19 JUNE 1947, Page 15

SUICIDE AND INSANITY SIR, —With reference to Janus's remarks on the

practice of bringing in verdicts of " suicide while of unsound mind," I think another reason for this is to be found in the rubric before "The Order for the Burial of the Dead " in the Book of Common Prayer. This reads " There is to be noted that the Office ensuing is not to be used for any that die unbaptised, or excommunicate, or have laid violent hands upon themselves."—Yours