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Life In The N.Y. State Lunatic Asylum; Or, Extracts From The Diary Of An Inmate
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8 | I am happy to say, that such scenes as these are not of frequent occurrence, but when once witnessed, they are not likely to be forgotten. I am one of those individuals who always feel an irresistible impulse to laugh at "the ridiculous." I am acquainted with many droll and eccentric characters, and can never contemplate their features without giving vent to my risible faculties. I always remark, that I feel better after a hearty, uncontrolled laugh, and have heard many others make the same observation. | |
9 | To-day we had roast beef and Indian pudding for dinner: I am very fond of this pudding when properly made, but am inclined to think that our cook hardly does it justice. Our "bill of fare" never presents much variety, but what there is, is good and abundant. | |
10 | In the afternoon, we (twelve patients and two attendants) took a very pleasant walk on the new plank road. We went to the village of Whitesborough. I particularly remarked the neatness of many of the dwelling houses, and the elegance of a few. Whitesborough is a beautiful village, and the town which is called Whitestown, is distinguished for its large and numerous manufacturing establishments. | |
11 | We sat down to supper at the usual hour, 6 o'clock. Mr. P. "toasted" his cheese over the lamp. Mr. E. suggested to his "Young friend," that the smoke would communicate an unpleasant flavor. P. replied, that smoke was not unpleasant to him, but his (E.'s) gas was particularly offensive: hereupon, E. stood up and said, he begged the gentleman's leave to make a few observations on his favorite dish, "Welsh rabbit;" and would remark in the first place, that it must be obvious to all "with half an eye," that the method adopted by P. was an evident, proof of his insanity. (Cries of shame, shame, out of order, &c., &c.) E. said he would substitute the word verdancy for that of insanity -- Here, P. interrupted the speaker; -- he said, he thanked him (E.,) exceedingly for giving him credit for a green act; and added, that his only object in doing it was "for greens." | |
12 | The usual hour for retiring to bed is half-past 8 o'clock, but some go soon after supper; others, I think would never go if the matter was left to their own option. | |
13 | Monday and Thursday evenings are devoted to reading some new work selected by the officers of the Asylum. This evening we read from an interesting book, entitled "Loiterings in Europe." | |
14 | TUESDAY. - Nothing particular has occurred to-day, except that Mr. D., aged sixty-nine, was removed from this hall. I regret his removal, as I was much attached to him. He is a remarkably hale, active and well disposed old gentleman, but excessively, "absent minded." He forgets what he is doing, while in the act of some ordinary occupation; also, the subject of his conversation while speaking to his fellow patients. He is fond of reading, chiefly religious books. He is also a great projector, but forgets many of his plans before they are matured. Agriculture is his favorite topic of conversation. He is perfectly satisfied with his present condition, and pleased with everything and everybody about him, and says he has no wish to leave his present "comfortable quarters," but for a few days, to arrange some business on his farm, and enter an action against one of his neighbors for an assault and battery. He complains a little of the inactivity of his present life; says he would like to get out and "dig some;" thinks it rather ridiculous and childish to go to bed so early and lie so late in the morning. He is generally up and walking about the dormitory several times during the night, most anxiously looking out for the dawn of day, and is invariably the first man out of bed in the morning when the bell rings. He has a very good ear for music, and sings bass with much taste. He most strenuously insists, that his only object in coming to this Institution, was to complete his education and acquire proficiency in the art of playing on the bass-viol. He wishes to join the choir on Sundays, and frequently complains of Dr. Brigham's depreciation of his talent, by not allowing him "to demonstrate to his friends here, that he is a good bass singer." | |
15 | We visited the Asylum Museum this afternoon. Dr. B. showed much kindness in explaining the relative merits of the various curiosities. I was much tickled by the exceeding value which he appeared to attach to a "few hairs from old Whitey's tail" which he preserves in a glass bottle. "Old Whitey" was the war-horse that had the honor of carrying the gallant old "hero of Buena Vista" safely, through all the dangers of his different battles. Noble charger! What true American would not prize a lock of his hair? The Museum contains many good pictures, minerals, especially ores of metals, and collections in natural history. A glass case of beautiful butterflies attracted much attention. There are, also, many Indian relics, curiosities from foreign countries, and a large assortment of ancient and modern coins. I examined the head of an Egyptian mummy, three or four thousand years old, presented to the Museum by L. N. Fowler, of New York city. I was also much pleased with the mementoes of the Wars of 1812 and 1847; among which may be seen, a hatchet taken from the British at Plattsburg; also, a gun taken from a Mexican after the battle of Palo Alto, presented by Dr. Wood, son-in-law of General Taylor. I observed many excellent Daguerreotype likenesses of patients; they are life like, and none who have seen the originals can fail to recognize them. |