Final answer:
The Lawyer believes Bartleby's madness is caused by an 'innate and incurable disorder' of the soul, exacerbated by negative societal perceptions and the Lawyer's own fear and repulsion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Lawyer in Herman Melville's "Bartleby, the Scrivener" believes that Bartleby has succumbed to a sort of madness because of an 'innate and incurable disorder' of the soul that he cannot reach. This belief is fortified by the Lawyer's observations of Bartleby's inexplicable behavior and his refusal to engage in normal societal roles even when offered alternatives.
It is also suggested that the constant exposure to negative comments from the Lawyer's professional acquaintances contributes to the overall gloom and doom surrounding Bartleby, further isolating him. Ultimately, the Lawyer's compassion turns into fear and repulsion as he confronts the possibility of never being able to alleviate Bartleby's deep-seated issues.