Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1840-12-22


plant, but only as explanatory of the cause Of
the increased number Of deaths the past year.
since the erection OF the new building, we
nave not rejected any patient, however dis
couisglng might be the disease Of his body,
or hopeless the state Of his mind.
la every lunaiic asylum there will always
he greater or less degree of mortality among
the Inmates. From the opening of this asy-
lum, TWO hundred and thirty nine atienis have
been admitted, and only eleven have died, a
mounting 10 less than five per cent. In this
respect, we shall no, suffer by comparison
with the bes, regulated institutions of this or
any country.
Ii is now nearly four wears since the OPEN
ing Of the asylum. We have thus far escap-
ed any epidemic or sc zero. sickness. During
TINS Tine rso hundred and thirty mine patients
have received the benefits of the asylum
Among these we have had patients manifest
ing every condition of insanity, from the low
est STATE of imbecility, by which he is incapa-
bic OF attending even 10 the wants of life 10
the violent and furious mailman, who, reck-
less OF consequences, exposes himself to all
the dangers which are connected with such
state. And worst of all, we have had those
suicidal cases, seeking every opportunity of
sell-destruciion, which an excited and diseas-
ed Imagination could invent. Notwithstand-
have been exposed, no patient has died from
suicide, or accidental injury.
There are provided at the asylum, the usu-
al means for amusements and exercise. But
the best moral means we have found for the
benefit Of the patients, is useful employment
IN the open air. Employment on the farm
has contributed very much to the promotion of
the health and recovery of our male patients
IL relieves the irksomeness Of confinement,
makes them pleasant and cheerful, improves
Their health, and promotes their recovery
Convalescents are more particularly benefited
by 1t. BY resumlng their former accustomed
occupations, their wild illusions disappear,
their former associations and cufoot OF ideas
return. and their reason becomes perfectly re-
stored. Ii is prominent object with those
who have the care of the institution, but their
employment shall be both pleasant to them
selves and profitable to the asylum; and in
this wsy, TO become, as far as practicable, a
self-supporting institution.
One of the chief benefits OF useful labor on
the farm, to our patients, is, that it is produc-
tive and profitable. Knowing that this insti-
tuition affords the facilities for the recovery of
the insane at a lower rate than at any similar
institution in the United States, on accoant of
its being a self supporting one, they, who are
convalescing, are much graiified that they can
contribute their assistance towards accom-
plishing this benevolent object The consci-
BUSINESS of doing something themselves, To re-
lieve their afflicted fellow men, appears 10 af-
ford them much qualification and happiness.
have often seen verified, at this institution,
the remarks of the illustrious Pnel, the author
of the present improved mode of treating in
sanity. Il hvac no where met he says, 'ex-
cept IN romances, with fonder husbands, more
afiec,lonate parents, more imprisoned lovers,
more pure and exalted patriots, Tor more dis
interested philanthroplsts, than in a lunatic
asylum, during their intervals of camness and
reason
1t is one object, with those who have the
care Of patients, to keep most of them, every
moment, pleasantly occupied through the day;
which will almost certainly procure rest and
sleep at night. For this purpose, they are
furnished with books and several of the news
papers and periodicals OF the day. Our male
patients, besides being employed in the gar
den, on the farm, about the premises, make
frequent excursions on foot, and not unfre-
quently 90 several miles for the purpose of
fishing, procuring fruit, nuts, or 10 see some
natural curiosity, They are also furnished
with the usual amusemenis, provided at our
bes, establishments They play at chess,
backgammon, draughts, cards, quoiis, ball,
&c. Our acknowledgements are due to sew
eral gentlemen Of this village. who have gen.
erously presented US with a billiard table, for
the amusement of those who have been accus-
toned to ihis healthy exercise.
Our female patients are constantly and use
fully employed, according 10 their former hab-
It's and tastes. They usually ride every fair
day, and engage in the various amusemenis
and exercises of the institution. They en-
Z ploy themselves in drawing, painting, chess,
( backgammon, dOminOes, batlledoor, graces,
&c Those who have been accustomed to
play on the piano, take great pleasure in prac-
iicing on the same, at the asylum. Several Of
/ The female patients have bcguiled many a
weary hour by this delightful employment.
| In our medical and moral treatment, one
gIeat object is IN restore every diseased part
/ of the human system 10 its natural, healthy
1 functions Among other means Of moral man
aCcmeni, It is the constant endeayOr oIhOsc
who have the care Of the patients, TO inspire
them with seli-respect, 10 cali into exercise as
much seli-control as possible, and 10 grant
\ them all the liberty consistent with their own
safety and that of others Our moral treat
meni is adapted TO each individual case, and,
I as FAR as may be, 90 the former habits, e1uca-
/ lion, and taste ofihe patient. Our grand prin-
cpe Of classification, consists IN placing those
/ together, who will he OF complete benefit To
each other, or at least, shall be Of no disser-
( vice.
! The institution is now nearly full, and were
I IL not for the circumstances that patients are
I constantly discharged, as well as admitted,
many would soon be rejected for want Of room.
! When We consider lie aiiiiciion that Is cans-
/ ed hy ihis disease, and thai we are all liable
TO DC 10 the same situation, 10 need tiie aid
which an establishment provided fof this pur-
] iaA