Page:Illustrations of Madness.djvu/24

Rh been compelled to confine him in consequence of an order from the magistrates of Bow Street. These parish officers visited the lunatic, and being competent judges of the subject, demanded his release, on the pretence that he was perfectly recovered.

To confirm their opinion of the rational state of Mr. Matthews, the relatives employed two learned and conscientious Physicians, gentlemen deeply conversant with this disease, and doubtless instructed by copious experience to detect the finer shades and more delicate hues of intellectual disorder.

After repeated and wary examinations of the lunatic’s mind, narrowly scrutinizing into his most recondite opinions, and delving into the recesses of his thoughts, they pronounced him to be perfectly in his senses, and sanctified such decision by the following affidavit, and holy affirmation.