A FRIGHTFUL FORM OF INSANITY PRODUCED BY DRINK.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3582, 4 January 1883, Page 4

A FRIGHTFUL FORM OF INSANITY PRODUCED BY DRINK.

Cases arc numerous wherein persons have suddenly disappeared and then been found in someiocality more or less distant without being able to tell how they came there. The ■fceTnpovarv suspension of tlie memory is not an infrequent failing - , hut such an illustration of it as become known at the City Hospital recently is remarkable. In February, 1881, a man named "Walter Philbroo'ks was picked up by the police, and, being unable to give an account of himself, he was sent to the insane asylum, and placed in charge of Dr. Howard. He labored under the hallucination that lie was at Havre, France, en route to London. Ho could give no account of any thing that had taken place since 1867, but was familiar with events that had occurred prior to that time. He had been a soldier in the Confederate army from Alabama, and had resided near Mobile. Being educated and accomplished, he soon enlisted the sympathy of several parties, who proceeded to investigate his antecedents. It was discovered that in LSGo he left Mobile and sailed for Havre. He was supposed to have returned to the United States, but little information was obtained concerning him. When he left Mobile he had a .sister residing near that city. It was discovered that she now lived in' New York, and a correspondence took place between her and the authorities. .By careful attention on the part of the physicians at the asylum, after a, year's treatment Philbrooks' mind was considered restored. The veil of fifteen years was gradually lifted. Being impressed with his abilities, the Health Commissioner gave him a situation as bookkeeper in one of the institutions, which position he held for six months. It was then discovered that he had a great liking for good intoxicants. He was found intoxicated on several occasions, and at length was relieved of his position. At that time there were no symptoms of insanity about him. Subsequently ho was discovered in an inebriated condition, and a few days ago was sent to the City Hospital to he treated for alcoholism. He was sobered up, but it was the soberness of insanity. After the effects of alcoholism had been removed it was discovered that he no longer recognised anyone about the hospital, many of the officers of which he had previously been well acquainted with. Health Commissioner Francis was informed of the matter, and called at the hospital to .see him. "How are you r" .said the Commissioner. Fhilbrooks appeared .surprised, and very courteously informed the Commissioner that there must be a mistake somewhere ; that lie did not know him. Philbrooks was then asked where he was, and replied that he was " at this hotel in Havre, awaiting a ship to take him to London.'' He was informed that a communication had just been received from his sister in New York, asking about him. He replied that it was all a mistake : that he had no sister in NewYork ; that she resided at Mobile. It was then discovered that lie had no more recollection or knowledge of anything thathadtaken place since 18G7, and lie located his sister at Mobile, where he left her when he sailed for Havre. He was virtually in the same condition he was when sent to the asylum in February, 1881. He was again forwarded to the asylum and placed in the care of Dr. Howard.—St. Louis Democrat.