General Paralysis of the Insane in Federated Malay States

Abstract

On first coming to the Federated Malay States I was led to believe that general paralysis of the insane was unknown. Seeing that syphilis is very common, it seemed strange that general paralysis of the insane should not occur. Very shortly, however, after the Central Asylum was opened I noticed some cases which were extremely like general paralysis of the insane. These I watched and studied very carefully, and in a short time became convinced of the existence of the disease. I have mentioned the presence of general paralysis of the insane in each of my annual reports, but think it is now time to go further, and demonstrate, as far as reports of actual cases can, the existence of general paralysis. Probably the best way to give proof of its existence is to quote three cases which can hardly be mistaken for anything else.