Suicide: Its History, Literature, Jurisprudence, Causation, and Prevention

W. Wynn Westcott’s Suicide: Its History, Literature, Jurisprudence, Causation, and Prevention offers a comprehensive and measured study of suicide from multiple perspectives. The author, a medically trained Deputy Coroner, approaches the subject with scientific independence and respect for its gravity. The book begins by tracing the historical and cultural evolution of suicide, recounting notable cases from ancient Greece and Rome to biblical and modern times. It highlights how attitudes have shifted—from honourable acts or political sacrifices to acts of despair—and how religious condemnation contrasts with philosophical tolerance or even approval. The work surveys literary and philosophical treatments, including views from figures like Zeno, Epicurus, Shakespeare, Milton, and Byron, illustrating how suicide reflects societal values and individual struggles.

Westcott then delves into the legal aspects, focusing on English law where suicide was historically treated as felony murder, a crime against the sovereign. He discusses landmark cases and evolving judicial attitudes, such as juries often returning verdicts of temporary insanity to protect the deceased’s reputation. The book examines the complex relationship between suicide and insanity, challenging the assumption that all suicides stem from mental disease. It presents cases of deliberate, sane suicides motivated by honour, spite, or desire for notoriety, alongside those linked to mental illness, bodily disease, or hereditary predisposition.

Statistical data form a significant part of the analysis. Westcott presents suicide rates across European countries and the United States, noting variations by race, geography, climate, education, religion, occupation, sex, age, and marital status. For example, higher suicide rates are observed among Protestants, the educated, urban populations, military personnel, and prisoners, while rates differ by sex and age, peaking in youth and middle age. Seasonal and temporal patterns also emerge, with suicides more frequent in summer and at certain times of day. The author carefully notes uncertainties and confounding factors, such as overlapping influences of race and religion or difficulties in data collection.

The book explores causation in depth, categorizing predisposing and determining factors including mental illness, physical disease, social and moral conditions, alcoholism, heredity, and spiritualism. It discusses epidemics of suicide and the phenomenon of imitation, where suicides cluster following publicized cases. Westcott also considers the challenge of prevention, especially among the insane, emphasizing constant vigilance, medical treatment, and social measures such as healthy employment and religious conviction. He is cautious about historical medical treatments and skeptical about claims of intentional suicide among animals.

Finally, the work addresses the legal and practical complexities surrounding life insurance policies and suicide clauses, highlighting varied company policies and judicial interpretations. A bibliographical index provides extensive references for further study.

Throughout, Westcott maintains a respectful, scholarly tone, balancing scientific analysis with empathy for those affected. He avoids dogmatic conclusions, acknowledging the complexity and uncertainties inherent in understanding suicide. This book offers a rich resource for readers interested in the multifaceted nature of suicide, its social and legal implications, and the ongoing challenges of prevention.