the fatigueand perpetualrecurrence
anxiety
I supposedmyself to be in the
the same
dream.
"
The
"
"
midst
of
an
immense
system of mechanical
tions,
combina-
revolvingwith
parts of which were
time I
and noise,and at the same
extreme
rapidity
was
impressedwith a conviction that the aim or
to cure
was
operation
my
purpose of this distracting
carried to a certain
disorder. "When the agitation
was
afterwards fell
height,I suddenlyawoke, and soon
of the same
dream.
againinto a doze,with a repetition
that
it occurred to me
After many
such repetitions,
there
if I could destroy
the impression
or
conviction,
that the delirious dream would
might be a probability
method, I
change its form ; and as the most likely
all the
Observations on a
Travellers in Sicilyand
M.D.
"
Medico-
258
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
FEBEILE,
INFLAMMATORY,
simplevisible objectin
with the notion of cure, that object
might be
occupy the situation of the rapidly-moving
thought by connectingsome
my mind
made
to
objectsin
the
dream.
answered
measure,
The
consequence,
expectation
; for upon
in
my
the recollection of the
some
the next
to
figureof a bottle,
directed my mind, presented
which I had previously
itself,the rotation ceased, and my
subsequent
various and
more
dreams, though disturbed,were
less irritating.
access,
"
The
medical treatment
of
application
and
consisted
leeches to the
in the external
side,with venesection,
saline mixture.
second
faces,over
appearance,
which
I had
no
control,either
as
to their
continuance,or removal.
"
five or
six
seconds,
and then vanished
by becoming graduallyfainter
duringabout two seconds,till nothingwas left but
dark opaque
a
mist, in which almost immediately
after
appearedanother
face.
were
in
260
day he
On
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
alarmed
was
the
eveningof
by a
the
EEBEILE,
fire at
same
INELAMMATOBY,
house.
neighbouring
dayhis
wife observed
he
was
justas
was
that she
three
entered
the
him
taken
room,
had
persons, whom
he went into a
supper-time
he
other
room
did not
know.
At
overhead,and having
his
day he
covered
had
with
and
white
squares
like
seemed
a
board.
chess-
illusion
was
so
"
"
1824.
CHEONIC,
ACUTE,
261
DISEASES.
OTHER
AND
she was
invited ; she told them
speak,nor keep
very sorry she could not hear them
order
up conversation with them ; she would,therefore,
she had
whom
not
and
card-tahle,
Upon the entrance
disappeared. She
to her maid
surprise
abruptly; but she
the
the
rang
of the
could
help expressingher
not
entrance
"
It
was
not
bringherself
all this time
were
so
never
and
that
till
time
some
to relate her
convinced
distresses to
could
she
She
me.
was
and
rationality,
visited her, for they
really
of her
after that
own
plaint
degreederanged,though unwell. This comto the feet
removed
was
by cataplasms
entirely
short time
and terminated
and gentlepurgatives,
a
fit of the gout. She
afterwards in a regularslight
smallest
has remained
year, in the
faculties."*
ever
since,now
perfectenjoymentof
has
Every practitioner
and
noticed
more
her
the
Edinburgh Medical
and
heart.
The
than
health
state
of melancholyand
restlessness,
of the
producedby affections
*
somewhat
and
of discomfort
terror,
start
patients
Journal,vol.
Surgical
vi. p. 291.
262
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
FEBKILE,
INFLAMMATORY,
spectresand
up from their sleephaunted by frightful
hideous phantoms. Not unfrequently
this state of
mind
comes
on
several instances
organicdisease
that of
of the
left
have
collected
of hallucinations
of the heart.
similar
some
"We
cases
M.
with
co-existing
Saucerotte has published
non-commissioned
officer with
hypertrophy
who
white
ventricle,
imagined he saw
selves
phantomsof strangeand indefinite forms placethembefore him in threatening
attitudes. Ashamed
of his fears,
knowing himself that it was only a phanpanions,
tasma, dreadingabove all thingsthe jokesof his comhe dared not
the influence of the
confess how
much
he
strangemaladywhich
under
was
tormented
him.*
Pellagrais a
Lombardy,in the
partsof
disease which
cutaneous
Landes
occurs
in
It is frequently
cated
compli-
of these
or
priests
patientsfancy they are monks
; others
believe that they are pursued by Satan,and imagine
the delirium
they see the flames of hell. In Italy,
form ; and as the
most
a religious
commonly assumes
fillhim with sorrowful ideas,
of the patient
sufferings
characterized by visions of
the disorder is especially
of hell,
the devil,
"c.f
ideas which proIt is probablythese depressing
duce
is observed
in
the tendencyto suicide which
attacked
with
the persons
pellagra,possiblythe
is
which has also been noticed,
homicidal monomania
The ideas
likewise accompaniedby hallucinations.
les
des Maladies
duo Camr
V Ivflitence
Saucerotte : De
sur
Annal.
Med.Facultes Intellectuelles et Morales de V Homme.
psych.t. iv. p. 177. Septembre, 1844.
et de laFolie Pellagreuse,
+ Brierre de Boismont : De laPellagre
*
"
observations recueilliesau
1832.
Grand
Hopitalde Milan, 2e
edit.
Paris,
CHROMIC,
ACUTE,
AND
OTHER
263
DISEASES.
takinganother
moniacal
direction,
may substitute for the devisions those of angelsof paradise,
"c.
with chlorosis are often a prey to profound
Women
avoid all exertion,
melancholy. They prefersolitude,
and indulgein melancholythoughts; many
of them
have also symptoms of insanity,
they are surrounded
by strange forms,see hideous objectsand repulsive
figures.If this state continues and becomes more
and render these
intense,it may bring on insanity
visions permanent, which by a slighteffort of the
reason
might have been dissipated.
Muratori
has
related
curious
case
where
there
of
severe
she remained
fever.
When
and
motionless,
the
delirium
was
over
the
pulse was
ceptible
imperof the body became
cold,and
; the surface
she was
The
supposed to be dead.
body was
beinglaid out when she fetched a deep sigh. The
attendants
with
her
immediately rubbed
strong
solution
of spirits,
and
endeavoured
to
restore
the warmth
of the body ; at length she moved,
then consciousness
and
speech returned, anfl she
recovered.
264
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
of
preserving
Hallucinations
INFLAMMATORY,
thingsof
for the
FEBEILE,
this
world,even
her life.*
are
sometimes
observed
during
convalescence.
At the termination
Example 96.
with
and
inflammatory
an
disease which
for his
of
all the
circumstance
visions ; a
he was
as
dinary,
extraor-
more
of his reason,
in the full possession
had undergone any physical
of the senses
none
alteration,
yet the fantastic forms which haunted
him
Miss
N. seated herself at
effects ; allat
he
came
She
soon
alarm.
front window
to watch its
the
once
might be
been
killed in
him,
uneasy concerning
which he generally
pied,
occu-
becomingvery
a
back
room
sat in a
usually
On entering
the room, Miss
arm-chair.
high-backed
astonished to behold the image of her father
N. was
and seated by the
in his usual dress and attitude,
forward to layher
went
fireside. She immediately
hand upon his shoulder and inquirehow he got in,
to
the word "Father," she attempted
and repeating
lay her hand upon his shoulder,but her hand en-
and
countered
*
near
vacancy, and
Muratori
Salverte
Eusebe
d\m
: Souvenirs
:
:
she
Bella Forza
he
retired in alarm.
della
Fantazia,c. 9.
As
bault
D. Thie-
CHEOjSTIC,
ACUTE,
she
AKD
OTHER
265
DISEASES.
was
back
from
Fullyhalf-an-hour elapsed
till it
the apparition
the time that this ladyfirst saw
convinced
Miss N., who all the time was
disappeared.
entered and left the
that it was
a
illusion,
spectral
several times,carefully
room
examiningthe arrangement
of the draperyand the chair.*
stances,
circumAtmosphericinfluences seem, under some
to favour the productionof hallucinations.
of 1829-30, says Conolly,I
In
the noted winter
of several
in the course
observed this complication
in
position
the chair.
diseases.f
memoir
of
observations
on
a
Prus, in some
entitled Fragmentspour servir a VILisM. Baillarger,
cold
that extreme
remarks
toire des Hallucinations,
and that he himself experienced
may producehallucinations,
M.
Fully
light.
my will my whole body seemed extremely
endeavoured
of the dangerof this state,I vainly
aware
"
that
most
was
my steps; what troubled me
Then I
eyes closed every minute in spiteof me.
surrounded
images; I
by a number of pleasing
to hasten
my
was
imagined I
and
had
in the midst
was
visions of
of beautiful
trees, rivers,and
gardens,
extensive
plains."
the B-ussian
In
attacked with
sometimes
In
1845
*
of
soldiers
sometimes
hallucinations,
a
we
Paterson
campaign the
of
also
were
a
joyous,
melancholycharacter.
observed a marked
predominanceof
Loc
cit.
266
HALLUCINATIONS
IS
symptoms.
nervous
of Dr. Descuret
and
We
TEBETLE,
are
INFLAMMATORY,
indebted
to the kindness
in which
hallucinations
diseases.
M.
Descuret
observed
were
has
mentioned
in
to
common
us
seven
cases
Hallucinations
are
sometimes
the
of
precursors
disease.
Plutarch
Syllawas warned
of a fever which seized him unexpectedly
by the sight
of a phantom which called him by his name.
Convinced
that his death was
close at hand, he preparedfor
that event, which took placethe next night.
There is no necessity
to the marto have recourse
vellous
to explainthe occurrence
accompanyingthis
death.
It is probablethat Syllawas
in the last
and that the apparition
organicdisease,
stageof some
it hastened his
onlyincreased his danger. Possibly
it was
end by some
few days,
but certainly
no
diction
preIt is to similar causes, to the
influence of religious
of scientific
to the want
opinions,
of the event.
knowledge,and
we
refer those
must
deaths
whose
that
imagination
has
occurrence
been
"
"
matory
of an inflamyears ago, on account
her husband
affection of the chest,woke
one
I attended
some
and
of her disorder,
night at the commencement
begged him to get up instantly.She said she had
263
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
FEBEILE,
INFLAMMATORY,
of happiness
probablybe referred that feeling
which
is possessedby many
sick persons, but
and who, up
by those who are consumptive,
especially
state may
of their
death,form
all
manner
of
one
remain
engraven on my memory.
Example 100. On the 1st of June, 1842, 1 received
that my mpther,who had
the melancholy
intelligence
ever
with
with epileptic
fits,
accompanied
days previously,
loss
of
consciousness,so
her
life
was
despairedof, and
it
was
feared
that
ACUTE,
and
tradespeople
the
her
room
who
was
should
be
"
(There
make?"
will not
They
will not
Make
"
Do
let
had
who
persons
a
especially
With
in
were
female
her hand
she
them
you not
she
go away,'"
hear what a noise
stantly
con-
they
time.)
was
me
When
come.
delirium
This
other
269
DISEASES.
sent
away.
repeated.
"
the
OTHER
away,
teasingher.
perpetually
them
waved
AND
CHRONIC,
he
arrives,I
shall be
he
more.'1''
no
lasted for
twenty-fourhours.
I was
greatlyaffected at this sight,and taking her
by the hand, I said to her, Calm yourself,
my dear
with you, and will not leave you."
I am
mother
I
had
mother
hardly spoken these words, when
my
and recoveringher senses, said to me,
became
silent,
Tell one, my son, is it really
Ah, I recognise
you ?
Where
are
see
you?"
your voice.
you, for I cannot
"
"
"
she
When
became
collected
more
she
could
tinguish
dis-
different
Her
me.
she
and was
able to perceive
objects,
countenance
and
expressedher satisfaction,
added,
"
Now
I have
and
the
under
for five
seen
days I
influence
of maternal
tion,
affec-
had the
happinessto converse
with her, and to see her in the full possession
of her
On the fifth the day of her death
faculties.
about
eleven o'clock in the morning, the artist who
was
takiDg her likeness,seeingshe turned pale,proposed
"
to leave
will
soon
The
other
subjectof
diseases
speaking of
state
of mind
what
has
"
"
She
Continue"
expiredat
hallucinations
has
in
she
three
nervous
said ;
and
been
it is therefore
alreadybeen
said.
unnecessary
it
o'clock.
considered
previously
hallucinations
with a
co-existing
;
"
to
some
when
sound
repeat
270
CHAPTEE
CAUSES
XI.
HALLUCINATIONS.*
OF
consideringthe
"When
those
causes
before
"
passingto
are
capableof
the secondary
of hallucinations which
sources
that
being appreciated,
is to say, to
be borne in mind that
it must
causesf
"
composed of two
sign,and the mental
is
united,like
hallucination
distinct
elements,the sensible
riously
conception.These are mystethe body and the soul,and are
a
of man's
emblem
perfect
The
nature.
hallucination
is the material
of
embodiment, a daguerreotype
while the mental
the idea,is onlythe bodilyportion,
is the psychical
portion.It is by defining
conception
which
these two
for the
have
favour
sound
seek
seen
cases
by
explained
the
as
a
101.
I attended
for many
The
causes
illusions that
we
one
also
in
which
occur
Madame
in persons
of
condition
particular
system.
Example
*
to
singular
phenomenon.
time, hallucinations
mind, and who are
such
and
of this
cause
endeavour
must
we
other diseases
that fevers and many
of hallucinations ; but, at the
the production
We
same
that
elements
of the
nervous
the Viscountess
years,
was
of hallucinations so
have not considered
one
A., whom
day conversing
closelyresemble
it necessary
to
those
of
separate
them.
the
It is this which constitutes the difference between
which
often
in
towards
we
tend,
finiteand the infinite,
constantly
but which
all our
after knowledge
endeavours
spiteof ourselves,
life.
in
this
will never
dissipate
escape
us.
271
HALLUCINATIONS.
OF
CAUSES
recorded
in the
apparitions
An
she fullybelieved.
and in which
Scriptures,
twelve years back,
event," she said,"happened some
with
the
about
me
"
which
to
science
received
existence of those
of the
satisfied me
which
gives
a
the
of
name
letter from
visions
tions.
hallucina-
the
son-in-law,
my
illness of my
0.,informingme of the severe
The
who was
daughter,
many leaguesaway from me.
to anticipate
letter contained nothingwhich led me
a
it was
On
fatal termination.
enteringmy room
about nine o'clock in the morning thinkingupon
in a feeling
I heard a voice,
the state of my daughter,
Count
"
"
words
'
"
Do
love Me
you
I felt
in a loud voice,
and immediately
replied,
surprise,
'Lord, Thou know est that I place my whole trust in
no
Thee,and
then
with all my
you giveher to Me?'
added,
Do
soul.' The
voice
I felt a
thrill
'
my
second
letter from
son-in-law
my
dear child's death."
The
Viscountess
was
endowed
person
excellent understanding,
a devout
informed
me
with
but
Catholic,
of
an
out
with-
Madame
A.
related
this
This
proof of the
Middle
Ages
way
are
anecdote
her
to
me,
belief in the
day of its
instance is to us a most convincing
in which
the apparitions
of the
to be explained,
and of the erroon
the
272
an
HALLUCINATIONS.
neousness
as
OP
CAUSES
invariable indication of
regardshallucinations
insanity.
and circulatory
pointof view the nervous
portant
systems undoubtedlyperform a very imof hallucinations ; but
part in the production
the difficulty
is,how do they act ? "We are entirely
in the ordinary
of
ignorantof this even
operations
the mind.
We
only know that various stimulants,
actingon the blood and on the nervous
system,give
and vivacity
to the ideas,which
greater brilliancy
that there is a greater influx of blood
simplymeans
neither acquaintedwith the
We
to the brain.
are
agent which produces this excitement,where it
what are the changeswhich it produces.
nor
operates,
that unMust we
not then admit
a
known
predisposition
something which in one person givesrise to
and in a third
in another to inflammation,
apoplexy,
of the brain, or
other form of
to softening
some
In
medical
"
"
disease ?
Thus, then,
physicalcause,
under
is
the
influence
producedan
of
excited
moral
or
state of the
systems,which givesrise to
to
hallucinations,
without,however, its beingpossible
nervous
and
establish
an
vascular
intimate connexion
between
the two
series
of events.
OE
CAUSES
273
HALLUCINATIONS.
to
by examiniDgthem in relation to psychology,
and to religion.
to morality,
The
of hallucinations should
causes
not
be
tory,
his-
founded
con-
the
as
was
insanity,
formerly
ject
of the insane are subIt is true the majority
case.
to hallucinations ; but it is equally
certain,that
lucination
they may occur by themselves. Even when the halit is not always
combined with insanity,
are
their origin. Lastly,
difficultto recognise
theymay
classed into those which co-exist with
be conveniently
panied
accomare
a sound state of mind,and into those which
by disease.
those
with
First
of
Division.
Hallucinations
Moral
"
Causes.
in
appearing
constantly
mental
eases,
dis-
are
amenable
to the
common
that
state
preoccupied
of the
x
we
stated
274
CAUSES
OE
concentration of the
HALLUCINATIONS.
thoughtsupon
one
were
subject,
productionof
highlyfavourable to the
The exampleswhich we
have taken
hallucinations.
and the founcfersof religious
from poets,philosophers,
creeds,have provedthis to be the case : at the same
have
time we
stronglyinsisted on the difference
conditions
hallucinations
these
between
observed in
and
those
which
are
insanity.
from
defective
stantly
education,are conwhose organizain a state of over-excitement,
tion
and in whom
has become
susceptible,
exceedingly
is left without restraint,
the imagination
are
subject
Certain
hallucinations.
to
imaginations,
says a
modern
writer,are necessarily
superstitious
; they
Men
who,
fertile and
the most
generally
and
they preferfable to reality,
at
instincts to the impossible,
or
they find nature too poor for them.
are
the most
attached
exalted ;
by their
least to the
ideal,
They delightin
the sombreness
and beneath
created
of
the
whose
fantastic creations.
This
love of the
that
saying,
seems
to
us
is
man
a
marvellous,which
ice to wisdom, but
fruitful source
the
justifies
fire to folly,
of hallucinations. When
or
twenty years of his
passedten, fifteen,
concentration
but a slight
it requires
lifein dreaming,
for its image
of the mind upon his favourite subject
transformed
into
and suddenly
to become
intensified,
has
man
hallucination.
The
which
marvellous
were
so
preparedthe
histories and
of childhood,
long the accompaniments
sensitive,
mind, when it is naturally
974
^'^
OE
CAUSES
HALLUCINATIONS.
mock
who
con";ejigures,
C0I)y
open their eyes, or
threaten
or
when
the
When
them.
is
room
lighted,
chese
phantoms disappear.
or
are
ditions
concompletesolitude,
Long imprisonment,
which may giverise to hallucinations. M. Leon
MM.
de
Eaucher
relates that a prisonerinformed
that during the first
and
Beaumont
Tocqueville,
often' haunted
of his solitude he was
months
by
successive nights, an eagleseemed
visions for many
In 1840, in
the foot of his bed.
to perchitself on
there
at
ten
the Penitentiary
were
Philadelphia,
of hallucinations,
and from 1837 to
twelve cases
or
became
insane.
What
1841 eighty-six
can
prisoners
than this simplestatement
of
forcibly
speak more
facts.* M. Gosse also states that nearlyall the persons
in Switzerland became
in a penitentiary
subject
under
the influence of solitary
to hallucinations
"
confinement. f
related the history
of Benvenuto
already
which
Silvio
Cellini; the followingis the account
confined at Spielberg,
who was
Pellico,
givesof the
effect it had upon himself.
During those horrible
so
excited,that,
nights my imaginationbecame
seemed
to resound
althoughawake, the prison-walls
In my childhood
with groans or with suppressed
laughter.
believed in sorcerers
I never
or
spirits
; but
have
We
"
now
understand
at the mercy
"
Often with
I asked
beneath
looked if any one was
I imaginedsome
one
my table,
that
which
*
invisible hand
an
De
I
la
saw
I could not
it,and
of
with terror.
fall upon
Reforme
des
my
Seated at
had
the
Prisons.
bed.
"
Revue
cles
Deux-Mondes,
Fevrier, 1841.
de Geneve,No. 86, p. 255.
t Bibliothequc
1843.
Fevrier,
CAUSES
that
some
had
one
to blow
look around
me,
277
HALLTTCTFATIONS.
OF
behind
come
the
out
and walk
me,
light. I
about with
and
would
was
deavouring
en-
jump
up,
air of defiance,
insane.
an
"
When
same
mind
sensations.
is thus
preparedto experience
such as
illusions,
any accidental circumstance,
of the
unusual
an
noise, a particular
disposition
accidental arrangement of
lightsand shadows,some
them all
the draperyof the room, may bestow upon
the appearance of a reality
; such thingshave,in fact,
these
laid the
foundation
Sir Walter
of
number
of marvellous
tales.
was
Prisons,traduction
de M. Antoine
Latour,
278
CAUSES
OE
HALLUCINATIONS.
Sir
Walter
saw,
standingposture,the
departedfriend, whose recollection had been so
stronglybrought to his imagination.He stopped
for a singlemoment, so as to notice the wonderful
the
accuracy with which fancyhad impressedupon
of dress and posture of
bodilyeye the peculiarities
lusion,
the illustrious poet. Sensible,however, of the dehe felt
no
sentiment
save
that of wonder
at
extraordinary
accuracy of the resemblance,and
which resolved
steppedonwards towards the figure,
into the various materials of
itself as he approached
which it was composed. These were
merelya screen,
occupiedby great coats, shawls, plaids,and such
other articles as
usuallyare found in a country
the
hall.*
entrance
he
"When
was
to
be conducted
to his bedroom
the
that
observed, with mysterious
reluctance,
landlady
On examination,
very insecure.
part of the wall appearedto have been broken
he would
he
inquiry,
enlargethe opening. After some
who had lodgedin the room
told that a pedler,
a
was
and was found
short time before had committed suicide,
hangingbehind the door in the morning. According
deemed
of the country, it was
to the superstition
the body through the door of
improper to remove
it through the window
the house, and to convey
without removing part of the wall.
was
impossible,
had -been
Some
hints were
droppedthat the room
haunted by the poor man's spirit.
subsequently
down
to
Walter Scott
Opus cii.p.
38.
CAUSES
"
279
HALLUCINATIONS.
OF
bis
properlyprepared
any kind, by tbe bedside,and
retired to rest not witbout some
degree of apprehension.
in
He
visited
dream
a
was
by a frightful
and, awaking in agony, found himself
apparition,
graspedin his right
sitting
up in bed with a pistol
hand.
On castinga fearful glanceround the room,
he discovered by the moonlighta corpse, dressed in
erect againstthe wall,close by the
a shroud,reared
he
summoned
much
With
window.
difficulty
up
the features
the dismal object,
resolution to approach
My friend laid
againstintrusion of
arms,
the minutest
"
These
causes
remarks
in the
clearly
prove the influence
productionof hallucinations.
details cannot
of moral
The
lowing
fol-
ecstasy,the prevalent
notions of the periodin regard to religion,
sophy,
philo"c, imaginative
politics,
superstition,
works,
concentrations
of the thoughts,mental
struggles,
a
passions,
preoccupiedstate of mind,
particular
excessive study,
troubles,remorse, grief,
love,hope,
and
jealousy,
*
Ferriar
the characters
distinction must
the
leave
state
of
anger.
Opus tit.p.
24.
which
280
All these
CATJSES
OE
HALLUCINATIONS.
causes
are
not
of
and
equalimportance,
we
have
those which
upon
rank
and amongst which we
greatestinfluence,
ideas of the
the dominant
belief,
education,religious
"c.
age, and the different kinds of civilization,
ferred
Education, whose influence we have alreadyreof depressing
to in the production
ideas,those
and moral disorders,
of physical
fertile sources
may,
false
ideas,and
Cerise,give rise to many
says M.
there may be ignorance,
such circumstances
under
of
a state
error, and prejudices
; but not necessarily
Thus
the idea of a man's
disease.
head, which is
the
the
associated with
sensational
produced
impression
to the sensational
idea is extended
the
emotions
idea of
frightful
spectreis associated from childhood with
in
is the case
as
a particular
stone, or a birch-tree,
ideas are
some
country places.* These erroneous
of terror
sources
and
alarm
to
those who
entertain
them.
The
mental
emotions,continues
which
at
all times
have
the
had
same
the
those
are
writer,
most
marked
fluence
in-
Consider
how
hallucinations.
many
upon
derived
are
popular traditions and superstitious
from
ancient
the
forms
of
worship.
When
we
member
re-
form of
every age has witnessed some
nation,
such as magic,astrology,
superstition,
sorcery, divithat
of spirits,
aurusauguries,
raising
cabalism,oracles,the interpretation
pices,necromancy,
of dreams, pythonesses,
lares,
manes,
sibyls,
omens,
Cerise
Paris,1842.
Des
the
Fonctions
et des
Maladies
Nerveuses,p. 463.
CAUSES
OF
281
HALLUCINATIONS.
is almost
one
to
believe he
destined
was
if we
by illusions,
pass his life surrounded
to the influence of his education
trace them
neglectof
"We
moral
and
shall confine
which
to
did not
and
his
religious
principles.
our
observations
to
some
have
of those
influence,and
Even
arose
and
"
ruled
in
the
school
of
Alexandria.
its
converted
tianity
to Chriswere
disciples
voured
they clungto the geniusof Plato,and endeato reconcile it to the exact
and rigorousphilosophy
of Christianity.
Hence amongst the learned
abstract and philosophical
discussions,errors
heresies. Amongst the mass
of the peoplewho
could
when
neither read
itselfin another
nor
form.
showed
282
CAUSES
HALLUCINATIONS.
OF
"bythe Eumenides,
and
terrified
hissingof
the
by
serpents.
was
the
thropy.
affairswas
human
the
of
source
greatmoral disorders,
which
in
were
stake
children
even
assisted
at
communication
accordingto
mind, and
own
the
soon
and
declarations,
condemned
thousands
of
unhappy victims
miserable
Browne
number
of
declared
trial,
heightenedby the
the
accused
women
who
himself,
vulgarerrors,
"
that
their
to
1664, the
sentence
of witchcraft.
strippedthe
when
the fits
of
were
examined
veil
at
but
natural,
in those barbarous
times
invested
"
Lucifer with
of the
Family
284
causes
dencyof
of
hallucinations.
the
pancy
rigidPuritans of the period; their occuof old familyseats,formerly
the residence of
and
hospitality
good cheer, which in their hands
became
desolate and gloomy,and the dismal stories
propagatedby the discarded retainers to the ancient
ecclesiastical and civil,
contributed
establishments,
to produce a national horror unknown
in
altogether
other periodsof her history.*
The followingcases
which we
have selected will
to illustrate the opinionsof this period,
and
serve
have also some
other pointsof interest attached to
them.
"In
county
chance,an
know
why,
This sect consisted,
the religion
of Vandoisie.
it is
and women,
said,of certain persons, both men
who,
cloud of night,by the power
of the devil,
under
to some
repaired
solitary
spot,amid woods and deserts,
where
the devil appeared before them
in a human
visible to
form, save that his visageis never
perfectly
.them read to the assemblya book of his ordinances,
informingthem how he would be obeyed distributed
and a plentiful
little money
a very
meal, which was
of generalprofligacy
concluded
by a scene
; after
of his party was
which each one
conveyed home to
not
"
"
her
"
or
On
his
habitation.
own
accusations of
access
of Arras
foolish women
These
of little consequence.
were
admitted
of them
tortured,that some
horribly
and
persons
were
so
the
that
and said,
accusations,
besides,
"
Ferriar
Opus cit.p.
109.
Or
CAUSES
and
names
of
torture
cities
and
bailliages
being such
examinators
had suggested to the
examined, while they constrained them by
longed.
to impeach the persons
to whom
they be-
governors
the
as
persons
285
HALLUCINATIONS.
of those
Several
who
"
had
been
thus
formed
in-
themselves
executed and
more
by sums
powerful
of money,
to avoid the
of
truth,who
with marvellous
suffered,
"
of Loudun
that
we
are
too
well known
should enter
of
to render
it necessary
but in the description
of these
we
apparitions
perceiveall
the characters which belongto a hallucination.
One
of the nuns
a
phantom sursaw, during the night,
*
one
Chronique de Monstrelet,t.
Walter Scott : Opus cit. p. 202.
Paris,1572.
286
CAUSES
rounded
by
its form
to that
OF
HALLUCINATIONS.
red
of Grrandier
with
one
she
her
of love.
assistance ; she
became
faint,and
her
to
came
it also
its person
trembled
the
callingon
she
treated
en-
holy
Such
name
no
was
of
readilyunderstand that the principle
the susimitation
would
have great influence over
ceptible
and that the visions
imaginationof women,
would soon
spreadto the other nuns.
the condemnation
The result of this possession
was
who was
burnt
Urbain
of the unfortunate
Grrandier,
alive on
Wednesday, the 18th of August, 1634, for
and sorcery.
the crimes of magic,witchcraft,
'
The
originof lycanthropyreaches back to the
earliest ages of paganism. In this illusion the unhappy
lunatics believed they were
wolves.
changed into werethe pretended transformation
Sometimes
of drinks or poisonous
was
accomplished
by means
teenth
It was
unctions.
more
during the fourespecially
that this singular
fifteenth centuries
and
illusion spread through Europe. These
were-dogs
We
can
"
and
wolves
were-
forests
abandoned
they allowed
their
Their
grow.
pitch,that they would
beard
Ch.
Lovdun,
to
Lauze
Essai
pp. 12-13.
their houses
nails,their hair,and
ferocityarrived
mutilate,and
sur
Medico-historique
Paris,1839.
to dwell
at
in
their
such
sometimes
les Possedees
de
CAUSES
destroyand
to
children who
devour
might
the misfortune
have
in their
way.*
reporteda singulartrial which
come
Wierius
2S7
HALLUCINATIONS.
OF
has
took
It was
of lycanin 1521.
a
case
placeat Besancon
it leaves no doubt of the insanity
thropy,and certainly
which existed on the one
side,or of the ignoranceon
the other.
The
examined
who
inquisitor
the three
accused
named
theywere
thegrosPierre. All
devil,and that
anointed themselves,they had wolves for their wives.
themselves
the
to
had
Burgot acknowledged he
killed
boy
young
that he should
a
and teeth,and
with his wolf's paws
him if the country people had
have eaten
him.
confessed
Verdun
Michel
not
that
he
pursued
had
gatheringpeas out of a
girlwho was
young
garden; and that himself and Burgot had killed and
killed
eaten
four others.
He
mentioned
and
He
added
that
they
made
use
and
the time
he
of
had
place,
devoured.
powder
to
kill
them.
These
burnt
three
were-wolves
were
condemned
to
be
alive.t
Example
103.
in the autumn
A mason,
of the year
any known
deep melancholywithout
and
cause.
During the night he had strangevisions,
steal away to secluded
in the morning would secretly
places. On the twelfth day of his attack he refused
all nourishment
two
voured
days afterwards he de; but
with extreme
voracitythe food which was
XII.,
fell into
J. Gfarinet
+ Bottigeralteste spuren
mithologie,nebst Zutsatzen
Gresch. der Med.
"
von
cit. p. 118.
Wolfowuth
in der
Opus
der
Sprengel,in
dessen
Griechischen
Beitragenzur
Freidreich,Litnrargescli.
pp. 23-27.
2S8
causes
or
hallucinations.
the fourteenth
wolf,and
several
was
inclination to
bite.
his
escapedinto the country,where he re-commenced
but which ceased upon
the repeated
affusion
howlings,
of cold water.
This singulardisease appeared
the eighteenthday with a violent
to terminate
on
attack of fever,
which lasted twenty-four
hours. His
to have been accomplished
completerecovery seems
of nature.*
by the unaided resources
It is curious to find in
our
times,amongst the
own
which
a superstition
Abyssinians,
very similar to this,
prevailed
amongst the inhabitants of Europe during
the Middle
Ages. Like them, they believe in a
which is the exact counterpart
zoological
metamorphosis,
Thus the class of pottersand
of lycanthropy.
blacksmiths
are
generallyregarded as having the
of metamorphosing themselves
into hysenas
power
and other wild animals,and to be able to produce
disease by their looks. But, instead of beingbrought
to
The
ideas
mystical
from whence
have alluded to
we
Middle
of the stitions
superingly
exceedderived,were
are
most
favourable to the
productionof hallucinations.
universal and their truth
As these superstitions
were
their power was
unlimited.
The
never
questioned,,
directed towards
heaven ; but,
of men
minds
were
and ideas,
governedby the nature of their feelings
delivered
some
themselves
up
to
the
ascetic
most
Matthey
p. 96.
Nouvelles
Recherches
sur
les Maladies
1816.
T
Pearce
Residence
in
Alyssinia.
de
VEsprity
OF
CAUSES
289
HALLUCINATIONS.
had
and
communications
with
raptures,ecstasies,
celestial spirits.Eor the same
reason,
amongst
had
those
who
depressingthoughts,arising
pagans,
from
bilious temperament, were
a
pursued by the
furies
and
the
those
with
elevated ideas,
which
showed
which
Greeks
in the
cations
communi-
of those
sources
numerous
we
hallucinations which
It is to these
tions
supersti-
owe
are
were
approachof death,or
of
consequence
and of the dead
who
compactstheyhad
returningto suck
made
when
living
;
victims.
It is certain that
vast number
of
have
apparitions
occurred which coincided with no
importantepoch,
followed
which
not
and
even
were
by any remarkable
have been forgotten,
event : these,therefore,
while
those which by chance have been realized have been
carefully
kept in remembrance.
Such is the storytold in Beaumont's
World
of
of the most interesting
of its kind.
one
The
Spirits,
heroine of the event, which took placein 1662, was
the daughter of Sir Charles Lee.
No
reasonable
doubt can be placedon
the authenticity
of the narrative,
it was
drawn
cester,
as
up by the Bishopof Gloufrom the recital of the young lady's
father.
Sir Charles Lee, by his firstlady,
Example 104.
"
290
had
CAUSES
OF
HALLTTCrN-ATIONS.
birth
daughter,of which she died in childshe was
the Lady
dead,her sister,
; and when
Everard,desired to have the education of the child,
and she was
by her very well educated tillshe was
and a match was
concluded for her with
marriageable,
Sir William Perkins,but was
then preventedin an
manner.
Upon a Thursdaynight,she,
extraordinary
thinkingshe saw a lightin her chamber after she
for her maid, who
in bed, knocked
was
presently
to her ; and she asked, Why she left a candle
came
burningin her chamber ?' The maid said,she left
but what she had brought
none
none, and there was
only one
'
'
with
her
at
that time.'
fire ; but
that,her
said she
believed
she said it
might
maid
it
be
was
so,
Then
she said it
was
the
told
to
she
for her clothes,and when
not out
her closet,and came
was
dressed,went
into
292
CAirsES
or
hallucinations.
The
followinganecdote is told
Duke
of Buckingham. Clarendon
the
ghost of Sir G-eorgeYilliers,
three
less than
no
wardrobe,to
inform
his
this man's
son
but
his
warrant
him
of the
celebrated
times to
lather,
appeared
officer of the
an
fate which
situation
too
was
awaited
to
mean
ligence
intelimportant
therefore neglected
the
with
going directly
to the favourite.
of the
He
the
utmost
the
satisfy
duke
But
that he
duke
observed
was
to what
uneasiness
some
impostor
; and the
afterwards.
melancholy
no
to be very
all this
at
was
warningtended,exceptto create
it is impossible
impending calamity,
to
too
was
dark
and
connected
Example
105.
M.
had contracted
named
Desfontaines.
compacts
that in
case
visit the
*
Brodie
which
had
friend.
teen,
student of fifyoung
with a younger lad
intimacy
After talking
togetherof the
Bezuel,a
an
been
made
between
persons,
of death the spirit
of the deceased should
survivor,
theyagreed to
:
of
form
such
209.
com-
OF
CAUSES
293
HALLUCINATIONS.
to Caen.
he had
swoon
still
and
what
of the
; one
called out
for
ailed me,
and that I
thoughtI should
the questionnor
with what
never
the
But
than
it
then
what
I neither remember
then
saw
perceived
recovered
disordered
However,
answer.
day
footmen
they asked me
answered,I have seen
see.
I remember
third
I fell into
help. They
more
my mind was
before ; I was
told that
"
senses
"
attack.
severe
the
On
but
little,
had been
half
againfainted.
more
I lost my
;
me
me
he
day,when
next
to the meadow
returned
this attack he
"
it agrees
naked
in
man
ladder,I
at
saw
the bottom
of it my schoolfellow,
Desfontaines.
fit ; my
head
this sightI had another fainting
At
got
They
steps,and I againlost my senses.
helpedme down, and set me on a largebeam which
served for a seat in the Place des Capucins. I sat
it,and then I no longersaw M. de Sorteville
upon
his servants,thoughthey were
ing
nor
present. PerceivDesfontaines
the foot of the ladder,
who
near
back upon
made me
to him, I went
a sign to
come
between
seat
my
saw
me,
two
as
it
were
but whom
to make
I did not
came
up
to
me,
took
room
see,
thoughmy
got up
hold of my
eyes
were
to go to him
left arm
with his
294
CAUSES
de Sorteville tliat I
M.
Sorteville
ask
me
to myself.M.
talking
was
He
drank.
was
an
hour.
near
de
me,
some
since.
me
came
questionsand return
some
he told
as
answers,
"
thought I
heard
and
of
HALLUCINATIONS.
OF
nearlythree-quarters
promisedyou,'said he,
'
that if I died
weather
very hot
was
the water
the
such
walking with
was
; I grew
The
river.
dived to
bring me
whether
he
was
and
the
such
fancytook
and sunk to
faint,
Abbe
Meniljean,my
up.
afraid
I took
or
had
us
the
to
go into
bottom
mind
of
school-fellow,
The
persons.
to
but
rise to the
top
'
siders
con-
It is
by natural causes.
explained
the cause
that Bezuel' s fainting
was
very probable
of the apparition.I know," says Ferriar, from my
that the
well as that of others,
as
own
experience,
approachof syncope is sometimes attended with a
collected
spectral
appearance, which I believe is always a reimage. One circumstance that should be
with which a morbid
borne in mind, is the obstinacy
it may
be
"
"
OF
CAUSES
295
HALLUCINATIONS.
is preserved,
impression
long after the restoration to
A gentlemanfancied,duringthe delirium of
health.
that a considerable estate had been bequeathed
a fever,
him ; the impressioncontinued
covery,
long after his reand
he
was
not
without
undeceived
much
trouble and
difficulty."*
recollection of the figureand
The
Eicinus,to
Michael
the voice of
of
an
hallucination.
Mercato, mentioned
by
Baronius.
after
illustrious friends,
long discourse on
of the
the nature
of the soul,had agreed,
whoever
two should die first,
should,if possible,
appear to his
and inform him of his condition in
friend,
surviving
Those
afterwards,"
pened
says Baronius, it hapthat while Michael Mercato,the elder,
dying
stuwas
earlyin the morning,he suddenly
philosophy,
in the streets,
heard the noise of a horse galloping
which stopped at his door, and the voice of his
friend Ficinus was
heard, exclaiming,O, Michael !
true.'' Astonished at this
are
O, Michael ! those things
address,Mercato rose and looked out of the window,
the back of his friend,
dressed in white,
when he saw
off,on a white horse.
galloping
"
called after him, and followed him with
Mercato
his eyes, tillthe appearance vanished.
Upon inquiry,
he learned that Ficinus
had died at Florence,at the
presentedto Mercato,
very time when this vision was
This apparition,
which
at a considerable distance.
"
short time
'
created
elevated
considerable
Ferriar
1724.
"
reveries of
:
Opus
Plato,the
cit. p. 118.
"
idea of his
Journal
of the
account
on
of
position
be accounted
the
sensation
dc
in
In
it,may
ing
study-
and
friend,
Trevoux,vol. viii.
296
OF
CAUSES
HALLUCINATIONS.
of their
had
been
unbelievers ?
we
are
light,
religious
believe that
in this opinion
unable to participate
; we
God has at times chosen to make use of supernatural
to recall
means
think
to him
men
otherwise
would
Scripture.f
Example 106. Colonel Gardiner had spent the
eveningin some
gay company, and had an unhappy
whom
he was
with a married woman,
to
assignation
The company
broke up
at twelve.
attend exactly
and not judgingit convenient to anticipate
about eleven,
he went into his chamber to
the time appointed,
kill the tedious hour, perhaps,with some
amusing
But it accidentally
book.
happened that he took up
book, which his mother or aunt, without
a religious
his knowledge,had slippedinto his portmanteau:
it
was
Heaven
taken
Christian Soldier,
or
Guessingby the title of it that he would
called The
hy Storm.
find
in
some
phrasesof
which
a manner
he
his
spiritualized
profession
thoughtmight afford him some
own
Ferriar
De
Mortuorum
Apparitionihus
Baronii Annates.
This storywho
Prothoof
the
was
Baronius
told
to
by
grandson Mercato,
was
of the greatestprobity,
well
as
notary of the Church, and a man
"
of generalknowledge.
cism.
f" There is an importantdistinction to make in regardto mystiTaken in a generalsense, it is not a disease of the mind ;
truths,and providesfor an actual want.
it rests upon undoubted
to be regulated.
is
beautiful
and
great, but it requires
Mysticism
Without
some
check, it falls into exaggeratedand erroneous
as
opinions.
OF
CAUSES
he
diversion,
297
HALLUCINATIONS.
resolved to
amazement,
surrounded
"
the Lord
Jesus
on
time he seemed
to hear
voice utter
these words
"
sinner ! did I
Oh,
character.*
this instance,which has been
divine interposition,
has been
To
quoted in favour
of a
opposed another
vision which occurred in the seventeenth
centuryto
of the most powerfulenemies to Christianity,
and
one
to encourage
of which the effect was
him to publish,
the book in which his dangerous tenets were
tained.
con"
about
was
which
this time
finished
get from
I could
my
all the
visits and
spare
negotiations
done
but
that
communicated
was
much
was
it to
no
Hugo
who, havingescapedhis
great scholar,
the Low
into France,and
Countries,came
welcomed
by me and Monsieur Tieleners,
Grotius,that
prisonin
hours
Hibbert
298
HALLUCINATIONS.
OP
CAUSES
also
of the
one
"
'
"
nations,
shines upon me, and Giver of all imvard illumiI do beseech Thee, of Thy infinite goodness,
now
to
I had
no
spokenthese words,but
sooner
noise came
though yet gentle,
it was
like nothing on earth
"
"
the heavens
which
did
"
for
comfort
so
and
as
granted,
petition
solved
had the signdemanded, whereupon,also,I reto print
my book.
and cheer
that T
from
loud,
me
that I took my
strange it may
This, however
seem,
protest
hear
clearly
ever
Dr.
throws
Ireland,in
no
doubt
on
his View
the
of the
statement
Beistical Writers,
of this nobleman.
cannot
Hibbert
of Cherbury.
"
of Lord
Autobiography
Herbert
300
and
CAUSES
OF
HALLUCINATIONS.
the
Ferdinand
Denis : Le Monde
Enchante, cosmographie, ou
histoire naturelle et fantastiqnedu
moven-ac:e.
Paris, 1842.
Bekker : Le Monde
Enchante, i vols. Amsterdam.
*
CAUSES
301
HALLUCINATIONS.
OF
just notion
Europe.
forms
under
and
the
which
of
spreadover
was
Christian
belief which
loped
deve-
were
depressingideas,
inspired
by the fear that
at
was
hand, were
tremely
ex-
of those demoniacal
rapidextension is explainedby
alluded to.
have already
the causes
we
Natural
historydid its part towards increasing
the
these errors
of the imagination,
and in enlarging
realms
of fiction. The existence of the phoenix,
of
taken for
fabulous vultures,of winged serpents,
were
whose
opinions,
truths
of the mastodon
looked
were
filled
the remains of giants. The air was
as
upon
and flyingserpents.
with terrible dragons,basilisks,
The
of the
caverns
earth
contained
monsters
with
serpents,and
sucked
of
of America
direction to
discovery
gave a new
men's thoughts.Adventurers
encountered a
willingly
in search of the Eldorado,of the termultitude of perils
restrial
and of the fountain of perpetual
paradise,
youth.
The vast forests of Malabar
gular
were
peopledby sincreatures, who united in their extraordinary
the religious
reveries of India to those
organization
of Europe. Falsehoods,says Eijoo,the Voltaire of
the Spaniards,
like serpents,
out
are
they multiplywithend.
Compelledto retire before the advancing
The
arose
are
New
World,
to be met
where
with.
in the sixteenth
Ages
found
all the
century,
last retreat
divinities of the
302
causes
Such
the
were
marvellous
or
and
halltt
citations.
of that
sources
mixture
of
the
the
there
are
traces
page of
understood
in every
time, it may be
history. At the same
why they are not to be considered as indications of
insanity.The persons who were
subjectto them
of the age.
in the generalopinions
only participated
Their imagination,
excited by these doctrines,
strongly
whose truth was
and by the tales
never
questioned,
which were
told in supportof them, led them
to see
what others onlyimaginedthey had seen.
The impulse
thus givenwas
communicated
to all ; but still
and actions of these persons had no
in society,
taint of insanity.The error
originated
the conversation
completethis portionof
our
the
of
to trace
causes
necessary
which existed in the different forms
What
has
it
subject,
is
hallucinations
of civilization.
been
hallucination
abound.
showed
frequently
This kind of
CAUSES
OF
303
HALLUCINATIONS.
Macedonia, inconsolable
mounted
on
"
"
Theodore
f Eusebe
imp. 20.
Santabaren
Salverte
Brewster
Abbe, ArchevequeclesZachaites.
in vita Basil,
Opus cit. Les Grammat.
:
Opus
"
cit. p. 67.
304
his
CATJSES
house,the
in attendance
OE
scaffold
to
put
his
continued
to
and
prepared,
him
him
in order to convince
exceptin
HALLUCINATIONS.
to death.
that
imagination
; but
see
the executioner
He
such
no
it
was
taken
scene
out
existed,
useless ; he still
the scaffold and the gendarmes. To
was
escape this
criminals.
condition of many
the enemy
of
Example 110. Manoury, who was
Urbain
Grandier,was chosen,on April26, 1634, to
and ascertain whether, accordingto the
examine
the accused had any part
of the prioress,
statement
insensible. He fulfilled this
of his body which was
and one
cannot
mission with the greatestbarbarity,
of the unhappy man
think of the sufferings
even
without a thrill of horror.f He had,however,reason
one
to repentof his cruelties,
for, returning
night
the outskirts of the town,
from visiting
a patient
on
accompaniedby his brother and another person, he
suddenlycried out, 'Ah ! there is Grandier ! What
trembled
and
do you want with one ?* He
violently,
"
Gazette des
Ci?iq-Marsde
M.
de
Vigny.
Grandier
CAUSES
seized with
OF
305
HALLUCINATIONS.
from which
his companions
frenzy,
could not recover
him.
They took him to his house,
he seemed to
to Grandier,whom
talking
perpetually
have before his eyes ; they got him
to bed, still
state of frenzy. During
tremblingand in the same
the few remainingdays of his life he remained in the
was
state.
same
died
He
with
to keep him
present,and endeavoured
away,
a
ll
the
time
exclamations."
uttering
frightful
hours of Charles IX.
Sullyrelates that the solitary
rendered terrible by a repetition
were
of the cries
and groans which assailed his ears duringthe massacre
was
of Saint Bartholomew.*
"
'
alwaysbefore
are
and
blood-stained
I wish
me.
theyhad
countenances,
not included
the mind
is burdened
by a great crime,
monomania
is close at hand.
Not unfrequently
cusing
acvoices terrify
the guilty
person, and he becomes
insane.
of
Example 111. In 1623 or 1624, one Fletcher,
Rascal,a town in the North Riding of Yorkshire,a
of good estate,married a young woman
who
yeoman
had been formerlykind with one
Ralph Raynard,
*
a
relatifs
VHistoire
de
France,2e
306
OF
CAUSES
HALLTTCrNATIOKS.
who
an
sowed
old
oak-root
had
been
stubbed
up,
and
mustard-seed
therebyto hide
upon the place,
continued
their wicked
of lust
course
it.
So
and
they
at Fletcher's absence
but gone
writs being served upon him.
and said that he
was
it,
excuse
der
won-
some
it continued
so
And
repent,repent,for my revenge is at hand."
until he was
ever
after,
put in the gaol,it seemed to
stand before him, wherebyhe became sad and restless ;
and his own
sister,overhearinghis confession and
relation of it to another person, did,through fear of
her own
life,
immediatelyreveal it to Sir William
of
who lived in Eascal,and was
a
Sheffield,
justice
peace.
and sent to the
all three apprehended,
They were
all three condemned,
gaol at York, where theywere
to the placewhere
near
and so executed accordingly
buried.*
and where Fletcher was
Eaynard lived,
*
Webster
prosecution.
On
Witchcraft,p.
296.
Webster
assisted in the
308
CAUSES
OF
HALLUCINATIONS.
he
drummer
inn
an
the Portsmouth
on
went
bed, desiringto
to
the firstPortsmouth
when
summoned
road,where
coach
be
The
came.
called
waiter
him
his
bered,
accordingly
; but long after rememthat when he shook the guest by the shoulder,
first words, as he awoke, were,
My God ! I did
not
kill biin.'
'
"
Matchman
instantly entered
marine,I
to
the
know
to the
went
as
able-bodied
an
which.
not
tion
and attensobriety
same
good opinionof
which he had enjoyed
the
service
new
or
His
officers in his
landsman
in the
He
army.
behaved
the vessel
was
into
came
Plymouth,and
paidoff,and
was
some
were
resolved to walk
seaman
by Salisbury.It
to
when
was
miles
of this celebrated
than
seemed
within
two
route
three
or
taken
overcity,that they were
by a tempest so suddenly,and accompanied
and thunder
with such vivid lightning,
so
dreadfully
loud,that the obdurate conscience of the old sinner
He
terror
more
bes;an to be awakened.
expressed
natural
for
who
one
elements,and began to
that his companion became
wildly,
the
of
war
than
more
rose
from
desired the
man
highway,to
see
was
alone.
The
complainedthat
the
to
his
road
walk
familiar with
look and
aware
At
companion
and
on
the
other
length
that
the
He
side of the
so
thing
some-
if
the
talk
that
the matter.
was
complained to
Matcham
stones
usual
was
stillflew after
when
he
Matcham.
him, and
CAUSES
did not
the
pursue
added, coming up
with
tone
of
309
HALLUCINATIONS.
OF
other.
'
But
what
is worse,'he
his
companion,and whispering,
mystery and fear, who is that little
to
'
'
as
far
fetched
was
unable
as
confession
deep
longer to
He
then
added
could
do it.
groan,
and
declared
endure
the
life which
confessed the
that, as
murder
The
that
minal
crihe
he had
of the
considerable reward
he wished
his comrade
to deliver
offered,
him up to the magistrates
of Salisbury,
he would
as
desire a shipmateto profit
by his fate,which he was
convinced was
inevitable. Having overcome
his
now
friend's objections
to this mode
of proceeding,
Jarvis
Matcham
surrendered
to justiceaccordingly,
was
and made a full confession of his guilt. But before
The
the trial the love of life returned.
prisoner
denied his confession,
and pleaded Not Guilty.' By
this time,however, full evidence had been procured
from
other quarters. Witnesses
appearedfrom his
former regiment to prove his identity
with the murderer
and deserter,
and the waiter remembered
the
ominous words which he had spoken when he awoke
him to jointhe Portsmouth
coach.
Jarvis Matcham
found
When
his last
was
guilty,and executed.
chance of life was
over, he returned to his confession,
and with his dyingbreath averred,and truly,
he
as
Plain.
thought,the truth of the vision on Salisbury
Similar
adds Sir Walter
Scott, might be
stories,"
that,under the direction of
produced,showingplainly
fear may be
Heaven, the influence of superstitious
had
been
'
"
310
the
CAUSES
appointedmeans
OF
HALLUCINATIONS.
of
pentance
bringingthe criminal to refor his own
sake,and to punishment for the
advantageof society."*
says Esquirol,
may arise from the
of the same
mental
voluntaryor forced repetition
operations.f
When
the recollections acquire
the same
intensity
first impressions,
when
the same
sensations
as
or
to
are
prolonged,it becomes impossible
indefinitely
between
the two.
This is what happens
distinguish
when
of the brain becomes
the susceptibility
wrought
overdwellingon the same
by constantly
subject.
At those times the individual is apt to hear or see
the special
if
as
objectof his thoughtsas distinctly
the images or sounds came
from without ; his reason
wanders,being deceived by these false sensations.
Example 113. In the month of October, 1833, a
a native of Piemont,went
aged twenty-eight,
woman,
to the ball givenat the fete of her village.
She danced
for three dayswith a hind of frenzy; after that she
heard the sound of the music which had so
perpetually
her.
Tire-balloons had been let off",
and of
delighted
these she saw
a continual succession,
one
making way
[Hallucinat
for another.
This
hallucination
disturbed
the vital
ultimately
broughton a kind of nervous
cal
consumption. Dr. Brosserio observed that the musi-
powers,
and
sounds
continued
of
he conversed
thingswhich
he had
never
read
he
or
declared he learnt
heard
of,and
1838.
that
CAUSES
311
HALLUCINATIONS.
OE
J. B. Manso,
to other persons.
his friend,says, that one day,at Besaccio,near
Naples,
to convince him of the illusion
when he endeavoured
indeed
were
under
which
unknown
him
he
"
Since my reasons
will do so by your
you, I
are
and
experience,
own
of
eyes this spirit
which I have spoken to you, and for which you will
"I
trust
not
accept the offer,"said
my word."
I wish
you to
with
see
your
own
"
Manso
and
the
day, the
next
being
two
seated
"
he observed that Tasso
before the fire,
on
a sudden
kept his eye on a window, and remained in a manner
immovable.
no
At
answer.
called him
He
by
last Tasso
is
friendlyspiritthat
to
come
of the
look ! and
"
nothing except
saw
windows.
but
could
ask where
the
cast his
He
truth of all
the
over
room,
justgoing to
when
pretendedspiritwas,
the
surprise
; he looked,but
sunbeams
dartingthrough
eyes all
perceivenothing; and was
the
me
with
heard him
Manso
with
converse
he heard
to
interrupthim.
ended
conversation
appearedby
as
Manso,
Manso
asked
was
had
admiration,and
listened with
more
with
Tasso'
him
the
own
At
last,the
uncommon
if his
amazed
not
doubts
than
ever
were
he
removed.
scarce
knew
and waived
of his friend's situation,
further conversation on the subject."*
what
to think
Apparentlyslight
causes,
*
The
Hoole's
such
Vie
as
du
are
enumerated
Tasse,par
xi. p. 236.
any
Manso.
312
OF
CAUSES
below, and
which
HALLUCINATIONS.
do not
seem
to
to
us
have
been
nervous
sensitive
visions in
fears,or even
people. Conolly speaks of
wake
persons, who, from this cause, would
young
troubled for some
dreams,and were
up with frightful
ing
impressionswith regardto surroundgence
objects.We attended a gentleman of intelliand education,
who, for several years after a
attack of fever,
severe
experienced
every nightthe most
of anxiety,
indescribable terror,and an intense feeling
that he should be surrounded
fearingevery moment
this state was
He
the
was
aware
by apparitions.
but at the approachof darkness,
result of his illness,
time with
false
vanished.
Division.
causes
may
be
"
Causes.
Physical
arranged under
five heads.
the
them.
First Section. In this division we
the influence which is exercised over
"
of hallucinations
by descent,sex,
have to examine
the
age,
production
temperament,
CAUSES
OF
313
HALLUCINATIONS.
occupation
causes, by the seasons,
; by physiological
know nothing
We
and by climate and locality.
really
with regardto several of these causes, and of others
our
knowledgeis extremelylimited. It must not be
only a
forgottenthat the hallucination is frequently
cumstances
a
complication,
symptom, and that,under these cirits separatestudyis extremelydifficult.
have
We
descent
records which
no
hallucinations.
on
have
hallucinations
nervous
The
and
had
Two
hereditary
notice,and
our
so
was
the
Catherine
son.
de
We
of
cases
under
come
the influence of
we
of
are
prove
have
l'Estoile,
night of
not
of
occurrence
the
on
Medicis
observed
sex.
Out
of
one
hundred
thirty-six
persons admitted into our establishment,
females. It
males and seventy-three
were
sixty-three
is very different,
however,with regardto the nature
for throughouttheir history
it
of the hallucinations,
in women.
Their
is found that erotic ideas prevail
is explained
in man
by the greaterfacility
iufrequency
his desires.
he possesses for gratifying
in moral
originating
Age.' Hallucinations generally
being very frequently
complicatedwith
causes, and
their appearance corresponds
with the proinsanity,
gress
of that disease,
and they show themselves
at
and
"
the
time
of lifewhich
is most
liable to
it.
There
many
occurred
314
CAUSES
old,whose
OF
mother
and
HALLUCINATIONS.
grandmother were
insane,and
to hallucinations.
This child had a particusubject
larly
a
intelligent
high forehead,with
appearance
large expressiveeyes. Her conversation was
verysuperiorto that of most children of her age, and
surprisedall who heard it.
"
The
animation
excessive
and
she could
restlessness of the
child
were
never
remain
"
until
fear
or
from
waking state
may
arise from
during the
in the latter
314
CAlTJSES
oid, wnose^
HALLUCINATIONS.
OP
has taken
the account
subject/hallucination
^r
Example
at .a
118.
distance of
"I
seven
was
from
the
sent
of
an
Mercure
interesting
Galant
of
young to a town
leaguesfrom my native place,
in order that I
very
"
"
"
assured
dreaming,and
been
I had
that
me
317
HALLUCINATIONS.
OP
CAUSES
that the
not
at the
little increased
however,
said
him, all
the
the occasion
nothing to
my
have
would
he
after supper,
sent
to allow
was
upon
not
alongwith him.
to find
retiring,
to
ask
vain
some
what
me
was
accompany
of it ;
cause
him
to
re-enter
and, after
that
was
rather
or
granaries,
It
foolish tales.
he
adventure ; which
my
intent upon undeceiving
me,
to the
to
out
in the chamber.
had appeared
spirits
of me
to whom
I
fear,and demanded
derided my
indebted for such
He
on
therefore,
astonished,
lingered.He failed
I confessed
excuses,
because
terrified,
the
muster
to
unwilling
was
before
be conducted
for him
that I had
was
bed
I could
myselfto
He
to
me
self-collectionwhich
Yet I waited
of his presence.
into our chamber,for I was
me
it but
sight;
was
to
the
then
was
not
heard,than,
conducted by him
garrets to which
sooner
no
made
known
to
fit to be store-rooms
me
for
none
there,and that
actually
had been any.
there never
Upon my return,as I
he asked me
to pointout
followed close to my father,
and seen
the placewhere I had lifted up the tapestry
"
the
show
room
open.
in vain.
him, but
our
chamber
find
no
than
that which
other
door
led
the staircase.
"Events
so
to
opposite
I could
senses.
what
I had
still more,
related of
believed could
and
imagined,
that
goblins,
some
My
alleged
318
CATJSES
freaks
of
OF
HALLUCINATIONS.
were
spirits
than
tbose
fables
mere
"
fabulous
more
of
iEsop or of Phagdrus,adding,
that the truth was, I had sleptwhile writing,
that I
dreamt duringmy sleepall which I now
believed I
had heard and seen, and that the conjoined
influence
of surprise
and fear havingacted on my imagination,
even
had
caused
the
same
been
producedby
it for
it as
effect upon
truth itself. I had
would
have
at
difficulty
the time to assent to his reasoning
obliged
; but was
to acknowledgeit in the end as very just. Observe,
however;,how strong the impressionof this dream
I think, candidly,
that if the vision had not
was.
been falsifiedby all the circumstances which
I have
justnoted, I should,even at this time,have received
truth."*
There
but
can
be
no
doubt
hallucination.
instances which
that this
I could
caused
cite
by
was
not
numerous
dream,
similar
preoccupiedstate
of the mind, by fear,by the dread of punishment,or
from the alarm which is producedby the silence and
darkness of night.
be stated with regardto the
can
Nothing positive
those which afford
influence of professions
: a priori,
the greatestscope to the imaginationshould be the
of hallucinations.
favourable to the production
most
we
In support of this opinion,
might mention several
and whose aberration
poets who have had hallucinations,
of their
was
owing to the nature
evidently
occupation.
exercises an influence over
Climate, undoubtedly,
hallucinations. The character of the European differs
The physical
from that of the Asiatic and African.
character on
constitution tends to impressa special
feel
we
the various nations ; but,in addition to this,
were
Hibbert
Opus
cit.p. 436.
CAUSES
Or
319
HALLUCINATIONS.
it is
proofof climatal influence,
creeds and the syssufficient to recal the theological
tems
of cosmogony
belongingto the north ; in these
countries the aspectsof nature are gigantic,
wild,and
the Laplanders,the
the inhabitants
terrible
as
of a highly susare
ceptible
Ostyaks,and the Samoiedes
temperament, and peopletheir solitudes with
invisible beings.* On
comparing the opinionsof
these nations with regardto the world of spirits
with
those which
prevailedin Greece and America, they
of the district.
In
"
"
found
are
in each
case
accord
to
with
the
natural
features of the
country.
present remarkable differences
in regardto locality
in towns are
occur
; those which
frequently
very distinct from those which take place
in the country. Thus, while the effects of the passions
reflected in the first,
and of scepticismare
impresstheir characters on
ignoranceand superstition
The
the
hallucinations
second.
histories
The
the
of
most
civilized
as
"
She has
carbuncle
no
she wishes
by day as well as by night. When
she is obliged
to enter a river,
to leave the carbuncle
the land.
on
Any one who can then succeed in
the spirit,
and compel
obtainingit,may command
her to bring him all the treasures which
hidden
are
in the mountains ; but it is a dangerousadventure ;
darts out of
for, at the least noise, the Vouivre
the river,and
to him
whom
she may
woe
enshines
were
:
Essai
sur
les Races
Humaines,
320
CAUSES
counter.*
The
confesses his
the
the
HALLTJCIKATIOXS.
of almost
author
which
OF
all the
life of
precarious
various
calamities
sailor is
to
continually
so
exposed.
The Bhar-guest,
it
or
Bhar-geist,
by which name
is generally
acknowledgedthrough various country
in Yorkshire,also
partsof England,and particularly
called
Dobie
local
"
spot under
of
implies,
name
Solitude
is
which
spectre,
various forms
Teutonic
haunts
is
"
as
deity,
particular
his
descent. t
belongsto
This will constantly
hallucination
produce a partial
locality.
in imaginative
individuals.
or
especially
ecstasy,
The
one
Eastern
feelingsof those
powerfuleffect of
tales
who
have
this
cause
of the
desert,and the
traversed it,show the
tion
observa; nevertheless,
The
proves that it varies with the locality.
hallucinations which occur
the Northern
on
Steppes
different to
are
those
which
arise
on
the
burning
the
centre
shuttingmy
of
the
letter
eyes, and
in
de
word.
the
shadingthem
Xavier Marmier
: Souvenirs
73.
laires,
p.
f Walter Scott:
*
Voyage
somewhat
et Traditions
After
with
Popu-
CAUSES
OF
321
HALLUCINATIONS.
in the
seen
hands, the colour was
distinctly
spectrum in yellowcolours on a blue ground; and
then, on opening my eyes on a yellowishwall at
the magnified
of BANKS
name
twenty feet distance,
appearedon the wall,written in goldencharacters."
"
A friend of mine," says Abercrombie, had been
one
day lookingintenselyat a small print of the
Virginand Child,and had sat bending over it for
time.
On raising
his head he was
startled by
some
at the farther end of the apartment a
perceiving
female figure
of the size of life,
with a child in her
The firstfeeling
of surprise
arms.
having subsided,
he instantly
traced the source
of the illusion,
and remarked
that the figurecorrespondedexactly
with
that which he had contemplated
in the print. The
my
"
illusion continued
The
ocean
All who
are
mirage.
minutes."*
of the atmosphere
may producesingular
state
visions.
traversed
acquaintedwith
General
the
the
desert
phenomenon
or
the
of the
tioned
men-
hallucinations.
"We
have
known
men
young
who
had
and
been
well
Abercrombie
Opus cit.p.
63.
322
CAUSES
OF
HALLUCINATION'S.
of life,
became
the victims
pursued by tions
temptathe physical
cases
constitution was
but the distressing
not
altered,
from the mental suffering.
arose
feelings
The second division of physicalcauses
which may
give rise to hallucinations,
comprises,mechanical
alcoholic drinks, certain gases, plants,and
causes,
narcotic substances.
poisonous
suicide.
to commit
The
mechanical
include pressure
In these
which
causes
on
were
favour
the organs
of the
hallucinations
senses,
their
he
children,
quietedall anguish.*
nature.
surrounded
Medical
adiii.No.
and
by
similar
saw
objects
; some
to their
vessels in the distance,which they signalled
or
assistance,
theybeheld a road leadingto a magnificent
city. M. Coreard fancied he was passing
through the most beautiful scenery of Italy. M.
Savigny observes,that during the nights he and
attacked with dementia.
"When
his companions
were
themselves
PhysicalJournal,by
252, Feb.
1850.
"William
Hutchinson,vol.
324
CAUSES
The
universe is
Of
OE
HALLUCINATIONS.
ideas,pleacomposedof impressions,
sures,
"#
and pains!'
all the substances whose
action on
the body
givesrise
remarkable
to hallucinations
and
the
illusions,
most
"
facts may
be mentioned
as
"
of the eye
the
to arise between
state
"
a
increased,
waking and
point. That
sympathyseemed
dreaming states of the brain in one
I happened to call up
and to trace
whatsoever
by a voluntaryact upon the darkness,was
very
dreams, so that
apt to transfer itself to my
I feared to exercise this faculty;
for, as Midas
all things to gold that yet baffled his
turned
ever
whatsoso
desires,
hopes and defrauded his human
I
represented
thingscapableof beingvisually
did but think of in the darkness,
immediatelyshaped
into phantoms of the eye ; and, by a
themselves
*
Davy'sResearches
on
Nitrous
Oxide,p.
488.
CAUSES
process no
faint and
OF
325
HALLUCINATIONS.
thus traced in
when once
less inevitable,
like writingsin sympacolours,
visionary
thetic
iuk, they
chemistryof
my
drawn
were
dreams
out
by
the
into insufferable
fierce
splendour
changes in my dreams,
and gloomy
were
anxiety
accompaniedby deep-seated
by
melancholy,such as are wholly incommunicable
I seemed every night to descend,not metaphorically,
words.
and
but literally
to descend,into chasms
sunless abysses,
depths below depths,from which it
seemed
hopelessthat I could ever re-ascend. Nor
did I by waking feel that I had re-ascended.
of
of space and, in the end, the sense
The sense
affected. Buildings,
scapes,
landboth powerfully
time,were
vast as
exhibited in proportions
so
"c, were
the bodilyeye is not fitted to receive. Spaceswelled,
to an extent of unutterable infinity.
and was amplified
the
much
as
so
This, however, did not disturb me
seemed to have
vast expansionof time ; I sometimes
lived for seventyor a hundred years in one
night
of a millennium
representative
nay, sometimes had feelings
tion
passedin that time,or, however,of a durafar beyondthe limits of any human
experience.
incidents of childhood,
The minutest
or
forgotten
"
scenes
not
"
often revived.
I could
of later years, were
be said to recollect them, for if I had been told
of them
when
and clothed in
intuitions,
stances
circum-
I recognised
stantaneo
inaccompanyingfeelings,
relative
I was
told by a near
once
of mine, that having in her childhood fallen into a
river,and being on the very verge of death but for
in
the criticalassistance which reached her, she saw
in its minutest
her whole life,
incidents,
a moment
and
326
CAUSES
OE
HALLUCINATIONS.
as in a mirror ; and
arrayedbefore her simultaneously
she had a faculty
developedas suddenlyfor comprehending
the whole
opium
indeed,seen
books, and
have,
mind
the
some
same
With
tion,
power of endless growthand self-reproducarchitecture entered into my dreams.
In the
of my
very earlystageof my maladythe splendours
dreams
indeed chiefly
and I beheld
were
architectural,
a
such pomp
of cities and palacesas was
never
yet beheld by the waking eye, unless in the clouds.
To my
of lakes and
succeeded dreams
architectural,
I suffered
silvery
expanses of water. For two months
greatlyin my head. The waters now
changed their
from translucent lakes,
character,
shininglike mirrors,
became
And
and oceans.
seas
now
came
they now
tremendous
itself slowly
a
change,which, unfolding
like a scroll,
through many months promised an
left me
until
abidingtorment ; and, in fact,it never
the winding up of my
Hitherto the human
case.
face had mixed often in my dreams, but not despotically,
of
with any special
nor
tormenting.But
power
that which I have called the tyranny of the
now
human
face began to unfold itself. Upon the rocking
waters
of the ocean
face began to
the human
the sea
appeared paved with innumerable
appear;
faces upturned to the heavens
faces imploring,
wrathful,despairing,
surged upwards by thousands,
by generations,
by myriads,
by centuries ; my agitation
infinite my mind
tossed and surgedwith
was
"
"
the ocean.*
*
Confessions
of an EnglishOpium Eater,pp. 37-40. London,
5th edition.
327
HALLUCINATIONS.
OF
CAUSES
led into
then
was
and
decorations
than
description
There
persons
small
what
chamber, where
of
were
he had
the
still more
niture
fur-
costly
seen.
already
was
had
attendance
each of which
a
in their hands
was
cup, and
golden waiter, on
small bottle containing
liquid.
bluish-looking
The ambassador,thinking
he
witness of
some
of the officersin
was
funeral ceremony,
undeceived
upon
involuntary
the
wished
to
retire ;
of
observingone
lifeless
the officersraise the head of this apparently
being,replacethe tongue, which was hanging from
at
it swallow some
black liquid,
the mouth, and make
time closing
the mouth, and gentlyrubbing
the same
but he
was
soon
When
the throat in order to facilitateits passage.
five or six times,
this operationhad been repeated
the
own
another
it then
largedose
swallowed,without
of the
and, in
liquid,
of its
assistance,
less than
an
328
CAUSES
hour,became
of its limbs.
use
HALLUCINATIONS.
and
revived,
recovered
somewhat
OF
He
then
addressed
the
envoy in
of his mission.
the objects
mained
re-
and
of transacting
capable
business of the greatestimportance. The English
ambassador
of asking him
took the liberty
some
which he had
questions
concerningthe strangescene
witnessed.
Sir,"he replied,I have long been an
and by degreeshave fallen into this deplorable
opium-eater,
condition.
I pass three partsof the day in
the torpidstate in which you have seen
me.
Although
I retain my conof moving or of speaking,
sciousness,
incapable
and during this time I am
surrounded
with the most
visions ; but I should never
delightful
awake if I was
not surrounded
tionate
by zealous and affec"
"
several ounces,
time I shall relapse
into my habitual
and
in
short
*
torpor."
cases
opium has been known to
particular
effects on the brain without the
produceits peculiar
persons havingused it for any lengthof time,and,in
In
some
from
the firstdose.
ago,"says Abercrombie,
I attended a gentlemanaffected with a painful
local
but which
disease,
requiringthe use of largeopiates,
often failed in producingsleep. In one
watchful
night there passedbefore him a long and regular
"
Universelle de
: Voyage en Moree.
Porqueville
Bibliotheque
Geneve,1841. Neuf A nnees a Constantinople,
par Brager,2 vol.
"
in-8.
1S36.
CAUSES
with certain
of much
The
which
occurrences
conversation in
vividness
had
been
Edinburgh some
each
figuressucceeded
and
transactions
and
of characters
exhibition
329
HALLUCINATIONS.
Or
of
connected
the
subject
time
before.
long speecheswhich
in rhyme ;
of which were
were
made, some
occasionally
and he distinctly
remembered, and repeatedthe next
effusions. He
day,long passages from these poetical
was
quiteawake, and quitesensible that the whole
he
that when
was
a
phantasm; and he remarked
opened his eyes, the vision vanished,but instantly
reappearedwhenever he closed them." *
stance
Attention was
some
directed,
years ago, to a subused in the East, under
which is extensively
heard
the
name
and
their conversation
of haschisch.
It is made
from
the seeds of
Indian
Abercrombie
Opus
cit.p. 388.
330
CAUSES
OF
HALLUCINATIONS.
whose
lie said,
when
effects,
drank, were
preciselysimilar to the phenomena which were
exhibited by
the adeptsof the Vieux de la Montague.
I arrived,
When
I found,amongst the persons who
were
Ferrus,and others wellEsquirol,
present,MM.
known
in science,
and art.
literature,
Example 122. Three persons had taken the liquor
at eleven o'clock :
A. K., a novelist,
of strongphysical
of the most
one
organization
; D., a barrister,
celebrated pupilsof the university
; and B., a painter
and musician.
hours elapsedwithout any senTwo
sible
ministered
adeffect beingproduced. A fresh dose was
when we noticed the following
phenomena
in two of these gentlemen: A. K. resisted the action
of the liquor,
to his own
ment,
stateaccording
experiencing,
sensation in the head and epigastrium
only a slight
a second
meal,which he had taken,
; possibly
: all three had
preventedthe effectsof the liquor
taken
parof breakfast previous
to the experiment.
not noticed at the comThe state of the pulsewas
mencement,
"
"
later
and
period,
provedthe
pupil,
sufficiently
action of
liquid.
the first to experience
M. B., who was
any effects
from the drug,complained
of a drynessin his throat,
in his limbs ; the pulsewas
96 in a
and twitchings
minute, and the countenance
injected.Soon M. B.
closed his eyes in order to collect his thoughts; his
with extraordinary
ideas seemed to become developed
phenomenon
rapidity.At one time he exhibited the singular
of the double man, a fact which had already
in some
been observed
previousexperiments
; he
heard, he said,music with one
ear, and what was
spoken with the other : this,however, did not last
greatlydilated.
long. The pupilsat this time were
Upon being asked what he felt,M. B. said he had
voluptuoussensations. He became very animated,in
332
CAUSES
OF
HALLUCINATIONS.
to the questions
which
correctly
knew
the persons
who
spoke with
he would
rather
enjoymentof
his
put to him,
were
he
around
have
been
four
ecstasy.At half-past
the
He
pulse
felt
as
body ; but,
nevertheless,had the most
agreeablesensations.
All those I have questioned
who have
the subject
on
made
the experiment,
assured me
that theyfelt no
inconvenience the next day,and that the feeling
of
happinesscontinued for two or three days.
M. D., the second who was
experimented
on, felt
convinced that the liquid
would have no effect upon
him, and
was
two
hours and
The
countenance
determined
a
half
no
symptoms
For
manifested.
were
of M. D. is
stern ; he is of
naturally
serious disposition,
and engaged in the studyof
a
metaphysics.
Towards
o'clock his pulsewas
two
100, and the
heart beat violently.
M. D., who up to this time had
been perfectly
with the different
collected,
conversing
in a
persons at the meeting,cried out that he was
delirium ; he began to sing,
and takingup his pen,
endeavoured
to describe his sensations. The following
It is very
of these fragmentary
notes :
are
some
cided
droll; my sensations are extremelyvivid ; what- dethat I
to take this admirable
me
was,
beverage
might be usefulwithout fear; I am very singular.
Ah ! theyare laughing
more."
at me, I will write no
"
"
"
"
"
He
his paper
features of M.
threw
aside.
The
delirium
increased.
changeable
; he
of the eye,
had a sarcastic smile,a lively
expression
the pulse120, and the
the countenance
was
injected,
pupil dilated. Like M. B., he seemed perfectly
and spoke
happy; he laughed,sang, gesticulated,
His ideas succeeded each
with extreme
volubility.
The
D.
became
very
OE
CAUSES
333
HALLUCINATIONS.
of
greatrapidity
; he had the appearance
In the midst of these numemonomaniac.
rous
a delighted
and versatile ideas,those which belong to his
still prevailed.
These grave subjects
usual pursuits
and puns.
The
were
mingledwith jokes,witticisms,
spitting
tongue was dry ; he was constantly
; and the
with slight
convulsive
lower extremities were
agitated
himself remarked,
The experimentalist
movements.
kind of insanity."Like M. B.,
This is a singular
He had
his sightand hearing
were
extremelyacute.
no
longerany notion of time or space, but he recognised
and
all the persons who were
at
times
present,
which were
to the questions
correctly
replied
put to
him. He drew out his watch,and said very seriously,
other with,
"
"It
is such
to
express
take away
the more,
I feel."
an
softer,and did
him,
might be
that I
continued
delirium
and
cried
he
came
in which
"
tongue
what
it
frequency,
became
some
communicate
more
out,
giveme
able to
in
beat
not
find terms
not
eye, and
an
pulse diminished
The
The
and
ear
of ideas
"I
them.
multitude
could
he
head,but
into his
hour."
an
That
than
90
water
will
in
minute.
given to
produce frogs,
was
in
corner
talked to himself:
who
is inspired.We
the
stood around
him
while he discoursed
334
To
They are your own, then?"
His countenance
which he made
a sign of assent.
had a gay and satisfied expression
; he had become
extremelypale; the pulse beat 100 ; the eyes were
closed,but he opened them at the request of his
less dilated.
brother,and the pupilswere
and
ceased to improvise,
He
spoke of foreign
had been told that the experimentacountries. We
lists
manifested
the phenomena of secoud
sight.
D. accurately
M.
described,as though they were
he had
which
present,the countries and towns
events which hapvisited ; he remembered
pened
particular
during his travels : thus he told us that he
at
men
saw
engaged in building the Pantheon
of
description
Naples,and gave us a most poetical
"
"
replied,No."
HALLUCINATIONS.
OF
CAUSES
countries
which
attracted his
had
he
attention ; but, in spiteof all our
questions,
was
quite unable to describe placeshe had never
He
visited.
No, it is empty
expect I can see
had
if he could
asked him
brother
His
objectswhich
saw
see
your brain
objectsbetween
into
"
when
do you
there are
us."
Presently
he added,
besides,"
"
existence.
no
how
he
"
rose
for
delirium,which
train of
one
person
case,
who
make
time
some
had
him
in
were
ideas,
The
confined to
general. The
in the previous
he pleased.* This
as
remarkable phenomena.
talk and
act
the influence of
under
person
maniacal exaltation ; his ideas were
succeeded
and
been
the
ideas,now
again became
put questionscould,as
several
experimentpresented
The
had
haschisch
unconnected,
great rapidity
; they
excitement, which placedthem
state of
Brierre de
the
Boismont
Gazette
CAUSES
beyond the
under
OP
influence
the dominion
335
HALLUCINATIONS.
of the
will.
mind
The
of hallucinations
and
was
illusions.
and revived,
as
Things of the past could be recalled,
sary
necesthoughtheywere
actually
present; but it was
lor the individual to have had a personal
ledge
knowof them, for when
questionedconcerning
thingswhich were not known to him, he would reply,
that it was
impossiblefor him to describe what he
had not seen, or, if he attempted,the description
obscure.
As in dreams, the idea of time and
was
lost. In one
of the three,the excitement
space was
far exalted his faculties,
to enable him to improvise
so
as
of verses
a number
; it is not, however,proved
that the subject
had not been previously
treated by
him.
What
is certain,
is,that M. D. declared he
felt his intellectual capacities
but that
were
enlarged,
the exaltation had added
nothingto what he previously
knew.
In the midst
state which
of this disordered
of the
career
ideas,
of the
termed a
experimentalists
the feeling
of personality
was
singular
insanity,
served
precurious
the
than
was
contrast
more
nothing
;
which existed between
the rational replies
that were
made
to the questions
addressed to them, and the
rambling character of their ideas when there was
nothingto recall them to the realitiesof life.
a
In
one
instance
one
circumstance
of the
analogyto the doctrine of the duality
mind, which Dr. Wigan has endeavoured to establish
some
"
with
with
one
ear
the
All the
persons experimentedon
and great sensibility
of the
feelings
theywere
and
conversation,
being played.
had voluptuous
organ of hearing;
was
subject
; and
they were
fixed
liable to
on
particular
irresistible
impulses.
Stramonium
(Datura stramonium) is
another
poi-
336
OF
CAUSES
which
substance
sonous
HALLUCINATIONS.
of
producing
hallucinations.
Example
123.
who
was
determined
to
Some
borne
put
an
and
poser,
com-
calamities,
For
this
The
large dose of stramonium.
but^soon gave rise to
poisonfirst producedgiddiness,
He saw
symptoms resemblingthose of drunkenness.
whirlingbefore him, and endeavouring
troops of men
All
to entanglehim in their disordered movements.
purpose
he
the persons
assisted on
took
he had
previousnight,presentedthemselves
before him, mocking him and tormentinghim in every
He lost his consciousness,
and fell
manner.
possible
carried to the policehe was
the ground,when
on
extremelyviolent,thinking
court, where he became
surrounded
who
he was
by thieves and assassins,
The figuresappeared by
intended
to ill-use him.
and were
the room,
possessedof the
hundreds,filling
most
hideous
Taken
furious
to
the
countenances.
the
madman,
confinement.
The
Hotel-Dieu, he
whom
next
it
was
treated
as
necessary to put in
day,when he was brought
was
to
my
recovered.
In November, 1843, three young
seeds of the stramonium.
They
children ate
soon
exhibited
some
the
CAUSES
all the
had
symptoms
337
HALLUCINATIONS.
OF
as
disappeared,
if
by
chantment.*
en-
of the
who
treated with the
were
patients
stramonium, accordingto the plan of Dr. Moreau,
Many
saw
principally
duringthe night.
The
hallucinations
Sciences
illusions.
or
Medicates
case
company
berries
of
She
herself surrounded
will likewise
In
produce
the Dictionnaire
is mentioned
des
where
of these
soldiers,
having eaten some
attacked by numerous
sions.
illuby mistake,were
M. Baillarger,
in his clinical lectures at the
has related several cases
of this kind.
A
Salpetriere,
infusion of
cook,at the monthly period,took some
which brought on an attack of delirium.
belladonna,
saw
animals,which
to put
hold of
took
and
her
One
by the
ran
of little
by a number
voured
along the ground ; she endeahand upon one
of them, but only
devil.
The
compriseshallucinations complicated
diseases. It is to be observed,that
and that
theyprecedethe insanity,
third section
with mental
in many instances
then they ought to be considered
but in
great number
of
the
of it ;
they arise duringthe
cases
as
cause
the nature
of the hallucinations
*
Examinat.
Med.
z
15
and
their immediate
Mai, 1843.
338
connexion
in
OF
CAUSES
with
that
thinking
"With
this
action
of
should
the
HALLUCINATIONS.
of
cause
often
they
reservation,
nevertheless
be
insanity,
from
arise
we
diseases,
mental
the
of
are
although
classed
justify
moral
causes.
that
opinion
imperfectly
the
known,
the
amongst
us
physical
causes.
The
diseases
nervous
and
of
those
just
stated
moral
and
in
in
forms
insanity,
What
ecstasy.
the
of
also
have
we
distinction
will
of
between
apply
the
to
in
have
thus
our
power,
this
omitted,
do
we
but
at
essential
etiology
includes
the
hallucinations
inflammatory,
have
and
chronic,
acute,
been
which
considered
already
chapter.
former
doing
to
causes,
These
diseases.
We
was
regard
section
observed
and
nightmare
physical
fifth
The
other
hallucinations
constituting
not
with
the
section.
present
are
contains
section
fourth
of
this
endeavoured
the
to
causes
not
suppose
least
we
feel
materials
disease.
of
out,
trace
as
far
hallucinations.
that
satisfied
towards
of
In
have
none
having
a
as
been
mulated
accu-
complete
340
HALLUCINATIONS
research,we
clergyman,an
for the
before
IN
have
EELATION
seen
frequently
intimate
whenever
use
of his
had
we
selected
characters
faithfully
representsall
and dress.
figureof
it only
chose,whereas now
of
to time,and independent
we
PSYCHOLOGY,
the
whom
friend,
account
of
on
experiment
At that period
could
we
us
person
make
TO
"We
it
see
habitual
of the original,
and
smile,talk,preach,
attitudes.
This
mental
is visible to us whether
our
representation
eyes are
The image is external,
in front of us,
open or shut.
and in the direction of the visual ray; it has a shadowy
tive
appearance, and is of a different nature to an objecsensation ; but nevertheless
with the hues of
outline,
perfect
its
in
peculiar
way
this
In
case
object.
all the
use
that
objectto
and
distinct,
it with
see
and possessing
life,
characters
it is therefore
make
we
than
of the
real
impossibleto
the word
see.
It
and to repreobject,
sent
two
are
oneself,
thingstotally
that there is
an
vast
difference between
tion
impressions.Our replyis,we have the sensaof an idea,an image,so trulyrepresented,
that
it would not be merelya resemblance,
were
we
an
artist,
but as a ray of lightemanating from our
could reproduceupon the*
interior sense, which
we
these
canvas.
of the professors
at the
Boisbaudrant,one
Ecole Imperialof drawing,has endeavoured to make
his pupilsavail themselves of this power of mental
of objects,
representation
or, as it has been termed,
before
of painters.He places
the mnemonic
faculty
them
fully
a
model, and directs them to examine it careit is removed, and
; at the end of a few minutes
M.
are
following
to
the
draw
answers
the model
of
some
from memory.
of the students
AND
MORALITY,
HISTOKY,
341
RELIGION.
which were
put to them with respectto
questions
this mode
of proceeding
:
Q. After having studied your model, and allowed
it to be removed, what plando you pursue when
you
to
"
endeavour
guide? A.
model, but
"
Another
it from
endeavour
only obtain
"
A.
figureto
confused
is your
myself the
view
of it.
"
I close my eyes.
the image is too
I make
an
fused
con-
and
effort,
it
visible ; sometimes
more
but
to
do when
?
disappears
or
? what
memory
it best when
see
do you
Q. What
becomes
draw
to
with
some
it escapes me
gether,
altoI am
able to recal it.
difficulty
Q.
You
have
now
"
can
This
replywas
confirmed
by
pupils.
This fact therefore verifies the proposition
have
we
it is possible
laid down
that by practice
to give
viz.,
such intensity
to the mental
that it
representation,
be combined
with sensation.
In treating
so
may
difficult a subject,
amples.
theoryis best explainedby exThe following
shows that,if the mnecase
monic
the hallucination
facultyand consequently
it approachesit so closely
is not the first sensation,
excusable.
that the mistake is perfectly
One
Dantan, saw a
day the celebrated sculptor,
"
"
"
young man
of the
sister who
is
enter
on
her
death-bed,and
I have
come
to
I must
therefore
find
some
means
of
introducing
you which shall not excite her suspicions."
The next day the unhappy brother entered his sister's
of the
room, accompaniedby a shopman from one
342
HALLUCINATIONS
first houses
The
RELATION
IN
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
in
artist
"
assistant
jeweller's
boxes
spreadsome
"
of
jewelson
the bed.
roused up by
temporarily
the sightof the jewelsthe sculptor
contemplatedher
with that comprehensive
glancewhich daguerreotypes
While
the
invalid
the
model
was
The
in his memory.
brother
and
selection
he
the
until
prepared
was
to leave.
obtained
impression
The
at the interview
and
realized,
the result
was
of the young
invalid
pieceof
"
was
soon
perfectlikeness
livingmarble.
most
when
one
year had passedsince this occurrence,
announced.
was
morning the father of the young man
"Sir," he said to the sculptor,
"my son is on his
A
death-bed,attacked
of my
deprivedme
by the same
and
daughter,
come
to ask
you for his bust,as he asked you for that of his sister.
Tou
will requirean interview to impresshis features
is all the more
which
difficult
your memory,
to him."
because your person is known
of the furniture
They bethoughtthem of changingsome
on
in the
room
of the
dyingman.
Disguisedas
it
so
and
as
to reflect the
in such
manner
of the young
man,
that he could fix his attention
countenance
time without
upon it for some
brother died,and his bust was
his sister.
This
is not
faculty
HISTORY,
features
the
343
RELIGION.
but may
include an
individual,
entire composition.
In the church of St. Peter,at Cologne,the altarpresenting
pieceis a largeand valuable pictureby Rubens, rethe martyrdom of the apostle. This picture
having been carried away by the French in
a painter
1805, to the greatregretof the inhabitants,
of that cityundertook
to make
a
copy of it from
and succeeded
in doing so in such a
recollection,
that the most
delicate tints of the original
manner
The
are
preserved with the minutest accuracy.
but the copy
original
paintinghas now been restored,
is preservedalongwith it ; and even
when
they are
to distinguish
rigidly
compared,it is scarcely
possible
the
of
AITD
MORALITY,
from
one
an
the other.*
Serious
have emanated
from some
bers
memobjections
of the Societe Medico-Psychologique
to this
doctrine of mental
representation^ M. Baillarger,
who
regards a hallucination simply as a disease,
observes
that,like Burdach
various
they could
not
distinct.
Moreover, he
phenomena
there
between
substance
is the
least to
say a shadow
distinct outlines.
told him
which
M.
the memory
*
f Societe
Ann.
p. 126
which
Maury
that the
Horace
of his
previous
that between
shadow
of
"
Yernet,
these
as
affinity
ought at
he
reflects and
the
perienced
ex-
the most
were
kind
same
and
great artist,M.
by
considers
has
even
by
Muller,he
phantasms,and
ideas,not
and
is bounded
when
tioned
ques-
mnemonic
faculty,
most
distinct images of objects
reproducedcould not be compared
Abercrombie
to
as
et suivantes.
"
1856.
344
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
EELATION
PSYCHOLOGY,
TO
concludes from
Baillarger
these observations,
that the mnemonic
even
faculty,
when most developed,
becomes a hallucination,
never
a
phenomenon which constitutes the most complete
deviation from the laws of physiology.
He sees an
insuperabledifference between a normal sensation
and
M.
"
between
the
which
hallucination,
and
that
act of volition.
an
it is
to this gentlefact,according
man,
kind,which
phenomenon,of a special
new
In
is
entirely
pathological.
M. de Castlenau is also opposedto physiological
and moreover
declares that they are
hallucinations,
He commences
not consistent with reason.
by denying
the identity
of the hallucination with the sensation,
because
the
and
the transmission,
impression,
the
tion
percepwhile
in
the
there
is
hallucination
evidence
no
;
whatever of the impression.He adds,that there is
no
proofthat
nerves
sense
in the
blind,and in the
value,inasmuch as
he says it is of no
be shown that the cerebral termination
dumb,
was
or
itself altered.
deaf and
it might
of the
nerve
lucination
frequentassociation of halwith mental derangementis onlya coincidence.
It is equally
difficultto show the identity
of the hallucinations,
of the true
or
non-identity
with
sensations,
because
The
the ideas
or
the sensational
the recollection is
lections,
recol-
under
essentially
the
of MM.
BailHaving thus stated the objections
largerand Castlenau to the theory,that the mental
is a phenomenon of sensation,
we
representation
return
which
M.
to
seem
Buchez
has
facts and
exhibited in health
ments
argu-
its correctness.
that
observed,
justly
since it is the
organism which
same
to prove
us
345
RELIGION.
AND
MORALITY,
HISTORY,
of the
and
phenomena
symptoms presented
mental
abstraction
as
objects,
was
Are
to
meditation,
we
and
isolation from
external
medes.
the case, so often quoted,of Archito admit that a state of profound
which
that have
we
done
owe
the most
honour
to the
coveries
splendiddishuman
mind,
the
state
of
the
belongsto physiology,
one
other to
patho-
log7of
the
applythis reasoningupon
in support of the
hallucinations,
Let
us
sound
phenomena
and
lucid
arguments of M. Peisse.
"
Some
persons,"says
this
only an exaggeratedcondition
exhibited in the mental
writer,"are
that
surprised
hallucination is
of the normal
of
reproduction
menon,
phenotional
sensa-
tion
perceptions
by the memory and the imaginathe mental
Grarnier,
; while,accordingto M.
consists only of the conception.Yet
representation
I believe it to be so literally,
and without any figure
of speech5 and I think I am
in saying,
justified
that the representation
in the mind of any sensible
and known
which
whatever may be the cause
quality,
346
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
BELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
sensorial act,identical
a
producesit,is a perception,
in its
essence
external.
summon
as
"
are
termed
When, havingclosed
my eyes, I mentally
is what I then pervisible object,
ceive
up any
M. de Boismont
"
lucinations
halon
says, in his work
of lines
else than an assemblage
anything
in
colours,
arrangedin a determinate manner
one
word, an image ?
Having thus logically
proved that every mental
of
of a colour,
and equally,
therefore,
representation
a sound,a taste,
or
an
odour,is ipsofactoan art of
of hearing,
of taste,or of smell,I believe I
vision,
in concludingthat the phenomena apam
justified
parently
dissimilar of sensorial perception
or
sation
senso
and normal mental representation
; of voluntary
voluntary
and of in{memory, imagination,
conception),
and abnormal
mental representation
sions,
{illuof
result from the operation
hallucinations')
and the same
one
actingunder
faculty,
psycho-organic
different conditions,and with apparent degreesof
and
"
"
"
"
which have
In answer
to the objections
intensity.
been urged by MM.
Gamier
and Baillarger
against
I shall producea simplestatement
this explanation,
and
comparison of facts,which are open to the
observation
of every
material
one.
"
"
"
"
348
HALLUCINATIONS
IN"
At
dreams
in
length,
is engenderedin
The
person sees
In all these
which
of each
the
RELATION
and
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
hallucinations
of
reality
the
belief
imaginary
objects.
and believes.
cases
visible image is
of these
In
acts.
evidently
duced,
pro-
invariable element
all these
instances the
also
uniformly
expresses himself by the term
implyingthereby consciousness. Doubtless
there are great differences in these psychical
tions,
condibut the differences onlyrelate to accessory and
to such as are even
connected
unor
circumstances,
secondary
with the existence of the phenomenon.
Amongst these differences there are principally
two,
which seem
to MM.
and Gamier
to form
Baillarger
the one
an
on
barrier,
hand, between the
insuperable
tween
sensation and the conception
the other,be; and on
In the
the conception
and the hallucination.
the representation
is involuntary
sensation,
say they,
and compelled
the so termed
the contrary,
; while on
and
mental acts of seeingand hearingare voluntary,
produced designedly
; but this difference in no
way
alters the essential nature
of the thingrepresented,
of the act of representation.
voluntary
nor
Voluntaryor inthe images are
permanent or fugitive,
alwaysimages,the sounds are still sounds ; it will
person
I see,
be
found,moreover,
by
MM.
and
Baillarger
is far from
being
absolute.
Another
distinction,
which, accordingto these
is the character of
gentlemen,is not less important,
presented
by the
objectperceived
by the senses, and which is entirely
wantingin the object
by the imagination.
represented
the object
This requires
In fact,
to be examined.
conceived
is always like the
by the imagination
thing
perceivedby the senses
object
presentedas someoutwardness
"
exteriorite
"
which
is
"
"
exterior and at
some
HISTOEY,
MOBALITY,
AND
349
EELIGIOtf.
In
when
the
same
way,
the
a
mentallyrepeating
without, further
sounds
song,
which
seem
to
are
heard
come
from
proportionto their
intensity.Thus, far from being,as has been stated,
the mental representation
of sensible
internal,
strictly
objects at least as regardssightand hearing always
involves an idea of outwardness,
of distance,
and even
of a particular
in relation to the individual,
locality
and it thus partakesof all the characters of sensational
perceptions.
An examination of the anatomical and physiological
conditions furnishes the same
for the mental
results,
and organicportionsof the phenomena correspond
and are simplyparallel
precisely,
aspectsof the same
fact. Thus,in the effortwhich we instinctively
make
to recal an
the influx
image or a sound,we perceive
in those portions
from the will acts locally
of the
brain which correspond
to the organs
of the senses.
Eor example,in matters which relate to vision,
the
organicaction is referred to the regionof the orbit ;
for that of hearingto the side of the head.
This is
a further proof of the functional
ternal
identityof the exand of the mental representation
or
perception,
conception.
Now
to decide this questionof the relation which
exists between the sensation and the conception,
and
and the hallucination,
the conception
must
admit
we
that these phenomena cannot
be associated together
without violence to a generallaw, and that it is
necessary to refer each of them to a special
organ ?
"
or
nearer
in
"
350
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
RELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
and
takingfor our foundation the law of unity,
recognisinga strict analogybetween these various
admit that they are the functional results of
facts,
mental
the same
and organicactivity
exercised in
differentways in consequence of varyinginfluences ?
The latter is the inference we draw from a comparison
of the facts ; and on summing them up, we feel justified
in stating
that imagination,
memory, conception,
and
the
various
forms of these
illusion,
hallucination,
or,
acts,when
of hallucinations.
explanation
lated
rearguments used have principally
to external images; but the mental representation
of reproducingsounds ; this
is equallycapable
Hitherto
the
several
after
position
hearingan entire comable to
were
performedby an orchestra,
repeat on the pianowhat they had thus heard and
Beethoven
must
meditated on.
have possessed
this
for during the latter years
in a high degree,
faculty
of his
of his life,
althoughdeaf,he produced some
novel and beautiful compositions.The leader
most
of
an
who,
to the
musical
world
of
of
an
overture
or
symphony,at
the firstread-
HISTORY,
AND
MORALITY,
351
RELIGION.
of the
obligedto
other
in order
recommence,
the
effects ; sometimes
he
was
to
thoroughly
preciate
ap-
effects of these
bined
secondarysounds,comwith that of the four principal
instruments,
but he could alwaysaccomplishthis by repeating
it
several times.
This composer
added, that every
musician by attention and study could arrive at this
internal audition,
and that without it there was neither
orchestra.
a good leader of an
a greatcomposer
nor
This vivacity
of the internal audition havingbeen
shown to reproducean entire concert
in the perfect
of internal vision.
musician,we return to the subject
"We
his
read
in the
life of the
exact
he
be
celebrated
was
Danish
blind,and
carried from
veller,
traso
firm
in-
his bed to
the habit of
and
minute
writingto his
of
descriptions
youth. When
his
inmost
soul.
Abercrombie
Opus cit.p.
129.
352
HALLUCINATIONS
This further
IN
stephas
BELATION
been
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
and
accomplished,
there
can
no
better
refer to the
of the celebrated
anecdote
actor
Talma,
effects on
produced such startling
when
as
by the power of his will he
spectators,
who
never
into
converted them
In the discussion
skeletons.
many
at the Societe Medico-Pycholo-
established
act
as
the
a
theoryof
of reminiscence
from
to
are
It is
the
possessing
seen
and
hallucination,
summoning the images
and
involuntary
value which
mental
representation,
distinctive character,
tween
be-
spontaneous.
had
so
the opponentsof
gique,
the
the
has
been
have
assigned
been quoted
hallucination resemble
presentation
re-
each other.
with
bring further proofof this identity
when we enter
foundation,
respectto their common
examination of the part which is performed
an
on
of hallucinations.
by the attention in the production
of genius,
of many men
In readingthe biographies
is
obtain a convincingproofthat the conception
we
We
shall
converted
into
idea becomes
as
invested with
him
time he
friend
the
sensible form.
Raphael,
before
passage in Abercrombie,saw
at the
pictureof the Transfiguration
a
it. In one
of his letters to
painting
he says that, being unable
Castiglione,
was
obtain models
he
types
353
EELIOIOtf.
or
hallucination,
learn from
we
AXD
MOKALITY,
HISTOBY,
which would
serve
compelledto figurein
was
of these creations.
Michael
him
remained
Angelo
vacancy, where
image of his
We
for
have
his
to
the
spoke;
when
at
when
he
rest,than when
Observation,as well
the brush
was
in his hand.*
the
ber
studyof a largenumof works on psychology,
has convinced us that
and sculptors
whose geniushad driven
poets,painters,
from her seat,have all,
after prolongedmeditation,
reason
the ideal forms of which
seen
they had
Their historyattests that these forms
dreamed.
not only visible to the "mind's
quently
were
eye,"but fre-
to
as
Les Hommes
A
of vision ;
IllustrescVItalie.
A
fact of
354
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
KELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
availed himself
Shakespearehas so wonderfully
in the air-drawn dagger,and in the apparition
of the
In
ghost of Banquo in his tragedyof Macbeth.
which
these
cases
somethingwhich
assumes
the character of
is
were
de Bauville,
they attained to a state of ecstasy,
and,
confident of the enduring character of their works,
they laboured
for
posterity.
therefore regard the hallucination as physioWe
logical
in the cases
which have justbeen mentioned,
in dreams,in
and also in many other instances,
as
and waking,
the intermediate state between
sleeping
It is the revivification of those
in ecstasy,"c.
numerous
images, sounds, and tactile impressions
which can
onlyexist in the brain with the loss of
is tempted to
their sensible signs,and which
one
to the mystery of the resurrection of the
compare
body,when it will be raised with all its attributes of
sensation. Physiological
hallucinations,
althoughnot
in former times,which is explained
common
as
by
the difference in the ideas of the two
periods,
are,
and
however, still observed in persons of intelligence
of sound mind,who are led,by their religious
opinions,
by the tendencyof their ideas,and by their temperament,
to believe in them.
The
opponents of
have
of
talked much
to
physiology,
never
be
the
show
that the
reminiscence
can
356
HALLUCINATIONS
the
IN
of the Ecstatic
case
EELATION
of the
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
Tyrol(p.207).
In
and
susceptible
persons, the vividness of
the recollection may almost
and
equal the original
and the objections
which have been
actual sensation,
made
to this nervous
phenomenon simplyresolve
of degree. The propriety
themselves into a question
which we
have appliedto
of the term physiological,
has been strongly
class of hallucinations,
one
objected
be out of placeif we here
to ; it will not, therefore,
make a few observations on the meaning of the word.
by experiments,
by the studyof
By dissections,
the different organs in their healthyand diseased
the anatomist has established the science
conditions,
similar proceedings
be apof human physiology
; can
plied
modes of opeto the study of the mind, whose
ration
to us ?
are
whollyunknown
In an
of the mind we recognise
the existence
analysis
of different manifestations,
of a number
such as
reverie,
profoundmeditation
duringwhichthe person
is lost to external objectsthat kind of excitement
of a great work, ecstasy,
involved in the production
observer
"c. ; in all of which the most
superficial
and eccenwill perceive
tricities
extravagancies,
peculiarities,
form
which,in the eyes of those who lead a uniof life,
course
pass for acts which approximate
to insanity.
Nevertheless,it is from these apclosely
parently
conditions
that
the
sublime
most
exceptional
undertakingsand the most wonderful creations of
nervous
"
"
the mind
arise.
Out
that
only one, viz.,
is
from
and
the lives of
excitement
which
of intellectual
production
this we shall illustrateby examples
and religious
musicians,painters,
condition
necessary
works
state of mental
shall select
for the
writers.
celebrated composers have had recourse
and
their enthusiasm
methods of exciting
to peculiar
Most
of
our
A!NTD
MOEALITY,
HISTOEY,
357
EELIQION.
like
required
JSTewton,
his world was
bounded
to be alone
by the
walls of his room.
Seated in a chair,he had onlyhis
as the confidant of his inspirations
harpsichord
; when
he felt these upon him, he fixed his eyes on the ring
which had been given him by Frederick the Great,
"
and continued
to
gaze
became
imagination
it.
it
Then
into
transported
divine harmonies
celestial choir,whose
mankind
on
was
that
the midst
his
of
he revealed to
there
singular
contemplation
issued forth his masterpieces.
Contrary to Haydn, Gluck wanted space ; his
geniuswas inactive when confined by four walls. The
his head were
on
open air and the sun's rays falling
in open day,and in the
what he required. It was
midst of a meadow, whither he had had his piano
that he composed his opera of Ipliigenia.
transported,
;
Granville,when
himself embarrassed
struck
with
an
idea,if
he
fouud
in the
compositionor execution
of his design,
would
get up, jump about his room,
throw his velvet cap againstthe walls and ceiling,
time ; or, with his finger,
he
talkingto it at the same
stir up a frog,
would
which he kept in a glassjar
the chimney-piece
after thus shoutingand
on
; and
jumpingabout,he would become serious and quietly
absorbed.
return to his work, in which he was
speedily
have been noticed in proThe same
singularities
found
thinkers and great orators.
One of the most
celebrated preachers
in the time of Louis XIV.
was
in the habit of shuttinghimself up in his rooms.
then permittedto come
No
was
one
near
him, his
servants
on
havingreceived the strictest injunctions
this point.Piqued either by curiosity
or
attachment,
his valet availed himself
the
forbidden
of
an
open
door
to
enter
his surprise
:
precincts
greatwas
to hear the tones of a violin. He stopped,
and
endeavoured to ascertain from whence theycame
; and
within
358
IS
HALLUCINATIONS
EELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
years, was
secrecy of many
in which the Christian orator
a
discovered
composedhis
the
mirable
ad-
discourses.
show that,
greatmen
and extravagant,
if we are to refer all that is singular
the ordinaryroutine of
and
all that differs from
attribute
must
we
everydaylife,to a state of disease,
to many persons who have been
symptoms of insanity
countries.
the prideand gloryof their respective
to establish the
to us clearly
These arguments seem
theoryof hallucinations which has been put forward.
that this is not a demonstration
Perhapsit may be objected
These
in
episodes
the lives of
in the strict
it ; but matters
sense
of the word.
We
admit
testimony
by
and to their immediate
of each person'sconsciousness,
This psychological
observations.
and personal
good with the
experimentation
appears to us equally
methods
used in physiology,
and, in this kind of
It remains,before
to be conclusive.
investigation,
ligious
treatingof hallucinations in an historical and reobservations with
pointof view,to make some
respectto the influence which is exerted by the moral
the physical
over
part of our nature, upon the effects
of hallucinations,
of certain excitements in the production
of the ideas,and upon the
the nature
on
theoryof attention.
be regardedas at the
M. Lelut, who
may justly
the intervention
head of that school which has proclaimed
has enunciated his
in history,
of physiology
Consider Socrates,
words :
doctrine in the following
they can
onlybe shown
"
HISTORY,
who
not
MORALITY,
AKD
RELIGION.
359
similar influence
over
his friends at
his
over
distance,
strangers. This influence
a
Paris,1856.
consideree sous
la Pointe de Vue pathologique,
Folie,
et
liistorique,
judiciaire.
philoso[jhique,
Paris,2 vols. 1845.
Annal.
Med.
vol v. p. 317.
1845.
J Al. Maury:
-psych,
+ De
la
360
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
The
EELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
of history
is altogether
opposedto
philosophy
In
this doctrine.
that individuals
it shows
fact,
never
advocate,such
and most
their
own
course
intellects
are
sound
and leave
difficulties,
and then
nothingto chance. Grant these premises,
Columbus, and a thousand
Alexander, Christopher
others
madmen.
were
historyhas recorded,and
admiration
all those
"
by
which
deeds
cold and
cautious
filled us
with
of self-devotion which
sympathy
for theyhave
insanity,
our
have
which
"
would
been
not
calculation
"
be converted
governed
honourable
and
enthusiastic
The
observed in
greatnumber
be
of instances. A celebrated
dying,learnt
HISTOKT,
361
EELIGIOIS'.
AKD
MOEALITT,
the
on
had
been
the enemy
were
beaten and
the
theyopened the curtains,
dead
some
profoundobserver,was an invalid,
depressed
by melancholy,
yetno dramatic writings
great geniusand
and
have
contained
ever
such
as
It is
his immortal works.
distinguishes
that
which
is overcome,
the mind
not, therefore,
active principle
governingthe body rather than itself
submittingto the yoke of the different organs and
that which
ings
Pascal himself,whose sufferof his
have been looked upon as the mainspring
convincingproofof this
the physical
predominanceof the intellect over
in the following
structure
anecdote,related by M.
has afforded
actions,
Lelut
"
most
:"
This
which
greatman
formed
suffered from
the commencement
violent
of the
soon
to
toothache,
second stage
conduct
him
One
were
362
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
of true
EELATION
TO
Christians
cannot
PSYCHOLOGY,
gotten
have for-
of the
intervention
of the
of
doctrine
of the
advocates
physiologyin history;
the
of the
integrity
of many
celebrated
the secondaryinfluence of the organs in numerous
men;
reason
cases
are,
in
on
hallucinations
which
contrary,the principles
the
have advocated.
we
lucinatio
chapterdevoted to the consideration of halwith a sound state of mind we
co-existing
the exampleswhich have served
have broughttogether
remains
the foundation of the presentwork ; it now
as
for us to interpret
their meaning,and to pointout
In the
of their results.
some
productionof an image
sign" is alwaysthe same, stillit will
and according
in different individuals,
"
or
of
sensible
necessarily
vary
to circumstances.
"We
of the lunatic
as
the
cannot
those of him
the hallucinations
the
them
consider
who
those
of the
is not
submits
child,
man
controlled
to them
who
by
through
364
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
EELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
formed,
variously
figures,
occupied
grotesque,de; faces or
or
threatening,
grimacing; the beginning,
the
matters
thoughts;
in
combination
of hallucination
vealing
cry aloud,rehidden in our inmost
from
many
thoughts. For
or
us,
then,the
state
under
stances.
very different circumit is
state of cerebral excitement,
occurs
If it is
In
train of ideas ;
of the
far
certainly
been
being a
persons
constant
symptom
it is almost
sanity.
of in-
their normal
condition.
We
by
the
have
never
of hallucinations,
causes
speakingof the secondary
we
pointedout the partwhich is performed
and
nervous
vascular
systems in
time it is
their production
alwaysto
impossible
in which they act ; it is the
the way
determine
material boundaryof our
knowledge,beyond which
tion,
of a hallucinaTo judge correctly
cannot
we
pass.
in a psychological
pointof view,it is necessary
; at
the
same
HISTORY,
to
for
pause
the
on
the
chapteron
and
moment
influence
ideas,whose
and
AND
MORALITY,
on
has
individual,
the
causes
be referred to two
consider
of
the nature
on
civilization,
society,
been
those
in
examined
of hallucinations.
sources,
365
RELIGION.
which
the
They
may
derived
are
or
sensational,
secondaryideas
and those which are derived from the mind, and from
God
or
spiritual,
primaryideas.
defined ;
The operation
be clearly
of the senses
can
their function is to transmit the image of external
to the brain,and to givenotice of their preobjects
sence
in
that
some
by effecting
peculiarchange
the idea.
Thus a
organ ; but they do not originate
who
read sees
the written characters,
cannot
man
his eye perceives
prehend
them, but his mind does not comthem.
An idea is the thoughtwhich passes
from one
individual to the another,from one
tion
generato another,while an image is onlyproducedby
external
conceive an
some
idea,we
object. We
figureto ourselves an image. An idea dwells in the
mind ; it is the impressionor image which remains
the senses.
on
Thus, in judgingof the sensations
in the same
cannot
that
Nihil
way, we
say strictly
est in intellectu,
quod non primsfueritin sensu.
The ideas furnished by the senses
the firstto
are
become evolved. By this we do not in any way mean
ideas ;
to imply that they pre-exist
to the spiritual
which we
the term secondary,
have applied
to them,
indicates our
sufficiently
opinion.
Man, therefore,possesses two classes of ideas
and are
those which are derived from external objects,
communicated
through the senses, and those which
termed
are
generalideas such as ideas of existence,
and causality,
of analogy,
of quality,
of time, order,
These are the attributes of mind,
"c.
law, justice,
sensible qualities
those of material objects.
as
are
This division of ideas,established by the spiri-
from
the
senses
"
"
"
"
"
"
366
HALLTJCmATIONS
Iff
EELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
of whom
we
are
selves
tualists,
proud to acknowledgeourdoes not hinder us from appreciating
a disciple,
the great influence of the physical
and
organization,
which is most
importantin relation to our present
convinced that the primaryideas
are
subject
; for we
cannot
be changed,that their essential character,
their type,is not affected by insanity
sider
con; but we
that the sensational ideas
it is true
and if a
are
"
the most
"
examination
superficial
numerous,
of
insanity
;
compels us to invest
implicated.
really
which
our
immaterial
nature
imperfect
which
are
objects,
of
thingswithout
spiritual
them by some
form or image. It is true
representing
conscious that such a proceeding
is defective,
we
are
and even
false,and that such thingshave a mode of
under the cognizance
existence which does not come
We
of
our
and
This
senses.
truths which
admitted
conceive
cannot
is
to
onlyrequires
but
our
errors.
of those
fundamental
be stated in order to be
finitenature, surrounded
associated
intimately
into these
one
with
by matter,
it,is perpetually
falling
,
Man
are
with
AXD
MOBALITY,
HISTOEY,
367
EELIGIOF.
proceedingis adopted
figure. The same
world ; we givesome
regardto the spiritual
special
the human
in
form
to
in
attributes,
derive from
we
it,and
their
materialized in the
exact
more
derived from
if,with sensations
very surprising
different to those which are
experiencedby persons
in health,the invalid should continue to reason
the
It
would
as
same
reason
brain
be
may
the
againstcoming
brain which
as
the
to
thinks
and
let
insanity,
conclusion
reasons
that
it is the
instrument
it is the
it would
by which
we
guard
us
be
correct
because
of
cause
quite
colours
distinguish
them.
will next
we
point havingbeen established,
due to the senses
be
can
inquirehow the impressions
with all the
without their intervention,
reproduced,
itself. In blindness,
in sleep,
characters of reality
there can
be no doubt,they are derived from images
of the
impressedupon the brain by means
previously
This
senses,
and
under
which
seem
influences
to manifest
which
must
themselves
now
by which
nally
exter-
be examined.
the sensation
"
"
which
terminates
in the brain
If these
fila-
368
ments
mind
and
IK
HALLUCINATIONS
EELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
excited
some
ought to be excited
molecular state is reproducedin
every time the same
which Meyer,
the Drain itself. This is the explanation
Professor in the University
at Halle,has givenin his
Essay on Apparitions*
these external and internal sensations happen
When
in the healthy
brain,we are Dot conscious of their
attention is strongly
occurrence
excited,
; but if our
the material form,or the sensible sign,
may show itself
maintain
almost
that the
at
the
sensation
same
moment,
same
which
then
leaves
no
"
but
it is true, confusedly,
first,
at
clear to
giveus
of the mind
and
daylight,
with
the
indistinct,
idea of it.
some
may
enable
our
us
eyes open.
colours faint,the
still sufficiently
tration
greaterconcenin
to see it,even
The image is still
outline undefined,
it would
and it appears as if every moment
more
but by degreesits form becomes
pass away ;
decided,its
of the object
and the perception
vivid,
is perfect.Lastly,in a more
profound state of
completeisolation
meditation,and with a still more
from the external world,the image,which has gone
throughthese different shades of developmentin the
brain,passes from within to without,and placesitself
before the eyes.
substantially
These
phenomena are observed in
psychological
such as poetsand imaginative
persons givento meditation,
writers,who, surrounded
by an ideal world,
colours
more
Essay on Apparitions.Attributed
1748.
of Halle,a.d.
the University
*
to M.
Meyer, Professor in
HISTORY,
mistake
AND
MORALITY,
of
offspring
the
369
RELIGION.
their
imaginationfor
realities.
In these
the mind
cases
of excitement
a certain
requires
amount
illusions should
be
we
allude
to
the states
of reverie and
of
have
all the
seen
the passage of
rapidlybefore them, verifying
wherein
it is said, In the hour of judgScripture
ment
all your deeds shall be retraced in the twinkling
last moment
of a warrior,"says
of an eye." "The
the Arab proverb, is the mirror of his life; all that
pass
"
"
is dear to him
is then remembered."
been concentrated
work,where
on
one
the
subject,
material
Sir Joshua
"
which
exercise
greateror less
of hallucinations,
have
we
production
further,
placedthe attention first. Before proceeding
attach to
it is necessary to apprehendthe value we
influence in the
119.
370
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
KELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
the
this is another
us
of the consequences
of
our
finite
nature.
to find that M.
surprised
cinations,
memoir
entitled Halluin an interesting
Eaillarger,
ivhicJi produce them, and the
the Causes
Diseases theycharacterize* has stated that the production
tary
of hallucinations is favoured by the involunand the imagination,
exercise of the memory
by
and by
of all external impressions,
the suspension
excitement of the sensorium
or, in other words,by
actual suspension
of
an
or
a relaxation,
a weakening,
"We
therefore
are
not
"
the attention.
stantiate
quotedby this observer subhis opinion.We
must, however,observe,
in
that the hallucinations producedduring reverie,
ing
dreams, and in the intermediate state between sleepto those which
and waking,have a different origin
the
]So doubt
refer to
we
cases
disturbed
condition
of the
mind.
It
to
us
celebrated persons.
of many
hallucinations by an effort
The power of producing
of the will has been mentioned
by many observers.
*
Memoires
de
VAcademie
Roycde
de
Medecine, vol.
xii.
372
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
EELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
Moreau
de Tours
has
he
in the Gazette
reported,
of his patientswho
one
of
the case
Hopita-ux,
could instantaneously
summon
sight. To producethem he
des
his
hallucinations of
up
head
who
left
he allowed
whenever
had
his mind
to
dwell upon
them.
studyingthis singularphenomenon, he
the subjects
several times,so to speak,
daguerreotyped
then presentedthemselves
of his thoughts. The objects
of
Desirous
and remained
realities,
peated
a
Observing that the relonger or shorter time.
revival of these imageswas
becoming a state
of actual disease,
by a determined effort of the will
he freed himself from the hallucinations.
the hallucinations
To these cases
may be added
and of persons who
of ecstatics,
their thoughtsfor a longtime on
the
these circumstances
have
concentrated
subject.Under
hallucinations are
evidently
one
and to
assume,
as
has
been
those
to
sound
The
to that
*
the
hallucinations
co-exist with
state of mind.
remark
following
is most
importantin regard
Baudry
1833.
where
Essaisur
les Hallucinations,
p. 11.
in which
the
These.
Paris,
HISTORY,
is
that,in
soughtcannot
AND
HOBALTTY,
compared to
many
373
EELIGION.
an
automaton.
It
instances,the objectwhich
be attained
daringthe
concentrated
condition of the
which
individual,the
an
obtainingthe
will weary
itself without
information
it. requires
taneously,
instan; but
mind
and when
least
the
expected,
an
solution will
is related of
certain
his arrangements so as
hour leftto himself before the engagement
took
take
of its apparent repose, and it would be a great misto refer the successful idea to a relaxation of the
attention.
This tension of the
ideas.
an
converted
are
into
of
objects
phantoms of the imagination
It is under
actual apparitions.
similar circumstances
becomes
fixed
on
have
been
seen
conceived that,when
the mind is in
easily
is free to exert its influence.
this state,the imagination
In most persons the hallucination reflects their daily
thoughts; so that it seldom consists of sensations
to them.
which are altogether
new
The
Salverte,
imagination,"
says M. Eusebe
It is
"
374
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
DELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
creates
converted
had been
by his circumstances.
of hideous aspect appearedto him, and told
A man
to believe
his evil genius. Accustomed
him he was
in the existence of such supernatural
beings,Cassius
and to
of the apparition,
felt no doubt of the reality
mind it would be the sure
a superstitious
presage of
the violent death which
a
proscribed
person could
hardlyescape."*
to the vision which
A similar explanation
applies
The
the eve of the battle of Philippi.
Brutus saw
on
is the account which Plutarch givesof this
following
celebrated apparition.
about to leave
When
they were
Example 124.
tion.
appariAsia,Brutus, it is said,had an extraordinary
Thus, a littlebefore he left Asia,he was sitting
and at a late hour.
alone in his tent, by a dim light,
while the
The whole army layin sleepand silence,
wrapt in meditation,thought he perceived
general,
somethingenter his tent : turningtowards the door,he
a horrible and monstrous
saw
spectrestandingsilently
What
art thou ?' said he,boldly
; Art
by his side.
what is thy business with
thou god or man
; and
I am
?' The spectreanswered
thy evil genius,
me
!' To which
at Philippi
Brutus ! Thou wilt see me
I'll meet thee there !' "When the
he calmlyreplied,
was
gone he called his servant,who told
apparition
of
"
well warranted
too
anxiety,
"
'
'
'
Eusebe
Salverte
Opus cit.
HISTORY,
him
they had
MORALITY,
neither
heard
AND
3/5
RELIGION".
any noise
seen
nor
any
That
'
real ;
for
matter
is
evasive, and
sense
deceitful.
"#
whatever
be
hallucination,
explanation
may
the conduct
of
given of it,had no influence over
of superiorintellect,
and
a
man
Brutus, who was
whom
has ever
accused of insanity.
one
no
"We should placethe dream of the Emperor Julian
A phantom with
in the same
disturbed
class.
a
Marcellinus,appeared,
countenance, says Ammianus
the night before his
and seemed
to leave him
on
death : it was
the geniusof the empire,whose image
before his eyes ; it was
on
was
constantly
engraven
the coinage
revered by his army ; it was
picted
de; it was
his standards ; and, without doubt,a statue
on
of it was
placedin his tent. Troubled by the scarcity
of provisions,
which distressed his soldiers,
certain
also that a religion
which was
opposed to his own
This
Langhorne's
Plutarch,vol.
vi. p. 84.
London, 1770.
376
HALLUCINATIONS
have
must
IN
procuredhim
RELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
in
enemies,even
his own
it
army, and on the eve of a decisive battle,
is scarcely
to be wondered
at if his sleepwas
turbed
disIs it surnature.
prising
by dreams of a depressing
that the enthusiastic disciple
of the Theurwhose
doctrine assignedan
portant
imgisticphilosophy,
beings,should see
part to such supernatural
in his dream, and believe in the reality
of the vision,
the genius of the empire mourning, and about to
departfrom him ?
The hallucinations may also consist of things
long
since impressedupon
the brain,which at the time
of association.
The
principle
material forms which paintersand sculptors
have
and which are
given to the characters of Scripture,
so
commonly representedin books,in churches,and
have formed
in paintings,
the foundation of those
visions of saints,angels,demons, and many
other
which
have appeared to ignorantand
apparitions
troubled with hallucination
superstitious
persons who were
are
recalled
numerous
by
Nocturnal
the
hallucinations,
dreams,
and
bulism
somnam-
to the action of
exclusively
There is no
it is said,either exthe brain.
ternal
longer,
internal impressions
to excite it. How
or
then does it act ?
Clearly
by a kind of spontaneouslectual
It seems
to us
that these intelness.
impossible
be accomplished
can
operations
solely
by the
its co-operation
That
is indispensable,
brain.
no
will deny ourselves less than any ; but it requires
one
"
thus
have
endeavoured
as
far
as
to
possible
as
come
cases
to
a
HISTOEY,
hallucination
is
regardedalmost
but may
nothingextraordinary,
a normal
as
phenomenon, which
have
men
have not
been
have
been
sound
state
is
and
cumstances
how, under the cirbrated
mentioned, many cele-
been
insane.
co-existence
the
reason
be
but
subjectto hallucinations,
that account
on
order that
In
with
understand
it is easy to
which
exercise of the
due
377
EELIGIOtf.
A^D
MORALITY,
of hallucinations
of mind
be fullycomprehended,
may
two series of these
examine
proceedto
the
to a multitude of individuals,
relating
cases, one
both series
other concerningpersons of celebrity,
havingbeen recorded in history.The materials present
themselves in abundance, and the onlydifficulty
is in forming a selection. That our
examplesmay
we
be too
not
numerous,
we
periodsare so full of
interest in regard to the present subject.Kings,
in the habit
and civilians were
soldiers,
daily
generals,
of witnessing
apparitions.
to
Historical Hallucinations occurring
1st Seeies.
Collections of Individuals.
Peter the Hermit, to
salem,
whom
belongsthe gloryof having delivered Jerudrew
with the world and mankind, withdisgusted
Pew
"
"
into
one
of the most
became
imagination
His
meditation,and
from
austere
exalted
the
orders of recluses.
by fasting,
prayer,
effects of solitude.
He
of
fervour of
his lamentations
"Western
such
and
an
his
prayers,
excited
the
the East.
In
array itself against
he
state of mind, and filledwith the project
world
to
378
HALLUCINATIONS
had conceived
IN
BELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
in his
it is hardly
retirement,
religious
to be wondered
at that he imagined he held continual
intercourse with Heaven, and believed himself
of
the instrument of its designs,
and the repository
its counsels.
risingcivilization of Europe
associated with
was
religion
intimately
midst
In the
the Christian
of the
manner
that
bond
of
to excite and
The
powerfullycontributed
universal church
surprised
ready to
in fact
"
were
men
in
and progress
of the
Holy Wars.
concurred to
Everything
the
hallucinations
religion,
ignorance,
anarchy,and the
love of the
"
the
of the world
end
of
production
favour the
marvellous,
fear that
still lingering
hand.
at
was
awaited
Men
it with
some
which
it
of Peter
an
corded
ac-
the
Hermit
ardent
wishes.
The
of the
name
very
of the New
of a
birthplace
Scarcelyhad
inflamed
and
accomplished,
thousand
marvellous
had
the
the wonders
and
East
the miracles
was
stillthe
tales.
signsin
the
civilian and
heavens.
the
But
it
when
the
these
the
saders
Cruthat
380
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
hallucinations may
EELATION
TO
affect a number
same
time,without
them
of
insanity.This
such
combination
PSYCHOLOGY,
of persons
at the
there
to accuse
beingany reason
phenomenon is explained
by
of circumstances
those
as
we
have
described.
previously
"We next proceedto show that the same
remarks
will applyto the hallucinations of celebrated men.
2nd Series.
Historical Hallucinations relating
to
Individual.
an
Loyola,when compelledto a long
period of inaction,in consequence of a dangerous
wound
which he had received at the siegeof Pampeluna,directed his thoughtsto the state of religion,
which had alwaysbeen the object
of his veneration.
The distant rumours
of the secession at Wittenberg,
of
which he correctly
estimated the importance,
reached
him in his seclusion,
where his mind
had already
conceived the planof that institution which was
to
render such great services to his religion.Filled
"
"
with
the
at
time
realization
-was
to
re-establish
of the
so
ligion,
Pope and the Catholic rehe preattacked,
vigorously
pared
In the presence
of
this
an
idea into
is most
a
sensible
sign or
image.
Neither
it be
to
attain to
that
state
of exaltation which
is induced
and where
in the
men
were
by solitude,
habit of concentrating
all their faculties and all the
energiesof their mind on one object.
It was
of his lifethat historians inform
at this period
us
he had
ecstasies and
who encouragedhim
Virgin,
visions.
in his
He
plansand
saw
the
in the
MORALITY,
HISTORY,
mission
by
undertaken
lie had
celestial voices.
A]S'D
; he
381
RELIGION".
himself
surrounded
These
hallucinations,
admitting
such in a scientificpointof view, were
only
forcible expression
of his meditations,
the
those profoundconvictions which constituted
t
them
as
the most
result of
The
one
assumed
idea
intensified,
material
character
not
of the
age
in which
Loyola lived
and moreover
that he was
forgotten,
by the citizens and peopleof Spain,an
be
surrounded
and enthusiastic
ardent,credulous,excitable,
race, but
in their cemeteries
Phantoms
occurrence.
or
saints
surprise.
The hallucinations of Loyola,
therefore,
belonged
and his sufferings
to the age in which he lived,
only
bestowed on them
The immense
greaterintensity.
which was
shown
ascetic in
ability
by this religious
his plansand his writings,
sufficiently
proves that his
reason
Are
not
was
we
now
order which
no
affected.
to believe that the
formed
establishment of that
to Protestantism,
counterpoise
of that secret army which mingled with
by means
all orders of society,
and which was
less devoted to
than to works
which were
practices
religious
truly
to
serviceable
the offspring
of a
Catholicism,was
Does not the evidence,
diseased brain ?
the conon
a
382
HALLUCINATIONS
RELATION
IN
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
in Luther's
that it originated
trary,show
?
religion
attack upon
than
History contains more
the
Catholic
one
against another
of
"
one
power
will devoting itself to the
one
We
another.
reversingof
antagonismof
therefore admit
cannot
the original
visionarysoldier was
Such an explanation,
of this wonder.
source
although
to us
contrary to the
supportedby science,seems
To transform philosophers,
of man.
reformers,
dignity
and the inventive geniuses
the founders of religion,
hallucinated madmen, is
of the world into so many
insult to human
nature.
to offer the grossest
cell of
that the
devolve
It does not
the character
examine
to
us
upon
religious
point of view this
task has been admirablyfulfilled by others ; but it is
in him one
of the
for us not to recognise
impossible
existed amongst
natures which has ever
most powerful
What
men.
strengthof will,what power of argument
in
of Luther
all his
how
"
labours
harmonized
Always engaged in
of his enemies
with
each
perseverance
did he
vigorously
How
course
"
what
With
other !
the
he
struggle,
was
inquiry
henceforth
insane, for
had
he
interviews
numerous
with
the
the
the
devil.
"
"
he
happened,"
It
occasion
one
on
says,
and Satan
that I woke up suddenly,
The
conference
with me."
on
the
subjectof
of Luther's
and there
can
be
no
daysand nightswere
of his
allthose whose
and
puting
dis-
commenced
turned
entirely
is
merelya reproduction
this sacrament
argument against
;
doubt that the Reformer,whose
with the accomplishment
occupied
mass,
great work,
thoughtsassume
as
the
(1521)
saw
on
this occasion
minds
are
same
his
manner
with
pre-occupied
strongly
HISTOKY,
383
RELIGION.
AFD
MOLALITY,
take
before them, and misit distinctly
perceive
subject
is
until the tension of the mind
it for a reality,
is
to the real life which
relaxed,and they return
a
around
them.
ference
Claude,will onlyregardthis conof myth, imaginedby
a
a
as
parable,
species
Luther ; engendered,he says, by readingmonkish
The
works, where the Tempter is often introduced.
but
character of Satan in this case
beingnot a reality,
or a symbolical
a philosophical
abstraction,
tion
representaof our evil passions.
has himself refuted this supposition
of M.
Luther
Claude, in his Missa Privata, where this vision is
which
the power
After expatiating
is
related.
on
givento Satan,he says, this explainsto me how it
found dead in their
sometimes happens that men
are
them.
it is Satan who
has strangled
beds
Emser,
and others like them, who have fallen
(Ecolampadius,
into the clutches and under the ban of Satan,have
thus died suddenly."
is proved to
In a scientificpointof view,Luther
One
writer,M.
"
"
but
consider must
we
At
negative.
the
an
immense
be answered
periodof
power ; he
opinionsof the time
religious
had
he insane ?
was
A question
in
entirely
the Reformation
mixed
was
he
Satan
with
up
the
spoken of in
books and conversation ; he was
representedin the
of the period;
and sculptures
and all evil was
paintings
The ideas of Luther, exalted by
attributed to him.
tion,
by the dangers of his situaperpetualcontroversy,
by the fulminations of the church, and by
would
religioussubjects,
continuallydwellingon
fallunder the influence of the demon, which
naturally
he attributed all
he saw
everywhere,and to whom
the obstacles he encountered,and whom
like his
cotemporarieshe conceived interfered in all the
;
was
"
"
affairs of life.
384
HALLUCINATIONS
EELATION
IN
The
if we
hallucinations,
and not
belongedto society
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
express ourselves,
to the individual.
This
so
may
of
character
Thus, in
the individual.
attained
has
insanityof
our
times,where
own
its maximum
development,
almost disappeared,
of insanity
peculiar
type has
replacedby forms
common
viduality
indi-
to each individual.
To the instances
of the
heroine
drivingthe
Buchon,
as
"
whom
France
that
indebted
was
for
"There
to
will add
quoted,we
already
episodein
no
which excites
the
brief
so
much
historyof
annals," says
our
admiration
the
M.
and interest
arrival of Joan
of
her exploits,
her courage,
camp
has
her martyrdom. This extraordinary
event
in the French
Arc
and
"
opinions.Those who
opposite
in the ideas of the periodbelieved her to
participated
with supernatural
have been trulyinspired
powers ;
the most
givenrise to
have
regardedher as
deep intrigueplanned by
some
the result of
as
an
patriotic
feelings
;
the agent or dupe
the
ministers
of
Charles VII.*
this Maid
of Orleans ?
young
of
years
age, with a
peasant,eighteenor nineteen
noble and lofty
bearing,her countenance
pleasing,
of pride,
racter
but with an expression
possessinga charemarkable
conduct
Buchon :
pp. 196, 198.
excited
the
Analyse Baisonnee
Paris,1843.
of candour
and
and
self-possession,
admiration
clesDocuments
of
sur
all who
la
Pucelle,
knew
her.
AKD
MOEALITY,
HISTOEY,
the firstmoment
From
385
EELIGI03".
the
of
career
and bears
loftyinspiration,
authority.Charles Nodier.
At
"
her mission
impressof
the
the age of
divine
eighteen
it
and
terminated,
visions and
were
of the
^
is
revelations.
Let
case.
us
examine
Such
them
were
the
facts
in detail.
more
"
white
suddenlya
and
brilliant cloud
presenteditself
from
follow
different
greatwonders,for
has
you
selected to restore
to afford
succour
deprivedof
his
of
course
and
life,
to
accomplish
Heaven
the person whom
the kingdom of France, and
are
who is
supportto Charles,
empire. Dressed like a man,
and
now
you
themselves
remained
to
Joan, and
in this troubled
c
386
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
EELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
you without
of your desires."*
to the accomplishment
difficulty
the questions
When
the unhappy girlanswered
commander
of the
which
put
were
St. Catherine
when
she
conduct
to her
and
St.
thirteen
was
herself.
The
she heard
was
that
of St.
form.
corporeal
She
whom
saints,
two
she
Hallucinations
she had
declared
discerned
clearly
of all the
senses
are
embraced
the
and touched.f
evident in this
sufficient reason
regard
We
the heroic Joan of Arc as a lunatic ?
strongly
protestagainstsuch an opinion.Read the questions
which are filledwith malevolence,
of her interrogators,
cunning,and hate,and you must be struck with the
of Joan ; she
and uniform answers
ingenuous,
simple,
and
is always superiorto her judges; her openness
and
stand in strong contrast to their perfidy
courage
Is
case.
cowardice
that,however, a
strong mind
her
to their
to
weakness
and
her
of
romantic
and
innocent
character.
When
the
Buchon
Opus
cit.
du 17 Mars,
f Interrogatoire
p. 492.
33S
HALLUCINATIONS
each
and
occasion,
IN
EELATION
the
as
them
on
formerlyhad
nearlyseven
with
doubts
PSYCHOLOGY,
voices which
appealedto
inspired
onlythoughtsof
but
no
longermistrusted,
much
as
TO
confidence
concerningthem.
as
she had
Alreadyfor
templation
conyears she had lived in the constant
of the most
loftyideas,which found a
by
of
appreciation
so
exactlywith
here
occurs
alluded
the conduct
undoubted
considered
have
But
of
man
accord
we
to Chinon.*
an
the
of Joan
merit, seems
to
of
us
Arc,
to
that
judgment of science,
the absence
of
important
is to be regardedas
change
economy
of Joan's hallucinations,
the source
how
does it
happen we do not find in it any analogy to what
in the presentday under similar circumstances f
occurs
The period of menstruation
does in fact influence
the brain, and producesdisorders of the sensibility
and the powers
of motion ; it affects the mind, and
givesrise to symptoms of insanity
; in other words,
to a state of disease.t
isted
Nothing of this kind exin Joan ; her health was
her reason
perfect,
and her hallucinations only reflected the
excellent,
to.
an
in the female
t A.
Brierre
CUniqo.essur
1851.
of
opinions
the
have
had
never
hallucinations
subjectto
divine
pretendedthat
389
RELIGION.
period;theyresulted
We
AND
MORALITY,
HISTORY,
from
the
viction
con-
origin.
the
who
persons
in their
so
which
and
common,
were
still to
are
be
with.
met
upon
Let
full
Arc, so
During the
Middle
Christendom
Ages
that
it was
God
had
believed
out
through-
honoured
Prance
with his
foundation
it
of
by means
supposed,
dove, conveyed into
coronation.
terpretati
in-
the
God,
of that celestialmessenger'
was
the
his
the
hardlybe doubted
that this legendexercised an important
influence over
of the kingsof France,and consequently
the destiny
that
over
of the
can
country.
The
coronation
of its
such
would
traditions had
no
doubt
come
ledge
to the know-
she
heard
in her
390
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
KELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY
of the
guardianangelof France.
Joan obeyed the superior
mination,
power of enthusiasm,illuand ecstasy; conditions which, while they
fluence
form part of man's
nature
and indefyall analysis,
the events
of history.In the internal derangement
which
is producedby ecstasy,the mind
becomes
and demands
from the imagination
excited,
greatly
the phantoms of its dreams, and the latter,
in spiteof the continuance
of the reason,
invests
with
them
material
forms.
The
mind
itself
tains
longermainlongerbounded
by the actual,but a miragerises on all sides possessed
of such mighty power, that the mystics have maintained
of this inner over
the outer
the superiority
This inner sight,this mysticalvision,says
sense.
sees
Hugues de Saint- Victor,endowed with ubiquity,
to
new
extends
no
when
enlightened
a
character,and the
spiritual
by faith,it assumes
soul by faith discovers in itself thingsw hich escape
the
in the world
senses
Hallucinations
occur
also to
are
of matter.
to individuals,
peculiar
they
not
the masses,
and
visions may
become
contagious.
Joan
and
traditions
of
hallucinations.
Moses,
and
her
to Joshua.
The
ecclesiastical writers of
of the
two
kingdoms, and
were
the
engaged
in
plain
desperatecombats ; a circumstance which tends to exthe propensity
of the peopleduringthe Middle
The
Ages to see armies fightingin the clouds.
spectatorswho witnessed the sacrifice of the heroic
the sacred name
Joan of Arc, declared that theysaw
HISTORY,
of Jesus
"
391
RELIGION.
AXD
MORALITY,
she uttered
"
iuscribed iu the
flames.
Patriotism
the
and
verge
of the
very
is the
onlyone
reasoning.
The
more
examine
we
more
are
geniuselevated by faith to
military
of inspiration,
afford the true explanation
gloriousdestinyof Joan of Arc, and
be admitted
which
can
by modern
the
compelledto
we
those
especially
who
have
records
admit
of
the
history,
that eminent
desirous of
been
men,
benefiting
of the
only form
has heard of
recognised. Every one
the sect of Friends or Quakers,whose
probityis proverbial
medical doctrines,
; yet,accordingto the existing
would
GreorgePox, the founder of the society,
be regardedas a lunatic.
George Pox, in order to devote himself to the work
of regeneration,
withdrew
himself from his familyat
Por many
an
earlyperiod of his career.
years he
in leather.
clothed himself entirely
Sometimes
shut
crouched
up in his chamber, sometimes
up in the
hollow of an old tree, but always fasting,
praying,
and meditatingon the Scriptures,
he was
assailed by
temptationsand discouragements.At this time he
which
had
be
can
several
revelations
It
whether
sons
of
was
revealed
Protestants
God.
which
Alarmed
or
struck
to him
with
nishment.
asto-
were
Papists,
and
him
believers and
disconsolate at
the
findingno
for
"
matters
which
the tongue
cannot
utter.
"
I beheld,"
392
HALLUCINATIONS
adds, "
IN
EELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
he
tlie
...
...
also manifested
themselves
to his
of
endowed
sin,and all were
time they
with the giftof prophecy;at the same
of heroism,a contempt of
a certain amount
possessed
danger,and the zeal which is impartedby sincerity.*
If the cases
have quotedare conclusive,
and the
we
inferences we have drawn
correct,the opinionwhich
has converted
Socrates,Plato, JNuma, Pythagoras,
into hallucinated
Pascal,and many other celebrated men
be rejected,
must
and Eeason be perlunatics,
mitted
to claim these great minds as her own.
have alreadyquoted
To the four examples we
tellect
should be added that of Socrates,the grandestinof ancient times. But if our arguments,which
have satisfied
onlyfeeblyrepresentour convictions,
the minds
of our
readers,they will spontaneously
who, in spite
applythem to the Grecian philosopher,
will ever
remain
the most
of all medical theories,
as
noble
of
impersonation
master
of Plato.
the human
Common
sense
regardas a lunatic
pure, so wise,and in a
itself to
so
familiar demon
His
Ego son
owing to
"
was
common
moi
the
"
whose
man
manner
but the
material
will
bring
never
whose
the
conduct
was
providential.
of his
impersonation
was
representation
so
period.In
to him
which
reproaches
*
was
intellect and
Premiers
1850.
him
Prophets. Revue
"
ParM.
J. Melsand.
on
account
des
Deux
393
EELIGION.
AND
MOEALITY,
HISTOEY,
his disciples
over
imaginedhe possessed
in the admiration they
distance originated
of the influence he
at
their devotion
talents,
office.
he entertained of his priestly
high opinion
whom
the celebrated men
we
Thus, in our opinion,
nations
have quoted,and many
others,may have had hallucitheir plans,their
without their influencing
its being
actions, or their conduct, and without
possible
justlyto charge them with insanity.This
the
establishes
vast
difference between
them
and
the
times, whose
conversations,
and conduct are alwaysindicative of insanity.
actions,
They are persons who representno want, fulfil no
to be utterly
mission,and, in a word, who seem
of
hallucinated
our
own
intended
work
to prove
that the
of
integrity
reason
consistent in
was
some
of
of whom
most
were
Christianity,
humble origin althoughM. Lelut says, I have confined
hallucinations to
the existence of physiological
of
enjoyedthe full possession
persons of highrank""
the founders
of
"
"
their mental
faculties.
We
must
exist
also remark
merelyin
some
exceptional
writer has further
that
impression
doctrine in regard to a
onlymaintain our
individuals ; they also occurred to multitudes,
as
in the present day amongst
them
have seen
could
are
not
the
that
we
few
we
the
and of India.*
in the Divine
first wrho,believing
146.
Burnouf
*
"
1857,
Commentaire
sur
394
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
KELATION
TO
PSYCHOLOGY,
those of
of many
Christian
and even
profanehistory,
English medical writers who have written
persons.
this subjecthave alreadymaintained
similar
on
a
But
rational
as
a
opinion. Thus, Arnold says,
Christian can allow of no
but what
such inspiration
was
givento Christ and to the prophetsand apostles,
to
we
must, of course, conclude that the pretenders
Divine illumination and the giftof prophecywere,
the ancient heathens,as they have since been
among
"
of two
sorts ; and were
Christians,
better than insane,or were
no
downrightcheats
and impostors.The latter became
such either from
and emolument,
views of ambition,
private
reputation,
attachment
to the
a zeal for the publicgood,or
an
interests of a party."*
It has been asked," says Hibbert, if all the
and
authenticated
instances of apparitions
natural
superbe
to
communications
are
regardedas cases
of disease,
it is necessary to make a distinction with
regardto those which are recorded in Scripture.It
would indeed be most
on
presumptuous to comment
modern
among
either
"
"
the
with
man
God
in which
manner
for
special
purpose
than to
times
to
seem
f
theology."
us
to
It is not
were
medicine
belongto
to
be
rather
that
forgotten
Protestants.
"Lastly,"adds Abercrombie, in
his work
on
the
304.
f Hibbert : Opus cit. In the work of the Abbe LengletDufresview of those apparitions
of the religious
noy is a very clear account
have
occurred since the apostolic
times, and
and visions which
et
Traite
Middle
Historique DogmaAges."
during the
especially
Revelations particules
et
l
es
Us
Visions,
sur
Apparitions,
tique
*
Arnold
vol. i. p. 97.
lieres,
Opus cit.vol. i. p.
2 vols, in-12.
Avignon et Paris,1751.
396
hallucinations
from
their
mouths,
chancellor
The
Church,
accords
visions.
She
actions.
of
for
subject
such
even
and
matters,
acted
personal
these
revelations
for
signs
with
and
the
of
birth
not
by
are
form
is at
liberty
their
causes,
character,
visions
the
the
the
from
series
subject, continued
characters
same
regeneration
Saviour.
of
them
they present
same
the
have
we
theologians.
distinguish
;
such
accepted
orthodox
that
which
the
do
miraculous
as
hallucinations
all connected
are
visions
rejected them,
way
possessing
the
to
as
sometimes
times
to
pays
forgotten
relating
and
ages,
same
be
have
prophets
of
the
in
not
must
other
at
she
mass
she
person
their
have
we
they
pleases
unorthodox.
if
the
accompanied
are
Each
with
away
then,
Thus,
It
do
as
See,
he
in
special
all
to
this
Lam-
Cardinal
when
even
belief.
in
canonization
they
Holy
opinion
becoming
without
only
the
general
what
form
to
unless
very
illustrious
work
from
but
of
acts
Lastly,
by
The
authority
some,
her
them
to
approved
little
the
errors
entire
an
learn
we
tolerates
attention
virtuous
written
very
In
to
blasphemy.*
as
but
rejects them.
no
has
eeligton.
to
exposed
was
Grerson
spirit.
eelation
were
of which
publication
bertiui,
nr
In
word,
of the
they
they
world
form
complete system.
*
De
Canonis,
Sensations,
p.
27.
De
Profectu
SS.,
lib. iii.
52.
M.
c.
8.
Michea,
Du
Delire
des
397
CHAPTER
TBEATMENT
OF
XIII.
HALLUCINATIONS.
Until
This
men.
was
the
natural
consequence
of
the universal
in mind
that,since a hallucination is
of
of the different forms of
some
one
generally complication
what we shall say with regard to the treatment
will often
insanity,
It should
be
borne
means
which
are
This distinction is
particularly
perceptible
employed againstthe false idea.
398
TREATMENT
OE
HALLECI5sTATIOyS.
which
believed
was
is
which
would
be
treatment
an
amongst
under
the second
the medical
heads
we
With
cases
to which
it seemed
of hallucinations may be
the first comprisingthe
"
the moral
enteringupon the
firstrefer
must
we
subject,
the treatment
adapted.
arranged
physical,
means.
Before
which
proposedby
these reservations,
we
the first to call attention to the utility
treatment
two
"
Bicetre.
in many
of insanityit
cases
to modify very materially
the
necessary
which has been
officerof the
were
element
command,
of pride
should
details of this
partof
our
to
the conditions
be
pursued. Ought
hallucinated to be removed, or
under
treated at their
the
own
houses ?
"
minute
of these appearances
very
was
TKEATMENT
399
HALLUCINATIONS.
OE
entered
regularly
mortification
officer had
the
considered
to be
was
doubt
mind
indeed,be
they did
in the
business
common
him for
disqualify
from whom
Conolly,
way
affect
not
it
kind of
delusions
perfectly
of his
the operations
of his life,
in any
or
his officialduties."
we
must
men
was
That
no
but the
cherished
harmless
this
of his delusions.
mere
only one
find that
to
have
copiedthe preceding
be
not
confined
for entertaining
on
particular
subjects,
peculiar
opinions
or, if
they are, it is clear that no rule can be found by
be guided on the one
which any one
can
hand, or
be aceven
counted
protectedon the other. A man
may
that there are
mad for believing
two worlds
connected with our
of created intelligences
planet
"
one
thingas
solitude
that every
that there is
no
such
lonelyplaceis peopled,
than
hallucination
he
has
allowed
his idea to
assume
of
be
is
and
400
TEEATMENT
for his
OF
HALLUCINATIONS.
in confinement.*
him
Thns, so long as
the
hallucinations
are
harmless,
confinement
It may
also be asked whether
absolutely
necessary.
in the treatment
confinement
is not justifiable,
even
when
of harmless hallucinations,
sisted
they have long rethe means
usuallyemployedin such cases ?
some
Example 126. "We were consulted,
years ago,
whose
had short
husband
by a young lady(an artist)
but which
attacks of epilepsy,
were
immediately
of these
followed by a state of insanity.In one
voured
attacks he seized his wife by the throat and endeashe
to strangle
her,and it was with difficulty
At another time
managed to escape from the room.
surrounded
he imaginedhe was
by enemies, and
asked for his daggerto kill them.
The
may
lead such
life any
whole attention is
his every movement
; my
him ; my powers
fixed on
are
paralysed
; I cannot
preventedfrom following
speak; and I am entirely
Pray,sir,assist me, and do not leave
my profession.
of Heaven
in this cruel position.In the name
me
I watch
take
pityon
On
the
my misfortunes."
other hand, the husband, when
he
had
recovered himself,
gave no further evidence of insanity.
reasonable ; he was
aware
His conversation was
fully
he
under
had laboured
in that
delusion.
"
way," he observed,
*
it
"
seems
When
to
me
I suffer
as
if my
TEEATHENT
ideas
"
OE
401
HALLUCINATIONS.
head becomes
a
jumbled together
; my
chaos,and I can distinguish
perfect
nothing."
in
Young, devoted to his wife,and not believing
the dangerousnature of his disease,
the position
of
the patient
most
it less so
was
nor
was
embarrassing;
were
quiteevident
was
of
was
man.
most
man's
disease
respect to the
when
hallucination.
rendered
driven
have
might
more
for
considered,
to
commit
her insane.
and I
her
The
was
Separation
advised
accordingly
little
suicide
or
therefore indispensab
it ; but
moral
taking
attacks and
speedyreturn
desirable to
of
promisedme they would show him the necessity
from his wife for some
months, and that
separating
they would take care he should keep to the arrangement
I had suggested.
In
the
this case,
disease
reason,
out
was
to be
was
of
presentstate
might
in
laws,confinement,
question
dence
depen; yet, what
of the
the word
placedon
at
any
and what
our
of
man
deprivehim
moment
whose
of his
there he would
guaranteewas
not
The
two
may
some
"
Physical
intimate connexion
constituent
are
to
make
use
Teeatment.
which
of
principles
be affected in its
necessary
as
I.
man,
exists between
shows
that
the
each
such
therapeutic
agents
Let
to both of them.
take
us
applicable
examples: a person giveshimself up to the
D
402
immoderate
HALLUCINATIONS.
OE
TREATMENT
hallucinations
subjectto
and
liquors,
of fermented
use
is
confinement
sometimes
becomes
it is also
frequently
to opium,bleeding,
to have recourse
baths,
necessary
and
"c.
Another
person imagineshe sees the devil,
the use of ridicule or the
reasoningwith the patient,
douche, will succeed in banishingthe false sensation.
course
Generallyspeakingit will be necessary to have resufficient to effect
but
cure,
in
of treatment
modes
these
both
to
quence
conse-
of the
A
person
he attributes to
of his enemies
one
afterwards
soon
some
longersleeps
; his blood,to use
becomes
heated ; the secretions
a common
expression,
and excretions are
deranged. In this case, ought
remedies to precede
not the employment of physical
its appearance
no
What
agents ?
of moral
that
he
teaches
reason
us,
confirms.
experience
]N"icolaiwas
to congessubject
tions,
of
employment leeches,but
Academician
The
requiredthe
to make
sequence
which he had neglected
use
of,and the consurrounded
by all
constantly
was, he was
kinds of phantoms. He is then bled,and the phantoms
disappear.
with a strong
keeper,
Example 127. A lodging-house
constitution and sanguinetemperament, who from
time to time gave way to drink,was
broughtto the
Marcel de Sainte Colombe,
establishment of Madame
which
of which
His
countenance
wild.
his
He
aunt
had
let
of wild
had
"
part
beasts
"
of his house
this
greatlyannoyedhim.
insulted my
wife
exasperated
me,
attendant.
eyes brightand
that
excited manner
in the most
me
medical
the
inflamed,his
was
told
time
the
at
was
on
three
and I threw
"
was
not
to
hibitors
ex-
some
true
"
of them," he
different occasions
which
said,
One
myselfon
this
the scoundrel ;
40JJ
on
OE
TREATMENT
her head
the fourth
form
in the
had
day she
Bleedingsare
but they should
HALLUCINATIONS.
of continued
no
week
useful
not
irrigation
; on
longerany hallucinations,
she was
quiterecovered.
under
be excessive.
and
the insane
circumstances,
some
all who
Without
mentioned
have
ring
refer-
by Pinel,
chargeof
had
will
bleedingmay
without producing
any alteration in his ideas.
who had hallucinations
Example 128. A physician
of sight and hearing,requestedEsquirolto bleed
refused ; but at length,
him. For a longtime Esquirol
he consented.
overcome
Scarcely
by his importunity,
when
dage,
he tore off the banhad the patientbeen left,
utensil and
which
his blood,besides a considerable quantity
the floor ; feelingfaint,he laid himself on
on
fell
his
tance
assisWhen
bed, the blood still flowingfrom him.
bloodless.
He was
he was
arrived,
ultimately
In spiteof his
blind.
restored,but had become
his insanity
anaBinic condition and the loss of sight,
unaltered.
remained
the
as
character,
theywere
same
The
cure
of
done
hallucinations
as
vivid,and
preserved
lasted just
previously.*
hallucinations
has
sometimes
been
to
a
disgrace
by violent means, which were
there are
humanity, but of which, nevertheless,
numerous
examplesrelated by authors.
Example 129. A carpenter of Anvers imagined
number
of horrible
that during the night he saw
a
so
spectres.The terror which they caused him was
great,that he became insane. He was taken to the
had the retomb of the Virgin St. Dymphrea,who
putation
of curing the possessed. The
carpenter
effected
Mentales,vol. i. p.
183.
TREATMENT
405
HALLUCINATIONS.
OF
mitted
sub-
remained
made
But
of in mania.
use
at the end
of that
were
time,
paid,he
was
journey,
his chains,jumped from
the invalid having broken
side.
the vehicle into a deep pieceof water
by the roadhis conductors succeeded
With
some
difficulty
in rescuinghim, and placedhim half dead in the
This cured him, and he lived for eighteen
vehicle.
years afterwards quite recovered from his insanity.*
banish
will sometimes
An
emetic or a purgative
as
not
for his maintenance
was
money
tied in a cart.
sent home
During the
the
the hallucinations.
A
refused
obey the
to
devil should
recover
Ferriar,over
his
liberty.I triumphed,
says
to him
resolution,
by administering
his food.f
continued
the hands
of M.
The
use
convinced
once
his
Leuret
the
the
with
douche
or
In
notice.
especial
has
douche
than
more
Other
ideas.
days
calls of
of baths, combined
deserves
irrigation,
several
his
alongwith
emetic
an
and
devil,
the
For
in his stomach.
he still remained
he
swallowed
been
not
of
so
successful.
us
with useful
recent
date,if
If the
resources.
column
gentlemeans
accustomed
to
with
endowed
Van
in
moderate
Helmont
his wishes
have
and
f Ferriar
use
person
Idea, 49
:
stantly
in-
of
who
may
Should
Opus cit.
the
persuasive
has
and
fulfilled,
amount
Demens
the
fearful,
of water
of his ideas.
after the
provides
hallucination is of
invalid is timid
the
producedby a
impression
change the nature
and
method
this
regulations,
certain
Under
who
of energy,
oper. p. 175.
been
is
then,
406
TREATMENT
in such
effect a
The
case, the
of
application
circumstances
where
not
are
in
occurs
and
in
HALLUCINATIONS.
the douche
may-
cure.
hallucination
same
OE
favourable when
so
person
lasted for a
has
the
it is
with insanity,
complicated
especially
monomania
with a tendeDcyto suicide.
melancholy
The
by
hallucinations
of the
means
cases
the
of the douche
use
instead of
We
have
those from
while
certain
will
water
aggravatethe
for the
is allowed
thin stream,
or
in
seated
toms
symp-
in the
this continued
bath.
douche, continued
for hours toto fall,
gether,
number
the
on
watering-pot,
of
number
them.
benefiting
substituted
The
irrigation.
in
In
douche.
The
of streams
like
head of the
effect
patient
produced by
advantageof
Example
before her
her
130.
largefigureclothed in white,which
everywhere. Her medical attendant
lowed
fol-
plied
apleeches to the neck,and ordered her several baths.
This treatment
producedno amendment
; the patient
TEEATHENT
became
throw
She
soon
water
At
the
establishment.
my
me
her head
of this
out
come
she
for two
the water
As
The
to the bath.
end
let
said,
entertained
were
taken
was
allowed to fall on
was
"
brought to
as
fears
of the window.
herself out
then
was
407
HALLUCINATIONS.
violent,and
more
would
OF
hours.
Sir,"she
"
which
falls
Tou
my head like a shower of rain is unbearable.
have done it because I was
out of my mind ; I know
on
it ; but, thank
Glod, I am
Do not leave me
here any
her request, I asked
her
figurein
"
white.
what
had
become
of the
longer,"she replied;
milk
fever."
illusion produced by my
was
an
to all my
lady havingrepliedrationally
tions,
quesI took her to her apartment,and in eight
it
The
hours
she
"It exists
alwaysturn
not
often known
have
after
no
was
Things do
we
in my rightsenses.
longer." Before granting
now
the
out
erroneous
so
and
fortunately,
to
impressions
of mental
under
diseases in
which
pointingout
this treatment-
the circumstances
should
be
pursued.
leave
facts which
The
a
doubt
as
we
have
majorityof
symptoms of excitement.
the
attention
has
not
disease that
such
maintained.
When
It
is because
sufficient
408
TREATMENT
OF
HALLUCINATIONS.
from
of remedies
the
or
owing to the use
lapseof time,then the greatestadvantagesare to he
either
derived from
Before
moral
treatment.
enteringupon
is necessary to say
which was
Dr.
Moreau
of
part of
few words
Bicetre.
case
our
it
subject,
the Datura
on
proposedsome
Tours, the
this
medical
by
years back
attendant upon
medicine
This
monium,
stra-
of hallucinated
ployed
em-
was
persons,
in
were
incurable,
who,
if
a
more
they could not be termed
less hopelesscondition.
Seven were
or
cured,and
three experienced
The
onlya temporary amendment.
in from four to seven
were
cures
accomplished
days
of graduated doses of the
to a month, by means
sweetened extract of stramonium,beginningwith one
creasing
decigramme (1'5432 grains)night and morning,inof five,
the dose, in the course
eight,or
made
fifteen days,to three decigrammes,
up into a
taken every
was
drink, of which a tablespoonful
At
the end of twenty-fourhours the doses
hour.
tract
were
greatlyincreased,one decigramme of the exbeingadministered every hour, until its physiological
effects were
evident.
According to Dr.
showed themselves after the
Moreau, these generally
is
administration of three decigrammes. Great care
in the administration of largedoses of the
required
in order
be left,
should never
The patient
Datura.
that the effects of the remedy may be watched,and
not allowed to pass beyondthe normal limits.*
of these precautions
show that this
The necessity
Another
remedycan onlybe used with greatreserve.
is,that the remedy has not producedthe
objection
same
fortunate
did with M.
Some
*
of others
as
it
Moreau.
years
ago
M.
Mitivie
attemptedto
Pratiques,
p.
treat
134.
Fev.
OF
TKEATMENT
"hallucinations by
of
means
reverted
subsequently
to
found, however, to
was
difficultin its
409
HALLTTCrNATTCWS.
M. Baillarger
electricity.
of this agent : it
exceedingly
painfuland
tbe
be
and
application,
use
was
therefore
hallucinations
cure
may sometimes
of their therapeutic
action,but by
Drugs
means
the
chain
of ideas which
possess
the
doned.
aban-
by
breaking
mind
; not
of the
patient.
who had always
Example 131. A student of Berlin,
enjoyedgood health,returned home one eveningin
a state of greatalarm
was
pale,his
; his countenance
and he declared he should
eyes had a wild expression,
die in six-and-thirty
He went
hours.
to bed, sent
for a clergymanto reconcile him to God, and wrote
his will.
These
serious
Hufeland
was
panions.
symptoms alarmed his comrequestedto visitthe invalid,
his
"
410
TREATMENT
but
tolled,
OE
HALLUCINATIONS.
consider
we
them.
it would
Manual
be
useless
labour is often
merate
enu-
very useful
brought into asylums
a
to
Should
this be
the
upon
cient
insuffiof the
cause
II.
Moral
"
the excitement
Treatment.
has been
ployment
subdued, the emof moral means
which consists essentially
in givingrise to fresh impressions,
re-awakeningthe
and
in directing
the attention to new
aifections,
objectsmay be productiveof the greatestgood.
The choice of these different means
must
necessarily
the disposition,
and
to the education,
vary according
"
"
the
kind
which
of
insanityof
will succeed in
useless
in
of
one
artisan cannot
which
will be
intelligence
understanding. The
person
moderate
A
in the
terms
same
as
is accessible to
woman
would
Means
of
be addressed
of education.
man
hallucinated.
the
have
no
influence
on
the
solations
con-
the
cure
After
that
must
revert
false sensation
which
we
course
judicious
but the
the patient,
changed,althoughhe talks
a
resources
he is
man
to them
torments
of medicine
in order to
the hallucinated.
has
hallucinations
less about
are
quillized
trannot
them, then
with
acquainted
to
combat
the
412
TBEATMEXT
notions
correct
Then
would
infuse
doubt
At
OE
can
all my
arguments
you.
Those
long been
to be
HALLUCINATIONS.
as
have attended
myselfby observing
they fail to convince
the insane have
upon
that to
aware
bad
useless ;
are
who
content
as
insane."
Then
would
the
hope to convince a
But
patienthimself.
lunatic is
"
not
am
having
she would
exclaim
committed
either from
pride or
bring forward
of
possession
make
no
found
her.
so
againsther pretensionsof
crimes
many
show
to
I would
reason.
would
in
was
listen to her
the
accordingto
answer,
she
me
arise
she
insanity. Again
arguments
her
it must
in which
state
or
subdue
the
"
"
"
about
more
the flames.
Mademoiselle
which
At
Claire had
had
her
upon
she became
As
only,when
she
less communicative
Mademoiselle
I proposeda
life,
Claire
blister
was
on
much
too
was
and
effect
harassed,
dissembled.
at the
her
no
arm,
criticaltime
to
which
of
she
OF
TREATMENT
consented.
the
Amongst
the habit
she had
making
whom
with
person
of
413
HALLUCINATIONS.
she
generalconfession
have
been
disturbed
"
JSTone of
insane.
all
previously;
has
reason
illness
your
to
case
the
opinionin
relatives,"I said,
your
Your
to
I attributed
conversed.
the
this respect.
propensities
been
never
depends upon
this criticaltime."
Mademoiselle
moral
which
resources
I bestowed
I had
at my
command.
her ; I
judgment, and
her
praised
at the
understandingand her
time expressedmy
same
surprisethat a person so
happilyorganizedshould giveway to such ideas. I
often laughed at her about her devils.
You
may
laugh,"she said,"but for allthat they exist." Then
she would
laugh herself at the jokes I passed upon
These
her.
conversations were
agreeableto her. I
called her self-esteem into play; I engaged her
This
attention, and appealedto her good sense.
followed,ultimately
plan,which I perseveringly
duced
prothere
a
happy diversion in her ideas. When
was
a marked
improvement,I allowed her to go out
"
and
her
melancholy.
lost.
These
The
These
visits sometimes
persons
lamentations
whom
she
had
made
seen
happened especially
and
passedthrough the publicgardens,
the luxury and
had seen
brilliant dresses of the
The
her
the
to
modern
city seemed
company.
Babylon,with all its iniquities.
By degreesher ideas
were
when
she had
414
TREATMENT
became
OF
HALLUCINATIONS.
quently,
freless melancholy ; she went
out
more
and,when she was out,occupiedherself with
results
from
better
obtained
not
were
Tvithout alternations
Thus
Mademoiselle
againbecome
to
worse.
Her amendment
and refuse to go out.
melancholy,
characterized by the desire which she
was
especially
showed of beingemployed. She commenced
working
for several hours in the day. Her cries occurred at
and
longerintervals ; she no longeravoided society,
would
conversation
into
enter
for
considerable
time.
after her admission
months
Two
she had
relapse
;
she
was
and
we
watched
between
struggle
every hope that
Mademoiselle
that
indicating
She
she
at
the
the
greatest interest
and
reason
the firstwould
Claire
to
go
entrance
we
to
was
this
but with
insanity,
triumphant.
be
at
was
smiled when
determined
arrived
the
with
this time
church
about
but
state
dation.
to its foun-
shaken
jokedher
in
it,and
when
she
she declared
more
now
tranquil,
frequently
able to
write
and
work, and
in
two
Claire
months
this
TEEATMENT
the
disease
and
would
and
door
entered
with the
us
quitewell. Eive
good.
perfectly
which
case,
have
we
our
passed the
felt better
agents ; but
Her
church,and
to
selected
from
several
the reader to
no
use
was
blister,
am
fullyconvinced
followed
Claire.
treatment, which
interest
greatest
been
With
of treatment.
baths and
some
had
of Mademoiselle
condition
letters informed
This
fearful her
more
the mental
continued
was
she
carriage,
the
happy.
subsequent^watched
"We
she
When
return.
had
seemed
and
departure,
of her
morning
415
HALLUCINATIONS.
OF
appreciate
the exceptionof
made of physical
that
with
the
moral
for
perseverance
event, the
unforeseen
An
exists
actually
what
under
sufficient,
some
sudden
comparisonof
with the belief of the patient,
is
to destroy
the
circumstances,
hallucinations.
is detailed at page 73,
seeingthe Cossacks in the Jardin des
The
whose
governor
exclaimed,on
Plantes,"Enough
"
case
am
of
a
with
she
her medical
was
insane
in which
if the Messiah
On
patient
the Messiah.
written
she
agreement
engagedto
did not
come
After
admit
on
the
of March.
man,
Another
cured!"
the
short time.
416
teeat3j:ent
of
infamy had
tliat her
husband, and
her custom
hallucinations.
occasioned
the
haunted
spirit
eveningto fix herself
death
of
her.
It
that his
every
at the
her
was
window,
afterwards
as
effect,
The
very
striking.
"
she
her
As
entered
as
soon
the
drawing-roomwhere
ran
into
corner, hid
face in her
looked
assumed
out that I
screamed
dead and
was
to haunt
come
her.
had anticipated,
and
exactlywhat Dr.
lost.
minutes I thoughtall was
for some
and argument onlyirritated
Findingthat persuasion
I desisted,
and
and confirmed her in her belief,
It
tried to draw off her attention to other subjects.
This
was
"
was
me
attention
with
the
since
them
and
she
utmost
her
into
to
her
I entered
circumstantiality
friends.
and
the
or
excited
and
interested,
minuteness
affairs of the
when
me
had occurred
parted. This
we
into the
now
seen
mine, took
relate what
became
soon
either
under
children.
the
time
some
thought I
had
of
completepossession
her
TKEATMENT
mind,
OF
I ventured
417
HALLUCINATIONS.
ask
her,in
joking manner,
whether
I was
not very communicative
for a ghost.
She laughed. I immediatelydrew
her from
the
and again engaged her attention with her
subject,
The
children and friends.
plan succeeded beyond
my hope. I dined,spent the eveningwith her,and
herself again."
left her at nightperfectly
This happy result was
permanent ; and whatever
to such trials,
it is
generalobjections
may be made
not to be deeplyimpressed
with the fact
impossible
that they sometimes succeed.*
The
method
of M. Leuret
must
be
necessarily
noticed here ; for,althoughwe have already
pointed
consider that an example
out its principal
we
features,
to
is necessary to make
it thoroughly
understood.
a carpenter,
had
Example 134. A., aged forty-two,
and was
of an impatient
drunk freely
and excitable disposition.
He was
18th June,
broughtto the Bicetre,
from various hallucinations. He was
1839, suffering
of cuppings
treated by the application
totheneck,baths,
and lemonade.
with affusions,
Afterwards
foot-baths,
hewas ordered to work,but this he obstinately
declined
was
to work.
conducted
immediately
placedunder
the
douche.
M.
After
case
the
Leuret
bath,and
then
to relate what
gated
interrohad
pened
hap-
havinglistened
of A., M.
"
to
Now, A., I
for
Leuret
am
"
goingto
We
Esquirol.
in the establishment of M.
E
I think of
similar
precisely
418
TREATMENT
have
all you
OE
told
me
HALLUCINATIONS.
there is not
word
of truth
in
"
I wish
it was
After what
so, but
"
what
and
see
of
said,is there,then,no
this place?"
condition.
You
what
have
you
gettingout
my
I know
You
will
hear.
hope of
Listen to
onlygo
out
when
must
no
there
neither voices
are
in these passages,
this,you
must
nor
never
refuse to
more
nor
work, whatever
ordered
to do.
because
think any
these passages,
persons speaking
do they exist. In addition to
from
come
If you
be obedient,
perfectly
that
you
will not
Will
you
promise
again?'"'
about these things,
If you wish me to speakno more
because you saytheyarefollies,Iwillnot
speakof them."
not
me
to
speak of
may
them
"
"
Promise
The
me
but beingstrongly
urged,replied
point,
"
are
Promise
desired."
me
every
day,when
you
420
TREATMENT
OF
HALLUCINATIONS.
"
"
I will
you
me
"
of my ideas."
I wish you would
go
you
for
having relieved
and
work
to-day."
"
"
He
awaited
the hour
of work
Since
allowed to go out.
heard anything.
neither seen
nor
might be
in order that he
he
yesterday,
has
September14.
A.
result.
September25.
cured.
effectually
There
be
no
doubt
that A. is
he had
This
can
man,
were
the
when questioned
expressedhimself,
A. requeststo be allowed
about his hallucinations.
October 3rd
that
to go out ; this is grantedhim on
is to say, twenty days after the long interview of
September12.
of A.," says M. Leuret,"is undoubtedly
"The cure
next
to the pains
to the douche, and
owing, first,
which I took to make him speakupon all the subjects
to answer
of his delirium,and to compel him
me
It is necessary not to appear satisfieduntil
rationally.
there is,or appears to be,no reservation in what the
patient
says. If I had been content with A.'s evasive
terms
in which
he
"
TREATMENT
the
answers,
probablyI
humour
have
patientwould
should
have
never
421
HALLUCINATIONS.
OF
dissimulated,and
succeeded.
I did not
requiredhirn to pronounce
the name
of madman, in order,if possible,
to render
the idea of insanityinseparable
from that of his
disease,
givingto this its proper name, so that he
it.
might reject
I often laytrapsfor those lunatics who seem
sonable
reaafter the douche ; I return to them, pretend
I had made to them, and the
to regret the objections
pain I had caused them ; if they giveway, I then
that they
so
pointout to them how they have failed,
their guard. Since, however,
on
may be constantly
is not to punish,
my objectin this kind of contest
but to cure, it must
be fullyunderstood that I take
that these stratagems are
care
strictly
proportioned
of the patients
I use
to the intelligence
upon whom
his self-esteem
"
them."*
have giventhe
interesting
case, of which we
to us
most
seems
a
important particulars,
strong
in
the
have
favour of
opinionwe
previously
argument
of applyingindiscriminately
to the difficulty
as
expressed,
This
the treatment
of M. Leuret
to the
cases
which
occur
have
have
possess them.
result from telling
them
Serious consequences
These
Bicetre.
I
*
in
his
own
words
there
error, because
Du
Traitement
Paris,1840.
Lenret
in-8.
was
were
Moral
de
la
"
was
was
no
vinced
con-
other
Folic,p. 186, 1
vol.
422
OE
TREATMENT
HALLUCINATIONS.
means
and
the
in
the douche
not
was
convinced
way
In
true."
our
that what
me
we
practice
own
and behind
intimidation,
to
recourse
no
our
I said
have
had
backs
the
"
would
We
giveway because there is
patients
say,
nothingelse to be done againstviolence,but we are
fullyconvinced of the truth of our ideas."
"We will onlymake one
which is,
more
observation,
that it is not alwayswithout danger that we can force
his error.
to recognise
a patient
Example 135. A man, named Vincent, imagined
he was
for him to pass
tall that it was
so
impossible
out of the door of his apartment; his medical man
that force should be used.
recommended
was
The
mendation
recom-
attended with a
followed,but it was
for,in passingthrough the doorway,
fatal result ;
Vincent cried out
that
him and
theywere lacerating
breakinghis bones. The impressionwas so strong
that he died some
his attendants
days after,reproaching
with havingbeen his murderers.*
It is,
which is nowadded
a fact,
therefore,
that hallucinations may be treated with
far
opinion is
our
Leuret, but
We
in
accordance
differ
we
as
do not
science,
So
success.
with
its mode
to
to
that
of M.
of execution.
of hallucinations
employmentof
moral
sometimes
sometimes
the
to
combination
of both these
means.
By
of this mixed
ance
treatment, in accordemployment
with the etiology
and symptomatologyof hallucinations,
we
which
cures,
*
Marcus
shall obtain
may
number
of
permanent
not
Donatus
Hist.
Med.% Var.
of
effected
those
"will
to
be
in
modified
under
the
we
which
special
Lastly,
different
there
plan
several
have
not
which
wounding
the
divided
the
evident
that
pointed
now
which
many
are
be
cases
pursued.
will
out
the
with
with
is
It
classes.
hallucinations
diseases
have
we
accordance
the
to
but
Leuret,
of
advantage
examination
iuto
treatment
M.
of
patient.
previous
our
hallucinations
the
the
of
sensibilities
In
the
have
least
at
method
the
by
423
HALLUCINATIONS.
OE
TREATMENT
are
they
which
require
circumstances
developed,
are
will
and
associated.
require
424
CHAPTER
HALLUCINATIONS
XIY.
IN
RELATION
TO
MEDICAL
JURISPRUDENCE.
destinyseems
into
prison. Such
is the nature
theft,of
of
Only a
gave the
followingaccount
detained
the
In
lunatic.
yieldedto the
of insanity.*
hallucination and
unhappy lunatic
"
or
men
had
who
persons
criminal
that
disease,
accused of vagrancy,
crimes,of murder, who were
unnatural
unfortunate
of his
by
the
gestions
sug-
des Tribunauoc
misfortunes
policeas
of
an
vagrant.
of
the court
to
believe thac he
Boismont
the
not
was
was
in his
directed
state of his
mind,
it to the court.
of to-day
Dr. Brierre de Boismont
sitting
made
the following
report: I visited Chevillard in
prison,and had a long conversation with him. I
"
At
the
"
asked
him
what
the
was
cause
of his misfortunes
and
At this question
of his vagrant condition ?
his eyes
became
animated,and his voice trembled,his demea*
We
protestagainsta
There
can
be
too extended
no
insanity.
425
JURISPKUDENCE.
MEDICAL
"
was
"
"
die,for
I will swallow
I
Emperor
as
am
you
of China
or
it with
last breath.
my
see
me,
am
richer
the
King
of
Mogador
treasures
though
Althe
than
;
I possess
enrich
can
whom
"
"
been
there
I have
Calcutta,but
the
to make
enemies
my
"
Do
never
much
been
further
I wanted
in Prussia.
far
as
"
2000
as
francs
journey,and
have
you
your
and he will take
to
means
prevent
them
from
turbing
dis-
"
"
"
lard had
1830
been
and
confined
1843.
At
there
one
several times
time
his
between
was
insanity
tended
at-
choly,
greatexcitement,at another with melanhe was
and once
placedthere for attempting
and he still
his life. I visited him again yesterday,
the same
delusions.
After a long
continues under
of treatment, he may perhapsbecome quieter
course
;
be left to his own
but he can never
guidance; the best
thingthat can be done is to send him to the Bicetre."
who pretended
At these words Chevillard,
not to
with
"
426
HALLUCINATIONS
have heard
IN
EELATION
word duringthe
single
said,
it is
secret
'
tribunal
the
theyall say
paper
both sides. On
on
"'9th
November,
be entertained
doctor's statement,
it is an
incredulous.'
pieceof
TO
Well
mad.
am
one
"
Sayingwhich, he
1844.
of me,
inquisition,
side were
court,
these words:
Whatever
"
opinionmay
"
On
"
to
'
The
"
an
income
Whoever
'
"
of
onlydispose
and without
easily,
can
francs could
3000
have
who
person
of from
800
to 1000
this,let him
sees
"
"
The
Rue
2000
any risk,
francs a month.
believe it ! ! !
"
'
from
'
Chevillard.
la Boucherie
JSTo.14,
Saint-Jacques
"'a Paris (Anranchir).'
court
and
could
it be
otherwise ?
This
man,
who
is
by enemies,whom
he perceives
before him, and hears threatening
him,
will endeavour
to injurethem, to pursue
them, to
strike them, and to kill them ; and should he through
that
convinced
an
he
illusion convert
is surrounded
the persons
calamities.
Example
*
136.
Madame
X.,
Frenchwoman, aged
Decembre, 1844.
428
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
destroythemselves
RELATION
in order
which
them
pursues
tells them
that the
to
others
TO
of
violent
death.
comes
first idea
The
is,that
crime
has
which
been
mitted
com-
and the
but it may be the result of suicide,
man's miserable end may have been caused by a false
sensation.
A clerk perpetually
imaginedthat he saw
;
the
him
gendarmes around
butt.
If in this
and afterwards
might have
cut
his wife's
often
Suicide
attributed to
very different
placein
takes
cause
their
maniacal
delirium,
fevers.
accompanies
these catastrophes
trace
found to have
constantly
delirium which
it is
When
possibleto
source, they are
been
have
producedgreat alarm,and
to
throat,
drowned
been
had
man
from
to
the
case
are
illusions which
then,with respect
of suicide than
attempts
"
to
in the feelingof self-preservation
originating
from
a
imaginarydangers. I remember
escape
patient,"says Marc, attacked with typhus,who
"
"
"
would
had
have
not been
thrown
if he
remembered, when
prevented.He fully
ceased,that
he fancied he
was
pur-
MEDICAL
429
JUKISPRTJDENCE.
some
escape from these annoyances,
solitude,others are continually
moving about
them.
and
placeto place,
conceal
to
their movements
and
fight,
in every
endeavour
from
possible
way
to
mined
deterothers,of a more
their pretended
enemies,provoke
face
character,
them
seek
To
there
be
can
no
doubt
that unfortunate
the swords
of
persons have fallen beneath
these hallucinated individuals duringtheir paroxysms.
Example 137. " In 1831," says M. Gauthier," I was
There
four of
were
goingto Lyon a Saint- Amour,
in the carriage
us
; a clergymanand myselfoccupied
and
sent
voice of
to
he had
Pouzet, with whom
person named
in the regiment.He soughtfor this person
quarrelled
a
insulted
who
cashiered.
*
continued
Marc
De
him,
He
to
the
same
to hear
and
became
able
who
state
enraged,and
la Folie consideree
him,
he
entered
re-
of excitement.
dans
vol. ii.p.
QuestionsMedico-judiciaires,
1840.
find
Us
156.
determined
Rapports
to
avec
2 vols. iu-8.
les
Paris,
430
HALLUCINATIONS
fight him.
IN
When
RELATION
arrived
TO
Meximieux, and
while the horses were
beingchanged,the unfortunate
man
and, drawinghis sword,
got out of the carriage,
cried out, Pouzet, come
of your hiding-place
out
;
and fight;
these gentlemenwill be our witnesses.
come
we
at
'
and
yourself,
I assassinate
you, it
cowardice.'
The same
of your
continued
of excitement
kiud
when
Lous-le-Saulnier,
illusion is
An
and
he
until
was
taken
combined
frequently
the lunatic
arrived
we
to
with
the
at
pital."*
hos-
the hallucination
in every
enemy
To escape from his torments, sometimes
person he meets.
he destroyshimself;but at other times he
sees
an
laysplansof
the
vengeance, and will kill or wound
he may chance to meet, and who, according
first person
his
to
he conceives
it
others.
an
as
times
Some-
with, and
thinker,who
impose upon the superficial
intimate
to
for the
expression,
pays
regards
act of vengeance.
of the
fiat
Bourbon.
crew
An
from
had
men
cidu
The
circumstance
pronouncedhim
to
monomania.
the facts
are
following
for the prosecution.
*
Bottex
as
ment
stated in the indict-
Opus cit.
MEDICAL
431
JURISPRUDENCE.
tain
Example 138. During his residence at Cette,CapL. imagined he heard
insults and threats used
towards him, which led him
to keep watch
during
the nighton the deck of his vessel,carbine in hand.
The vessel put to sea for the purpose
of going to
Bourbon.
In the
disturbances
course
occurred
on
of the voyage
On
board.
great many
several
sions
occa-
beat some
of the crew.
captainseverely
In their evidence
the accused brought many
charges
againstthe captain. They stated that the captain
the
looked at them
talked
and
that he often
very sinister manner,
to himself, and declared that he heard taunts
in
which
insults,
had
reallyoffered,and that
to the throat of the cabin-boy.
one
dayhe held a pistol
The captainon
his side complainedhe was
stantly
conthe
He
said that
objectof annoyances.
during his confinement he had been dailyinsulted
and his feelings
without however specifying
outraged,
instance.
any particular
The court naturally
asked the captainsome
tions
quesconnected with other subjects.When
called
to
upon to state what had induced him only lately
fire his pistol
twice at a person he scarcely
knew, he
in the most
serious manner,
that for some
stated,
time past he had distinctly
heard the voice of his
wife
the prosecution
took placeat Bourbon, and his
wife was in France
to him from the bottom of
calling
his cabin for assistance ; that when he had spoken to
the policeto aid him in his search,they Mould not
no
one
"
"
listen to him
neglectingtheir
who
duties
after
he
had
these
men
for
fired at the
had
crew.#
*
Le
1844.
Droit, bulletin des Tribunaux, 21 Fevrier,
Cour
432
HALLUCINATIONS
Much
has been
IN
said
RELATION
TO
on
this
dict
ver-
monomaniac*
Example
his wife
on
had
an
had
139.
T. D.
the
of
.night
uncle
on
accused
was
the 3rd of
his mother's
had
been
happilywith
The
mayor
feteof
St.
to
married
of
having killed
May,
side who
182S.
had been
but
feeblydeveloped,
education
had
for
which
He
had
still
been
some
years, and
lived
his wife.
of his district,
on
Charles,1827, havinggiven an
the firemen
of the
his
town, D.
ment
entertain-
joked by
probablyexcited by
was
went
under-
table,
irrichange; he became sombre,suspicious,
and passionate
; he ceased to attend his church,
and took to drinking
neglectedhis work in the fields,
to him ;
his wife of beinguntrue
; he suspected
a
Brierre
Monomanes
les
ales sur
cle Boismont : Observations Medico -leg
hallucines.
Gazette des Hopitaux Civils et
tristes,
10 Octobre,1843.
Militaires,
"
MEDICAL
he avoided
from
that
433
JURISPRUDENCE.
his former
that
certain
pronouncedD.
which they termed
insanity,
medical
with
men
be
to
This
1827.
attacked
melancholia
with
delirium.
On
the 3rd of
an
crime
his
unhappy being
his wife
"
wife,whom
was
about
with
to
child.
he invited to sup
commit
He
and
a
braced
em-
sleep
with him.
next
he
which
found
had
hid in
after he
was
worn
before
stained
cellar,
when
arrested,
he
went
to
with blood.
the
bed
Nine
facts
following
were
days
were
spreadit over
napkin out of a closet,
the
the body,and placeda cross, which was
on
the top of it. He then washed
on
chimney-piece,
he
got
434
HALLUCINATIONS
IN
RELATION
TO
his
which
hands, changed and concealed his clothes,
covered with blood,providedhimself with some
were
and taking his father's horse, closed the
money,
door of the house, hid the key, and fled into the
country,takingcare to avoid those roads which were
most
frequented.He stopped at an inn,where he
and drank two bottles of wine ; he then
largely
departed,
leavingbehind him such things as would
lead to his being recognised,
and did not return.
For nine days he succeeded
in concealing
himself,
and was
arrested until the 11th of May, after
not
saying and doing things which served to betray
ate
him.
"When
him
D.
which
these
he
letters
intended
were
he gave
found on
taken,several letters were
had written duringhis flight.Two of
addressed
to the king. Others
were
for two of his former friends,
to whom
was
of the murder
account
an
requestedthem to
passportunder a feignedname.
and
his examination
At
that he
him
him
money
procure
he had
him
in
; at
Sometimes
because
passion,
other times
he declared
which
he pretended
sometimes
he
was
raged
en-
had been
his
accused Robert.
particularly
in prisonD. wrote
Whilst
to
father,to the magistrates,
Richard, and
in
be
was
a good
wife,who, in other respects,
his enemies who
he declared it was
; lastly,
urged him on to it,in order to ruin him. He
givento
had
to
woman
details of
mitted,
com-
foreign
was
was
D.
which
the
others.
incoherence
of the
same
All
of the
ideas,and
several times
his medical
his letters
to
man,
were
his
M.
alike
436
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
legalposition.He
KELATION
engaged in
manual
TO
occupations,
thread purses.
served
obchange was
April !Uth, 1829, a marked
restless and disturbed.*
in D. ; he seemed more
was
man
needle,with which
own
accord
he made
injureany one"''
to bed, the attendants not
On April18th D. went
disturbed than
havingnoticed that he had been more
of the nighthe
the previous
days. In the course
on
in which he
to leave the dormitory
made
excuse
an
slept; he then went and obtained a broomstick,with
sleepingin the
which he struck the lunatic who was
The man
who was
sleeping
sixth bed from his own.
awoke
he had struck was
the person
by the
next
satisfiedwith
noise,and called out for help. D. was
him retreat beneath
the latter so as to make
striking
I will not
"
told him
to
nate
himself;he added,it was forturestrained him, for he had intended to
avenge
they had
serve
two
or
three
others in the
same
way.
portance.
A sudden change in the habits of the lunatic is of great imin our
have observed this in the persons
we
Whenever
commit
establishment, the individual has afterwards attempted to
*
to
suicide,
escape,
"c.
MEDICAL
437
JUEISPKUDEtfCE.
appearedquiet,
slept
ate well,made
no
tolerably,
attempt to free himself
from the strait-waistcoat,
but often cried,especially
when
reminded
murder,
of his conduct.
punishedas
Such
are
to
he
D.
murdered
he
flight
was
series
two
believe that
when
seemed
he
It
was
observed
afraid he would
that
be
criminal.
arrangedinto
to
D.
the
his
one
conscious
he had committed
to prove
facts may be
would induce us
These
in
was
wife,and
case.
that
that he
even
in
position
was
when
which
crime
insane when
he fled he had
the event
had
placedhim.
First
"
his conversation
of the insane
he
was
wrote
not
and
his actions
were
His numerous
generally.
altogether
wanting in
not
like those
letters showed
intellect when
he
them.
Second Order
438
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
EELATION
TO
tions
changed. After that time lie frequently
gave indicaThe disorder of his mind is proved
of insanity.
tended
by certificates from three medical men who had atnomaniac
him, and also by publicopinion.D. was a mosurrounded by enemies,
; he believed he was
He was
and destroyhim.
who wished to injure
vinced
conhis father,
and his wife plotted
that his friends,
diminished and increased
againsthim. His insanity
from
time to time.
in
springof 1827, he attemptedsuicide,
order to escape the plotsof his pretendedenemies.
his wife
In the springof 1828, after havingembraced
with him, without any provocaand taken her home
tion,
ing
distresswithout anger, but waking up from some
fears and let it be
dream, harassed by imaginary
In the
"
borne
that
mind
in
the
at
of his
commencement
in her
woman
"
and
the
miserable
man
awakens
to
the
sciousness
con-
he
and endeavours to
the consequences, he flies,
perceives
avoid the pursuitof justice.
The
same
thing happened to D. which has been
other
lunatics,
who, after a
moral impression,
or who, after acor
complishing
strong physical
some
designwhich had been engendered
the
seem
suddenlyto recover
during their delirium,
noticed in
great many
use
never
439
JURISPRUDENCE.
MEDICAL
in his
horse.
him
house
own
He
he
it
if he fled,
with
his father's
retained
him
was
letters
when
on
demned
concealment
con-
of the
since the
end
of the
these
perpetrated
two
of his moral
AVe
therefore
year
1826, and
acts
he
was
that
not
when
he
in the possession
liberty.
consider
the conduct
that
of D.
the
hereditarypredispositio
duringhis residence at
440
the
to
men
HALLUCINATIONS
EELATION
IN
TO
accompaniedthe
act
laid to his
insane when
he committed
prove that D. was
the murder of which he is accused ; that the
charge,all
monomania.
Given
The
Paris,6th July,1829.
Ferrus.
(Signed)Esquirol,
at
court therefore
murder, on
the
to be confined
This
because
D. of the chargeof
acquitted
but ordered him
groundof insanity,
as
criminal lunatic.
example,which
we
consider
have
we
it
in
given
excellent model
an
detail,
to
be
additional
in all similar cases, affords an
nations
instance of the dangerswhich arise from the hallucifollowed
and
illusions of monomaniacs
melancholy.
Example 140.
On
the
25th
attacked
by
of
November, 1840,
Mr. Pearce,the author of several clever medical works,
tried at the Central Criminal Court for shooting
at
was
the
his wife with intent to murder, and acquitted
on
afterwards taken
He was
shortly
ground of insanity.
where
he has remained
to Bethlem
ever
Hospital,
notion that his
since. He entertained the peculiar
wife wished to destroyhim, and that she had bribed
persons
to
effect
of which
principal
damped or wetted.
his death
was
in
various
This idea
seems
was
ways,
the
constantly
to have
haunted
MEDICAL
441
JURISPRUDENCE.
"
In
letter addressed
Pearce
hospital,
and connected
the
governors
the
pointin a very
argued
"
manner.
of the
who
witnesses,
they felt his bedding and
one's hand
act of placing
some
to
If,"said he, in
the
of
serious
allusion to
found
it
"
"
in my sad
"
It may
case.
of
was
At
the
privatemadhouse
kept by persons
of Stillwell,
the name
near
Uxbridge,whence I
brought here,my bed was kept almost wet for
done
so.
442
HALLUCINATIONS
IIS" BELATION
TO
three
"
I beseech
have had
some
you to commiserate
my hard lot. I
littleclaim to the title of gentleman,
estimated
society.I
in
circumstances,
by
persons
of
ration
conside-
some
by a wretched chain of
dragged
great prison-hospital,
am
now,
from
comforts
of
desperadoes
to the
importanceto be communicated
of State,and accordingly
he had written a
Secretary
letter in Latin,communicatingall the circumstances.
It had,however,been taken from him, and he did not
it had ever
been sent to Downingknow
whether
sufficient
street.
He
wished
Sir
havingcajoled
to show
how
A. Morrison
Oxford
boasted
into
of
a
444
HALLUCINATIONS
EELATION
IX
TO
M.
he
Lastly,
head
of
head
conclude
Moor
that in
on
certain town
statue, and
in
that
give it to him, he
the artist's studio,which
Henry IV. was as black as
that he would
be
he
saw
that,having
artist to
requestedan
same
added
found
this
made
him
devil,
sins,and
the
his
damned.
eternally
Historical documents
must
"
One
angelto
night,when
in
him
the midst of
a
'
sword,said,
he
was
his
sent
vision ; he came
to this fanatic in
and showing him a naked
greatlight,
a
Brother
Jacques,I
of the
Almighty,and have
through you the tyrant of
death.
bed, God
in
come
France
prepare
the messenger
to tell you
that
am
must
be
put
for
yourself,
to
the
crown
"
MEDICAL
It is sad to think
that many
victims to similar fanatics.
The
who
German
young
445
JUEISPKUDE^CE.
persons
intended
to
fallen
have
assassinate
to deliver his
The
and
resolutions
actions
to
which
the individuals
occur
by the hallucinations sometimes
and particularly
Obscurity,
night-time,
this instanto have favoured
taneous
frequently
led
are
all at
country.
once.
seem
sleep,
action.
In
some
circumstances
delirium
no
has
nothing in
the
him
to
manner
his bedroom.
of the
There
was
traveller to attract
evil intention.
hours
"
the house
to assassinate
me,
and I determined
to sell
life as
dearlyas possible."
This man's name
was
AlphonseTerry,a working
in search of work
he was
tailor travelling
twenty
eight years of age. During his imprisonment he
was
calm, and his conversations with his
perfectly
keepersand his companionsevinced no indications
my
448
HALLUCINATIONS
Of
KELATION
TO
of
The following
the answers
he gave to
are
insanity.
the questions
which were
put to him at his trial :
Q. Why did you ill-use the master of the inn at
Bully?
A. While
I was
at supper the innkeeper
took a
in the room,
and
largeknife,and entered a recess
out
for one
of them."
came
saying, So much
"
"
Another
entered
man
accepted;
whom
then
there
he gave
in my
similar
killed
offered
then
me
white
of
second
The innkeeper
person.
glassof red wine,which I
a
a
also
were
at the bottom
recess
women
some
wine.
I went
chamber, which
was
to
above
present,to
bed.
Being
the
common
hand,
and
when
he
entered
the
room,
I defended
myself.
did
What
Q.
think it
was
They
A.
hear which
induced
you
you to
intended to assassinate you ?
I had seen
them
knew
assassinate the
"
"
"
"
"
In
the
evinced
course
excellent
this
man
He
peated
reintelligence.
again all he had seen, heard,and feltin the
inn at Bully. His statement
was
alwaysthat of a
who was
man
convinced,and was
thoroughly
glad
imminent
to think he had escaped
so
a danger.
One cannot
help tremblingat the perilous
position
of exculof the accused,and the impossibility
pating
if it had so haphim in a court of justice,
pened
of hatred against
he had had any cause
the
sense
MEDICAL
447
JTJEISPETTDEXCE.
had disputed
with him about
or if he
innkeeper,
if there had been any reason
or, lastly,
reckoning,
suppose he intended to commit a robbery.*
The
occur
suddenness
his
to
with which
quoted,while
others.
numerous
So
furnish
the hallucinations
longas
only
manifest
themselves
all at
and
once,
out
with-
he has been
the
"
voice,that
irritated by insults,
and
that he sought
his persecutors if his victim
to revenge himself on
unknown
to him, or
was
with him
if we
can
motive
alleged
"
had been
discover
and
the
on
terms
friendly
connexion
no
act,
between
the
presumption
becomes stillstronger. The correspondence
should
not be overlooked,
as it sometimes
an
action
explains
would
otherwise appear incomprehensible.
which
*
Bulletin des
"
Tribunaux,20 Janvier,1843.
448
HALLUCINATIONS
TO
EELATION
IN
must
If there is any doubt in the case, the patient
after a longer
be placedunder control ; and generally,
undoubted
or shorter detention,
symptoms of insanity
themselves,and
will show
hallucinations
The
and
are
murder, theymay
all uncertainty.
remove
not
onlythe
of suicide
cause
to theft
incendiarism.
or
Example
Jonathan
142.
do better to
you would
about it ; I had never
more
any intention of
anything; but an angel having commanded
common
and
sense,
the will of
better
God
to
set
fire to
one
no
you preferit,may
Martin was
Jonathan
in Bedlam, where
Example
143.
committed
declared
and
lunatic,
young
employers.
she had
time
confined
he stillremains.
girl,named
Grabowska,
with nostalgia,
attacked
fifteen years of age, was
acts of incendiarism
and twice committed
her
the
not
leave
stealing
me
by
alone
produce proofsthat
act, so that
the
no
say
entered
She
declared
that
was
in order to
from
the
constantly
things. It seemed to
her as if a shadow
was
constantlybefore her, and
This girlhad
urged her on to acts of incendiarism.
long suffered from violent headaches,and her courses
had not appeared.*
have
mental
Des
Marc
shown
Memoire
Monomanes
"
sur
Annates
la
Pyromanie,vol.
serve
ii.p. 326.
Judiciaires,vol. ix.
as
Klein
449
JTJEISPRTTDENCE.
MEDICAL
revelations to her.
made
husband,and complainedof
to dislike her
Her
treatment.
sister remonstrated
with
her
his illon
the
She
one
removed
was
on
of this violence to
account
an
fastened
the
One
night he
got up,
heard
"
sooner
entered,and
head
forced
with
her
an
iron bar.
By
desperateeflWt he
door, and fell on the
a
450
transformed
was
IN
HALLUCINATIONS
into the
RELATION
and
devil,
TO
I had
conceived
lady on
the
insane
that of
while
This
dead
We
resembled
hideous
look at,
that of the devil.
made
insist too
cannot
they may
comments,
directly
opposed to
sometimes
The
and
body,green
its countenance
motive
same
so
the
mined
deter-
was
It
was
the
stronglyupon examplesof
founded
give rise to the most unto
inferences
truth,the
which
are
appearances
are
deceitful.
illusions of
continue
and
to
the
sleepmay,
hallucinations,
moment
"
of
like the
452
HALLUCINATIONS
Example
IN
EELATION
TO
Two
146.
tree.
which
One
of them
had
cated and
lost their
bottle of wii
became
In this state
senses.
into
they I
and th
thought them of the Swedish cavaliers,
imaginations,
alreadyexcited by drink,led them
believe theywere
surrounded
by the phantoms,t
could only escape by fighting
their way
throi
them.
of the countrypeop
Each, afcer the manner
carried a stick,and with these theybegan to kno
each other about, thinkingthey were
t
striking
until one
of the two suddenly
Swedish cavaliers,
di
appeared. The other,whose stick was broken,ha
penedto layhold of his friend's hat,which was on t:
ground,and, imagininghe had obtained a complet
mistook it for on
victoryover the Swedish spectres,
of their head coverings.Provided with this trophy
he returned to tlu
and armed with his broken stick,
whose
and hastened to the house of his friend,
village
wife and children awaited him with impatience. As
had entered,he cried out in triumph,
as the man
soon
"
devils wanted
The
old
sons
men
to
such
take
a
again."
come
misfortune
sat down
me
to
The
which
hat,however,
had
happened.
refresh
themselves
the
there
453
JURISPRUDENCE.
MEDICAL
how
now
he
was.
of Helmstadt,
of the University
legalfaculty
ti avingbeen consulted,
Drunkenas follows :
replied
The
"
atess
r.ny
1
becomes
one
bate commits
for the
should avoid.
If
and in this
intoxicated,
voluntarily
for it ;
crime,he must be responsible
los3 of his
Jurists have
one
every
is due
reason
his
to
own
act.
adoptedas
that he approves of
impliesthat he would
shows
of
itted that
"m
was
not
under
the
drink.
It is true, it must
also be adcannot
complete drunkenness
exempt
ordinarypunishment
"islature does
the
case
where
the
regard should be
I to it in the application
of the penalcode.
On
other hand, drunkenness
be chargedwith
cannot
Time when it has been brought about againstthe
illof the person implicated
when
; as, for instance,
not
choose
in
that
454*
HALLUCINATIONS
he lias been
made
IN
take
to
EELATION
TO
drink which
he did
n"
capableof intoxicating
him, and
drug had been added to produce tl
effect. These are the principles
which must guide
in determining
the amount
of punishment
the accus
was
suppose
which some
has incurred."
.
The
man
was
condemned
to ten
years'hard labo""
the catastrophe
of
having been the cause
the laws of his country, which expres
transgressing
forbid the people,under
to i
severe
penalties,
as
drunk
in
and
which
direct that
homicide
committ
of
state
it has been
If at the
the
is able to
since hallucinations
understood,we
and
have
illusions have
been
able
to
been
accoun'
of
"
".
MEDICAL
455
PRUDENCE.
of melancholy monova^coy
hav"
complicatedwith hallucinations. We
illed attention
mia
to
and of
observations,
that
aich the evidence has satisfied the magistrates,
and
any individuals who are regardedas quarrelsome
and even
as murderers,
as mischief-makers,
ssionate,
long to this series.*
Having alreadyconsidered the questionof confine;nt when
speakingof the treatment, we shall merely
d that hallucinated persons who have a tendency
i commit
suicide,to thieve,to burn, or to murder,
V, ought to be placedunder restraint. The same
oved
by
should
ecaution
who
aniacs
conclusive
numerous
taken
be
believe
with
hallucinated
mono-
surrounded
themselves
by
only
has
for experience
they threaten,
that at any moment
d
clearlyshown
they may
mmit
acts of violence.
Separationshould not
there is nothing serious in the
enforced when
3
whom
emies
allucinatious.
The
interdiction may
of such
are
be demanded
a
nature
as
when
to
the hallucinatio
involve
the
of
ersons.t
'
be
*
"
.
See
article in Le
"
tnets.
fr(
'
c
"
THE
EXD.
LONDON:
SAVILL
AND
CHANDOS
PBINTEBS,
EDWARDS,
STEEET.