On the Relations between the Physical and Moral Aspects of Man

Abstract

The philosopher-physician Cabanis (1757-1808) was one of the most important members of that group known as the French ideologues. His writings are important in the history of medicine, particularly psychiatry, and of psychology. Because of religious opposition to his monistic, positivistic approach, he was not as widely read as he should have been. Thus, it is good to have this major work available in English. Volume 1 begins with a 30-page introduction by Sergio Moravia on Cabanis and his contemporaries. Cabanis knew well many of the other famous French ideologues, as well as members of the French revolutionary government, Benjamin Franklin, and Napoleon (whom he helped bring to power but later opposed). Next is a 45-page chapter by George Mora on the place of Cabanis in neurology and psychiatry. Cabanis argued strongly for humanitarian treatment of the mentally ill. For a time he was a member of the revolutionary government during which he got Pinel the appointment as head of the Bicetre hospital. There, and later at the Salpetriere, Pinel carried out reforms for which he later took all the credit. Textbooks of