The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-08-03
N C. INSANE ASYLUM.

correspondent of the Petersburg Express thus
describes visit to the Insane Asylum at Raleigh:
Through the kindness of friend, | was intro
duced to DIR Fisher Superintendent of the Asylum
for the Insane great State Institution, of which
North Carolina has ust cause of pride.
The building occupies commanding site, about
one aud half miles west of the city. The centre
building is four stories high and has front Of 90
feet. The roof is surmounted by dome; the
front is covered with portico full height of the
building. 1t is fanked by wing on either side,
receding from line with the front of the center
building about forty feet and projects in parallel
line three hundred and fifty feet each, and three
stories high. The centre building and wings pre-
sent an entire front of seven hundred and sixty
feet. The centre building, portico and dome,
rising in due proportions above the wings, presents
view of amazing grandeur.
But its exterior is not all about it worthy of no.
tice. The floor of the centre building is appro-
priated as follows: Superintendent office, recep
ton for visitors, apothecary's store officers
dining room, assistant physicians room, DC.
On the second floor, are the private apartments
for the use of the Superintendent family. In
the third story arc chapel and other necessary
apartments The fourth story is used as tank
house, whence the water for the of the Asylum
is daily provided by means of a steam force-pump
from the reservoir or water works.
l. was informed tnat many O! the inmates IOOh
interest in the religious services Of the chapel and
in this connection it may not be amss to remark,
that all persons sent to tire Asylum insane are
frantic, crazy people, is generally supposed by
casual observers. Insanity is a disease to which
is liable from a variety of causes, and
when placed under proper treatment IN time, Is
often susceptible of cure. The proper treatment
cannot be enjoyed outside the walls of lunatic
asylum, especially provided for such patients, no
matter what their circumstances wealth. 1t is
this class of patients-the cOnvalescent-that the
chapel the reading room, various games of amuse-
ment, and the pleasure grounds are necessary to
divert the mind and promote healthy action.
The wings are appropriated to the use Of the
patients, and divided into wards, which are subdi-
vided into apartments, besides the occupied
by patients, dining rooBl, parlor attendants room,
&c. There are at present one hundred and fifty
patients in the Institution.
From the tanks in the attic of the main build
ing, water is conveyed through the entire house;
and every other convenience necessary to comfort
is supplied by like labor-saving fixtures.
AS before mentioned, this institution is under
the superintendent of DIR. Fisher, gentleman
who has proven himself from his successful dcvo-
ton to its interests from the time it first found
ed, to be every way competent to the high and re-
sponsible trust. Not the least important Of his
duties arc those arising from his relative position
as head of large family, who must study the var
led dispositions of his charge, as we'll as provide
for their necessities. n deficiency in this quality
could not be made up by attainments in science,
or skill in medicine. In passing through the
wards with him, and observing how gratefully his
little attentions were received by the unfortunate
inmates was satisfied he was not wanting in this.