He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 44

44. Curing Mental Illness?

Phrenology has captivated human interest for centuries.

Though it briefly waned during the Renaissance, phrenology flourished in Europe until the 17th century.

However, with the dawn of the 18th century and its revolutionary scientific advancements, phrenology was relegated to superstition and rapidly declined.

But in the late 18th century, the publication of “Essays on Physiognomy” by Swiss theologian and physician Lavater became a bestseller, reigniting interest in phrenology across Europe.

“Sanderson, tell me quickly. Analyze the true nature of that rebel ringleader, George Washington, from a phrenological perspective.”

King George seemed eager to use Theo’s insights—the same insights that had allowed him to identify a serial killer at a glance—to paint George Washington as a terrible criminal.

He seemed to want to pin the blame for the escalating war entirely on George Washington and the people of North America.

However, Theo couldn’t simply fabricate information to please the King.

Moreover, Theo was neither a phrenologist nor a fortune teller.

Though no one in this world would acknowledge it, he held a proper Ph.D. in psychology.

Wasn’t he essentially a clinical psychologist, much like a modern-day psychiatrist?

“Your Majesty, I am sorry, but I have never met this person named George Washington.”

“Even if you haven’t met him, haven’t you heard a general description of his appearance? Based on what you’ve heard, analyze it phrenologically.”

“I am sorry, Your Majesty, but I have never studied phrenology, nor do I subscribe to its principles.”

Not receiving the answer he desired, King George retorted sharply.

“You don’t believe in phrenology? I heard that you immediately recognized a murderer just by looking at his face. What else would that be if not phrenology?”

“I didn’t recognize him simply by looking at his face.”

“If not, then how did you know he was a murderer? It’s not as if he confessed.”

“Your Majesty, I believe I’ve always had a heightened sensitivity to others’ emotions. As I matured, I honed this sense and, through extensive research, developed the ability to quickly understand a person’s tendencies, personality, intentions, and preferences.”

“How can you identify a silent murderer by understanding a person’s tendencies and personality?”

“Based on the unique behavioral characteristics displayed by the murderer, Gavin Murray, I was able to identify his mental illness and recognize him as a pathological killer.”

“Mental illness?”

“Yes. In Gavin Murray’s case, his innate predispositions, combined with a severe mental illness, led him to become a terrible serial killer. All of this can be discerned through conversation and observation of his behavior.”

King George tilted his head, puzzled.

“What exactly are you saying? I can understand finding people’s personalities and connecting them with suitable matches, but you can even identify mental illnesses? So… you’re saying you can find such terrible mental illnesses just by observing people?”

“Yes, that’s correct. By observing a person’s tendencies, behavior, and thoughts, you can discover various diseases originating from the mind, and sometimes you can alleviate or improve those diseases.”

“So, in the end, you’re saying you didn’t immediately recognize that heinous murderer… that devil’s illness just by looking at his face?”

King George still seemed to cling to the idea of phrenology.

“Your Majesty, contrary to what phrenology suggests, you cannot determine if a person is a criminal, a con artist, or has a mental illness simply by looking at their face. You learn gradually by talking with them and observing their behavior. In that way, you can even find hidden mental illnesses, and if they are not severe, treatment is possible.

In the case of Gavin Murray in the recent Burns estate incident, I was able to identify in advance that he had a severe, untreatable mental illness, and thus my prediction that he might be the culprit happened to be correct. It could be seen as pure luck.”

The Duke of Manners joined the conversation with a curious expression.

“Mr. Sanderson, just a moment, did you just say that you can cure mental illnesses? Isn’t mental illness essentially insanity? Mental illness is an incurable disease caused by evil spirits dwelling in the head, so how can it be treated?”

In an era without psychiatrists or psychological counseling, it was understandable that Theo’s words were met with incomprehension.

“Innate mental illnesses like that of the murderer Gavin Murray are very rare cases. Most mental illnesses originate from ailments of the mind. In some ways, we all live with minor or major mental illnesses. These mental illnesses often deepen and manifest physically or develop into severe mental illnesses.

And, depending on the severity of the illness, mild mental illnesses can be alleviated or cured without medication through careful counseling.”

At that moment, Sir Andrew Barker, the royal physician sitting in a corner, twisted his face in displeasure.

‘What… what is that vulgar fellow babbling about in front of His Majesty? Curing mental illness?’

He was already annoyed that a lowly matchmaker, not even a nobleman, had been invited to a gathering hosted by the King. Now that Theo was encroaching on his professional territory, Barker’s mood soured further.

King George’s chronic illness had been making him irritable lately, and now this pseudo-quack, whose background was unknown, was talking about alleviating mental illness, which was absurd.

King George pressed Theo again.

“Hmm, that’s not easy to understand. So, you’re saying that most people live with mental illnesses, and if they worsen, they can even lead to severe mental illnesses?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

After a moment of thought, King George spoke again.

“Then, do I also suffer from a mental illness?”

The eyes of everyone around, including the royal physician, were fixed on Theo.

They seemed to think that he wouldn’t dare to suggest the King suffered from a mental illness in such a setting.

However, the answer he gave was unexpected.

“Your Majesty, except for evil psychopaths like Gavin Murray, the mental illnesses we usually experience stem from worries, anxieties, and concerns. Therefore, these mental illnesses are something that everyone has to some degree. Moreover, in your Majesty’s case, bearing the heavy responsibility of leading the nation, you will inevitably carry such mental burdens with you.”

To so readily state that the King suffered from a mental illness! The assembled guests murmured in surprise.

Fortunately, however, King George seemed more curious than angry.

“Really? Then, can you assess the extent of my mental illness here and now? And I’m also curious if there’s anything among them that can alleviate or cure the pain.”

Theo answered without hesitation.

“Your Majesty, the analysis of your mental state is already complete.”

“What? Complete the analysis? That quickly?”

“That is correct. Given enough time to observe, I can discern a significant portion of a person’s mental state.”

The murmuring around Theo’s words grew louder.

Queen Charlotte even craned her neck, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Then, someone shouted at Theo.

“Hey, what are you doing? How dare you spout such nonsense in front of His Majesty!”

It was the royal physician, Sir Barker.

“Nonsense, you say?”

“Nonsense! As the royal physician, I solemnly warn you! Stop it immediately! What you’re babbling about now is no different from the words of quack shamans!”

“I am absolutely not talking about superstitions or religious treatments.”

“Enough! I am the doctor! What do you know, not being a doctor? You are now insulting His Majesty the King…”

“Stop!”

King George held up his hand to silence the agitated Barker.

“Barker, why are you so angry? Sanderson isn’t telling me to take medicine. He says he can help me with words, so aren’t you curious? As a doctor, why don’t you listen?”

“Your Majesty, such people only confuse the mind with their smooth words, and rather…”

“Enough, I said! Do you see me as a fool who can’t even judge that much?”

“Your… Your Majesty.”

King George turned his gaze back to Theo.

“You surprise me twice today. Very well, if you are so confident, tell me about my condition as you have analyzed it.”

Perhaps this was the opportunity Theo had been hoping for.

George III needed to start treatment as soon as possible. That was the only way to prevent the rapid progression of his condition.

‘The King is already suffering from deep anxiety disorder. And the resulting depression has progressed significantly, showing the early stages of clinical depression. Physical ailments must have followed as a side effect. I have to point that out accurately and get him to receive treatment.’

However, it was impossible to rashly diagnose the dignified King’s extremely personal illness in front of so many nobles and subjects.

Moreover, it was an era when the concept of mental illness was intertwined with superstitions about evil spirits. In such an era, rashly predicting the King’s mental state was a very dangerous proposition.

Therefore, it would be best to focus on the uncomfortable symptoms rather than a direct diagnosis of his mental state.

“As far as I have observed, Your Majesty, even while drinking tea or eating food, you are constantly worrying excessively while thinking about the war with North America and the Continental Congress [a body of representatives appointed by the legislatures of several British North American colonies].”

“Well… wouldn’t that be too natural for a king?”

Theo nodded.

“Of course, that is true. However, I could see an excessive sense of anxiety in Your Majesty’s facial expressions and gestures that went beyond the level of ordinary worry.”

“……..”

“If you dwell too much on anxious and worried thoughts, it will have a considerable impact on the body, causing malfunctions. I believe that Your Majesty suffers from insomnia and headaches from time to time and often experiences chest tightness and stuffiness. Also, you have indigestion, and especially abdominal pain that sometimes feels like your stomach is about to burst, and the pain in your joints becomes so severe that you feel a lot of discomfort in your knees when walking. Also, the hands and feet…”

During his time as a clinical psychologist, Theo had become intimately familiar with the unique characteristics of physical illnesses suffered by patients with generalized anxiety disorder and depression through numerous consultations and treatments.

So, drawing from the common physical symptoms they experienced, he guessed and spoke about the symptoms that seemed most relevant to what he observed in King George.

Then, King George suddenly glared at the royal physician Barker and demanded.

“Barker! Did you tell Sanderson about my symptoms?”

Barker, who had turned pale at King George’s angry tone, shook his hands, trembling.

“Your… Your Majesty! That is absolutely not true. How dare I rashly convey His Majesty’s symptoms to such an insignificant human being?”

“Then how is he speaking so accurately?”

“Your Majesty! The symptoms that he is talking about are just a list of common symptoms that appear in most people. He is simply spewing out symptoms at random.”

As Barker defended himself with a pale face, King George pondered for a moment and turned his head back to Theo.

“Well, there’s no reason for Barker to do that. But, hmm… it’s too similar to my condition to have diagnosed it at random. Okay, let’s just say you saw it right.”

King George looked straight into Theo’s eyes and continued.

“Then, as you say, try to alleviate my symptoms.”

The corners of Barker’s mouth, which had been drooping, crept up slightly at the King’s words.

‘Phew-. I almost got into trouble because of that quack… Anyway, that fellow has walked right into a trap. How can he quickly cure His Majesty’s chronic disease? That’s just a disease that comes to anyone who is old and has a bad temper, and it can never be cured. Hehehe… I wonder if that fellow’s head will remain attached after mocking the King with His Majesty’s terrible personality.’

King George urged again.

“Well, what are you waiting for? You said you could help me, didn’t you? Even if you can’t cure me completely, show me something right now to prove your words even a little bit!”

Theo sighed involuntarily at the King’s childish and stubborn demeanor.

But there was no way King George would understand the nuances of psychological treatments.

Theo decided to proceed boldly, since things had progressed this far.

“Then, Your Majesty, ideally, treatment should be personal and private. But if that is not possible, not only Your Majesty but everyone here must follow my instructions. Only then will the treatment be effective.”

King George immediately instructed the nobles and officials.

“Did you all hear that? From now on, let’s follow the instructions of Sanderson, who has emerged as the foremost intellect in London, and seriously receive treatment. In fact, I have been suffering from headaches, abdominal pain, and arthritis lately, and I am very curious to see if it really works.”

When King George’s serious order was issued, everyone had no choice but to feign compliance with Theo’s instructions.

“First of all, to lessen the pain of the disease created in the mind and transferred to the body, you must first focus on breathing.”

King George, who had been expecting something more impressive, tilted his head at the mention of ‘breathing’.

“Breathing? You’re going to treat me with just breathing?”

“Yes, that’s right. Breathing is one of the most important elements of treatment. You can think of it as the initial preparation.”

“The initial preparation… Hmm… Okay, I’ll do as you say for now.”

For severe generalized anxiety disorder, serotonin-based antidepressants can be a specific medicine.

This is because serotonin is a substance that clears the head and creates motivation.

But this was the 18th century. There was no way such a drug would exist.

Therefore, the best course of action now was to focus on breathing and psychological techniques to naturally stimulate the production of serotonin in the brain.

In fact, even in modern times, the psychological treatment that is often most effective initially is this very technique: ‘breathing’.

If you usually overlook it as something you do automatically, when you breathe according to the instructions of an expert, you will find considerable psychological stability.

And that too, at a very fast rate.