p. 6 | Increase of Insanity in Ireland

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 14, 1907

Increase of Insanity in Ireland

The great increase of insanity during recent years in England has received considerable attention in the public press of the world; but a Blue Book recently published by the official inspectors of lunatics in Ireland gives some statistics which are certainly startling. For instance, in 1851, when the population of Ireland was 6,552,385, there were 9,980 lunatics registered; but in 1901, when the population had decreased to 4,458,775, the number of insane had increased to 25,050. In other words, in 1851 there were 15 insane to each 10,000 inhabitants, while in 1901 there were 56 insane to each 10,000. “As to why this should be so,” say the inspectors, “we can offer no reasonable explanation.” Concerning this record and the statement of the inspectors in reference thereto, one of our exchanges says:—

The evil effects of wrong habits practised by parents are not as manifest in them as in their offspring, if the same wrong habits are indulged by them. The third and fourth generations usually suffer the full effects of these transgressions. It is not merely the innutritious food, but the drink, the tobacco, and the tea, that is telling on the Irish race. These sins have been handed down from fathers and mothers to sons and daughters, each succeeding generation naturally reaping the accumulated results of their own, as well as their parents’ indulgences. Tobacco and tea induce nervous diseases and mental disorders.

It might be added that this present generation throughout the world is reaping the accumulated results of their own and their ancestors’ selfish and sinful indulgences. That is why crime and greed of every kind are flourishing to such an extent and counting their victims by thousands on thousands.