Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1870-02-23
CIRCULAR.

This Institution was established in
the year 1857, ny the General Assem-
bly, of the State of Ohio, and located
near the city of Columbus.
Its object is, to furnish special
means of improvement to that portion
of our youth who are so deficient in
mind, or have such marked peculiari-
ties and eccentricitIes of intellect, as
to deprive them of the benefits of 9TH
er educational institutions and ordi-
nary methods of instruction.
The education proposed will include
not only the simple elements of in
struction taught in common schools,
where that is practicable, but will
embrace a course of training in the
more practical matters of everyday
life, the cultivation of habits of clean
illness, prOpriety, self-management,
self-reliance, and the development
and enlargement of a capacity for use
fuioeeupation. As prometiveOf these
objects, pupils will receive such phys
ical education, and such medical,
moral, and hygIenic treatment as their
peculiar and varied conditions de-
mand.
Idiocy and mental imbecility de-
pend upon some abnormal or imper-
fectly developed condition of the phys
ical system-a condition in which the
nervous organization is especially de-
fective-preventing the harmonious
and natural development of the men,
tai and moral powers.
Idiots and fmbeciles are feeble in
body as well as mind. They are want
ing in muscular and nervous power I;
the gait and voluntary movements are
generally awkward and slow, and the
special senses undevelOped or inactive.
Physical training and physical devel-
Opment will, therefore, be essential to
permanent mental improvement, and
hence the importance of gymnastic
and calisthenic exercises in treatment.
The reciprocal influence of the body
over the mind, and the mind over the
body, must be carefully studied and
applied. The dormant energies OF the
| body must be aroused to action by ev-
cry possible means. The wayward
muscles are to be taught to move in
obedience to the dim spark of will that
may exist, which will must be
strengthened and developed. The
very feeble power of attention must be
cultivated and increased by the most
attractive means. The affections
must be nursed-the special senses
! trained and educated-viciOus habits
are to be corrected, and the idea OF
obedience and moral obligation must
be planted and DOurished.
Some feeble-minded youth give ev-
/ idence of slight chronic irritation of
the brain, obscure delusions, and 9th.
er marks of partial insanity, or mental
derdngement, rather than of idiocy.--
! Such cases can not be properly treated
by the family physician at home, and
should, therefore, be removed TO some
institution where they can receive
! that treatment and training best adapt
ed to their restoration.
Some who are merely backward,
ard remain undeveloped from being
misunderstood, neglected, or abused
can, by special means, be brought out
and reclaimed. Others can be arrest.
ed in their downward course, and
made orderly, obedient, atfectionate
doeile and industrious and nearly al
can be materially improved in theii
general condition and habits. But
in order to secure the realization ol
these blessings to this afflicted class
they must have that special care
treatment and instruction which can
not be obtained in the family at home
or in private medical practice, or by
any of the ordinary methods of in
sfruction, but only in some vel
directed institution, arranged, fur
nished and organized for the accom-
plishment of these special objects.
Where there is partial insanity, ol
marks of existing nervous irritation
or other disease, medical and Othel
K appropriate treatment will be applied
Each individual case will be study
and must be treated as its peculiaritie:
! domand