The history of the first inebriate asylum in the world / by its founder [Jonathan Edward Turner]. An account of his indictment, also a sketch of the Woman's national hospital, by its founder.

  • Turner, J. Edward, 1822-1889.
Date:
1888
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The history of the first inebriate asylum in the world / by its founder [Jonathan Edward Turner]. An account of his indictment, also a sketch of the Woman's national hospital, by its founder. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Of the four grandcliildreii, three sous ^Ye^e periodical drinkers, and all three died under thirty years of age. Tlie granddaughter was the victim of insanity, and died in an insane asylum at tlie age of twenty-four. In the year 1846 a large number of letters were wiitten to the prominent pnljlic men of the country. Among the numerous replies there were but few which gave words of encouragement. That one great and good man among the many written to, apj:)reciated the work of founding an asylum for the medical treatment of the inebriate, (his large exj)erience of fifty years as an edu- cator giving him ample knowledge of the necessity of such an institution,) the following letter from Hev. Eliphalet Nott, D. D., LL. D., President of Union College, State of New York, will show: “Union College, -Tan. 27th, 1846. “Dear Sir:—Absence from home is my a]iology for not sooner re]hying toyonr letter, which reached me in due course of mail. No one acquainted with the prevalence of inebriety and its frightful consequences can doubt the benevolence of the enter])i‘ise in which you propose to engage. An asylum for inebriates is demanded by the wants and woes which ine- briety has occasioned in eA'ery }>art of the entire conntry. It is impossible to estimate the amount of good such an institution, well conducted, would be likely to produce. How such an object can be effected, single-handed, and without ])ublic patronage, I can not foresee. I know that the indomi- table will of an individual bent on doing good, may and often does, by the blessing of (Jod, acconqilish ninch. The best wishes of the wise and good throngiiout the land will accom- ])any you iu such aii undertaking; an undertaking in which itwill be glorious to succei'd, I had almost said, glorious even to fail. Wishing you the di\4'ne blessing- in an enterprise novel but full of promise, “ I am very truly yours, “ ELl’pilALET NOTT. “Dil J. Edwaui) Tuuneu,”