Causation of Insanity in Nineteenth Century Australia

Abstract

In this article an endeavour has been made to explore the writings of Frederick Norton Manning as they pertain to understanding nineteenth century medical viewpoints in Australia as to the causation of mental disease. Of particular note are the concept of hereditary weakness and issues related to the harsh Australian environment and the developing colonial society. These writings reveal, in large part, the use of a scientific approach and some concepts of causality which, for the times, were highly sophisticated. Nevertheless, some highly speculative theorising does occur.