Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1895-05-03
che Storu Trlter.
WANTED---A BRAIN.
A Thrilling Experience in an Insane
Asylum.

Asylum.
In the summer of 1860 had occa-
sion to visit wcll-known asylum for
the insane. The institution is, I be-
lieve, reckoned among the best Of its
kind in this country. The distinguish
ing feature in its system of treatment
is that of according to patients all
reasonable freedom-a system which,
I am informed, has been followed
with the most encouraging results. So
far as practicable, the inmates of the
asylum are treated like sane men and
women; instead of being constantly
reminded of their infrmity, they were
led to forget it, if the power to forget
it remains.
On the day of my visit had pur-
chased case Of medicines for one of
the assistant physicians, who was an
intimate friend. This I had done at
his request, and it was to deliver these
medicines that I made my journey to
the asylum.
Ascending the massive stone steps, I
was conducted by one ofthe attendants
into the eption-room. Here / was
left to wait until my presence could be
announced to my friend, DR.. Balcom.
1t so happened that l was the only
occupant of the room, and to engage
my mind while 1 waited, 1 picked up
copy of De Quincey's "Confessions," 1"
and began to read. While thus occu-
pied voice accosted me, saying:
"Did you wish to see any one, sir ?"
Looking up, saw the speaker was
a small, neatly dressed man, who had
entered unobserved, and who had evil
IDENTIFY addressed me to make his
presence known.
"I was waiting" I replied, "to see
DR.. Balcom."
"The doctor is engaged just at pres
ent Oh very important case. Would
you like to make tour of the build
ing?"
I answered that I should be plaesed
to do so, and thereupoD my friend con-
Quoted me out into the hall. discov-
cred that he was one of the attendants
in the asylum and he also informed
me that he had studied insanity for a
number of years with view to fitting
himself for a physician.
Under so excellent guide was
conducted through the building, and
shown the numerous points of interest.
Those patients whose cases possessed
particular interest were also pointed
out to me, and their idiosyncrasies
fully explained.
"The man whom we just passed." !"
said my companion, referring to a
large, fresh-faced, mild-eyed patient,
sis one of the most dangerous patients
we ever had"
"Indeed !" I replied; zone would
not think so from looking at him."
"No; but the appearance Of insane
people is deceptive. There was a wo-
man here sometime ago-a pale, sweet
faced, delicate creature whom we all
thought a saint, and who acted as one
until she succeeded in getting hold of
q carving knife, and tb"n she cut the
throats of two of her fejlow-patients."
"Is there not danger asked, Sin
granting so much liberty to inmates ?"
"Well, it is our system. We find in
some instances, of course, that the free
dom is abused, but in the majority of
cases it works we'll"
This and much more conversation
took place between the attendant and
myself as we passed through the halls.
81 OBSERVE" he said, that you carry
a medicine chest, and infer that you
are physician"
"No," I rejoined although I have
the equipments of doctor, I should
make but sorry work using them.
They belong to DR.. Balloon, and call
ed to deliver them" Then, looking
at my watch, I added, II fear 1 am
keeping the doctor waiting by my
long absence"
II think he is not disengaged yet,"
returned my companion "we shall
have time to 60 out on the roof of the
building, from which the views are
really magnificent"
Accordingly my guide led the way
up the spiral staircase, which connect
ed the topmost story with the roof, l
followed at his heels. AS we emerged
through the broad skylight, the scene
which presented itself to the eye was
really magnificent. To the right lay
the river, winding like silver thread
through the pleasant valley; in front
could be seen the distant spires of the
neighboring town, glistening in the
sunlight; and afar off rose the hills,
their SUBMITS lost in the blue of the
heavens. The carefully kept grounds
of the asylum beneath US looked like a
map, gorgeous with its many hues Of
flowers.
"This certainly is a pleasant view,"
I said.
at is still better from the opposite
side of the building" returned my
guide. "Let US 60 over there"
Accordingly we walked along the
fiat roof, the attendant taking the pre-
caution to close the skylight behind us,
lest any of the patients should be
+ap,nted to follow us The asylum is