The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-12-12
IBrooklyn Eagie.l
Amateur Experts.


'well, doctor, said Long Island College
Hospital student, as he met another at the
drug store they are in the habit Of frequenting,
last evening, "well. doctor, have you read the
evidence today"
"Yes, SIR" replied the doctor, as he drew off
his gloves and warmed his hands at the stove.
81 read ii with great care, and have given 1t
considerable thought"
'tAt what conclusion have you arrived as TO
Guiteau's mental condition."
"Well, doctor, taking all the circumstances
into consideration, I arrive at the conclusion
that there is considerable doubt. So far there
has been no examination Of the condition of
his stomach and lungs, without which l hesi.
tate to advance an opinion that might go on
the record"
"Then you think the data insufficient for a
satisfactory diagnosis"
''No, doctor, don't say that. But we know
that there is species of flame called animal
spirits, produced by the existence in the brain
of the finer particles of blood. Now, unless
the blood making organs are healthy, we as
sumo the blood to be impure, and in that Case
the flame is not perfect, and arrangement may
ensue."
In OLl6f WOru6, OOCtOEs you COnSl0CA ihO
stomach responsible for the correct operation
of the mental faculties. | agree with you. In
my own practice find that insanity may arise
from a sprain. Is there any evidence that the
patient ever had sprain?"
''Not that have seen, doctor Now hold
that he may or may not be insane, and yet be
guilty of the assassination"
"How is that, doctor?"
eve will suppose that he believes himself
insane. No sane man would would do that.
sE L.. l.. -. 10, hQlf
self insane. the very fact that he assumes an
impossibility demonstrates his insanity. DO
make that clear, doctor?"
Perfectly, doctor But is he imbued with
that faith?"
''Ha has sworn to 1t, and no evidence can be
beliefs"
"Then you would add to that an examina-
ton of his vital organs to corroborate the theo-
ry OF insanity"
Precisely, doctor. and without thai exsmi-
nation those experts will find themselves In
trouble. Ny experience teaches me that in
sanity, or even sanity, in some cases, may be
detected without the slightest difficulty"
"By what process, doctor?"
"By subjecting the patient to rigid eXami-
nation upon the psychological distinction be-
tween mental action and nervous force. II he
becomes wild and ungovernable as the ques-
tions are asked, the presumption IS in favor OF
insanity. If, on the contrary, he answers pa
tiently, even though incorrectly, should ap-
ply other tests before deciding that he was ir-
responsible. tried this on a young servant
girl a week ago, and she Is now an incurable.
Have you been subpenaed in the Guiteau
case yet, doctor?"
mo, no. / have carefully refrained from
expressing my opinion as yet-that is public
ly. Besides, they have got enough without
me. My practice will not permit me to leave
town Just at present"
az am glad you are going to be here, doctor.
Tomorrow ! apply leach TO compound ac-
cumulated pimple on a mans elbow, aud
may want ID have you in consultation, doc
tor
"vsry good, very good. These operations
are always more or less dangerous, and the pa