from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
TO STULTIFY. To make or declare insane. It is a general rule in the English
law, that a man shall not be permitted to stultify himself; that is, he
shall not be allowed to plead his insanity to avoid a contract. 2 Bl. Com.
291; Fonb. Eq. b. 1, c. 2, 1; Pow. on Contr. 19.
2. In the United States, this rule seems to have been exploded, and the
party may himself avoid his acts except those of record, and contracts for
necessaries and services rendered, by allegation and proof of insanity. 5
Whart. R. 371, 379; 2 Kent, Com. 451; 3 Day, R. 90; 3 Conn. R. 203: 5 Pick.
R. 431; 5 John R. 503.; 1 Bland. R. 376. Vide Fonb. Eq b. 1, c. 2, Sec. 1,
note 1; 2 Str. R. 1104; 3 Camp. R. 125; 7 Dowl. & Ryl. 614; 3 C. & P. 30; 1
Hagg. C. R. 414.