State of the Lincoln Lunatic Asylum (instituted November 4, 1819) : [eighteenth report].

  • Lincoln Lunatic Asylum (Lincoln, England)
Date:
1842
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: State of the Lincoln Lunatic Asylum (instituted November 4, 1819) : [eighteenth report]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    induced to preserve them with great care, and has constantly for two years worn his clothes, sleeps in a good bed, sits at the table to take his meals, and is quite a civil, although a very insane man. He too committed homicide. “ No. 3. An old man of 70 years of age or more ; had been chained for tn-entyfive years, and had his chain taken off but once in that time. Has for many months been very quiet and civil, and behaves like a gentleman: and, although quite insane, keeps his room in good order, and takes his meals at table with seventeen others, with the utmost propriety. (i No. 4. A female: had so long been confined with a short chain, as wholly to lose the use of her lower limbs. Her health has been materially impaired by confinement, and she was unable to stand, and had not walked for years. In the Hospital her health has been restored, her limbs rendered again useful, so that she walks without difficulty; is now in the enjoyment of health and reason, and able to labor sufficiently to support herself. She is now with her friends. “ No. 5. Is a mechanic, who had been in close confinement for six years. He committed homicide : and, if this institution had not been erected, would probably never have been permitted to leave his cell. He is now a useful mechanic: labors a great portion of his time: often reads his bible and the public papers : is exceedingly happy that this place has been pro- vided for him, and blesses its founders and conductors daily, for the benefits conferred by it on himself and other inmates. He walks abroad, and often attends church. “ No. 6. Another man, reported by the Commissioners, was confined seventeen years before be was removed to the Hospital. He was very violent and dangerous : often in chains, notwithstanding he was in a strong prison room. He used to scream, and commit acts of violence, that required the most rigid restraint. He is now well dressed, civil, and, although often ex¬ cited, is respectful and pleasant—is in the habit of assisting the females in washing the floors, drawing water, preparing food, and similar domestic offices, and is about the premises without restraint. He committed homicide. “ No. 7. Had been confined, a violent maniac. He had been caged and chained for years. It was concluded to set him free, and see how he would conduct. He fell foul of his brother, and killed him with a bludgeon, and, pursuing his sister, would probably have done the same to her, had he not been arrested in season to prevent it. When caged he was naked and filthy, but now dresses neatly: is cleanly and civil: mingles freely with six¬ teen other persons, and, though quite insane, is to us perfectly harmless. “ No. 8. Had been ten years without clothes: a most inconceivably filthy and degraded being: exceedingly violent and outrageous. She now wears clothes, is neat and cleanly in her person, takes her food at tabic with