In this seminal work, Esquirol explores the complex issue of how society deals with mental illness. Drawing on case studies and his own extensive experience treating patients, he argues for a more humane and rational approach to confinement and treatment. This book remains a key text in the history of psychiatry and is essential reading for anyone interested in mental health and the history of medicine.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.