364 COLEGATE D. OWINGS' CASE.—1 BLAND.

It very commonly happens, however, that the derangement of
the mental faculties is confined to some particular idea or object of
desire or aversion. The idea or object thus erroneously contem-
plated, is usually and not inaptly called the mad point; and hence
this species of insanity has been denominated monomania.(l) In
cases of this kind, which may be adduced as a ground for relief or
defence in any judicial controversy, it should appear that the morbid
image in the mind of the patient has been connected by him with,
and has perverted his judgment in relation to those of his acts which
are drawn in question. White \. Wilson, 13 Fes. 88; Bootle v.
Blundell, 19 Fes. 508! Dew v. Clark, I Addams' Eccl. Rep. 279, and
3 Addams' Eccl. Rep. 79; Shelf. Lun. intro. 54 & 293; Conolly Ind.
Insanity, 383, 446. And as in monomania, there are whole classes
of subjects as to which the intellectual faculties of the patient
may be entirely trustworthy; so, on the other hand, even in cases
of general insanity, there may be not only lucid intervals in
* all respects, but there may also be particular points and
389 objects as to which the mind of the maniac may be perfectly
clear, consistent, and sound; as in the case of the holographic
will made by a lunatic woman, whose hands, at her earnest en-
treaty, were untied for the purpose of permitting her to write.
Cartwright v. Carttcrigltt, 1 Phi!?. 90.

But this proteus disorder, in its milder forms, is not at all per-
ceptible to a superficial observer, often escapes the notice of the
most skilful, even after being apprised of the existence of the
malady; and it frequently happens that it cannot be detected
without an examination of some time, and repeated observations.
Although in law this state of the mind is held to be a course or
habit, not a mere act, but as having some continuance; yet it is.

What is it but the telescope of truth ?

Which strips the distance of its phantasies,

And brings life Dear in utter nakedness,

Making the cold reality too real! Byron's Dream.

(I) Such phantom's pride, in solitary scenes,
Or fear, or delicate self-love, creates.
From other cares absolv'd, the busy mind
Finds in yourself a theme to pore upon;
It finds you miserable, or makes you so.
For while yourself you anxiously explore,
Timorous self-love, with sick'ning fancy's aid,
Presents the danger that you dread the most,
And ever galls you in your leader part.
Hence, some for love, and some for jealousy,
For grim religion some, and some for pride,
Have lost their reason; some for fear of want,
Want all their lives; and others every day,
For fear of dying, suffer worse than death.

Dr. Armstrong on Health, book 4.