File:Insanity A.jpg

when photograph was taken. Came under my care at 6 years of age. Limited vocabulary ; speech nervous, spasmodic, and unintelligent. 
Obstinate and passionate ; unclean day and night, unable to care for 
himself. Recognized color and form, knew a few letters of the 
alphabet and could sing simple songs. Powers of imitation and 
memory good, but was incapable of concentrating attention. Was 
given a trial in kindergarten with no result. Quiet at rare intervals, 
when amused, would suddenly, as attacks came on, strike and bite 
other children without the slightest warning or provocation, running 
wildly to and fro, screaming, overturning and mutilating furniture, 
tearing and discarding clothing, and climbing recklessly in the most 
dangerous places. During lucid intervals was much exhausted. 
Attacks increasing in frequency and violence, he was transferred to 
an insane hospital in his eighteenth year. 

First-born, premature birth ; labor difficult, with instruments ; 
nourished by mother. Apparently normal until 15 months old, when 
he had several falls striking his head, and at 19 months a severe 
illness, after which became extremely nervous and excitable. Pa- 
rents first cousins, were both extremely nervous. Father 33, and 
mother 34, at time of child's birth. History of phthisis and insanity