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The Hermit of Red-coat's Green

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 February 2018

Extract

I wish to bring under the notice of the Association the case of a gentleman who some years ago became notorious through the graphic pen of Charles Dickens, and whose recent death has drawn fresh attention to his strange mode of life. Already nearly 10,000 copies of a biographical sketch of the hermit have been sold, and a brisk sale, I am informed, is still going on, while a large quantity of crockery, tea services, &c., representing his dwelling, have been sold. Being familiar with the residence of Lucas, the so-called Hermit of Red-Coat's Green, near Hitchin, and having visited him, I feel considerable interest in the question of his insanity (if indeed a medical psychologist could question it), and in the larger question whether, if insane, the character of the mental disorder in this and similar cases calls for any interference with the individual's liberty.

Type
Part I.—Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1874

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References

Mr. Erasmus Wilson informs me that no case ever came to bis knowledge of a mental affection resulting from local applications to the scalp. I find from Dr. Russell Reynolds that he has had patients suffering from disorder of the emotions consequent on the use of hair-dyes.>>Google Scholar

One of his visitors, a travelled man, was surprised to find that Lucas had so much acquaintance with the various localities which turned up in conversation. His knowledge of Shakspeare and of the literature of the Restoration was very considerable. A medical man informs me that in conversing with him about the classics he displayed much intelligence.>>Google Scholar

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