Thirty-fourth annual report of the officers of the Vermont Asylum for the Insane, for the year ending August, 1870

1 ' THIRTY-FOURTH

�-\._�NU AL REPORT

I'

ii

r

}lmU\lltt

l!H)futtt

fllr tij�

i\JUNTPELIER:

nrnt:MAN S'rE.Ul PRlNTrNG llUUSE AND BINDERY. 18 7 0.

....

THIRTY-FOURTH

ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

FOR THE YEAR RNDING

.MONTPE ER:

FREEMAN STEAM PRINTING HOUSE AND BINDERY, 18 7 0.

BOARD OF OFFICERS.

1

JAMES BARRETT,

I

ASAHEL PECK,

L

I

B. H. STEELE, 1

H. H. WHEELER, j

A. C. WELCH, M. D., Commisswner of Insane. ASA KEYES, _I

N. B. WILLISTON, � T F. HOLBROOK,

I

W. H. ROCKWELL, M. D., Supt. and Physician.

W. H. ROCKWELL, J n., _{M. D., (}

DANIEL H. LOVEJOY, M. D.,

5

REPORTS.

COMMISSIONER'S REPORT.

To the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: In obedience to the requirements of law, I beg leave to submit to you my annual report as Commissioner of the Insane:

I have visited the Asylum as required by law, and have carefully examined the management of the institution, as it regards the care .and treatment of the patients, the condition of the buildings and their surroundings, and the many little things necessary for the health and comfort of the unfortunate inmates in each of. the departments, and am happy to say that, in every instance, the examination has given evidence of the ability and faithfulness of those in charge of the in­ stitution, and the assurance that the inmates are as well

supplied, and are made as comfortable and happy as the cir­ cumstances of the case permit.

The neatness and good order apparent everywhere about the establishment, the increased comfort and happiness of the inmates in consequence of the addition of new and pleasant rooms, the repairs and enlargement of the old rooms, without the corresponding increase of patients, the refusal to admit patients from without the State, in order to provide the better for the admission of a�applying within her bor­ ders,-these all exhibit a wise management of its affairs that

6 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE

must be indeed gratifying to all the friends of the institution throughout the State.

The liberal increas�anted by the Legislature of the last year for the board of patients receiving State aid, is having its desired effect by increasing the income of the association, thereby enabling the trustees to make improvements neces­ sary for the health and comfort of the inmates.

In conclusion, allow me the expression of the hope that this charitable and noble institution may receive the foster­

ing care of the State, and that it may be the pride and the glory of Vermont, so long as there shall be found within her borders the unfortunate who demand its protection and its. care.

Respectfully submitted.

ALVIN C. WELCH,

Commissioner of Insane. Williston, August 29, 1870.

VERMONT ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE. 7

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES.

To the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: The Trustees of the Vermont Asylum for the Insane re­ spectfully present this their Thirty-Fourth Annual Report:

In noticing the events of the past year, we would bear cheerful testimony to the prudent and judicious management of the institution, both as it regards its financial condition and the benefits conferred on the unfortunate subjects which have been under its care. Many have been restored to rea­ son, and the remainder have been made much more comfort­ able by their residence in the Asylum.

It is now nearly thirty-four years since the institution was first opened. It was found that many alterations and im­ provements had become necessary, and during the past year considerable reconstructidn and enlargements have been made for the better accommodation of the patients.

The laundry and out-bmildings, which were in the course of erection at the close of last year, have been finished, to the increased comfort of those who use them.

At no time since the institution was first opened, has it been in a more prosperous condition, or had so great facili­ ties for the benefit of its inmates.

The improvement of the ·older buildings an<l the erection of new ones have increased the expen<litures the past year. The whole income has been $85,281 72, and the whole ex­ penditures have been $83,153 49, leaving a balance of $2,118 23 in favor of the institution. Many improvements are yet to be made, most of wUiE,h must be postponed to the

'8 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE

The large farm connected with the Institution continues to

·furnish one great moral means for the restoration of the male

, patients. We have f_�d no exercise more beneficial for the male patients than-meful employment in the open air. While it promotes their physical health, it diverts the mind

·from its delusions, and gives the patients the satisfaction of

having benefited themselves and others.

We learn from the report of the Superintendent that six hundred and thirty-one patients have enjoyed the benefits of ,the Asylum the past year. There were five hundred and

eleven at the commencement of the year; one hundred and twenty have been admitted, one hundred and thirteen have been discharged, and five hundred and eighteen now remain. Of those discharged, thirty-five recovered.

In all our visits to the Asylum there has been an appear­ ance of neatness and good order in every department. The patients appeared to be well cared for and made as comfort­ able as their condition would admit, and we believe the designs of the institution have been fulfilled in a kind and judicious manner.

ASA KEYES,

₁

N. B. WILLISTON,

L

j

---VERMONT ASYLUM FOR THE IN;iANE. 9

REPORT

.

OF THE SUPERINTENDENT.

Males, 267

Females, 244

511

Admitted during the year:

Males, 61

Females, 59

120 Total enjoying the benefits of the Asylum, 631 There have been discharged:

Males, 60

Females, 53

113

Remaining August 1, 1870, 518

Of those discharged there have

Recovered, 35

Improved, 18

Not improved, 20

Died, 40

113

Since this institution commenced operations, four thousand five hundred and seven patients have been admitted ; three thousand nine hundred and eighty-nine have been discharged, and five hundred and eighteen now remain. Of those dis­ charged nineteen hundred and sixty-eight have recovered.

Another year of prosperity and success has attended the operations of this institution. ; noticing the reeoveries of many, the improvement of others, and the general health

10 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE

and comfort of all, we have great cause for gratitude to a kind Providence for all these favors.

"\Ve cannot too oftt repeat, or too strongly urge upon public attention, the importance of placing the insane in some proper asylum in the first stages of the disease. So long as they remain amidst those objects that originated and continue to aggravate their disorder, there will be few chances for their recovery. vVhen chronic cases are restored, it re­ quires much longer time and much greater expense than recent cases. Due regard to economy, as well as the pros­ pect of cure, requires that the insane should be placed in a proper asylum before those organic changes have taken place in the brain and n'ervous system which render recovery hopeless.

There has been little of novelty in the treatment and man­ agement of patients the past year. It is intended that every patient shall receive every attention of a medical, moral, and hygienic nature which the case requires, and that those means and appliances shall be used which have here­ tofore proved successful.

"\Vhen the insanity is caused by physical disease, medical treatment is essential for the recovery of the patient. Wlaen health is restored to the body, an important step is gained towards restoration to reason, and sometimes the manifesta­ tions of the mind immediately become sane.

Both medical and moral means are necessary in the treat­ ment of the insane, and it is difficult to apply both of these remedies except in institutions prepared for the purpose.

The great principles of our moral treatment are kindness and employment. Pleasant, and as far as practicable, use­ ful employment we consider the great moral means for the restoration of the insan�. It diverts the mind from its hallucinations, and awakens a new train of ideas, which are more natural and rational. The chief motive for the em­ ployment of the insane should be for their own improvement,

VERMONT ASYLUM FOR TIIE INSANE. 11

both mental and physical. Useful employment in the open air is the best kind of exercise for most of our male patients. It gives them an appetite for food, promotes regular sleep at

night, and invigorates the whole physical system.

By proper employment the maniac expends his excitemen to some useful purpose, rather than in noise, violence and mis­ chief, and annoying his fellow inmates. The attention neces­ sary for the melancholic to perform any kind of labor with­ draws his mind from his gloomy forebodings, and serves to awaken more rational views of life. The monomaniac forgets his delusions in the occupation of his mind on more rational subjects, and will eventually find his vagaries supplanted by more correct ideas.

We have other means of employment besides labor on the farm and in the garden, and we intend that every one shall be employed according to his former habits, education and taste, and in such a manner that no unpleasant reflections shall result afterwards. Great care is also taken that no one shall labor or exercise beyond his strength.

There is a large shop for those who ?ave been mechanics.

There is a con·siderable number who are agreeably and profit­ ably employed in the business they were accustomed to before

they were insane. In the winter season they are better fur­ nished with occupation than any other class of patients. They do much useful work in repairs about the institution, and make many fancy articles for their gratification, and the entertainment of themselves and others. In this way they beguile many a tedious hour which would otherwise pass very heavily.

The female patients take exercise in the open air by riding, walking, gathering flowers, playing croquet, and other simi­ lar amusements. There are large pleasure grounds, with commodious paths, in front and near the Asylum, where they can take much healthful ei'ercise in the summer season. These paths extend into a beautiful and shady grove, with

12 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE

suitable paths for summer exercise. vVe have endeavored. to make the Asylum and its surroundings as pleasant and agreeable as possible; a_::.,,. nd that there 11hall not be anything

repugnant to the feelings of any one. There is also a

flower garden, from which they can decorate their rooms, and many of them do it with much taste. Employments and amusements are also furnished within doors, adapted to their former habits and taste.

We encourage all amusements which shall tend to with­ draw the minds of the patients from the subjects of their insanity, and engage them on different objects. vVe observe all the various holidays, which are sources of much enter­ tainment and amusement, and afford much pleasure and recreation to the patients.

The system of many of the patients, on their admi,sion, is debilitated by some physical disease, either apparent or latent, and requires a good and generous diet for its restoration, and all those hygienic means which shall tend to restore the general health. We always furnish plain, substantial and nourishing diet for the patients, and procure the best articles of food the market s�pplies. All the patients are allowed · a full meal except those few cases where the state of health requires a different course .

.Much depends on the attendants for success in the treat­ ment of insanity. This State is as good a locality as any in this country to obtain suitable attendants for the insane. The inhabitants generally are a moral, intelligent and indus� trious people, from whom can be procured those who will perform thei1· duties properly. '\-Ve have usually been very successful in our selection. vVe always intend to select those who are adapted by their kindness, firmness, intelli­

gence and fidelity for the situation, ,md continue in our em­ ploy those only who prove in the performance of their duties that they possess these qualifications.

During the past year, the new laundry and other buildings

VERMONT ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE, 13

which were in the course of erection at the time of writing the last report, have been finished, and have added much to the convenience and facilities of the Asylum. Repairs had become necessary on the older buildings, and by the re­ construction and enlargements which have been made, our facilities for classification have been increased, and more rooms furnished for the patients. Much still remains to be done, which we hope to accomplish during another season.

There is a large library connected with the institution.

All of the patients that can be trusted with books can draw every Wednesday and Saturday. Several daily newspapers from New Yori.:: and Boston are regularly taken; besides many that are published �eekly, both secular and religious, and afford much interesting and entertaining employment. Some are generously sent by the publishers, to whom we return our grateful acknowledgments. Some are taken by the institution, and others are sent by the friends of the pa­ tients.

We are under renewed obligations to Hon. J. S. Morrill and Hon. L. P. Poland for valuable public documents.

I would here express my grateful obligations to those who h ave been associated with me, for the cheerful and efficient manner in which their important services have been per­ formed.

In conclusion, we would again invoke the favor of a kind and protecting Providence, that this institution may continue to increase in usefulness, and the efforts made for the benefit of the unfortunate may be crowned with success.

W. H. ROCKWELL.

ABSTRACT OF THE

GENERAL EXPENDITURES AND INCOME

OF THE

VERMONT ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE,

For the Year ending August I, 1870,

Stores, provisions, fuel, &c., Salaries and wages,

Medical supplies,

Improvements and repairs,

Furniture, clothing, bedding, &c., Income from board of patients, &c.,

TEH.MS OF ADMISSION. The terms are three dollars per week.

$53,137 84 14,261 32 643 28 8,271 82 6,849 23 $83,163 49 85,281 72 $2,118 23

No patient will be received fgr a less time than three months, unless he recovers before that time has expired.

When the insanity is connected with epilepsy, or paralysis, or the patient is seventy years of age at the time of admis­ sion, the terms are four dollars per week.

No patient out of the State will be received who has had an attack of epilepsy or paralysis, or is over sixty years of age.

Patients can be furnished with extra accommodations by paying for the same.

«)::r Application can be made to Dr. W. H. ROCKWELL. Brattleboro, Vt.