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Various Egyptian papyri, unearthed in many places, give occasional mention of details in regard to mental diseases. The writings of the Greek poets and dramatists contain many allusions to insanity, but Greek physicians referred to it very little. Aretaeus of Cappadocia (about 200 A.D.) was the first to describe the manic-depressive psychosis in its various phases. The ideas of Galen in regard to insanity formed the basis for all the psychiatry of the Middle Ages, but are sadly disappointing when viewed in modern light. The monks were the only medical practitioners. In the explanation of the causes of insanity, beliefs in devil possessions, superstitions, church theology and the humoral theories of the ancient physicians were mingled together. The 16th century marked the beginning of a new era in medicine. In psychiatry there was an increased recording of cases and attempts at classification. For treatment, blood letting for mania continued to be the favorite method till nearly the middle of the 19th century. The last 35 years have changed the entire aspect of the problem of mental disease. Sufficient scientific data of great importance have been accumulated to remove the shroud that has surrounded it in the past. The purely organic disorders are understood better, but dementia praecox and the neuroses still represent intriguing problems. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)

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