An Insight into an Insane Asylum

Biography & Memoir
Cover of the book An Insight into an Insane Asylum by Joseph Camp, University of Alabama Press
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Author: Joseph Camp ISBN: 9780817385330
Publisher: University of Alabama Press Publication: June 12, 2012
Imprint: University Alabama Press Language: English
Author: Joseph Camp
ISBN: 9780817385330
Publisher: University of Alabama Press
Publication: June 12, 2012
Imprint: University Alabama Press
Language: English

In 1881, Joseph Camp, an elderly and self-trained Methodist minister from TalladegaCounty in eastern Alabama, was brought by his family to BryceHospital, an insane asylum in Tuscaloosa, where he remained for over five months. Camp, misled by relatives concerning the purpose of the trip, was shocked and angered at his loss of freedom and his treatment in the hospital. After his release, he composed an account of his stay and published it at his own expense, providing a rare glimpse of 19th century mental health care from a patient’s viewpoint. Camp’s account reveals his naive trust in others, but also a sharp and retentive memory. Camp is remarkably accurate in his account of the details of his treatment and the operation and staff of the hospital, although his emotional assessments reflect his unhappiness with his situation. Adding to the importance of Camp’s account is the fact that in the 19th century Bryce was considered a remarkably humane institution focused on recovery. Camp provides a glimpse into how treatment for the insane felt to the recipient.

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In 1881, Joseph Camp, an elderly and self-trained Methodist minister from TalladegaCounty in eastern Alabama, was brought by his family to BryceHospital, an insane asylum in Tuscaloosa, where he remained for over five months. Camp, misled by relatives concerning the purpose of the trip, was shocked and angered at his loss of freedom and his treatment in the hospital. After his release, he composed an account of his stay and published it at his own expense, providing a rare glimpse of 19th century mental health care from a patient’s viewpoint. Camp’s account reveals his naive trust in others, but also a sharp and retentive memory. Camp is remarkably accurate in his account of the details of his treatment and the operation and staff of the hospital, although his emotional assessments reflect his unhappiness with his situation. Adding to the importance of Camp’s account is the fact that in the 19th century Bryce was considered a remarkably humane institution focused on recovery. Camp provides a glimpse into how treatment for the insane felt to the recipient.

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