THE PEDALTO INSTITUTION FOR INCORPORATED ART

 
ABOUT
PROJECTS
RESEARCH
FELLOWS
PUBLICATIONS
RESOURCES
CONTACT

OFFICES

BUREAU OF UNSUBSCRIPTION

DIRECTOR   Constantine Rafinesque

ABOUT

Being experts on insanity, they saw much more of the lawyers when they did any medical practice or work—for they often testified in c0urt~than they did of other medical men. This class of men—were it not for their court practice—was in great danger of being removed from the position of physicians in actuality. They were specialists in insanity, organizers and stewards, but not general physicians or practitioners. From this position the psychiatrists have been awakened, at least partially. Various causes have led to this result. Weir Mitchell‘s famous address turned the attention of the profession as a whole. as well as that of the superintendents themelves, to this state of affairs. Psychiatry began to be better taught in the medical schools although even at the present day its condition, as re gards instruction in this country, is pitiable. But more impor tant than all else a new spirit has entered into many of the younger psychiatrists. Superintendents are beginning again to ally themselves with their other medical brethren. Clinics at the institutions for the insane are opened for the general medical THE CORRELATION 01* THE SCIENCES 7 practioner. The psychiatrist sometimes attends a general medical meeting and almost feels-himself a real member of the profession. I venture to bring before you to-day for your consideration these well known facts because in certain respects we. engaged in the treatment or care of the feebIe-mindd, have been exposed to the same dangers as the psychiatrists. It is one of the highest functions of thissociety, it is oneof the things for which it stands foremost, for which it is most valuable, that it enables us to avoid these dangers. It brings to us all ideas, thoughts and suggestions from specialties not our own.