Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1839-12-05


books have been perused than during any for
mer period; and as this class of patients is
rapidly increaslng,we can but be gratifed that
the Institution is in possession of so desira-
BILE and useful a means for their amusement
and occupation.
"ihc Piano has been much used, and its
sweet tones have on more than one occasion
exercised magic influences in cheering the
responding, soothing the irritated and repres-
sing the gay. The violins and flutes, altho'
less In demand, have not been without their
good effects.
sin addition to these sources ofamusement.
the male patients enjoy themselves frequently
In playing backgammon, drafts, cards, ball
NC, and the females in throwing the hoop,
battledoor, drafts &c.
SIN addition to the exercise which a parti-
cipation in some ofthe amusements above ma
med induces, the male patients make frequent
excursions on foot-some of them visit the
town occasiOnally-and others 90 several
miles into the country in pursuit of fruits,
nuts &C., and altho' unattended, invariably
return to the Institution in due time, and as a
matter of choice. The females also occa-
sionally walk under the charge of their at
tendants, but most of them pref the car
rage; and when the weather will permit
scarcely a day inteyvenes that it is not used
ny some of them. In addition to the recrea-
'ion thus furnished, it is pleasant to witness
inc pride which they manifest in regard to
their equipage, and the delight which it af-
lords most Of them to display it. 1t not UNI
frequently happens, when the coachman is
disposed to pursue different course, that he
is ordered to drive through the town, or alonp
some very public road, and the reason assign
cd by the individual thus commanding, is one
which In its operation is not alone confined to
the insane female, viz: that''it rs needless to
own fine carriage and horses, unless they
be exhibited" &c.
9TH. Restraint. Our space will not permit
us to follow longer the words of the report
Suffice 1t to say, that by this term is meant only
that care which is necessary to preserve the
patient from injury, whether from himself or
exposure to accident. Nothing like coercion
or punishment is ever resorted to or permitted
The most tender means are almost invariably
found TO be the best, and hence meme other are
allowed to be used. 1t is very important that
this feature in the management of the asylum
should be generally understood, as it is feared
that too often. from mistaken notion of the
subject, the benefits of the institution are
withheld, to the lastingstand perhaps irrepara-
ded.
The remainder of the report is devoted to
review of the ancient barbarisms and subsc-
| quent reforms introduced in the treatment of
the insane, and to some statistics exhibiting
the results in recent and chronic cases in the
best institutions of Europe.and this country.
But the report will soon bezbublished in pam
phlet form, when those who wish can have an
opportunity of seeing it.
The distinguished success which has atten-
| ded this institution must be subject of Just
pride and animated interest to the people of
Virginia; for it is emphatically their own in
stitution-it has been reared and sustained
by their bounty; and to suppose otherwise
would be to deny for their actions all in,elli-
gent principle and every enrolling motive of
humanity. No apology, therefore, is needed,
Tor the space we occupy with this report.