^∗ As an instance of the tenacity with which, in spite of advancing knowledge, old and exploded beliefs still hold their ground, it may be mentioned that not very long ago a highly intelligent and educated professional gentleman, hailing from the Metropolis, remarked to the writer that it was his firm belief that all insanity was due to possession by devils, that suicide was the natural ending for it in the designs of Providence, and that in his opinion the impure ought not to be interfered with, but that the insane should be allowed to put an end to themselves and “go to their own place!” Difficult to believe, but nevertheless a fact.Google Scholar