The condition of the insane in Massachusetts / by R.C. Waterston.

  • R. C. Waterston
Date:
1843
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The condition of the insane in Massachusetts / by R.C. Waterston. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    In 1830 another Institution, the first of the kind in the coun- try, was established. This was to be expressly for poor and imprisoned lunatics. Its plan was conceived in the spirit ol true philanthropy. Great exertions were made by several in- dividuals ; and perhaps to no one is the country more indebted than to the Hon. Horace Mann, now the Secretary of the Board of Education. Were this the only noble achievement of his life, he would not have lived in vain; and the thought of that Humane Asylum will long be associated with his name. It was the expressed desire of the Board of Commissioners at that time, that all Lunatics then in prisons and jails throughout the Commonwealth should be removed to this asylum; and in 1833 the Governor issued a proclamation to this effect. Whether this was literally answered in all the counties we do not know — but a great change was brought about. Ten years have passed since the doors of this Institution were opened, and from that moment it has taken a strong hold upon the sympathies of the community. The energy and skill of those who have presided over it have been such as to gain the confidence of the public, and the highest regard of the most eminent men. The individual at its head, both by his uniform kindness, his calm determination, and consummate medical knowledge, has justly gained a reputation second to none in the country — perhaps it might safely be said—sec- ond to none in the world. Within nine years this institution has received and taken care of 1,359 lunatics — of these, 588 have been restored to health and usefulness. Of this number very many had been in cages and cells. Some had been in bondage for forty years. Some had been so neglected and abused that the accounts seem too fearful to be true. The idents of the State — and $4,50 per week for residents of other states. As this is not a Charity Hospital, none are admitted except such as can pay. 2
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