46 



intelligent judgment in insanity inquests and dictate a description <»(' the 

 case of value to the hospital. 



Seventh. It economizes for the counties and State ultimately by de- 

 creasing the number of persons annually committed to this or institutions 

 of like character. 



Eighth. It actuates some students to undertake a special study of 

 mental and nervous diseases. With additional opportunities given these, 

 for clinical observation and for practical work in the laboratory, will 

 eventually develop material from which to select physicians for positions 

 in the hospital. 



Ninth. It establishes a valuable medium to create harmonious rela- 

 tions between the outside members of the profession and the institution. 



Tenth. It affords the hospital staff the benefits of consultations with 

 specialists in all lines of practice. 



Eleventh. It collects pathological data for the records and specimen 1 : 

 for the museum which will be of incalculable value for future reference 

 and study. 



Twelfth. It assists in educating the public to the needs of the hos- 

 pital and arouses an interest in its behalf. 



Thirteenth. It furnishes the medical colleges with clinical advan- 

 tages unobtainable without the aid of an institution of this character. 



Fourteenth. It extends its influence in time to the individual of 

 every community; it teaches that "prevention is better than cure," and 

 that, if the people really desire to impede the "onward march to the hos- 

 pitals for the insane" in future generations, they must begin at once to 

 heed the advice given, assist in locating and studying the causes, and by 

 precept and example lend every influence toward their removal. 



From the foregoing it is apparent that the main object of our work in 

 this direction is to provide the best medical service possible for the men- 

 tally afflicted individual, within or without the hospital. 



The State should establish at every institution a department fully 

 equipped for scientific work. I say at every institution, because with me 

 the basic principle of this movement is the creation of centers around 

 which the members of the local profession may gather and study mental 

 and nervous diseases, their causes and treatment. 



Again, I believe in encouraging individuality, and know that a State 

 can well afford, in view of the great benefits derived, to have a number 

 of investigators pursuing original and independent work in this cause : 



