Punch,  23 (1852), 225.

The National Bethlehem and its Chief

Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Mental Illness, Cruelty, Hospitals, Politics, Government, Cultural Geography


    Notes the benefits of the 'non-restraint system of treating lunatics' but allows that Peter Laurie's opposition to this method has much truth to it and that 'there are some cases in which the opposite plan alone will answer'. Describes an 'example of this sort', the 'National Bethlehem'—a representation of the French nation as a mental hospital like the Bethlehem Royal Hospital. Observes that the 'deranged community possesses, in great measure, the extraordinary power of constituting its own Government', and describes the succession of directors the inmates have appointed, down to the time of their present ruler, Lewis Nap (a reference to Louis Napoleon). Describes how Nap has found his disciplinary regime 'singularly well relished' and how his patients worship him as the 'Supreme Ruler'. Thinks lunatics should be allowed to 'enjoy their own management peaceably, so long as they will only leave us at peace'.



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