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On the Character and Hallucinations of Joan of Arc

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 February 2018

William W. Ireland*
Affiliation:
Home and School for Imbeciles, Preston Lodge, Prestonpans

Extract

In a former paper read to a meeting of this Association I attempted to gather together what has been handed down to us about the nervous disorders and hallucinations of Mahomet, of Luther, and of others great in history. It gave me much gratification to see that the paper formed the text of an interesting discussion. As we learn more of the influence of external circumstances and physical conditions on human belief and conduct, the records of the past are read in a new light. As science shows us the relation of events previously unknown, we see more surely how things really occurred; what was perplexing becomes clear; embellishments and additions fall off; and we are confirmed in the belief that the past was governed by the same laws as the present. Thus the knowledge of nervous diseases, and the experience gained by the study of hallucinations, illusions, and the errors and deceptions of the human mind, may explain some of the difficult problems of history.

Type
Part I.—Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1883 

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References

* Published in the “Journal of Mental Science” for January, 1875. Google Scholar

* See the “Life and Death of King James the First of Scotland” (printed for the Maitland Club), 1887, pp. 6 and 7. See also Vol. iii., p. 340 of “Procès de Condamnation et de Rehabilitation de Jeanne d'Arc dito la Pucelle, publiés pour la premièrefois d'aproa les Manuscrits de la BibliothèqueRoyale suivis de tous les documents historiques qu' on a pu réunir, et accompagnés de notes et d' éclaircissements, par Jules Quicherat. Paris, 1841.” This work, in five volumes, published by the Historical Society of France, is so complete that it will bo needless to cite any other books on the subject. M. Quicherat has shown great learning and diligence. The notes supply all the information needed to elucidate the text, and there is an excellent index. Google Scholar

Out of the materials thus furnished has been written “The Life and Death of Jeanne d' Arc, called the Slaid, by Harriet Parr,” in two volumes. London, 1866. The authoress has shown much skill in seizing upon the striking and picturesque scenes in the life of the heroine. The narrative is vivid; but there is no attempt at psychological analysis. Google Scholar

* “The King's Qnair.” A poem: By James the First, King of Scots. Cauto I., xi. Google Scholar

* Respondit quod erat in terra, rubiginosus, habens quinqu cruces; et hoc scivit per voces suas, Tome I. 235. See also iv., 129. Google Scholar

* Tome iv., p. 248. Google Scholar

* Dominas Johannes Massieu Curatns ecclesise parochialis Sancti Candidi Senioris Rothoniagensis dicit et deponit, quod bene soit quod fuit visitata, an esset virgo vel non, per Matronas sen obstetrices, et hoc ex ordiuatione ducissæ Bedfordiæ, et signanter per Annam Bavon et aliam matronam de cujus nomino non recordatur. Et post Visitationem, retulerunt quod erat virgo et integra, et ea audivit referri per eaindem Annam; et propter hoc, ipsa ducissa Bedfordise fecit iuhiberi custodibus et aliis ne aliquam viuluntiam sibi afferrent. Tome iii., p.155. Several other witnesses testified to the same effect. See also iii., 102 and iii., 102 and 209. D'Aulon dit encores plus qu'il a oy dire à plusieurs secretz, que oncques n' avoit eu la secrecte maladie des femmes et que jamais nul n' en peut riens cognoistre ou appercevoir par ses habillemens, no aultrement. Tome iii., p. 219. Google Scholar

* Jean Rogier, in his Memoira, quotes a letter of the Chancellor of France, who was an archbishop, about the taking of Joan of Arc. He says: “que Dieu avait souffert prendre Jehanno la Pucello pour ce qu' el s'estoit constitué en orgueil, et pour les riches habitz qu' el avoit pris.” Tome v., p. 169. M. Quicherat quotes from an old chronicle written evidently by one who favoured the Burgundian party, and disliked Joan, that “quant aucun do ses gens mesprenoit, elle frappoit dessus de son baston grans coups, en manière de femme très cruelle.” Tome iv., p. 469. Google Scholar

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