Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-07-17
FRUSTRATED MINDS

TULLY comparable with the tragedy OF
II feeble mindedness, and In some respects
even sadder, is the tragedy involved lin
the mysterious weakening OF intellect occa-
sionallv seen in persons who, during their
early lives, were demor-trably not feeble
minded.
Such persons, unless their plight Is recog-
nized and protective measures taken, are aps
to become as grave social problems as the
unrecognzed victim of Unborn feeble-minded-
ness who goes about exposed to all sorts OF
evil suggestions. A typical case is found in
the history of a young man who eventually
became an inma,e of ST. Elizabeth S Hospital,
the federal institution for the insane in
Washington. rel
This young man had been transferred to
st. Elizabeth's from Leavenworth prison.
where he was serving a term for robbery OF
a pos office. He was reported to be subject
to attacks Of melancholia and to have shown
suicidal tendencies.
Observation at St Elizabeth's bore out this
report 1t also was found that he was strange
y sluggish mentally. His whole appearance
and manner in fact, were the appearance and
manner of mental effective. WV
But inquiry into his history revealed that
he had once been bright enough.
AS boy in school he had been vigorous
energetic, and quick to learn. At sixteen he
had left school to go to work. For three
years he did we'll as worker.
Then, for no apparent reason he became
restless and disconnected From being So
ciable, he be- re seclusive and morose. He.
grew quiet, "never looked the bright side
of things" His efficiency, first gradually,
then rapidly, J. ed
While this condition. condition of unE
recognized mental ill-health-he. robbed AZ
postoffice and escaped detection. Thereafter
he became wanderer, continuing to keep
himself in funds by robbng postoffices until
at last he was caught convicted, and sent to
LeavenWorth.
How explain mental weakening such as
this? 1t is indeed difficult of explanation in
any individual case. pr
The simplest explanation the one
formerly accounted of universal applica bility
assumes that, despite the seeming bright
ness of the first years, there is inherited
mental weakness that shows itself as soon as
the demand, cares and responsibilities of ma
turity are laid on the one who becomes mem
tally duh
This is the so-called constitutional infe-
riority' doctrine and that it does adequately
explain some cases of unexpected mental
weakening would seem unquestionable. But,
in the light of recent medical research,npit
may we'll be questioned whether it explains
all cases.
1t is quite possible-for that matter, high
ly probab e-that infections of one sort or
another, and particularly focal infections in
the head of the intestinal tract, are respon-
sible in number of cases. In others there
would seem to be reason to suspect that
glandular disorders are to blame.
Which, of course, suggests that the OUT
look for the mentally deteriorated may in
time be much more hopeful than at present
And, for that matter, occasional reports of
favorable results obtained by gland therapy,
treatment of diseased teeth and tonsils treat
ment to correct intestinal intoxication, etc,
go strongly to justify an optimistic view of
what may be accomplished in the future.
Copyright, 1924.)