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The statistics given of the Utica Asylum also show that the percentage of recoveries, during these later years, whether based upon the whole number treated, the average population, or the number of admissions, has not been an increasing one. In making the comparison also, it may be mentioned that, of the four hundred and sixty-three cases admitted in one of these years (1869), 20 per cent. had been insane less than one month, 40 per cent. less than three months, and 70 per cent. less than a year. In that respect, the circumstances were favorable for recovery.

I also give the partial statistics of three Massachusetts institutions -- all I have at hand -- which would seem to indicate that the medical treatment, when pushed, is no more successful than when less vigorous medication is adopted.

In citing these results in the case of the Utica Asylum, I would not be understood as presenting them to prove that they are less favorable than in the case of other institutions during the same period, but as showing that the modern system of treatment, based upon the exclusively "physical-basis" theory of insanity, is no more successful than in former times, though it must be conceded that the resources in the way of remedial agencies have been greatly enlarged. Let me quote from the proceedings of a meeting of the British Medico-Psychological Association, held about a year ago: "Dr. Howden wished to know on what authority Dr. Tuke made the statement that the proportion of recoveries was the same under the old system of restraint as it was now."

"DR. TUKE: I don't think that I said so. I said, 'it is said that it was,' and I have not been able to disprove it."

In closing, I ought to apologize for the somewhat disconnected manner in which I have treated my subject. It has resulted, in part, from the attempt to express my own convictions, while reviewing the opinions of another; and, in part, because I wished to be as brief as possible.

I desire especially to excuse myself for a too controversial tone and manner in the utterance of my convictions. I regret this more, because I may have seemed, to some of my hearers, to be attacking the author of the paper, when I have only aimed to controvert his opinions.