Pre-1854 Plans

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These are historic asylums built in the United States before Dr. Kirkbride had composed his magnum opus book, and publicized his own theory regarding the organization of psychiatric hospital. Some of these buildings are based on earlier European ideas of asylum keeping, as well as regional ideas, and individual reformer's ideologies. These early hospitals usually started with single, or few tightly clustered buildings, with no discernible design or layout for the growth of the site. Few to little of these survive to the present day, as many were replaced by allegedly more modern designs. The only common thread regarding their design was their location. For centuries it was perceived that the 'insane' (which is of Latin origin, 'sanus' meaning 'healthy') were ill because of poor hygiene and/or moral failings. For this reason all asylums, up until the 20th century, were placed in the country-side where supposed hygienic practices could be encouraged to treat the cognitive and affective lapses of the patients.


See Also

Category:Pre-1854 Plans