(8 & 9 VICT. c. 100)

FOR THE REGULATION OF THE CARE AND TREATMENT

OF

LUNATICS.

With Explanatory Notes and Comments,

ETC. ETC.

EDITED BY

FORBES WINSLOW, M.D.

AUTHOR OF

THE PLEA OF INSANITY IN CRIMINAL CASES,' THE ANATOMY OF SUICIDE,"

ETC. ETC.

LONDON:

W. BENNING AND CO., 43, FLEET STREET;

AND

HENRY RENSHAW, 356, STRAND.

M DCCC XLV.

MOTH

ΤΟ

THE RIGHT HON. LORD ASHLEY, M.P.

&c. &c. &c.

MY LORD,

I ESTEEM it an honour in having your lordship's permission to publish this volume under your distinguished auspices.

The deep interest which you have invariably taken in the condition of those suffering from the heaviest of human afflictions, and the unceasing and successful exertions you have made in their behalf, necessarily suggested, that to your lordship this work would be most appropriately dedicated.

Trusting that the miscellaneous matter which

has been appended to the Act may meet with your

approbation,

I have the honour to be,

My Lord,

Your most obedient servant,

FORBES WINSLOW.

September, 1845.

PREFACE.

Ir is not my intention to detain the reader by any lengthened prefatory observations.

When the idea first occurred to me of editing Lord Ashley's new "Act for the Regulation of the Care and Treatment of Lunatics," it was my purpose to add to its various clauses numerous explanatory notes and comments; but, upon consideration, I thought the object I had in view would be better attained were I to make an elaborate analysis of the act, for the guidance of those specially associated with the management of lunatic asylums.

That was my object, and the reader will be the best judge how far it has been accomplished.