New-York tribune., 1872-08-29
THE LUNACY LAW TESTED
HOW TO IMPRIsON A SANE MAN AND WHAT
1T COSTS

1T COSTS.
MEDICAL SCIENCE AT FAULT-AN EXAMINATION
CONFINED TO THE COUNTING OF THE PULSE
AN EXPERT DECIDES A LUNACY CASE IN
LESS THAN ONE MINUTE-A POLICE JUSTICE
COMMITS WITHOUT THE EXAMINATION RE-
QUIRED BY LAW, THOUGH CERTIFYING THE
EXAMINATION WAS MADE-THE SrRICrEsf
REGULATIONS OF THE ASYLUM EYADED BY
ITS PHYSICIAN.
The report which follows. details the experiences
of TRIBUNE reporter in obtaining admission into
Bloomingale Insane Asylum. The test Of the law Of
commitment and the inquiry into the management
of the ASYLUM are so distinct that 1t was found adj
visable as well s necessary in order to give time for
the preparation OF the articles tomake separate mar
ratiyes of the adventures in getting into custody
and the experiences and observations while ncar-
ccrated in the Asylum. The second install ment viii
follow in Saturdays TRIBUNE. and will detail the
reporters suiferngs for four days in the Ward for
Excited Patients.
The commitment of this reporter to the Asylum
grew ont of an indirect invitation by DIR. David j.
Brown Superintendent, who in conversation with
one of the writers for THE TRIBUNE stated the will
ngness of the management to submit 70 thorough
inspection of the whole Asylum, brt it was added
that they did not demand public inquiry in response
to the aidavits Of Mr.. and Mrs Irving for the rea-
son that the Institution was private Asylum and
that the friends of those committed were entitled to
have the names and condition of the patients kept
secret. This invitation was acted upon The wishes
of friends that the names of those in the Asylum be
kept secret will be carefully respected
The following is copy Of the original instructions
given the reporter showing the precise object OF the
investigations
The purpose is FIRST to test the medical and scientific
knowledge Of insanity by regular physicians in ordinary
practice, and OF experts at tho asylum second, to test
the nature OF the law Of commitment and the manner
Of its administration third to make personal examina
ton of the condition of the institution aud the method
OF treating patients
I. To employ two physicians to commit c., knowing
his purpose viii prove only that they corrupt there
FORE let him feigu insanity and deceive them.
IL The charge made that physicians mhesitatingiy
commit patients whom they have never before seem BE
careful select from any part OF the city two physicians
who are strangers to all concerned
Ill II possible avoid producing c. in court in order to
see If it be true as alleged that Police Justices commit
men without inquiry. BE that the Justice does not
know him.
" Avoid signing any papers OF commitment, max
ing any affidavit whatever. In any event, keep the
name OF OF the persons committing C. secret to see
whether not he will be committed and received on
irregular papers.
v Endeavor TO make the examination at the Asylum
carelessness Of the management.
VI Observe the treatment within, particularly with
reference to the manner, language, habits, and DISPOSE
tOn of the keepers and physicians the appointments Of
the rooms cleanliness OF beds, bedding said to be fire.
quently danp) bathing facilities library &c the food
its preparation, amount Of supplies how cooked and
served and general treatment in wards and private
rooms, methods Of punishment, privileges, &c.
VII 1t is charged that communication is per-
mtted with friends Write several letters, claiming TO
be improved, praisng the Institution but asking to be
taken away, TO If superintendent will stop them
Also tegn illness and make numerous appeals and ex
cuses for release.
VIII Physicians are charged with connving at the re-
moya OF patients TO avoid investigation VIII have writ
Of haJeas corpus If physician suggests removal
accept and 20 for three days TO Kings County
Asylum and thence TO BackwelPs Island.
TX. Physicians are said TO discharge patients as
cured to avoid examination in Court Refuse TO accept
discharge after hdJeas IS served
II will be seen by what follows that each Of these
points, except the last, was tested. With what re-
suit the reporter is left to illustrate in his Ian
Quawe.