1. Introduction : why is the epidemic important? --

2. The birth of bedlam : insanity prior to 1700 --

3. The "English malady" appears : England, 1700-1800 --

4. "The clap of tortured hands" : England, 1800-1850 --

5. "A mania for madness" : England, 1850-1890 --

6. "A great and progressive evil" : England, 1890-1990 --

7. The road to Grangegorman : Ireland, 1700-1990 --

8. "A constantly increasing multitude" : Atlantic Canada, 1700-1990 --

9. "The disease whose frequency has become alarming" : the United States, 1700-1840 --

10. An apostle for asylums : the United States, 1840-1860 --

11. "A very startling increase" : the United States, 1860-1890 --

12. "The apocalyptic beast" : The United States, 1890-1990 --

13. Why is the epidemic forgotten? the politicalization of insanity --

14. Possible causes of epidemic insanity.