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It is certain, furthermore, that the insane are more or less susceptible to all influences exerted in consistency with the requirements of veracity. It is no uncommon thing in the experience of those who have charge of institutions for the insane to find the delusion of their patients giving way before a continual representation of the truth. Nor is it unfrequent that the recovered patient is able to call to mind, how the truthful declarations of his physician first broke in upon his delusions with persuasive power, and how from this source the first ray of light shone upon the brooding darkness. We can speak from experience, how much it contributed to the rest of a mind tossed upon the billows of phrenzy and despair, when we had gained the conviction that those who were placed in charge of us were men in whose slightest utterances we could have confidence; men who made it a sacred principle not to deceive their patients in any particular. There is a certain point of recovery when the disordered mind seeks to discriminate between that which is true and that which is false in its condition. It has delusions which it would gladly rid itself of, if it might dare to do so; but it has others, equally hurtful, to which it would as gladly hold fast. Then also, there are certain facts, with reference to his state, some of which are pleasant, and others, it may be, disagreeable to contemplate; but now, as he finds his delusions beginning to dissipate, what shall he do with these? Ought he to retain his confidence in them while he dismisses it in the others? In such circumstances what can be more grateful to the tempest-tost soul than to have at hand a faithful counsellor, whose every word is 'truth, and who may be relied on to guide his trembling steps through the maze he is treading.

Let no one say that confidence on the part of the insane in the word of others, is not to be expected, as a general thing. Opposed to such an opinion is the striking fact, that there is scarcely a class of patients in a well-managed institution that does not exercise this confidence to a greater or less degree. Go to the worst ward in this Asylum, and you will find a company of men walking at liberty, and, for the most part, peaceful and manageable, who, but for the faith they have in the word of their attendants, would be furious as the beasts of the forest. They have been made to understand, that so long as they maintain good behavior they shall enjoy certain privileges; they have learned by experience that this condition will be strictly fulfilled on the part of their attendants, and it is their confidence in the assurance given them, that secures, to a most remarkable degree, the desired end, and renders unnecessary, in a great measure, the whole restraining apparatus, -- muffs, mittens, and solitary confinement. Indeed, what could such an Institution as this do, but for this principle of confidence, and what would become of all confidence here, but for the strict observance of veracity between man and man!

But we will not, at this time, prolong our remarks further. We are satisfied that the whole system of deceit and falsehood practised towards the insane can safely be dispensed with. In all conscience then, it surely should be. It is not necessary to use the language of constant and irritating contradiction. Kindness joined with firmness; gentleness with honesty; truth spoken in love, -- these are the best of all human restoratives for the malady of a diseased and disordered mind.