DERANGEMENT

OF THE

SENSIBILITIES.

CHAPTER I.

DISORDERED ACTION OF THE APPETITES.

§ 166. Classification and method of inquiry. We now enter upon a distinct and very important department of the mental nature, viz., the Sensibilities. The Sensibilities, like the Intellect, are susceptible of some subordinate divisions; the most important of which is the leading and most general one of the Natural and the Moral Sensibilities. Of these two we propose to consider, first, the Natural Sensibilities. Of the elementary or simple feelings, which come under this general head, the leading division is into Emotions and Desires. As we advance from the Intellect to the Natural or Pathematic Sensibilities, we find ourselves in the region of the natural Emotions. These are followed by Desires.

The Desires, for the most part in combination

with Emotions, assume a number of distinct and important modifications or forms, viz., the Appetites, Propensities, and Affections. We propose, under this general head of the Natural Sensibilities, to prosecute the subject of alienated or depraved mental action, in connexion with these principles in particular. It is true that the emotions and desires, in their simple or elementary state, are susceptible of an inordinate or depraved action; but they do not appear to furnish, in that form, a sufficient basis for a prolonged, definite, and scientific discussion. It is in their combination with each other; it is in the shape of appetitive, propensive, and affective principles, which, in general, are the result of such combination, that they stand out prominently to the eye, and give a definite aspect to the character. shall begin, therefore, with the Appetites, which will be followed in the order in which they have been named by remarks on the Propensities, and, finally, by a consideration of the Affections, including under that term the two leading divisions of the Benevolent and Malevolent Affections.

We

§ 167. Of the distinction between mere disorder and Insanity of the Sensibilities.

It may be proper to keep in mind here, that a distinction may be drawn satisfactorily between mere disorder or irregularity of the sensibilities, and insanity of the sensibilities. Insanity indicates not merely disorder, but disorder existing in a high degree. When, for instance, the disordered or irregular state of mind, which at first existed only in a

slight degree, continually increases, so as at last to pass a certain boundary, which is more easily conceived of than described, it becomes Insanity or Alienation. That is to say, the merely irregular action becomes an insane or aliented action, when it becomes so great, so pervading, and so deeply rooted in the mind that the individual has no power of restoration in himself. So that it would seem to follow, in view of this remark, that there may be a disordered state of the mind which is insanity; and, under other circumstances, a disordered state of the mind which is not insanity, or, rather, which is less than insanity. But, in either case, this condition of mind is not to be regarded, nor is it, in point of fact, a sound mental state. Although we may not be able to say, specifically, in a given case, that the disorder has reached the point of insanity, yet it is certain that the mind in this disordered state, whether the disorder be greater or less, is presented to our view in a new and important aspect.

§ 168. Of the disordered and alienated action of the Appetites.

In accordance with the plan of discussion proposed in the first section of this chapter, we proceed to remark, in the first place, that there may be a disordered and alienated action of the Appetites.It is well known, that the appetites grow stronger and stronger by repeated indulgence. While the process of increased appetitive tendency is going on, there still remains, in the majority of cases, enough of remonstrance in the conscience, and of restrictive

and aggressive energy in the will, to ward off that state of thraldom which is rapidly approaching. But in some melancholy cases it is otherwise; the line of demarcation, which separates the possibility and the impossibility of a restoration, is passed; and from that time onward there is nothing but interminable sinking. Such cases as these may undoubtedly be regarded as coming within the limits of some of the multiplied forms of mental alienation.

The most frequent instances of mental alienation, originating in a disordered and excessive energy of the appetites, are to be found in that numerous class of persons who habitually indulge in the use of intoxicating drugs, particularly ardent spirits. When the person who indulges in the use of intoxicating liquors has so increased the energy of this pernicious appetite as really to bring himself within the limits of mental alienation, there is no hope of a return by means of any effort which he himself is capable of making. He may have a clear perception of the misery of his situation; the desire of esteem may still arouse within him the recollection of what he once was and of what he still ought to be; the conscience may still speak out in remonstrance, though probably with a diminished voice; the will may continue to put forth some ineffectual struggles; but it is found to be all in vain. If left to himself, and not put under that constraint which is proper to persons in actual insanity, it may be regarded as a matter of moral certainty that he will plunge deeper and deeper in the degrading vice of which he is

the subject, so long as the remaining powers of life shall support him in the process.

§ 169. Facts illustrative of the preceding statements. The individuals who are in this situation seem themselves to have a consciousness of their danger. They see clearly that in their own strength there is no hope. Some years since there was a pamphlet published in England, entitled the Confessions of a Drunkard. The statements made in it are asserted, on good authority, to be authentic. And what does the writer say? "Of my condition there is no hope that it should ever change; the waters have gone over me; but out of the black depths, could I be heard, I would cry out to all those who have but set a foot in the perilous flood. Could the youth, to whom the flavour of his first wine is delicious as the opening scenes of life, or the entering upon some newly-discovered paradise, look into my desolation, and be made to understand what a dreary thing it is when a man shall feel himself going down a precipice with open eyes and a passive will; to see his destruction, and have no power to stop it, and yet to feel it all the way emanating from himself; to perceive all goodness emptied out of him, and yet not be able to forget a time when it was otherwise; to bear about the piteous spectacle of his own self ruins could he see my fevered eye, feverish with the last night's drinking, and feverishly looking for this night's repetition of the folly; could he feel the body of the death out of which I cry hourly, with feebler and feebler outcry, to be delivered, it were