Rensselaer Republican, Volume 13, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 September 1881 — How Men Become Insane. [ARTICLE]

How Men Become Insane.

The Hermi t ot the Troy Times writes: A large number of lunatics in our asylums are the victims of their own misconduct. Almost any man can make himself a lunatic if he pursues the direct method. There are hundreds and -'perhaps thousends in this city driving themselves to madness. Gambling, speculation, and bard drink will undermine the strongest intellects. A young man of my acquaintance has lately been sent to Bloomingdale Asylum, who Was a few years ago so promising as to obtain an imjiortant appointment He abused his position, wasted a la'ge salary,became suddenly a gambler, and a rake as well as a defaulter. Buch a couise of vice destroyed his reason, and he is now one of the incurables. •: _ The same idea is advanced by Hogarth, who finished the “Rake’s Progress” by the scene in the mad-house. During the last five years large numbers have been carried .to the asylum, the victims of speculation. The love of pleasure and the haste to get rich have done a fearful work. After the intellect has been over-driven it must sink, and perhaps remain in hop less prostration. It may be added that the increase of insanity since the opening of the present year is of unparalleled degree. More than 500 cases have been reported during this brief interval, and hence it is not surprising that the asvlums are more than full. The attention of the public has been called to this subject by the press, and additional room must be provided. 'We must either abate tbit furious intemperance which is driving so many to maduess or we must double our asylums all through the State.