offspring of the disease. Society rightfully asks that it be protected from a recurrence of the crime. Humanity, with an equal right, asks that if the crime is the result of disease the prisoner shall be spared the disgrace of punishment. An asylum is, beyond question, the proper place for the large majority of epileptic criminals. We would also recommend this disposition in those doubtful cases which so perplex expert and judge, since in these cases, a careful watch, oftentimes for a considerable period, is the only way to mete out justice. If it should appear that the disease is not father of the crime, the ends of justice would not suffer by the delay. It is not the swiftness of punishment, which often savors of revenge, but the certainty with which the offender receives his just rewards, that deters criminals and upholds the majesty of the law. In conclusion, permit me to urge upon this Society, so noted for its appreciation of all public charities, the claims which this unfortunate class have upon us, and to ask you to second the recommendation of the Board of State Charities for the establishment of a special hospital for epileptics. The necessity of such an institution is seen in the present deplorable condition of the epileptics in the jails and infirmaries of the several counties. The number of this class at present in asylums, jails and infirmaries is about five hundred. Of this number, three hundred and fifty are in the jails and infirmaries, of whom, according to the last annual report of the Board of State Charities, fourteen are in close · confinement, two are chained, and eight are quite filthy. I have no means of estimating the number of epileptics in their homes throughout the State, but from the frequent application made here for the admission of insane epileptics, I infer the number is not inconsiderable. Another object gained by such an institution would be the relief afforded to our overcrowded insane hospitals. Even when the asylums now in process of enlargement and con struction are ready for occupancy, they will be insufficient to accommodate the insane, exclusive of the epileptic insane. Every one will readily recognize the impropriety of receiving epileptics into the insane asylums: First, Because the restlessness of thought and action in mania proves a continual source of irritation to morose epileptics. Second, Because of the deleterious effect upon an already disturbed mind, or one just struggling back to health of witnessing the frightful appearance and apparent suffering of one convulsed. In an institution designed expressly for this class, some modifications could be made in the present plan of hospital construction, so as to better meet their special wants. The suddenness of an epileptic seizure and the fall which attends it, render some provision necessary against accidental injury to themselves. Still more, epileptics, except in very rare cases, should sleep alone. The associated dormitories so common and so commendable in our insane asylums, are unfitted for epileptics. No fitter commentary can be made than to cite you to the sad case that occurred in the Lawrence County Infirmary.* Two epileptics, both subject to night attacks, were crowded into the same room and bed. "One morning the young er of the two was found strangled to death." The old man is now serving his life sentence in the penitentiary. * Rep. Board of Charities, 1869. Mechanical Treatment of BY D. S. YOUNG, M. D. Prof. of Surgery in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery. |