| Description Of Item | Three individual leaflets describing the background and symptoms of three patients who cannot speak. From the collection of Thomas Laycock. Paper embossed with logo of paper manufacturer ‘Dobbs London.’
First leaflet describes a patient referred to as ‘H.L. 31 years of age’ who was ‘born an imbecile – but could speak and make herself understood till the age of 26. At that age she became subject to epilepsy […].She recognises her relations when they call for her, but makes no effort to speak to them – she is cleanly and quiet in her behaviour.’
The second leaflet is titled ‘congenital idiot – 19 years of age. His palate is very much arched. His mother is known to have been insane; but he recognises his attendant and those who are generally beside him, but never attempts to speak or communicate with them.’ The patient is described as dirty, known to annoy other patients and ‘recently’ had his finger amputated.
The third leaflet is titled ‘A M. Congenital idiot – Dumb. Has the use of hearing but not intelligence enough to understand what is said. He has a very veracious appetite and has to be prevented from eating to excess – he eats grass in [illegible] and whatever he can get access to. He is extremely filthy in his habits, and very destructive of his clothes [illegible]. […] frequently gives vent to his anger by beating his own head with his hands or striking against the wall.’
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