| Description Of Item | Three leaflets containing details of seven patients. Leaflet numbered ‘1’ contains only one case. Leaflet numbered ‘2’ also contains a case labelled ‘3.’ Leaflet labelled ‘4’ also contains cases 5, 6 and 7. Each case is titled with the name and age of the patient and contains descriptions of their violent behaviour. From the collection of Thomas Laycock.
Case one is titled ‘Robert Jeferson Burt – 16’ and explains that the patient was ‘Said to have become insane from a fall when 14 months old. He was inmate at [illegible] Institution for 6 years & left in Nov 1870 – he is neither epileptic nor suicidal but is dangerous. His father was an epileptic; ultimately become insane & died in this asylum. He is ‘utterly imbecile in expression manner & conduct, & cannot talk coherently.’
Case two is titled ‘William Bryce – aet.36.’ and explains that the patient had become ‘dangerous and irritable when spoken to, frequently striking without any provocation. Never followed any trade + has been demented for many years. He is taciturn, refusing to answer questions, or doing so in the most surly manner. […] His fits (epileptic) occur very frequently & are very severe.’
Case three is titled ‘James Spicer – aet.25’ and notes that the patient ‘Has been imbecile since birth; but is neither epileptic, suicidal nor dangerous. He, frequently tears his clothes and burns them, and is subject to [illegible] of passion. On these occasions if [illegible] he tears out his hair, and dashes his head against the walls. […] His stature is small for his age […]’
Case four is titled ‘Patrick Connor – aged 21’ and explains that the ‘Patient has been epileptic from birth. ‘He cannot dress himself or speak intelligibly. He has recently developed a name for biting his fellow-patients - often swears and is very violent. 15th May 1873 […] if irritated tears his clothes + eats the buttons.’
Case five is titled ‘Joseph Williams – aet.21.’ This patient is described as first becoming ‘insane at the age of 9 the cause being unknown. He is neither epileptic nor suicidal, but is mischievous. Was a great thief when in the Lunatic Ward of St. Cuthbert’s. Once since admission to this institution he struck a patient with his [illegible]; + since then his attacks on the other patients have been frequent. […] Occasionally works with diligence + helps the attendant.’
Case six is titled ‘Mary McAlpine – aet. 58.’ And briefly notes: ‘Age on first attack 34’ [illegible] therefore a case of infantile or [illegible] imbecility.’ This is signed with the initial H.
Case seven is titled Jane Crowarty – aged 23’ and describes the patient as ‘Insane from birth. Not epileptic, suicidal or dangerous. She has no insane relatives. The patients habits are dirty. Her bodily [illegible] is food. She is not able to articulate distinctly. The limbs are [illegible] thrown about. She very frequently strikes her head with te palms of her hand.’
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