title: The case of William Chidley: a study in psychiatry, morality and lunacy law.
abstract: William Chidley was a unique Australian. He lectured frequently on his beliefs that the answer to society's problems was a three-fold program of correct dress, proper diet and a new method of sexual intercourse. His compulsory admissions to psychiatric hospitals were on the grounds that he was insane and a danger to public morals. The case raised basic questions in psychiatry, morality and lunacy law. These questions, which are discussed, are still of contemporary significance.
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000266:history*; D009014:Morals