Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Mental Illness, Psychology, Hospitals, Medical Treatment

    Discusses a report of a ball for inmates at David Skae's lunatic asylum, near Edinburgh (a reference to the Royal Edinburgh Asylum). Draws attention to the claim that the inmates danced with 'peculiar propriety, decorum, and grace', but argues that this is not 'wonderful', since 'Dancing is the natural expression of at least certain forms of insanity'. Gives examples of animals and humans who dance during states of delirium. Referring to a book which proposed to treat the insane by inducing them to make sketches while their hands were being guided by spirits, suggests that the insane should dance so that 'insanity may run out at the tips of their toes'. Recommends using dancing as 'the main treatment' in lunatic asylums.