Historical collections of Ohio in two volumes, an encyclopedia of the state, Volume I, Part 100

Author: Howe, Henry, 1816-1893
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Cincinnati : Published by the state of Ohio
Number of Pages: 1006

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We had a practical illustration of this dur- ing our visit. A new patient who was suf- fering from acute mania was being brought in by two robust-looking men, evidently inex- perienced, as w is shown by the great diffi- culty they had in managing their charge, when they were met by two of the attend- ants, who, placing themselves one on each side of the patient, grasped with one hand each shoulder and with the other each wrist, and with the patient's arms stretched out at full length, marched him through the corri- dor with seeming ease.

Use of Narcotics .- What is known as chemical restraint, or the use of powerful narcotic drugs in order to reduce a violent patient to a state of quiescence is never re- sorted to except in cases where the health of

the patients would not admit of any other treatment.

Suicidal Tendencies .- The officers and at- tendants are made familiar with the history of every new patient where possible, and in that way learn their special hobbies and pe- culiarities, and are governed accordingly in . thei treatment of them. We were informed that those patients of suicidal intent would never attempt self-destruction in the presence of others, and for that reason four or five of them would be placed in the same apartments, and effectually guarded each other. This class of insane persons consume much time in making preparations for suicide, so that they are always prevented from accomplish- ing their purpose before their preparations are completed by the vigilant watchfulness of the attendants. Never having any weapon, every precaution being taken, they are ren- dered harmless.

An Amusing Incident is related of two fe- males who had agreed to kill each other, and had managed to detach the iron grating from the register, which was to be the weapon used. It was agreed between them that one was to strike the other a blow on the head, but not so hard as to kill instantly, so that the one struck would have sufficient strength left to strike the uninjured one in return. They then entered into an animated discus- sion as to which one should strike first, when the arrival of the attendant put a stop to the proceedings.

The Evidences of Insanity are not discern- ible in the personal appearance of many of the patients, but a few moments conversation is all that is necessary to convince the most skeptical that the mind is diseased. A case of this kind was that of a large, benevolent- looking old lady who politely invited us into her room with an apology for the smallness of her quarters. She gave intelligent an- swers to our questions, but upon her trying to convince us that she was 2,882 years of age and was the mother of 400 children, we came to the conclusion that she had an original method of computation or was where she properly belonged. And we had no doubt remaining as to the correctness of the latter conclusion when we were informed that she was passionately fond of smoking dried onions and garlic.

The Ball Room Recreation .- Every Thurs- day evening a ball is given in the handsome entertainment hall in the asylum which is attended by about 400 of the patients. They all look forward to the evening with bright anticipations of pleasure and seem to fully realize them. The beneficial results of this recreation are apparent. The excitable are entertained and the melancholy cheered, while the excellent deportment of all excites the wonder of visitors. Concerts, dramatic entertainments and lantern exhibitions are also given and are greatly enjoyed. Every- thing in fact is done to divert the patients' minds from their condition and inspire them with that greatest cordial of the mind, hope.

The Great Secret of Success in the treat-

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ment of the insane lies in taking advantage of lucid intervals and at such times endeav- oring by every means at command to prolong their duration. Hence the employment of frequent and varied amusements, the object being to beget freshness, vividness and sane consciousness. The result is a full realiza- tion of the morbid fantasies of the past and firm resolves to keep in subjection outbreaks of temper, anxious and perverted thoughts, bewildering illusions and free the mind of

"A whirling gulf of phantasy and flame."

The Asylum Life not Gloomy .- A visit to the Central Ohio Insane Asylum would at once correct the erroneous idea that asylum life is of necessity one of gloom and depres- sion. While there is much that is saddening and pitiful indeed, the many cures effected, the improvement in the majority, and the kindly care and constant efforts that are made for the physical and mental welfare of the inmates cheers instead of depressing the spirits of the visitor.

The Religious Welfare of the patients is not neglected. Chapel services are held reg- ularly on Sabbath evenings and to congrega- tions which are an interesting study. All degrees of mental departure are represented, yet their behavior and attention would set a good example for many who boast superior intelligence. The congregation, with books in hand, join in singing, and the whole effect of the services is to greatly improve the mental condition of the patients.

The Statistics of the institution show that those persons engaged in occupations requir- ing heavy bodily labor, such as farmers, laborers, housewives, housekeepers and do- mestics, furnish a large proportion of the inmates. Farmers and farmers' wives abound more than any other single class in these in- stitutions. This is owing to the monotonous lives led by them and consequent inactivity of the brain, which, becoming weakened from lack of proper exercise of its functions, is the first organ to succumb when disease attacks the system. This showing is in di- rect opposition to the general impression that insanity is usually the result of excessive mental activity. The statistics give further proof that the general impression is errone- ous in this regard, by showing that the pro- portion of insane among the educated class of people is very small. This also proves that the laws of health require proper exer- cise for the brain as well as the body.

The statistics of this asylum for the year 1887 show that 140 males were admitted, of whom 60 were farmers, 25 laborers, and the rest were scattering, the highest being car- penters, 4 in number. Of females 144 were admitted, of whom 85 were housewives, 28 housekeepers and 15 domestics, the next highest being farmers' daughters, 3 in num- ber.

The report also states that the daily aver- age number of inmates was 863, of whom 410 were males and 453 females. The report also says : "Special attention is called to the

number of recoveries, being 90 males and 52 females, total 142, and also to the low death rate, which was 30 males, 23 females, total 53. This will compare very favorably with any institution in the country. The per- centage of recoveries, based upon the admis- sions, is, for males, 64.28 per cent., and for females, 36.11 per cent., and for both 55.69 per cent. The percentage of deaths, based upon the whole number treated, is, for males, 5.36 per cent., and for females 3.89 per cent., and for both, 4.71 per cent."

Trustees. - Henry Plimpton, Columbus ; Aaron B. Robinson, Marysville ; George W. Morgan, Mt. Vernon ; Joseph P. Smith, Circleville ; William Waddle, Chillicothe; Superintendent, C. M. Finch, M. D. ; Stew- ard. George L. Currier.

The Ohio Central Insane Asylum is not the only State institution providing for the insane; others are located at Athens, Cleveland, Carthage and Dayton. There is also under the patronage of the State the Northwestern Asylum, which, containing a yearly average of about 100 patients under a contract with the State, is a county institu- tion under control and direction of county commissioners.

The total number of persons in Ohio State Hospitals for Insane on Nov. 15, 1887, was 3,687, of whom 1,775 were males and 1,912 females.

THE INSTITUTION FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE DEAF AND DUMB.

Rev. Dr. Hoge, of Columbus, was a man of great force in Ohio, shown by his successful efforts at an early date in influencing its Legis- lature to found beneficent institutions. Largely through him it was that an institution for the education of the deaf and dumb was founded during the legislative session of 1826-27. Gov. Morrow in his annual message recom- mended the measure, and the result was the passage of an act in accordance with the recommendation.

The school was opened October 16, 1829, in a small building on the corner of High and Broad streets. Only three pupils were pres- ent, but the number steadily increased, and larger quarters became necessary. In Febru- ary, 1829, ten acres of land, lying half a mile east of the State-House, were purchased, at a cost of $300. On this site the first build- ing for the use of the school was erected, and ready for occupancy at the opening of the fall term of 1834. A wing was added in 1845-46 to the south end of the original building. The continued increase of appli- cants in time rendered a larger building necessary, and in pursuance of an act of the Legislature passed March, 1864, in October of the same year the corner-stone for the present large and commodious structure was laid with appropriate exercises.

The Original Ideas of the Mute .- When we compare the average graduate from such an institution properly conducted with the candidate for admission its great usefulness is apparent. The mute presents himself

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before his teacher as nature formed and left him : his mental faculties undeveloped, and with vague and undefined notions of what is going to be done for him. The world is to him a blank ; his pleasures are mere animal pleasures, nor does hope, as it does for others, hold up a brilliant future for him. He looks at the stars as mere openings in the azure canopy of night, or as a few moons broken up and in disorder upon its surface. He supposes the sun a small ball of fire at a little distance from the earth, and a new one formed for daily use, or the old one by stealth finds its way to the east while people are asleep, ready on each successive morning to commence again its daily course.

These and similar ideas are the struggling efforts of an imprisoned mind unaided and thrown back upon its own native resources attempting to account for some of the usual phenomena of nature. He finds himself a foreigner at home, a stranger at his father's fireside ; though in the midst of society, he is isolated from his fellow-men, entirely igno- rant of the past history of the world, of the rise and fall of nations, of the wars which have deluged the earth in blood, or of the great principles of the world ; nor has he the least conception of the crimes and virtues of men, or knows that he is a social and intel- lectual being ; and does not dream of the immortality of the soul, or of the existence of a Supreme Being, until the effects of edu- cation begin to show upon his darkened in- tellect.

The object of the institution is to educate the mute, and fit him to occupy a position in the world where he will be of use to himself and his fellow-men ; give him the benefit of education and moral cultivation, and as nearly as possible place him on terms of equality with others more favored by providential circumstances. There have been cases where the deaf and dumb were entirely cured, but they are extremely rare, and only where the cause of the infirmity has been some obstruc- tions in the outer ear, and which are remov- able, that there is much probability of a cure.

In the method of instruction great use is made of the countenance ; in fact, the mutes could not be taught without it, as it is needed to modify and accentuate the sign-language. The happy results obtained in the five years' course of study are astonishing, from the first dawn of knowledge obtained from the study of the manual alphabet down through a course of instruction including those studies that are taught to advanced pupils in our high schools and colleges, as well as in teach- ing various trades.

A very strong attachment springs up be- tween the teacher and deaf and dumb scholar. An instance of this is now a matter of his- tory : In France, during the reign of terror, the Abbé Sicard, the celebrated teacher, while engaged in his benevolent avocation of maturing his system of educating the deaf and dumb, was arrested in his school-room, and hurried from among his mute pupils

to prison. A mock trial, a mere prelude to the guillotine, had been held, when his pupils in a body, of their own accord, it is believed, appeared at the prison gates, and besought the release of their more than father. So powerful a demonstration of grief did they make, that the populace was moved in their behalf and Sicard liberated. These people were small deaf and dumb children. collected by Sicard, and for whose moral and intellectual salvation he had consecrated his days.

The industrial department of this institu- tion is one of its most important features, and gives employment to the inmates outside of the school-rooms. This department in- cludes a carpenter-shop, shoe-shops, printing- office, where a weekly paper is printed, and a large bookbindery, where regular contract- work gives employment to many of the.mutes. The females are also taught to sew, and make many necessary articles of wearing apparel, as well as do all of the mending of the clothes of the inmates.

The institution, which now has accommo- dations for 425 pupils, is located in the midst of spacious grounds, handsomely laid out with walks, shrubbery, and flowers, to give the inmates the benefit of pleasing surroundings.

Trustees .- J. M. Kirby, Upper Sandusky ; Rufus R. Dawes, Marietta ; James Scott, Lebanon ; Jacob Cherryholmes, Millersburg ; Frederick W. Herbst, Columbus. Superin- tendent, Amasa Pratt ; Steward, J. S. Ellis.

THE INSTITUTION FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE BLIND.

The Institution at Columbus is the only State institution of the kind, excepting the Working Home for the Blind at Iberia, Mor- row county, which differs somewhat in its aims and purposes.

It is somewhat doubtful as to the real character of the Working Home of the Blind, as it sustains a peculiar relationship in the list of the organized charities of the State. It was organized under State law, money was appropriated for its proper equip- ment, with a view to establishing a home where the blind capable of performing skilled work could find a home and employment, and be assured of a competence for their support from the results of their labor.

It was the understanding with those who conceived the plan and urged the considera- tion of the General Assembly to the project, that after the institution would be fairly started no further aid would be asked from the State.

The opening exercises of the Ohio Institute for the Blind were held in the Presbyterian church in Columbus, on July 4, 1837, in the presence of the teachers and scholars of the city Sunday-schools, who, to the number of 900, had assembled to celebrate Independence day. The teacher and five pupils were present, which number was increased to eleven by November.

The first building was erected in 1838, upon beautiful grounds on the north side of the

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National road near the city, and the pupils removed there in October. So rapid was the progress of the pupils in one year's instruc- tion at the institute that during the last vacation they were able to give interesting exhibitions, in company with their instructors, in several cities of the State.

The Present Building .- The demands for larger quarters becoming apparent, a law authorizing the erection of a new building was passed May 6, 1869, but owing to the scarcity of labor the building was not com- pleted and occupied until May 21, 1874. This imposing structure is in the old English or the later period of Elizabethan style of architecture, and has accommodations for 250 pupils and about 65 additional persons, in- cluding officers, teachers, servants, etc. The building is fireproof, and is arranged with the strictest regard for the health, conven- ience, and happiness of the inmates.

Devices for Instruction .- One cannot fully appreciate or understand the wonderful re- sults obtained from a course of instruction at the institute until he has paid it a visit. There are to be seen specimens of the most beautiful handiwork in embroidery, etc., by the female pupils, and a library of books with raised letters, from which the blind can while away many a pleasant hour, deriving pleasure and instruction from reading by the sense of feeling. Maps and charts are also used, with the rivers, countries, mountains, cities, etc., marked out by raised lines and by indenta- tions, by which the pupils are enabled to ob- tain a most accurate knowledge of geography.

The Happy Device of Valentine Hauy .- Previous to the year 1774 the method of instruction in all blind institutions was en- tirely oral, when owing to an incident, trivial in itself, a discovery which has been most wonderful in its results, and opened a new world to the blind, was made by Valen- tine Hauy, a Frenchman and brother to the celebrated Abbé Hauy, by which the blind were enabled to read. In an evening walk M. Hauy's attention was attracted by the sound of music proceeding from one of those houses of refreshment so common in Europe along the public promenades. Approaching the spot he discovered eight or ten blind persons, "spectacles au nez," seated behind a long desk, which was covered with music books, executing in concert various airs on different musical instruments, much to the amusement of the bystanders. The parade of music-books was of course a mere farce ; but the active and benevolent mind of Hauy converted this otherwise ridiculous circum- stance into an event most important in its results.

The blind, thought he, readily distinguish objects by the diversity of their forms ; why then may they not distinguish fa from sol, or an A from an F, if these characters should be rendered palpable ? The result of this ran- dom thought was the invention of books, music, charts, etc., with raised characters. This method of instruction invented and adopted by M. Hauy has undergone but few

alterations since his day, and though his system is undoubtedly susceptible of large improvement, it is yet a matter of astonish- ment that so much has actually been accom- plished.

The Blind Leading the Seeing .- The ability of the blind to become even more familiar with their surroundings and the location of different objects is shown in many instances. Visitors to the institution are shown through the building by a blind young lady, who rather reverses the order of things by leading those who can see up and down stairs, through long corridors and different apartments with perfect ease and familiarity, explaining to them the uses of the various departments and objects with never failing accuracy.

Entertainment Hall .- Perhaps not the least interesting apartment is the entertain- ment hall, which is beautifully frescoed and decorated, and is fitted up with a fine church organ, grand piano and stage, where exhibi- tions, concerts, etc., are given, showing the proficiency of the pupils in literature, science and the arts to audiences who are filled with astonishment and delight at the wonderful results obtained by an education at the insti- tute. Music has always been an essential branch in the system of instruction because of their peculiar aptitude for it. The sus- ceptibility of the ear and the powers of the voice seem augmented by the deprivation of sight, though it is physiologically certain that this apparent improvement of the auditory and vocal organs is owing merely to increased exercise. Another strong reason why the blind have so much talent for music is their great love for an art which their infirmity does not prevent them from deriving as much enjoyment from as those who see. By the cultivation of music the blind are furnished with means always at command not only of innocent and beneficial recreation, but also of a pleasant and respectable livelihood. They are in general remarkable for facility both in the acquisition and communication of ideas. The object of the institution in educating a class of people who have been poor, unhappy creatures, almost helpless and in the majority of cases dependent upon charity for their daily sustenance, is indeed most successfully accomplished. Although deprived of sight the deficiency is supplied to a certain extent by the natural acuteness of intellect and powers of memory which, com- bined with the educational advantages derived from the institution, develop them into useful, intelligent citizens, not only capable, of self-support but in many cases they have risen to prominence in literary, mechanical and art circles.

The Blind Philosopher .- Genius sur- mounts all obstacles and we have many such examples among the blind, proving the practicability of communicating instruction to these people. A striking instance of this is shown in the account of Nicholas Saunderson, a distinguished philosopher at the Univer- sity of Cambridge, England, in the last

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century. Saunderson lost his sight at a very early age, from small-pox. This man be- came one of the professors at the university, and lectured most admirably upon mathe- matics and every subject connected there- with. He was a man of most extensive erudition, and a great philosopher ; but what most astonished those who knew him was the perfection to which he brought his re- maining senses ; his hearing was so acute that he could detect the minntest intonations of the voice, and judge very shrewdly of the character of any one with whom he conversed ten minutes ; on coming into his room he could tell by the sound of his cane on the floor, or by the echo of his voice, whether any of the large furniture of the room had been removed, or changed from one side of the room to the other. The perfection of his touch was often tested in the examination of ancient coins ; for he could run over a cabinet of Roman medals with his fingers, and distinguish the genuine from the counter- feit, when the difference was so slight as to puzzle connoisseurs with both eyes to find it out. Saunderson enjoyed the friendship of Sir Isaac Newton. The Royal Society of London elected him a member of that body, and after his death the University of Cam- bridge published his mathematical works.

The inmates of the Ohio institution are an apt illustration of the maxim that work and occupation is the soother of all sorrows, for they are evidently very happy. They have the continued consciousness that they are fitting themselves for lives of usefulness and independence, and when the community at large see and realize the beneficial effects of the education derived from this and other institutions they should no longer say "Helpless are the blind," but rather " Help- less are the ignorant."

Trustees .- John L. Atwood, Ripley ; II. C. Drinkle, Lancaster ; John H. Hudson, Sandusky ; David L. Wadsworth, Welling- ton ; Edward Pagels, Columbus. Superin- tendent, C. H. Miller. Steward, R. W. Bell.

THE INSTITUTION FOR THE EDUCATION OF FEEBLE-MINDED YOUTH.

In March, 1850, the Hon. Pinckney Lewis, of the Ohio Senate, secured the passage of a resolution directing Dr. Hanbury Smith, superintendent of the Ohio Lunatic Asylum, to report to the next general assembly the number of imbecile youth in the State, and the propriety of making provision for their support and education. No such report was presented.

Its Origin .- In 1853 Dr. N. S. Townshend, then a senator elect, who had previously stud- ied medicine in Paris, and learned what had been done there for imbeciles, meeting Gov. Medill on the street approached him with the remark, "Governor, have you any- thing in your forthcoming message on the education of imbeciles ?"""What !" was the reply, "fools! why you can't teach fools anything, can you ?" "Oh, yes," he replied, and then went on to explain what had been

accomplished elsewhere. As a result of the conversation Gov. Medill in his next mes- sage brought the subject before the gen- eral assembly. This portion of the message being referred to a select committee of which Dr. Townshend was chairman he presented a report detailing what had been done for this unfortunate class in Europe and in our coun- try. A bili for the establishment of an in- stitution for imbeciles was introduced, but failed to pass.

The Institution Established .- In the win- ter of 1856 Dr. Wilbur, superintendent of the New York Imbecile Asylum, passed through Columbus, gave a lecture, and ex- hibited two pupils before the general assem- bly. In 1857 Hon. Heman Canfield, of the senate, introduced a bill to establish an Ohio Asylum for Idiots, which passed both branches of the Legislature, and became a law April 17, 1857. A board of trustees way promptly appointed by Gov. Chase, consisting of Wil- liam Dennison, Asher Cook, and N. S. Townshend. Upon the organization of the board, Mr. Dennison was chosen chairman ; N. S. Townshend, secretary ; and Ir. R. J. Patterson, superintendent. At the time of making the first report in November, 1857, the building on E. Main street, now used for the home of the friendless, had been secured and fifteen pupils received, a number soon afterward increased to 40. In 1859 the office of assistant superintendent was created, and Dr. G. A. Doren chosen to fill that position. In 1860 the office of superintendent becom- ing vacant, Dr. Doren was elected superin- tendent pro tem. by the board of trustees. So faithful and efficient was this gentleman in the discharge of his duties that he was unani- mously re-elected at the close of the year, and bas been continued from that period to this, in all twenty-eight years. The old quarters were occupied for ten years, with a yearly average of between forty and fifty pupils, which was the largest number the building could accommodate. The increasing number cf applicants becoming greater each year, in accordance with an act of the Legislature ap- propriating the necessary amount, the pres- ent site was purchased, and in 1864 a suitable building for the accommodation of 300 pupils and the necessary officers, teachers, etc., was commenced. In July, 1868, the new build- ing was completed and occupied. Before the end of the first school year the number of inmates in the new building had increased to nearly 300. The practicability and value of the institution having been satisfactorily demon- strated, additions were constantly being made to the original building to accommodate the increasing number of applicants for admit- tance until in the year 1881 there were 614 inmates and every available space in use.

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Historical collections of Ohio in two volumes, an encyclopedia of the state, Volume I, Part 100

Author: Howe, Henry, 1816-1893 Publication date: 1907 Publisher: Cincinnati : Published by the state of Ohio Number of Pages: 1006

Author: Howe, Henry, 1816-1893
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Cincinnati : Published by the state of Ohio
Number of Pages: 1006