This succinct view of the subject may suffice, at this time, as outlines of my plan; and which is respectfully submitted to the Governors, for their Consideration.

FOOTNOTES: 

[Footnote 23:  “Hints for Introducing an Improved Mode of Treating the Insane in the Asylum”; read before the Governors of the New York Hospital on the 4th of Fourth-month, 1815.  By Thomas Eddy, one of the Asylum Committee.  New York, 1815.  Reprinted Bloomingdale Hospital Press, 1916.]

[Footnote 24:  The following anecdotes illustrate the observation before made, that maniacs frequently retain the power of reasoning to a certain extent; and that the discerning physician may oftimes successfully avail himself of the remains of this faculty in controlling the aberrations of his patient:—­A patient in the Pennsylvania Hospital, who called his physician his father, once lifted his hand to strike him.  “What!” said his physician, (Dr. Rush), with a plaintive tone of voice, “Strike your father?” The madman dropped his arm, and instantly showed marks of contrition for his conduct.  The following was related to me by Samuel Coates, President of the Pennsylvania Hospital:—­maniac had made several attempts to set fire to the Hospital:  upon being remonstrated with, he said, “I am a salamander”; “but recollect,” said my friend Coates, “all the patients in the house are not salamanders;” “That is true,” said the maniac, and never afterwards attempted to set fire to the Hospital.]

APPENDIX IV

EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS IN RELATION TO ACTION TAKEN RESPECTING THOS.  EDDY’S COMMUNICATION DATED APRIL, 1815

April 4, 1815.

A communication was received from Thos.  Eddy suggesting several improvements in the mode of treating Insane persons, which is referred to Dr. Hugh Williamson, George Newbold, William Johnson, Peter A. Jay, and John R. Murray—­Resolved that the Treasurer have fifty copies of the report printed for use of the Governors.

July 3, 1815.

The Committee on the communication from Thos.  Eddy, relative to the treatment of Insane patients, report attention to the subject and that in their opinion it is advisable to have a few acres of land purchased in the vicinity of the City for the better accommodation of this unhappy class of our fellow creatures—­the Committee are continued.

On motion Resolved that Thomas Eddy, John A. Murray, and John Aspinwall, be a Committee to look out for a suitable spot of land, and to make a purchase, if in their opinion it shall become necessary.

8th Month (August) 1st, 1815.

The Committee on the communication from Thomas Eddy, made the following Report, which was intended to have been laid before the last meeting of the Board; which was now accepted, and ordered to be inserted in the minutes.