LUNA CORNEA

Fused chloride of silver; so called from its horn-like appearance, luna being the term by which the old chemists designated silver. LUNACY, in Law, is strictly the condition of an insane person who has lucid intervals, which in former times were supposed to depend on the phases of the moon; whence such persons were styled lunatic i. But, for convenience, the term is commonly used as embracing the condition of all those who are under certain legal disabilities on account of mental deficiency: such as idiots, fatuous persons, .; all, in short, who are of unsound mind. The chief of these disabilities are, incapacity to make contracts, either personal or affecting the estate; to sue or defend in courts of justice; to perform offices and duties; to make devises or bequests. By ancient legal maxim, the sovereign has the custody of lunatics. This is in practice delegated to the keeper of the great seal, by virtue of the sign manual, countersigned by two secretaries of state. Applications for a commi ion of lunacy are consequently directed to him. When he determines that such a commi ion is proper, it i ues to certain commi ioners, appointed by the same authority. They summon a jury to try the fact of lunacy. If the party is found lunatic by i^s inquisition, the inquisition may still be avoided by a traverse; on which the record goes into the King's Bench, which either gives judgment or grants a new trial on it. If the lunatic recover, the inquisition maybe superseded. On the return of the inquisition, the custody of the lunatic's person and estate devolves on the crown; and the chancellor, on petition, appoints comviillees to have the custo<ly of either or both. These may be whoever the chancellor thinks fit, although next of kin are ordinarily preferred. Lunatics are maintained by an allowance out of their own estate: when they have none, by statute, in public asylums. The custody of lunatics by private individuals is undc/ the coutro of the provisions of the stot. 3 & 4 W. 4. c. 36., by [s. 699]