Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1838-08-16
DIR. Stribling's Report.

Of the Western Lunatic Hospital, made
July Z, ls3S.-Continued.
But few weeks have elapsed, as YOU are
aware, since, in compliance with resolu.
tion OF your board communicating wish 10
that effect, visited, Tor the purpose OF in.
spection, various insane establishments in
the New England aud intervening States:
and having myself been both delighted ant
instructed 10y the tour, permit me to furnish
you with brief sketch relative TO such of
the Asy lums as seemed to have attained ,hs
greatest degree Of success in the manaye
ment and cure OF their subjects, in order tia,
you may avail yourselves Of such features in
their systems OF government, sc. as YOU
may suppose would, If rendered applicable
to our Institution, aid in promoting tho OBJ
jecls for which il is designed.
The first which shall present TO your
notice 10 the Mclean Asylum, situated nj
Charleslown, Massachusetts. This lnsiitu.
ton 10 under the general control and direcl
ton Ut twelve trustees, who appoint the va
rIous officers, assign their salaries, and per-
form such other duties as aprertan to the
Board OF Directors Of our Hospital. These
also divide their number into six visiting
committees oil TWO each, and one or another
oil these committees visit the Institution reg.
ulArly once in each week This duty is
looked upon as indispensable, and no obsta>
Gle whatever is permitted TO interfere with
ITS Punctual observance. Its delightful, in /.
deed, TO witness the lively interest which
these trustees manifest in regard TO the vel.
fare OF Their Asylum and its inmates; and
much OF its success doubtless depends upon
the attention and care bestowed upon il by
them. The officers TO whose immediate
Is pptr taH sc.,
tant Physician, Steward, Matron, and a
male and female Supervisor The Physi-
clan is the Superintendent, and is required
10 devote all his energies and time 10 the
affairs of his office. He has the sole direc-
ton OF the medical, moral, and ply sicsltreat.
ment OF the patients. He nominates the As
siSlant Physician and the Supervisors, and
may require the Steward to dismiss any al.
tendant who proves unfalhiul and in all
respects his orders aud requests are renders
ed strictly obligatory. The Assistant PLY
stefan acts os Apothecary, prepares and ad
ministers the medicines, under the direction
oil The principal, and performs such duties in
relation TO the patients, as, in the opinion oI
the physician. will most conduce 10 the in
terests Of the Institution.
The Steward has charge of the grounds
building and appurtenances, sees that the
same are kept in perfect order and repair,
and that all the apartments are duly cleans
ed, warmed and ventilated. He also pur>
chases The furniture, fuel, stores, and other
nscessaries, and is held responsible for the
safe.keeping and economical use and eXpen -.
diiure of the same: he hires the attendants
and domestics, and has the immediate gov.
eminent and direction of those and all 9TH
er persons emPloyed by him at the Asylum.
tie is also required 10 devote his whole time
and attention 10 the affairs ofihe Institution.
The Marion has the general charge of the
female patients, directs the nurses in their
duty, sees that the inmates are kindly treat
ed, that their food is properly served and
distributed, that their apartments are kept
clean and in order, properly warmed and
ventilated, and that the female attendants
in all respects do their duty. She also SUI
pefintends the culinary department, the
washing and ironing, and takes care of the
clothes and bedding. She is expected to di-
rect the labor ard amusement of the female
patients, and 10 spend as much time with
them as her other duties will allow.
The male and female Supervisors have
the immediate oversight of their respective
wings, and of the attendants therein, directs
ing them in the management OF the patien,s
according 10 the general views and particu-
lar orders of the Physician. They see that
The patients are treated in the most kind,
humane and gentle manner, and are rcqur-
ed TO report TO the Superintendent; every vi
olatIon OF the rules and regulations which
may come to their knowledge They are
also compelled TO be in the presence of The
as much as possible; 10 see that their
clothes are taken care of, that their food is
properly served and distributed, that the
rooms, galleries, and other apartments under
their care, are kept in good vrder, and pro.
perly warmed and ventilated. They also
accompany all yisi,ers who may have the
permission Of the Physician to visit the pa
Iisnts.
The attendants are prohibited from ever
aosenling themselves from the patients with
'u' permission OF the Superintendent, They
are required to be kind and assiduous in
their attentions, and TO use their utmost eff
ior's 10 render the patients comfortable and
happy. They are The companions Of the pa
tients both in and out OF doors, and io;n and
encourage them in all their labor, exercise
md recreation
The utmost degree of importance is here
attached to a proper classification of The pa.
tents; which by the architectural arrange
ncnt oil the buildings, and the character and
lumber Of their attendants, they are enabled
y effect with the utmost utility both TO the
Hospital and its inmates DIR. Bell. The in.
elligent and humane Superintendent, 70
marks upon this subject, "that the value of
such classification is fell no less in the com
OIL. quiet and alienation Of those whose
disease has become organic and hopeless
nan IN those under the curative process"
In consequence Of but few Of the indiyiJu. |
lis in this Hospital having belonged to the |
agricultural class of the community. thew
rave deemed il unnecessary 10 procure more