I am writing a novel based in an 18th/19th Century lunatic asylum and need on-line resources?

Question

Although I am not entirely settled on the era yet (like I say either 17th or 18th Century, set in the outskirts of London) I have read up on Bethlehem Royal Hospital (which is a brilliant source of inspiration) and found a few other bits, but as the focus seems to be mainly on early 20th century (maybe there are just more records) I must admit, I thought I would find more on wikipedia and other online resources. I am particularly interested in what the wardens might have worn and some of the more horrific treatments that were used as well as conditions of day to day life.

Does anyone know of anything that could provide inspiration or ideas?

Any links or thoughts appreciated.

Thanks for your help Uknative, that is exactly the sort of thing I was after, really really helpful and already it has contributed a lot.

Thanks too for your thoughts Marcus, don't get me wwrong, I love my local library and have been going since I was about 4. Thing is, my writing style tends to be spontenous, I go off on tangents that I can never plan on if I do prior research away form my desk, so somethign I can lock up while I write is always preferable. Funny stuff about your kids and their research too, made me laugh. I always loved history at school, I had some great teachers that really made it interesting. Anyway, all the best!

Answer 1

Don't know if any of these links will help you, the first quotes authors who have written books on the subject; you may be able to find them at the public library. The 3rd is a link to a site where you can download pdf files on the subject. Here's a quote from the 2nd link: 'William Battie, whose name gave origin to the word "batty", also advocated the use of "therapeutic" asylums in his Treatise on Madness in 1758.[33] Many of the mentally ill were being treated in prisons or other inappropriate institutions. Asylums, however, continued to be known for their dehumanizing conditions. In the 18th century, an asylum in Newcastle, England, housed both sexes together tethered in chains in a dungeon-like atmosphere. In 1845, Esquirol reported on the inhumane aspects of the asylum environment: "If the patient's violence is extreme, he is fastened onto his bed and his movements are brought under control with a straitjacket....How many manic patients have become paralyzed through being fastened too long on their bed or in an armchair." Treatments included agents such as opium or camphor mixed with vinegar. In more extreme cases moxa, a flaming pitch applied to the head, was used.[34] Esquirol also suggested that: "You can, if you wish, substitute for an iron heated in the fire, an iron heated in boiling water." In England as well as in the United States, patients would be placed on display on Sunday for the curious to view.' (Hope the book becomes a success - good luck!).

Answer 2

I know I'm going to sound awfully stuffy here, but why do you need "online" resources? Why don't you get yourself to a good library (admittedly, not many of those any more) and do some research there?

I say this only because there's an awful lot of rubbish on the Internet, and unless you know you really can trust the website you might be getting a load of incorrect information. I am a history teacher and I've just been marking a load of projects about Medieval castles. So many of the children clearly used the same website for their "research" and there are 2-3 pieces of information that (a) they all included, and that (b) was *wrong*!!!!!!!!!!!

So I suppose I am a bit pernickety about using the Internet for research at the moment ...

Answer 3

because the others have suggested, One Flew Over the Cockoos Nest is an effective, unhappy e book. when you're in the mood for some thing positive, Love between the Walnuts through Jean Ferris is definately a experience-solid e book that takes position in a psychological company. i love that e book.