ESQUIROL, Jean Etienne Dominique (1772-1840). Psychiatrist.
Contemporary copy of an Autograph Letter Signed in French to an unnamed correspondent, 2 pages folio, Paris, 4 May 1827. Outlining the treatment for religious mania, which includes exercising the patient's mind without allowing full rein to the imagination, taking cold baths, in the river if weather permits, and the application of leeches.
Called 'the first complete psychiatrist', Esquirol founded his own mental institution where he lived amongst his patients, working with them on substituting 'proper passions' for disturbed ones. He insisted on an individual approach to patients, establishing a relationship, and so managing to exercise control over them.
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