The title of the paper which I am about to have the honour of reading before you indicates of itself my non-belief in the existence of a change in the osseous system which is the result simply of the fact of general paralysis, this change exemplifying itself in a greater tendency of the bones to fracture.† This opinion coming in opposition to that now prevailing, I propose to make you the arbiters of the question, and will lay before you the arguments which have convinced me.

At a period like the present, when lunacy legislation is attracting much attention, it is interesting to note the various peculiarities of the law as it now exists in various countries. I have no doubt that most of those who listen to me have seen the Blue Book which the Government caused to be published giving some account of the laws dealing with lunatics in several lands, but many who have not practised in Ireland are unacquainted with the very remarkable features which the lunacy law of that part of Her Majesty's dominions presents. It is true that geographical proximity, or even membership of the same kingdom, does not always connote similarity in social conditions; and the social conditions of any country are as important an element in legislation for the insane as for the sane. Nevertheless even from Ireland instruction may sometimes be obtained, though perhaps some will say that that land more often affords examples for avoidance than for imitation.

The accompanying designs have been prepared by Messrs. Berry and Burmester, architects, London, in consultation with myself. We do not claim that it is in all respects a model asylum, great economy both in construction and in subsequent administration having been carefully studied throughout. It is believed, however, that it provides at a reasonable cost all the requirements of a modern asylum for the pauper class, that its arrangements comprise everything which is essential to the most approved methods of treatment of insanity, and that it presents novel points and advantageous combinations which render it specially worthy of attention. The design is suited to the requirements of either a small county or a borough, for it contains, in due proportions, accommodation for all the classes of the insane found in our public asylums.

Having availed myself of the opportunity afforded me of visiting Gheel a second time when attending the Psychological Congress at Antwerp in September, I propose to describe this remarkable insane colony, as I think it cannot fail to suggest important questions and considerations, in regard to which much difference of opinion still exists.

It is a remarkable circumstance that the obituary notices of the Earl of Shaftesbury which have appeared in the daily papers make very slight reference to his lordship's great services to the insane. Nothing more forcibly indicates the wide extent of his philanthropic work than that, after enumerating various movements in which the Earl took a prominent part, little room—only some half-dozen lines-should be left for what still remains one of the most important of the interests which occupied his active life, and that which obviously calls from us more especial attention and notice, a tribute, indeed, of sincerest respect and gratitude.

We are glad to be able to record that the inauguration of the statue of the illustrious Pinel successfully took place at the Salpêtrière on the 13th of July, 1885, a century, within eight years, after the commencement of the great work which he accomplished at that institution and at the Bicêtre; indeed the associations of the majority of persons familiar with the courageous reform introduced by Pinel is rather with the latter hospital than with the former.