New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-05-06
LIFE AMONG THE LUNATICS.

care Of our House Governors s the LuIaac Asy
lum situated on the northern extremity of Backwes
Island. On recen. Witt there, We were particularly
pleased with the admirable order, cleanliness, and air
Of solid comfort which prevails throughout the ol ding
aud grounds. The care aud treatment of the insane
have " thin q few years, been reduced TO something
Ike .yttem and with the most beneficial results; b1,
of THE we will not speak here, our object being 70
chow briefly far can, the interior lie al ths
institution. The whole number OF patients admitted
into the institution during the last year was something
more than Line hundred Of which there were 62| re-
mainir at the beginning of ths year; 900 hsd been
discharged Of which 52 recovered, 81 improved, Is
unimproyed and IS died. This body Of patients ia made
ND o natives Of almost every land and of persons Of
every range OF Intellectual ability, from extraordinary
genius to utter imbscity. They classified so far as
possible with reference to compatibility Of temper and
dsuosition males and females being of course, sepa
rated in all instances.
copuzance Of the mental coalition Of Others, with
out recognition of their alterations, draws forth
ps,ronly sympathy feo s-feelng which would es'
ablish quasi democracy, were there not peculiar op-
posing delusiops. The " Presidentess," Queen OF
America and Daughter Of the Russian Car, will
not cons nt 10 be clased with each other with those
Of more pl.bean birth thus forming as msny distinct
costes as are found among the believers in the Brahms
and the principal link that binds the various aristo
cratic nd democratic elements consists r the dispo
sition patronze-s proper and leg innate field for
the exhibition of this propensity The peace and hN
mopy of the household require proper Difference to
ard fair consider alton Of their several rights. or
such nco gruous characr and tastes composed the
family Of the Asylum.
When patient is received be is carefully examined,
his previous history obtained, and classified by the
light Of these facts. No medical treatment is under
taken Immediately; but salutary influences sre OBJ
served to follow as the result OF regular habits such
as rising taking meals and retiring, at fixed hOurs He
is required if possible keep his toilet and room
in order 20 as to occupy his mind and exercise his
body If j, he deemed safe, he ia allowed TO psss the
day in open air or to attend upon other ,ents, and
perhaps gage the culture of vegetable and flower
garden ard other outdoor work should he seem TO
prefer it. il door work is furnished in the kitchen aud
| Laundry, or SEWN; and knitting rooms. ADJUSTMENTS
lave occasionally been introduced with good effect,
music ard dancing affording the most qualification to
ps,ieIts 10 participate in which the lady who
calls herself L" Pfesidentese, and che who s the
Queen Of America and Daughter OF the Russian
Gar would grscously condescend to take partners
| from among the plsbeian ranks of the other SEX
There are several most excellent musicians in the inst
| toon as patients, very remarkable pianist, a.
We can attest aud out Of the variety of 'uaicstoIs
it s easy to make up orchestra varied and effective
at least If not slto gether perfect in It's execution The
dancing occasionally apt to b. little out OF ordinary
conventional rules yet src. propriey Of conduct is
observed by all. The regular celebration of hol
DAYS is another attractive feature, which IL much
erioyed by the patients LAST Christmas elaborate
en,t riaImeDt got up, including an instrumental
concert, psntomime, and bsll. a miniature stage
was fitted up and prettiy decorated, while the large
circular Stairway and it, landing places served az az
auditorium where the heterogeneous mass OF PATENTS
watched with great interest tue va;ious representa-
tins. These pleasures are OF course for the better
class Of pstienta or rather for those a cted with the
lighter forms Of mania But there are others by no
| means so fortunate-some whose iutelects have be-
cone 80 impaired that memory, reason AMI conpre
hension are nearly gone, leaving them scarcely above
| the brute creation in mental cspscity; and who,
although perhaps capable o. patauy comprelending,
| can never be induced TO pin in merry-.nakiug.
| Thew spend their time wholly in brooiiug
over melancholy thoughts, apparently wi.hou;
sr gle ray Of hope for the future. Some are ever
occupied in deyisipg means commit suicide or hom-
eide and cannot be safely intrusted with any weapon
with which they might execute their designs. Now
then one plains u at he has been placed there
BIZ inhun an reatives and charges that the physicians
were hired to restrain him Of his liberty 10 poison
him. The building occupied by Whist called the
Bed on ties violently insane, is never visited by
srsncers or account of the bad effect their presence
rrodues upon the e1citabe iumses: a. hoI gh
ravirg ins anity is generally considered more
r. p,icle OF cue than tie less violent kind.
No corporal punishment is permitted If the patien.
be violent or rosy he is shut up, not in cell, bat in
ar ordinary roo with the distinct Outstanding that
he shall not annoy others This course has generally
tie desired effect and during the lsst year, with
average Of 6ls in the institution, than
cour rer day have been thus confned. AZ az induce
mert to god behavior, patients are told tbs, ii their
conduct thus and they shA have associates ofke
character ALI certain other privileges not Otherwise
allowed Not long sgo young man ~e admitted
who had long disturbed his neghbortood With load
PRAYER. Secret prsyer wac suggested to hin, bu:
The proposi;ion was declined. He was then
told hs, should he persist in bud shouting, he would
be placed amorg the poisy inmates, go TIA. the sick
n quiet should be unii-turbed. After rejecting some
time he concluded toIy fOr night to keep STILL and
welt Through the formsty OF regular agreement with
tie physician s,puls,irg, however, that he sho1ll
have the privilege Of giving duhrg the day short ex
boua,cn Tire Iesut was thai be remAiaed que. dur
ioe the uisb,, ard within few days omitted the ex.
horts,or also, and IS now perfectly vel. Orly few
supe m 81. Of res.ra;tt Ne used, srch Sc . muf for
lie h.pSs, ocunoo strap f,r lie ANS aSi = bed.