David Likely wrote:
> Dr. Ferriar [?] ... in cases of melancholia advises the cold,
> and in mania the warm bath. The only case, however, which
> he adduces in support ... was treated successively by opium,
> camphor, purgatives and electricity.
I am wondering why camphor and electricity were used as treatments for
melancholia (mania?) during the late 18th century. I suppose camphor was
used because it was thought of as an irritant or stimulant. The
convulsions it induced (which probably were the actual cause of
improvement) were accidental. That is, unlike the later work in the 20th
century, I would doubt that the goal was to induce convulsions but,
instead, simply to stimulate a lethargic and despondent person. Perhaps
electricity was used for the same reason. That is, I don't believe that
it was yet known that the nervous system worked through electrical
impulses (wasn't this work done during the 1830's??). Thus, the
intention probably was simply to stimulate a lethargic person. And I
doubt that convulsions were ever induced with this method.
Does anyone know more about why these treatments were used?
Jeff
--
Jeffry P. Ricker, Ph.D. Office Phone: (480) 423-6213
9000 E. Chaparral Rd. FAX Number: (480) 423-6298
Psychology Department [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale, AZ 85256-2626
"The truth is rare and never simple."
Oscar Wilde
"Instead of having 'answers' on a test, they should just call
them 'impressions'. And, if you got a different 'impression',
so what? Can't we all be brothers?"
Jack Handey
