Jacques-Joseph Moreau
Encyclopedia
Dr. Jacques-Joseph Moreau (1804–1884) was a French psychiatrist
and member of the Club des Hashischins
. Moreau was the first physician to do systematic work on drugs
' effects on the central nervous system
, and to catalogue, analyze, and record his observations. His 1845 book, Hashish and Mental Alienation, is still applicable today. In 1843 with Jules Baillarger
(1809–1890), François Achille Longet
(1811–1871) and Laurent Alexis Philibert Cerise (1807–1869), he founded the psychiatric journal Annales médico-psychologiques.
"In an era which finally viewed the human psyche
in a natural humanist terms rather than as the uncontrollable supernatural domain of demons and angels. Through careful observation of people's reactions, including his own, to hashish-particularly their openness to suggestions and willingness to consider new possibilities- Moreau theorized that psychoactive substances could treat or replicate mental illness in a way to help cure patients. His 1845 studies on dhatura and hashish were prepared as a treatise that documented both physical and mental benefits, and ultimately led to modern psychopharmacology
and the use of numerous psychotomimetic
drug treatments." ("Hemp for Health" Chris Conrad p 20)
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. All psychiatrists are trained in diagnostic evaluation and in psychotherapy...
and member of the Club des Hashischins
Club des Hashischins
The Club des Hashischins , was a Parisian group dedicated to the exploration of drug-induced experiences, notably with hashish....
. Moreau was the first physician to do systematic work on drugs
Psychoactive drug
A psychoactive drug, psychopharmaceutical, or psychotropic is a chemical substance that crosses the blood–brain barrier and acts primarily upon the central nervous system where it affects brain function, resulting in changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behavior...
' effects on the central nervous system
Nervous system
The nervous system is an organ system containing a network of specialized cells called neurons that coordinate the actions of an animal and transmit signals between different parts of its body. In most animals the nervous system consists of two parts, central and peripheral. The central nervous...
, and to catalogue, analyze, and record his observations. His 1845 book, Hashish and Mental Alienation, is still applicable today. In 1843 with Jules Baillarger
Jules Baillarger
Jules Baillarger, full name Jules Gabriel François Baillarger was a French neurologist and psychiatrist who was born in Montbazon....
(1809–1890), François Achille Longet
François Achille Longet
François Achille Longet was a French anatomist and physiologist who was a native of Saint Germain-en-Laye, Yvelines. He was a student of François Magendie , and a pioneer in the field of experimental physiology. In 1853 he attained the chair of physiology of the Faculty of Medicine in Paris...
(1811–1871) and Laurent Alexis Philibert Cerise (1807–1869), he founded the psychiatric journal Annales médico-psychologiques.
"In an era which finally viewed the human psyche
Psyche (psychology)
The word psyche has a long history of use in psychology and philosophy, dating back to ancient times, and has been one of the fundamental concepts for understanding human nature from a scientific point of view. The English word soul is sometimes used synonymously, especially in older...
in a natural humanist terms rather than as the uncontrollable supernatural domain of demons and angels. Through careful observation of people's reactions, including his own, to hashish-particularly their openness to suggestions and willingness to consider new possibilities- Moreau theorized that psychoactive substances could treat or replicate mental illness in a way to help cure patients. His 1845 studies on dhatura and hashish were prepared as a treatise that documented both physical and mental benefits, and ultimately led to modern psychopharmacology
Psychopharmacology
Psychopharmacology is the scientific study of the actions of drugs and their effects on mood, sensation, thinking, and behavior...
and the use of numerous psychotomimetic
Psychotomimetic
A drug with psychotomimetic actions mimics the symptoms of psychosis, including delusions and/or delirium, as opposed to just hallucinations. Some drugs of the opioid class have psychotomimetic effects, such as pentazocine and butorphanol....
drug treatments." ("Hemp for Health" Chris Conrad p 20)