The sun., 1897-01-12
The Craig Colony for EpiIeptics.

New York, always distinguished as n
leader in public enterprises, did not un-
dertake mere experiment when she
established at Smyrna, In Livingston
county. the first colony for epileptcs on
this hemisphere, for the scheme had long
passed its experimental stage. A colony ex-
slusively for people afflicted with epilepsy
is unique social organization, but its
feasibility has been demonstrated for many
years in Germany. When one considers
what has been the condition OF these un-
fortunates heretofore. IL seems remarkable
that nothing should have been done for them
until now. The number OF epileptics in the
United States 10 estimated at 10000, aud
in the State of New York alone at $4,000.
Most Of them are able to live like other
people without special watching. following
ordinary occupations, or being cared for at
home. Where the attacks are frequent
and employment Is lost in consequence, the
epileptics drift into almshouses. for the
reason that no hospitals exist for their care
Many have been sent to insane asylums,
some because Of insanity associated with
epilepsy, and some, though sane enough
to live outside OF bars, because the
care in an asylum Is superior to that in
an almshouse. The last official estimate
for New York showed that there were 500
epileptics as county charges, mostly in
almshouses, and over thousand in the
State hospitals for the insane These figures
do not represent fully the number of epi.
leptics in the State deserving Of public care.
The almshouse and the asylum are sought
vxh han nj f.;t
hundreds OF epileptics are supported at
home by hard-working relatives or by pri.
vate charity. IL the new colony at Smyrna
had accommodations for two thousand pa.
tients, doubtless all Of the available space
would he occupied at once.
Colonization is plan peculiarly adapted
to the needs Of epileptics who are able to
acquire education. follow diverse callings,
aud. in fact, In the intervals between seiz-
ures, conduct themselves as do normal
beings. The attacks rob one of his con-
seriousness for but brief space OF time. We
have on several occasions commented In de-
tail upon this phase OF the disease in adyo-
eating the establishment of Craig Colony.
The colony has been created to the credit of
the State of New York. and was informally
opened to patients early In February OF last
year. A year is naturally a short time in
which to demonstrate concluslyely the suc-
cess of a scheme Of such magnitude, but re-
suits already bear witness to the therapeutic
and economic advantages OF colony life
for this class Of dependents Go visit
the colony and see nearly 200 epileptic pa
tients in their schools. at work in the gar
dens, on the farm, in the shops, in the print
ing office, In the sewing rooms, and contrast
their condition with that of others in the
almshouses who are unkempt idle, apa-
thetic, cheerless, and hopeless. 1t is a won
derful sight. the change which has come
over the patients transferred to Craig Colony |
from the county and city poorhouses, exhib- |
tied in the improvement In spirits,
the quickeninR of the mind, the |
gain in physical health, and, above |
all, marked mitigation of their malady.
A reduction Of over SO per cent in the |
number OF attacks in the first fifty patients
received, is one of the noteworthy results re-
ported by the superintendent OF the colony
after five months Of treatment
Epilepsy is accounted one OF the most in
disorders. Only per cent of the
cases are cured by physicians employing
ordinary methods, but it is confidently
to cure between and 10 per
cent, II not more, at Craig Colony, where,
In addition to scientific medication, mental,
moral, and hygiepic measures of the most
kind are faithfully carried out.
The intractability of epilepsy as regards
cure has made the epileptic a victim Of all
sorts OF quackery. He has been deluded
INTO squandering his means on every drug
advertised. Whimsical surgical operations
have been perpetrated on his eyes and other
parts OF his anatomy by fanatical or dis
honest followers Of medical fads 1t is ex-
'ected that the sphere of usefulness of Craig
Colony will be 80 wide as to give all methods
II treatment fair trial, and to furnish to
he medical world and to any destitute
'pileptic. through his physician, informa-
Ion as to the best means of Improvement. |