On a Method of Administering, by Means of a New Contrivance, Nourishment to Insane Persons Who Refuse Food

Few asylums fail to number, amongst the unfortunates confided to their protection, certain individuals whose particular delusion induces them to decline taking the slightest sustenance, and who persist in their refusal during days, weeks, or even months.* Stratagem and persuasion are alike unavailing to alter their determination, and various and singular are the causes assigned for their conduct by these poor victims of a terrible malady. An aged and emaciated woman, under the writer's care, declined eating from a dread of growing fat; and the case of a lady was recently presented to his notice, who