Skae's Classification of Mental Diseases

Extract

Of all the classifications of insanity with which we have been afflicted in recent times, none has been more diligently vaunted, or more frequently obtruded upon attention, than that of the late Dr. Skae. Emanating from an able and accomplished physician—not in the first blush of his juvenile enthusiasm, but in the maturity of his powers, and the ripeness of his experience—it at once commanded respectful consideration, and was placed in a position of authority. And there, in the progress of time, a strong body of sentiment has gathered about it. Dr. Skae's old pupils, with a fervour which speaks volumes for his influence over his colleagues, and for their loyalty and gratitude, now rally round it, and vigorously repel any attack upon it, and even any approach to it for the purpose of a critical examination. Under their jealous guardianship it has become a sacred edifice—a monument of wisdom which may be adorned or enriched by the initiated few, but which it is sacrilege in the vulgar to attempt to demolish. Its great principles have been pronounced binding by the œcumenical council of Morningside, and he who profanely questions them places his promotion in jeopardy. Fortified, developed, illustrated, by the labours of many distinguished followers, this classification of Dr. Skae's is extolled by some on all possible occasions, and there is an undoubted danger that it may be somewhat widely adopted.