Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1864 edition. Excerpt: ... THE INSANE IN PRIVATE DWELLINGS. The Scotch Lunacy Law provides broadly for "the care and treatment of Lunatics in Scotland." Accordingly two classes of Lunatics are considered in its provisions: one in, and one out of Asylums. It is of the condition of the last that I have at present to speak; that is, of the condition of those Lunatics who are found in private dwellings, either under the care of relatives, or under the care of persons not related to them. In the amount of attention bestowed upon this class of the insane, the Scotch law differs from the corresponding laws of England and Ireland, and is beneficent in a wider sense. Indeed, whether compared with home or with foreign laws relating to the insane, in this respect certainly, and perhaps in others also, it displays a more comprehensive philanthropy, and passes them in a direction which is sure of being followed, should these laws undergo change. These patients--the insane in private dwellings--are divided into two classes by the character of the source from which their maintenance is derived; some depending for their support either wholly or partially on the Parochial Boards, while others derive it from funds possessed by themselves, or supplied by their friends. In other words, patients in private dwellings are either paupers or non-paupers; and it will be convenient and A of advantage to speak of them separately, because the relations of the Board of Lunacy, and the requirements of the law, are not the same as regards both. A further division depends on whether the patients live with relatives or wTith persons not related to them. It will be necessary to keep this also in view, because here again the legal position of the patients varies. The insane in private dwellings are...
