Worcester daily spy., 1850-12-23

The change that has taken place of late years III
the treatment of insane patients, presents one OF the
finest features in the civilization of the age but the
boon of wholesome labor is perhaps the greatest ben
eft that has yet been conferred upon this class OF sui
lerers. The fact is strikingy illustrated in the annu-
al report for last year of the Royal Ednburg Assy-
lam. The number of patients treated was 73S, ana
at The close of the year there remained as inmates
49, Of this latter number, upwards of $50 were
employed daily, and sometimes many as 100
working in the open air in the extensive grounds OF
| the asylum. 'Among these says Dr.Skae, may
be daily many of the most violent and destruc-
tive of the inmates, busily engaged in wheeling
earth manure, or stones, who for years have done
little else than destroy their clothing, spend their
days and nights in restless agitation or ncoherent
ravmg. The stlOng necessity which appears TO eX-
LIST, In many cases, for continual movement, or mces
SAINT noise, seems to find vent naturally in active
manual labor, if it can with any propiey be substi-
tuted and regulated And curious Illustration of
this is given in the case of one Of the most violent
| restless, and unmanageable inmates of the asylum
during the past year. whose calling was that of
miner. He was 'tall and muscular, and occupied
himself, if permitted to mix with others, in pursuing
his fellow-patients and fighting with them; if left
alone IN the airing courts, In running round and
knocking his elbows violently on the stone walls;
! and fsecluded, in continual vociferatons and nces-
]
sent to the grounds, and employed with the wheel
| barrow-a special attendant being entrusted with
HIM on his debut Hard work seemed to be all he re-
CURED. He spent his superluous energies in wheel
ing stones; he proved himself to be one of the
most useful and abIe-bodied of the awkward squad,
and ere long restored to his natural condition.
that of a weal-minded but Industrious coal-mner.'
Oakum-pcking proves useful occupation not
only for imbeces capable of no higher industry, but
escape from into the shoemakers, tailor's black
smiths, carpenters shops. ''ln the same man
ner the females have been gradually broken into
habits of industry Of degree hitherto unprecedent
ed. Those who have done nothing for many years
but muter to themselves, crouch in corners, now
Sc or knit from morning till night. Knitting, --4sy
| ing, straw-bonnet making, and other occupations,
are carried on throughout the house to such an ex-
tent, that, fear, in very short time, unless some
outlet Is obtained for expectations, shall be at
loss to know what to do.'' In addition to the usual
handicralt employments which are all practiced in
the establishment it is interesting to observe that
some patients occupy themselves n engraving, draw
ing, and land surveying A considerable portion of
one OF the houses has been elegantly painted, and
in parts refurnished by the patients.
The various sources of recreation and healthy
amusement of former years have continued in full
operation during the past. The monthly periodical
written by the patients, has been entirely printed
by them, with the exception ofone or two numbers,
there having been hired printer in the establish
ment during the greater part of the year. The cir
cuaton of our little journal has been extended and
the profits continue TO afford liberal supply Of
newspapers and periodicals. The weekly balls and
concerts preserve their popularity in the house, and
have been varied from time to time by such changes
as were calculated to increase the interest and
amusement afforded. During the summer season,
walks and drives in the country were frequent and
an occasional picnic party afforded, heretofore,
its healthful influences to body and mind
The Report throughout does great credit to DR..
Skae; but we have selected this portion for notice
as beng more than commonly interesting and sug-
gesve The useful occupation of the faculties with
which God has endowed US, is a remedial agent of
powerful efficacy in more cases Of mental maady
than are received into an insane asylum Cha n
6er'S Journal.