Increase of Insanity in Scotland.
The Medical Record of June 6 thus begins an editorial article:— The annual report of the British Commissioners in Lunacy shows that the number of insane in Scotland is increasing almost by leaps and bounds. In earlier years the recurrent increase in annual percentages might be explained as the natural result of the efforts put forth to bring the cases of existing insanity under official cognizance. Now, however, this excuse will not stand. Lunacy is increasing at a rapid rate, and the fact is obvious that lunatics are being manufactured.9 Among the causes given are strong drink, the constant drain of the healthiest of the people to other parts, strong tea, and dyspepsia. But these do not satisfy the doctors.