In re Brown

The question whether this court has jurisdiction to issue such a commission as is sought, and jurisdiction in a number of similar cases distinct from equity authority in an action, has been found to be so novel and unsettled that it has- engaged the consideration of most of the judges. •

The custody of lunatics was not vested in the English court of chancery as such. It was lodged in the crown. That branch of the prerogative might be exercised by any -officer the king thought fit. It was ordinarily delegated to a great officer of state, but not necessarily to the Keeper of the ■Great Seal. A…