circumstances
that constitute lunacy properly understood, which means as it _ought_ to
be understood, a very different thing from this sort of unsoundness,
will be the solution of this desideratum,--and this development will
impose a considerable weight of obligation on the medical profession.

It now only remains to consider the last material sentence, delivered by
your Lordship at this conference, and which to my limited comprehension,
appears, in the same breath, to affirm and deny the same position. "The
finding of him incapable of managing his own affairs, is not sufficient
to authorize further proceedings, but there must be a finding that he is
of _unsound_ mind, and unable to manage his affairs:--incapacity to
manage his affairs, being considered as EVIDENCE of unsound mind."

With the citation of this memorable sentence,--unadulterated by any
comment, I shall conclude this address to your Lordship, submitting at
the same time my own impressions on the subject:--that, to search for
its correct exposition is reverential to the law: to crave its
elucidation from its exalted minister is an act of respectful
deference:--this solicitude is increased from the consideration that the
written opinion of the medical practitioner is deposed on oath, and
that he is examined by the commissioners and jury under the same awful
responsibility:--therefore, when the solemnity of that obligation is
contemplated, the anxiety for accurate information will scarcely require
an apology.

I am, my Lord,
with the utmost respect,
your Lordship's
very obedient servant,
JOHN HASLAM.

_No. 2, Hart Street, Bloomsbury,
May, 1823._

_Works by the same Author._

OBSERVATIONS on MADNESS and MELANCHOLY.

ILLUSTRATIONS of MADNESS, with a plate.

On the MORAL MANAGEMENT of the INSANE.

MEDICAL JURISPRUDENCE, as it relates to INSANITY.

A LETTER to the GOVERNORS of BETHLEM HOSPITAL.

SOUND MIND, or the Physiology of Intelligent Beings.

***

A new edition of the OBSERVATIONS on MADNESS and MELANCHOLY, with
considerable additions, will shortly appear.

***

Printed by G. Hayden, Little College Street, Westminster.

FOOTNOTES:

[A] The following citation was introduced, with some comments, in my
work on MEDICAL JURISPRUDENCE, as it relates to INSANITY, according to
the Law of England, 1817, which is now out of print.

[B] Lord Portsmouth's Commission.