She paused to get her breath and let the audience absorb what she had told them. “The patient is an intelligent man,” she said, “and his illness was explained to him. He was told he had injured his brain in the automobile accident and, as a result, had an illness that produced “thought seizures” – seizures of the mind, not the body, leading to loss of inhibitions and violent acts. He was told that the syndrome was well-studied and could be controlled. He was started on a series of drug trials.

“Three months ago, Benson was arrested on charges of assault and battery. The victim was a twenty-four-year-old topless dancer, who later dropped charges. The hospital intervened slightly on his behalf.

“One month ago, drug trials of morladone, para-amino benzadone, and triamiline were concluded. Benson showed no improvement on any drug or combination of drugs. He was therefore a stage two – drug-resistent ADL syndrome. And he was scheduled for a stage-three surgical procedure, which we will discuss today.”

She paused. “Before I bring him in,” she said, “I think I should add that yesterday afternoon he attacked a gas-station attendant and beat the man rather badly. His operation is scheduled for tomorrow and we have persuaded the police to release him in our custody. But he is still technically awaiting arraignment on charges of assault and battery.”

The room was silent as she turned, and went to bring in Benson.