(From α, privat. and mens, the mind ). Madness, idiotic insanity; also anoia, fatuitas, oblivio; foolishness, idiotism, etc. Some use amnesia as a synonime. Dr. Cullen defines it to be the weakness of the mind in judging, from either not perceiving or not remembering the relations of things. He ranks this genus of disease in the class neuroses, and the order vesaniae. His species are, 1. Amentia congenita, natural stupidity, i. e. from the birth. 2. Amentia senilis, dotage, or childishness, from the infirmities of age. 3. Amentia acquisita, when from accidental injuries a person becomes stupid or foolish. In the last of these only can we afford any relief; and this species arises from the powers of the constitution being greatly debilitated by preceding complaints, where the nervous system has been long and severely affected, and the mind equally debilitated:.

cheerful company, gentle exercise in a pure clear air, a generous mode of living, properly regulated, and cor--dial medicines, if necessary, bid the fairest for per forming a cure. See Mania, Morosis, and Melancholia.