188.5.] ZZO [Curwen. 



ing to several hours — when out-door pursuits are suspended, and when, 

 without carefully systematized arrangements, the patients go through a 

 dreary period of monotonous and unprofitable existence, for which there 

 is really no necessity. If it is desirable to correct this state of things for 

 one evening of the week, it is equally so for every other. It is no more 

 difficult to make these evening entertainments a daily provision, allowing 

 nothing to interfere with their regular performance, than it is to provide 

 for the numberless other needs that come up at stated intervals in the 

 daily routine of hospital life. In making out the estimate for the provi- 

 sion or support of any of these (State or municipal) institutions, a liberal 

 allowance should always be made for suitable rooms for these purposes, 

 for books and papers, for inexpensive pictures for the walls, for daily occu- 

 pations and for evening amusements in all their variety ; and most as- 

 suredly no part of the expenditures — although this may do its Avork ever so 

 quietly — will more certainly contribute to the happiness and improved 

 condition of the patients, or tend more to elevate the character of the in- 

 stitution, giving abundant returns for all the money thus appropriated. 

 These are a part of the varied means which are sure to aid in the restora- 

 tion of those who are curable, in securing the comfort and happiness of 

 those who are not likely to be restored to health, and the quiet and good 

 order of the household." 



To trace out and understand the wonderful influence which he had over 

 his patients, and how he induced them to adopt most readily the plans 

 which he believed would surely advance their restoration and add to their 

 comfort, can best be done by considering his wondrous patience, and his 

 devotion to everything which had a bearing on their welfare, and the sin- 

 cerity which they felt sure directed every thought and movement. His 

 thoughtful nature was always looking forward to what could be made 

 most steadily and certainly available for their pleasure and for the promo- 

 tion of their mental and physical health. Until the erection of the Depart- 

 ment for Males, he made it a rule to see all the patients under his charge 

 in the morning, and if anything prevented that visit, he was sure to take 

 an opportunity in the course of the after part of the day, to attend to what 

 he considered a most imperative duty. That visit was not a mere perfunc- 

 tory duty, but he always took occasion to inquire, particularly, into the 

 wants and feelings of the individual, hear all that he had to say, give 

 advice, soothe, clieer, or so impress tlie person with his interest in him, 

 and his earnest desire to benefit him, that he felt in every way, for the 

 time, relieved, and looked longingly for the return of the same kindly at; 

 tention. His manner, his address, his patient listening to all complaints 

 and grievances, the gentle tone of his voice and the sympathy which 

 manifested itself in every tone and action, had a wonderful efl'ect on those 

 who were depressed and greatly cast down, as well as on those of an oppo- 

 site character. 



He was a most earnest advocate of every medical, hygienic and moral 

 means, which could be made available for the restoration and comfort of 



PKOC. AMKR. THILOS. SOC. XXII. 120. 2c. PRINTED APRII, 7, 1885. 



