The power of performing simple arithmetical operations may be
tested. It may be necessary to pay more than one visit. The examiner
should be careful to ask questions adapted to the station of life of the
supposed lunatic; a man is not necessarily mad because he cannot perform
simple arithmetical operations, or does not know about things with which
his questioner is well acquainted. The opinion of a supposed lunatic
that his examiner's feet _were large_ was not considered by the
Commissioners among the facts indicating insanity, yet statements quite
as absurd are made by medical men as 'facts of insanity' observed by
themselves. 'Reads his Bible and is anxious about the salvation of his
soul' is another example of a bad certificate. Some well-marked delusion
should be recorded.
For a lunacy certificate (_Reception Order on Petition_ or _Judicial
Reception Order_), except in the case of a pauper patient, there are
required the signatures of two independent medical men and of a relation
or friend. The medical men must not be in partnership or in any way
interested in the patient; they must make separate visits at different
times, and write on the proper forms the facts observed by themselves
and those observed by others, giving the name of the informer.
Pages:
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134