P. L. Murphy

“ There are sufficient reasons for you as physicians, men of standing in your respective communities, not only to make yourselves familiar with the disease in order that you may prescribe intelligently for those suffering from it, but to use your influence, which is great, to see that proper provision is made for them by the public. ”

“ All insane persons are dangerous in [Pg 12] some degree to their neighbors, more so to themselves. Insanity is the cause of many suicides, while sexual crimes, arson, assault, impostures, are often committed by those mentally deranged. ”

“ It is not certain that the improvement will continue; in fact, it is not expected, but even if he improves no more, great good has been accomplished in relieving this young fellow of such suffering as we shudder to think of. ”

“ If it can be demonstrated that the colony system is the best and the cheapest, it should by all means be adopted.
There is an end to the willingness and even ability of the taxpayers to provide for the defectives in expensive hospitals and asylums, and it is clearly the duty of those who have these matters in hand to use proper economy. What is done by the Legislature will depend on the demand of the people and the wisdom of the Legislators. ”

“ BARNYARD AND POULTRY HOUSES AT COLONY
Two ideas are prominent in this system, the first to find agreeable, healthful employment for the patients and to give them a home.
CHICKEN RUNS
Show Appreciation.
This working class, while too defective to take up the burden of life, are yet appreciative of their surroundings and of most things that make life happy to the people in the outside world. They require the minimum amount of care and discipline and with this given they conduct themselves as well, indeed, better, than the same number of sane men. ”

“ PATIENTS PLAYING BASEBALL
Much insanity is caused by alcohol and drugs. This touches you more closely, for you are largely responsible for these habits. You may do something by preventing unwise marriages of those whose heredity is not good. ”

“ He studied economy in the use of fuel as much as the average head of a family, and is as intelligent in his work as could be expected of any ordinary man. Another patient has become greatly interested in poultry and shows more than ordinary intelligence in following his bent. He reads journals on poultry, and not only builds coops, box nests, etc., but has actually invented several useful contrivances. ”

“ No single colony plant for the insane should much exceed that number. As many colonies as are needed may be had if land is sufficient, the number depending on the size of the hospital, as only a certain proportion of patients, about 25 per cent., can thus be cared for, or at the outside 40 per cent. ”

“ He enjoys life as much as the average man, taking part and interest in baseball and other amusements we are able to furnish our people. The second case is of a man who was committed to the hospital in November, 1898, this being his second admission. ”