The weekly Placer herald., 1854-03-04

ter OF our population. w nave lew
youths, and still fewer aged persons; all
are in the meridian of ife,-when the
intellect has attained its maximum activi-
ty, when the feelings and passions are
dominant. and when the sorrows and sue
cesses of life are more frequent and forni-
dabe. No better evidence of the great
mental activity of our people is necessary,
for it is well established physiological
fact, that where the greatest degree of
mental excitement prevails, there, also, is
the greatest amount ofinsanity. In high
ly civilized and enlightened communities,
in countries which have acquired great
degree of political and religious liberty,
their mental diseases are most common.
In all tyrannical and despotic govern
ments. among all rude and barbarous ma
tions, in all conditions of society where
mental ability is of low type, there is
very little insanity. Among the Chinese,
Hindostanees and the inhabitants of the
Pacific Islands, the disease is hardly
known. In Turkey and Russia, in Spain
and Portugal, except in the large cities,
it is extremely rare. In Mexico, Cuba,
and the South American States, the num-
Der in proportion to the population is still
smaller. 1t is asserted by trappers and
mountaineers, and by authors of undis-
puted authority, that among the American
Indians, in all their numerous tribes, a
case of insanity was entirely unknown.
In the different institutions of England,
France and Germany, nations highly
educated and intellectual, there is vast
amount Of insanity. In England alone,
there are 10000 insane persons, exclusive
of idiots; in France $4,000, and in Ger
many the same number; while in the Uni
ted States the number of insane persons
is nearly double that of any country in
Europe, in proportion to the population;
the whole number is not far from $4,000.
After giving list of the different pro-
fessions of the unfortunate creatures that
have come under his chalge, the Doctor
remarks.
1t has generally been supposed that
persons of great intelects-men of genius,
as poets and artists, politicians and rulers
were peculiarly liable to insanity The
statistics of this institution show that
nearly two thirds Of the persons admitted,
possess a low order of intellect, which
slight disappointment or misfortune crush
ed.
The number is always greater among
those classes whose brains are in per-
petua turmoil and constant excitement
than among those who pursue moderate
and tranquil course of industry and enjoy
ment.
In speaking of the different manifesto
tions of insanity, we find the following:
MoNoMANIA.-This variety is very
f., H..
generally terminates favorably. The
mind is perverted on one or small num-
ber of objects. Some are very irritable,
and frequently violent and dangerous;
others are gay and easily excited, laugh,
dance aud sing, and fancy themselves
lords and kings, generals and governors
This form of insanity presents such
strange phenomena, such mysterious per-
version of the senses, that few cases
may with propriety be mentioned. One
announces himself as Supreme Being,
the Almighty, and that his power and will
can destroy worlds and systems, and that
they only exist by sufferance. Another
is Judas IscariOt and has betrayed his
Saviour, and spends his time in praying
for forgiveness. One imagnes himself
Napoleon, and another an Indian Chief,
an Umpqua. One will not walk, because
his legs are made of glass; another will
not eat because his stomach Is made of
metal, and iron has no necessity for food.
One fancies himself brass monkey, and
would not stand erect. Another was
monument, always stood upright, and
would never move except by compulsion
One who claimed ownership to the whole
Of California and the Sandwich Islands,
and held a lien on Russia for several
millions, and strictly prohibited the erec-
tion of an hospital or Methodist church
in all his possessions. Another has ninety
millions of pounds deposited in the Bank
of Eng gland, and only came to California
Oh tri p of pleasure, to travel and study
character. One to whom the ROthschilds
are in debt many millions Of dollars, and
who keeps an account current with that
house, charging them four hundred thou
sand dollars for every day of his deten-
ton in the hospital. Another has pur-
chased all the Spanish land claims in the
State, and made arrangements to fence
and cultivate them. Another, who ascer-
tained the source of all the gold, place
near the summit of the Sierra Nevada,
had started in search of it and returned
Inadman. Another asserts that Page,
Bacon 8, Co., have swlndled him out of
all his property in Sacramento, and i'm
prsoned him here in order to collect his
rents. He declares it worse than "piracy
on the high seas" and insists on being
discharped to seek revenge. Another