CHAS. W. PILGRIM, M. D. 43 



During the two succeeding years which he spent in the 

 asylum he had no return of his paroxysm and became a 

 helpful patient. In a few days after the above experi- 

 ment Pinel released fifty-three maniacs from their 

 chains. In his writings he states that the result was be- 

 yond his hopes and that '• tranquillity and harmony suc- 

 ceeded tumult and disorder." 



Bat despite his best efforts he could not accomplish all 

 that he desired, and in 1818 Esquirol reported to the 

 Ministry that in France many of the unfortunate insane 

 were treated worse than convicts, and their condition 

 was worse than that of beasts. In Germany, in 1817, 

 their treatment was equally bad, and Hayner described 

 in pathetic language the abuses then existing. 



In England their condition was still worse. In 1770 

 they were exhibited to the public for money, the price 

 of admission being at first two pence and afterwards a 

 penny. In 18H the Royal Hospital of Bethlem, in Lon- 

 don, was in a deplorable condition. The report of the 

 " Committee appointed to consider the better regulation 

 of Mad Houses in England," published in 1815, says that 

 chains were almost universally used and preferred to 

 waistcoats because they were less expensive. There was 

 no medical treatment, and '• the rude attendants," the 

 report says, "employed seclusion and baths of surprise 

 and flogging at will." One notable example of the 

 treatment of the times is described in Esquirol' s works 

 and illustrated in the celebrated engraving known as 

 " Norris in chains." The patient was a large, powerful 

 man, and on one occasion had resented what he considered 

 improper treatment by striking his attendant. For this 

 offense he was fastened by a long chain which was passed 

 through a hole in the wall to the next room, where his 

 vicious keeper could drag him close to the wall whenever 

 the fancy seized him. Poor Norris managed to mitigate 

 his sufferings by wrapping straw around the chain, but 



