In bringing before you the subject of the dietary in use in public asylums in this country, I have, in the first instance, to apologise for my inability to treat so great a subject in a manner in any way commensurate with its importance. I omit altogether touching on those fields for research as to the nature, quality, and quantity of food best suited in the treatment of acute insanity for the support of bodily strength, allaying excitement and producing sleep, as to the arguments for and against artificial alimentation, and as to the use and abuse of stimulants.