Reports and other documents relating to the State Lunatic Hospital at Worcester, Mass / Printed by the order of the Senate.

  • State Lunatic Hospital at Worcester.
Date:
1837
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Reports and other documents relating to the State Lunatic Hospital at Worcester, Mass / Printed by the order of the Senate. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    with the classification of the inmates, and to build a few solitary cells of great strength, deemed necessary in the opinion of the Commis sioners for the confinement of those who are both dangerous and incu¬ rable, and whom bolts and bars alone can restrain. For these objects, the Legislature will make such further appropriation as they may deem expedient. ... The Commissioners would deem themselves guilty of injustice towards their own feelings, as well as towards the deserts of others, did they dismiss this part of the subject without adverting to the very satisfactory manner in which the work, with some slight exceptions, has thus far been executed by the individuals with whom they have contracted. The whole labor on the Hospital has been performed un¬ der the immediate care and superintendence of Mr. Elias Carter o Worcester, who, before his engagement, was very highly recommende as a suitable person for that agency, and, since his engagement, has been recommended no less highly by the manner in which he has ful¬ filled it. The wood-work was not let out on contract, lest some haz¬ ard should be incurred in having that important portion of the labor unskilfully or negligently performed. The masonry has been executed and it is believed very faithfully executed, by Messrs. Goodman and tution, since spacious and beautiful verandahs have been added l„ our wings These are available at all seasons, and in all kinds of weather, are always neat and clean, and forbidding than yards. ,, Airing and exercising' grounds should not be enclosed m a manner that constantly p.e sents the Idea of confinement and bondage. Whenever patients are abroad, a sufflcten number of attendants should accompany them, to afford security without restiain . - ~n dants, uniting with them in games, or accompanying them m their walks, seem to them companions and guides, rather than keepers ; of course no unpleasant .repression is excited if the conduct ole patients is regular and orderly } .hey go and come - P-» ‘ large and free-their self-respect is awakened, which prevents acts of valence and inde¬ cency. Quite different are the feelings of patients when shut up m yards-consc.ous o tin prisonment and consequent degradation, they roll in the dirt, indulge m language, make unceasing efforts to escape, and are m a state of continual ..illation au diem.’ Escapes from* yards have been numerous in this establishment far more an from all other situations put together. From my experience I am.ready to y, ha much care is necessary to prevent mischief and injury to health “d escape , m yards in onen fields, if attendants do their duty in both. Idiotic and torpid patients,*° * can be kept in these enclosures, but they are sure, if not constantly watchct^ the ground, take off their clothes, and especially uncover their heads, ant ] “cllalTLuced the Board of Trustees to abandon the yards, especiaHy as we have porticos or verandahs as a substitute, which afford every advantage * the class of patients that cannot be permitted to go at large in the open , others.-May, 1837.