Report of the directors of the Royal Lunatic Asylum, infirmary and dispensary of Montrose, for the year ending 1st June, 1856.

  • Royal Lunatic Asylum, Infirmary, and Dispensary of Montrose
Date:
1856
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report of the directors of the Royal Lunatic Asylum, infirmary and dispensary of Montrose, for the year ending 1st June, 1856. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Where care is shewn, in selecting the appropriate cases, the ten¬ dency of religion thus curatively 'applied, is beneficial, whether with reference to its direct or collateral influence. It imparts instruction, and affords consolation. It soothes the irritable, and represses the wayward. It inspires new energies, and kindles new hopes. The ministrations of Mr Smith, have been received with increasing satisfaction. The earnestness of his manner, the simplicity of his style, the clearness of his diction, and the appropriatene’ss of his subjects, with the shortness and variety of the service, seem especi¬ ally calculated to secure the objects contemplated in such labours. We regret, on our own account, not on his, that we are about to lose his valuable services. We believe the prayers of many in the House, will follow him to a higher and more important sphere of duty. Visit of Commissioners.—During the Autumn of last year, our unvarying uniformity was somewhat chequered, by a visit from the “ Commissioners of Lunacy.’’ Perhaps we ought ra¬ ther to confess, that our equanimity was somewhat disturbed by that visit. Two circumstances will serve to explain the source of that disturbance. There was an old house, now condemned, as no longer fit for its purpose, and about to be abandoned in consequence, a determination which necessitated the cessation of even temporary improvement in its structure or arrangements. It had, besides, the disadvantage of being seen at a transition period. Various improvements were going on, as to beds, bed¬ ding, clothing, and other arrangements, having in view the im¬ provement of the personal appearance, and comfort of the patients; but none of these had yet been completed, so that the patients, as well as House, had to be seen in a sort of half-dress condition. We neither anticipate praise, nor fear censure from the report of the Commissioners. We believe it will be faithful, and that is enough. A consciousness of sincerity and earnestness, in the dis¬ charge of our duty, will, we trust, prevent us being either too much elated by the one, or too much depressed by the other. Our Staff Appointments.—The commencement of our official year, will, on this occasion, be signalised by two important addi¬ tions to our medical staff—a Medical Assistant, and Assistant Physician. The former appointment has been conferred upon Mr Cowan of Edinburgh, the latter upon Dr Johnston of Montrose. The appointment of a medical assistant, is a matter of importance to the entire staff, but especially to the Medical Superintendent, as, by relieving him of a great number of minor, yet essential duties, it will enable him to devote his undivided time and attention, to the higher and more important functions of his office. The possession of a substitute will also tend greatly to lesse anxiety during the pressure of temporary sickness, or on oc¬ casions of unavoidable absence, while, on ordinary occasions, it will
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