A list documents the myriad reasons why people were committed to insane asylums in the 19th century.
Click here to read larger image. We’ve previously posted a rather shocking list of reasons for admission to the West Virginia’s Hospital for the Insane—aka the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum—back in the late-1800s. Well, here’s another list of causes for admission to the Aberdeen Lunatic Asylum in 1847—which contains some strange and troubling reasons for being committed including: Sedentary Life Tea drinking (“Abuse of Tea”) Vegetable Poisoning Acute Rheumatism Cancer of Breast Prolonged Nursing Childbirth Religious excitement Loss of Property Disappointment in Love Fright And if none of these common symptoms fit the bill, there’s the catchall: “Cause not ascertained.” Previously on Dangerous Minds: List of Reasons for Admission to an Insane Asylum from the late 1800s Via NHS Grampian Archives.
A list documents the myriad reasons why people were committed to insane asylums in the 19th century.
After viewing this list of what could have gotten you admitted to West Virginia’s Hospital for the Insane (Weston) aka Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum back in the late-1800s, I’ve swiftly concluded that the criteria was rather all-encompassing. Who among us is a stranger to what’s on this list? In this century, it looks more like a “wish list” for Dr. Phil’s guest bookers! Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is still open, but only for tours. Sources: Appalachian History, Grateful Web, West Virginia State Archives, West Virgina Encyclopedia, Steampunk h/t Richard Swanson!
A list documents the myriad reasons why people were committed to insane asylums in the 19th century.
