Plain Directions for Dealing with an Insane Patient, London 1872

1872. Inscribed to One of the Commissioners in Lunacy Winn, J[ames] M[ichell] [1808-1900]. Plain Directions for Dealing with an Insane Patient. London: Robert Hardwicke, 1872. [iv], 39, [1] pp. Half-title preceded by 2 pages of advertisements for mental institutions (suitable for the upper and middle classes); p. 39 followed by advertisements by other books by Winn. Octavo (7-1/4" x 4-3/4"). Flexible cloth, blind frames and decorative stamping to boards, gilt title to front board, which is detached. Light rubiing to exterior, wear to board edges, heavier wear to spine ends and corners, rear hinge cracked. Moderate toning to interior, a few leaves and signatures loose or detached, author presentation inscription to Dr. Robert Nairn at head of title page. $350. * Only edition. Winn was a doctor who devoted much of his career to the treatment of mental illness, both as an author and as the medical superintendant of the Sussex House Lunatic Asylum. Plain Directions was written as guide for "medical men who have not been specially engaged in the treatment of lunacy" (Preface). About half of the book concerns legal issues regarding insane persons, their relatives and physicians and caretakers. It is a useful synopsis of Victorian laws and attitudes towards the mentally ill. Nairne [1804-1886], the recipient of our copy, was one of the Commissioners in Lunacy from 1857 to 1883. Members of this commission, which was established by Parliament in 1845, oversaw asylums and the welfare of the mentally ill in England and Wales. OCLC locates 13 copies, 7 in north America, none in law libraries. British Museum Catalogue (Compact Edition) 27:311. (Inventory #: 81626)