Chapters on Social Sciences as Connected with the Administration of State Charities

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1877. Excerpt: ... CARE OF THE INSANE. INSANE HOSPITALS. GENERAL REMARKS. We have shown, in a previous report, the census' statistics of the insane in each county of the State, the total number in 1870 being stated at three thousand eight hundred and ninety-five; the ratio, one insane to nine hundred and four inhabitants. This enumeration, indeed, is not accurate--the fact being sufficiently proved by the impossible discrepancy which appears in a comparison of the several counties--the ratio varying from one in two thousand to one in twelve thousand, in places where there are no asylums for their reception. The general ratio is, of course, reduced by computing the insane in asylums, hospitals, &c. But erroneous as the statement is, falling short of the reality, it is sufficiently suggestive. It manifests the unhappy fact that the State makes provision for about one-fourth only of these hapless wards--to which, if we add the number cared for in incorporated or private hospitals, it will appear that at least fiveeighths of these are in almshouses, or uncared for in any institution whatever. What the condition of the insane is, as a general rule, in the poor-houses of the State, we set forth clearly in our earliest report; and although there has been since then a manifest improvement in their condition and treatment, in several of the county establishments, it is impossible, from the circumstances which characterize the whole arrangement, discipline, and government of such institutions, that these invalids can be otherwise than grossly neglected and foully wronged; for at the best they are merely confined in places of detention, under the guardianship of a respectable overseer, who is wholly ignorant of their disease, and of the means necessary for its alleviation or its cure...