The Idiot: His Place in Creation, and His Claims on Society

In an interesting essay published many years ago, entitled, "A Morning at Essex Hall, Colchester," its author, the Rev. Edwin Sidney, in describing his visit to the Asylum, remarked that, "The conduct of those who go to Church on Sunday is very decorous. One of the most cheering things in connection with these objects of benevolent solicitude, is the capability some of them manifest in receiving and being comforted by religion. There are amongst them instances of high conscientiousness and piety, which might be examples to such as are gifted with unimpaired faculties."

If any apology be due for pointing out how the mysterious connection between mind and matter may be illustrated by a study of idiocy, I will observe that the subject is of such absorbing interest that it is well that it should occasionally be removed from the heated arena of biological bias, into the calmer and more judicial atmosphere of the class of readers who may be interested in the important subject I am endeavouring to elucidate.

TREATMENT AND RESULTS

"Distinguish'd link in being's endless chain,
Midway from nothing to the Deity.
Though sully'd and dishonour'd, still divine,
An heir of glory, a frail child of dust.
Helpless immortal!" —Young.

According to the census of 1881, there were about 32,717 idiots and imbeciles in England and Wales; the Census Commissioners, however, ascertained that owing to the reticence of parents, the returns were far from trustworthy, and, after careful inquiry, they estimated the total number of idiots and imbeciles at 41,940; of these, it is calculated that about 3,000 cases belong to the four Eastern Counties. Of this number, it is estimated that, after deducting pauper and other cases not considered suitable for this charity, there remain at least 1,000 idiots who need the benefits of the Eastern Counties' Asylum, whereas, our present accommodation is limited to 250 cases.[39 - A society has lately been formed under the name of "The National Association for promoting the welfare of the Feeble-minded," the object of which is to establish homes for defective and feeble-minded children of a class more highly-endowed with intelligence than those who would be received into an ordinary idiot asylum; statistics having shown that ignorance and mental dulness tend to crime in various forms. Without expressing any very decided opinion upon the above project, it seems to me that the unnecessary multiplication of charitable institutions is itself an evil, and is not calculated to promote efficiency or economy; and if special provision is made for those just above the highest class of idiots, as is proposed, the present Idiot Asylums must necessarily suffer. Without, therefore, in any way disparaging the above scheme, I would suggest great caution in reference to it, as it is impolitic and unwise to make fresh demands upon a philanthropic public, unless the need for it is clearly established, as the result must inevitably be the diversion of funds from existing institutions already doing a good and charitable work.]

The Board of Directors being forcibly impressed with their inability adequately to supply the wants of the district, have recently instituted a Permanent Endowment Fund. As the institution is mainly supported by voluntary contributions, the fluctuating nature of which has often caused considerable anxiety, the Board has felt the desirability of placing a considerable portion of their resources on a more solid basis; and it is with the view of giving stability and permanence to the work of the Asylum, that the Endowment Fund has been started, which it is proposed shall be inalienable, the interest only being used for the purposes of the Institution. In the year 1891, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, with the view of furthering this object, graciously consented to preside at a Festival Dinner, at the Hotel Metropole, London, which resulted in an immediate contribution of £6,000. This fund, started under such happy auspices, has already reached the sum of £25,334 12s. 8d., which it is hoped may eventually reach £50,000, the amount which the Directors think indispensable to insure the efficient maintenance of the Asylum.

Now let us bring this matter home to ourselves. Where are the 3,000 unhappy blighted individuals that claim the Eastern Counties for their home? It is true that some of them are in the homes of the affluent, but the greater number are in the cottages of the poor, where the trouble of providing for one such member often reduces a working family to pauperism; the poor child beloved by its parents, is, perhaps, loathed by their neighbours, is avoided by other children, hidden from visitors, a constant care and sorrow to the mother, a source of anxious foresight to the father; in fact, the poor idiot child is like a Upas tree, that poisons the whole atmosphere around it, and the burden of his presence in a poor man's family is a new weight added to the load that was already sinking them down. Perhaps you may say, we agree with you, we lament as you do, that the narrow home of the humble artisan should be rendered intolerable by the presence of these stricken members of our race; but, we have been given to understand, that if not absolutely incurable, but very little can be done for them, that they baffle the efforts of the most zealous educators, and are almost beyond the reach of human sympathy.

Now this was the language generally used half a century ago, and a celebrated French authority on the subject, Esquirol, considered that idiots were what they must remain for the rest of their lives; that there was no possibility of ameliorating their condition, and that no means were known by which a larger amount of intelligence could be developed in them.[40 - Maladies Mentales, Tome ii., p. 76, par E. Esquirol, médecin en chef de la maison royale des aliénés de Charenton. "Les idiots sont ce qu'ils doivent être pendant tout le cours de leur vie. On ne conçoit pas la possibilité de changer cet état. Rien ne saurait donner aux malheureux idiots, même pour quelques instants, plus de raison, plus d'intelligence."] In fact, an effort to ameliorate the condition of the congenital imbecile was regarded by psychologists and physicians as absolutely hopeless, and the standard "Dictionnaire de Médecine," published in 1837, broadly stated that it was useless to attempt to combat idiotism; in order that the intellectual exercise might be established, it would be necessary to change the conformation of organs which are beyond the reach of all modification. So great was the pessimism prevalent on this subject, that it was insinuated that the idea of teaching an idiot could only enter the brain of one somewhat closely allied to that class!

Now, I am happy to tell you, that in the broad daylight of the nineteenth century, science gives an emphatic denial to this statement. Yes, the results obtained at our own Asylum and elsewhere, show that much, very much, may be done for the unhappy idiot, who in a private house is an intolerable incubus, but who, under proper training in a suitable asylum, becomes sociable, affectionate, and happy. It has been shown that in the majority of cases, the idiot may not only cease to be a source of annoyance and danger to those around him, but by care and training he may be made able to contribute to his own sustenance; the knowledge of simple trades of a mechanical kind, such as that of a carpenter, shoemaker, or tailor, has been reached by some, and household industrial pursuits have fitted others for domestic usefulness.

A celebrated German authority, Herr Saeger, of Berlin, has stated that in his establishment he had indubitable cases of idiocy, in which the head was small and malformed, yet in which the results of education were so triumphant, that they were ultimately able to mix with the world without being recognised as idiots. Further, he tells us that in one instance a young man underwent confirmation without the priest suspecting that he had been delivered from idiocy.

Dr. Shuttleworth records the case of an inmate of the Royal Albert Asylum, who became, under instruction, an expert joiner, and from being a very imp of mischief, grew up into a well-conducted, self-reliant youth, and ultimately emigrated to one of our colonies, and when he was last heard of, he was practising his trade in a leading city.[41 - "Mentally deficient children," page 110.]

Equally satisfactory results have been obtained in our own Asylum. A few years ago, a boy of eight was admitted into our Asylum, who was quite unmanageable at home, a terrible incubus in the household of which he formed part, and the constant subject of jeers and derisions on the part of the other juveniles of the village. After about six months' systematic training, one of the officials of the Asylum wrote to inform me that the boy had so much improved that he was afraid the Commissioners of Lunacy, at their next visit, would consider the boy no longer a fit subject for detention in the Asylum. Being on a short visit to his relatives, who reside near Norwich, he was brought to me for inspection, when I was struck with the miraculous transformation that had been effected; from a restless, destructive boy, he had been changed into a well-conducted lad, and he had actually been taught to write. At my request, he wrote very legibly his name and address, with the date, "James Smith, Colchester;" but he made a little mistake in the date, writing backwards, in the Chinese fashion – it being September 29th, he wrote "September 92nd!" This same boy was regularly employed as one of the gardeners to the institution, and has recently been discharged, and is now earning his own living as gardener in a private family. This case illustrates a peculiarity not infrequently remarked in the inmates of an idiot asylum, that is the remarkable propensity they have for imitation and shamming. This boy came to stay with his relatives in Norfolk for a few weeks, when every few days he would have an epileptic fit. When his holiday was over and he had returned to the Asylum, these fits recurred, and were, of course, reported to the medical attendant, who had a shrewd suspicion the boy was shamming. He thereupon said to the attendant: "The next time a fit comes on, I must apply a redhot iron to the soles of the feet, it will hurt him, but it will cure him." From that time the boy had no epileptic fits!

Thyroid Treatment of Idiocy.– My sketch of the treatment of Idiocy would be incomplete without an allusion to the injection or internal administration of a preparation of the thyroid gland of the sheep, a method of treatment brought into notoriety by Professors Kocher and Schiff, on the continent, and by Professor Victor Horsley, Dr. Murray, and others in this country. Numerous cases have been published claiming successful results, and the thyroid treatment has been spoken of as a cure for at least one of the forms of idiocy.

Without quite endorsing this sweeping and enthusiastic statement, there cannot be a doubt that this method opens up a hopeful vista in the treatment of idiocy; in fact, Dr. Ireland has furnished me with the particulars of a girl, aged five years, treated by thyroid juice, in whom "the improvement was so decided that it seemed an escape from idiocy into normal intelligence."[42 - This painstaking observer has investigated this subject in an interesting communication on Sporadic Cretinism in the "Edinburgh Medical Journal" for May, 1893. Dr. Ireland considers Sporadic Cretinism to be a congenital or infantile form of myxœdema, and bearing in mind the increasing mental torpor which has followed the ablation of the thyroid gland performed by Kocher, and the cretinoid condition induced in monkeys by the removal of the thyroid by Horsley, he is drawn to the conclusion that this gland secretes and pours something into the blood which has a powerful effect upon the nutrition and function of the brain, and of the whole organism, and these views receive a certain amount of confirmation from the fact that in most cases of Sporadic Cretinism the thyroid gland is totally wanting. Dr. Ireland also expresses the opinion, in which I fully concur, that there is too much solidism in our pathology, and that the vital powers of the blood have been too much overlooked.Although the effect of thyroid treatment in the idiot is still sub judice, there is overwhelming testimony of its value in Myxœdema, an allied affection; and I would refer those who desire further information upon this matter to an important discussion at the Edinburgh Medico-Chirurgical Society, in February, 1893, arising out of papers read by Professor Greenfield, Dr. Byrom Bramwell, Dr. Lundie, Dr. Dunlop, and Dr. John Thomson, when important additions were made to the literature of this affection by Dr. Affleck, Dr. George Murray, and others, whose matured views will form a valuable contribution to our knowledge of this somewhat obscure subject.]

A striking instance of the good results of thyroid treatment has lately occurred in the Eastern Counties' Asylum, the particulars of which have been kindly furnished to me by Mr. Kirkby, the Resident Medical Officer. Esther C., aged 19, was admitted Nov. 8th, 1894, with marked symptoms of Sporadic Cretinism. She was at once put on thyroid treatment, beginning with half a five-grain tabloid gradually increased to a tabloid once, twice, and sometimes three times a day, intermitting them for short periods. Latterly, she has been taking one tabloid a day. Under this treatment, she has gained 10 lbs. in weight, and has grown 5 inches; the features are not so coarse, the previous myxœdematous condition of the subcutaneous tissues has subsided, the outline of the features having become more defined, and the skin which was formerly dry and rough, has become soft and naturally moist, having lost a great deal of its puffiness; but the most obvious change in the patient is the disappearance of the two prominent elastic swellings (pseudo-lipomata) which formerly occupied the posterior triangle of the neck on each side. The mental condition has also improved, she takes more interest in amusements, and her voluntary movements are much more rapid. This patient is still under observation, and the results hitherto attained afford a favourable illustration of the beneficial effects of this mode of treatment.

At a meeting of the New York Academy of Medicine of March 12th, 1896, Dr. Emily Lewi reported the history of a very marked case of Cretinism in a girl, aged 13 months, who was put on thyroid treatment; improvement was noted in a week, and the child grew gradually intelligent. At this same meeting, Dr. G.M. Hammond expressed the opinion, that for thyroid treatment to be effectual, it must be begun in early life.[43 - "Pediatrics," May, 1896, p. 460.]

My colleague, Dr. Burton-Fanning, has recently shown me a case of Cretinism under his care, at the Lind Infirmary for Children, in which thyroid treatment produced the most favourable results, not only of a physical, but of a psychical character. Although the child was four years old, he had not previously spoken a word, and understood nothing; but during the treatment, his expression became much less vacant, and the faculty of speech was roused into action.

Several valuable contributions have lately been made to our knowledge of the effects of thyroid feeding, more especially in the treatment of insanity, not however the less valuable as a guide to its probable benefit in idiocy. I wish more especially to allude to the researches of Dr. Lewis C. Bruce, at the Royal Asylum, Edinburgh, as reported in the "Journal of Mental Science" for January and October, 1895. There is much in the above essay that I could profitably comment upon, but I will content myself with saying that the outcome of these researches, which intimately concern the treatment of idiocy, is that Dr. Bruce has established the fact that thyroid feeding acts as a direct cerebral stimulant, which he thinks "may prove advantageous in cases where the higher cortical cells remain in an anergic condition." Dr. Bruce mentions the case of a patient who had not spoken for several months; one day, during the administration of the thyroid extract, he suddenly began to talk, and soon became quite communicative.

Whilst these pages are passing through the press, M. Auguste Voisin, Physician to La Salpêtrière, has had the courtesy to send me detailed particulars of a case of insanity in which the success of the thyroid treatment was phenomenal. The patient was a female, aged 25, and her mental derangement assumed the form of religious monomania, insomnia, and aural hallucinations; there was great emaciation, dryness of the skin, and cold extremities.[44 - I give M. Voisin's description of the symptoms in his own words. "Elle est arrivée dans mon service en état d'extase mystique, exécutant continuellement des mouvements de ses deux mains, surtout de la droite, semblables à ceux d'une personne en prière; elle porte souvent les mains à son front comme pour faire le signe de la croix. Elle murmure des mots, entre autres, Ave Maria. La physiognomie exprime la douleur mêlée d'extase."]

No benefit having resulted from six months' treatment, including hypnotism, M. Voisin determined to try the subcutaneous injection of sterilised thyroid juice. After a few weeks of this treatment, a notable amelioration was observed; shortly afterwards all her unfavourable symptoms disappeared, and she was discharged cured.

One of the most interesting features in this case is the result of the analysis of the blood, as to its corpuscular richness. Before thyroid treatment was commenced, the number of corpuscles was only 2,225,000 per cubic millimetre; after the cure by the thyroid juice, the number was more than doubled, being 4,774,000 per cubic millimetre. In Dr. Lewis Bruce's cases, to which I have already referred, the result was the reverse of that observed by M. Voisin; for in the eight uncomplicated cases recorded by Dr. Bruce, with one exception, there was in all of them a diminution in the number of red corpuscles.

At the discussion on Myxœdema, at the Edinburgh Medico-Chirurgical Society, to which I have already alluded, Dr. Alexander Bruce showed a case of myxœdema under the care of Professor Fraser, in the Royal Infirmary, in which, as the result of thyroid feeding, a condition of relative anæmia had been developed. The patient had no murmurs when admitted, but since the administration of thyroid preparations, basal and mitral systolic bruits had developed themselves. It is further stated that the blood corpuscles had fallen from 4,600,000 to 3,700,000, and hæmoglobin from 78 per cent. to 59 per cent.[45 - "Edinburgh Medical Journal," May, 1893, p. 1053.]

Further researches would therefore seem to be necessary, before we can arrive at a satisfactory conclusion as to what effect the thyroid treatment has upon the blood.

Possibly the dose of the thyroid preparation may be an important factor in the result, for Dr. Byrom Bramwell, in an important and exhaustive monograph upon this subject, says, that anæmia is apt to be produced by large doses of the remedy; and he mentions a case where the red blood corpuscles and the hæmoglobin underwent a marked diminution during the period of acute thyroidism, but rapidly increased under the subsequent administration of small doses of the remedy.[46 - "Edinburgh Hospital Reports," Vol. 3, 1895, p. 245. "This is the most complete monograph on thyroid treatment that has come under my notice. Dr. Bramwell has recorded, in minute detail, the clinical history of twenty-three cases of myxœdema, and five cases of sporadic cretinism."]

The subject of blood analysis is most important, as tending to throw some light upon a matter at present but little understood, namely the physiological effect of thyroid preparations upon the blood.

Dr. Telford-Smith has reported four cases of Sporadic Cretinism treated by thyroid extract at the Royal Albert Asylum, Lancaster, when a well-marked improvement was noticed in each case. The clinical history of these cases is given with minute detail by Dr. Telford-Smith, and is well worthy of close study by those interested in this subject.[47 - "Journal of Mental Science," April, 1895, p. 280.]

Quite recently, at the Annual Meeting of the British Medical Association, held at Carlisle in August of the present year, communications were read on the Thyroid Treatment of Cretinism and Imbecility, by Dr. Rushton Parker, Dr. Telford-Smith, Dr. John Thomson, and others. An animated discussion ensued, the tendency of which pointed to the undoubted advantages both physically and mentally of the use of this remedy.

Although the physiological effects of thyroid feeding may not be definitely recognised and understood, there is overwhelming evidence to show that it produces marked psychical results, that it acts as a direct cerebral stimulant, and we have every reason to rely upon it as a valuable adjuvant to our treatment of idiocy; and it is not too much to say that the treatment of this infirmity, as well as of other mental defects, by thyroid extract or some other preparation of the thyroid gland, is one of the greatest triumphs of modern medicine; but much still remains to be learnt, as Professor Victor Horsley remarks, "So definite and pronounced is the cachexia thyroidectomica, that few subjects in the range of pathology offer a more fruitful and inviting field of research."[48 - "British Medical Journal," Jan. 30th, and Feb. 6th, 1892, "Remarks on the Function of the Thyroid Gland." I recommend a careful perusal of this important and exhaustive essay of Professor Horsley to all those who desire to acquaint themselves with what is known about the structure and functions of the thyroid gland; for it will be remembered that it is to the experiments on animals by this learned and accomplished scientist, that we are principally indebted for our knowledge of the connection between myxœdema and loss of function of the thyroid gland.]

Craniectomy.– The operation of Craniectomy (that is the cutting of strips of bone from the cranium) has been recommended and practised in cases of microcephalic idiocy, an operation suggested upon the theory of premature synostosis, or closure of the cranial sutures, thus causing an arrest in the development of the subjacent cerebral tissue. Although I could not omit a reference to this operation, it has not met with general acceptance, and one of the most recent writers on this subject, M. Bourneville, physician at Bicêtre, discourages it altogether; and from his examination of the skulls of a number of idiots, he affirms that "in the immense majority of cases, there was no premature synostosis, and that neither normal anatomy, pathological anatomy, or physiology, justified the operation of Craniectomy."[49 - "Traitement et Education des Enfants Idiots et Dégénérés," p. 241, par M. Bourneville, Médecin de Bicêtre, Paris, 1895. The author of the above treatise is one of the most prolific French writers on Idiocy, and I desire to call especial attention to that part of the work which embraces the Medico-Pedagogic Treatment of Idiocy. In this section, M. Bourneville describes in minute detail the gymnastic and physical training adopted at Bicêtre, the description being copiously illustrated by plates, which cannot fail to interest those engaged in the treatment of idiocy.] The late Sir George Humphry was of the same opinion, as, after an examination of 19 microcephalic skulls, he said, "There is nothing to suggest that the deficiency in the development of the skull was the leading feature in the deformity, or anything to give encouragement to the practice lately adopted in some instances of a removal of a part of the bony case, with the idea of affording more space and freedom for the growth of the brain."[50 - "Journal of Anatomy and Physiology," January, 1895, p. 304.]

At a recent meeting of the New York State Medical Society, Professor Dana read a paper on Craniectomy for Idiocy and Imbecility, and he gave the following result of 81 cases: – In 35, there was improvement; in 22, no improvement; and death ensued in 24 cases. The conclusion at which Professor Dana arrives is that "it is largely through its pedagogic influence that an improvement takes place, and that the operation is allied in its effect to a severe piece of castigation!" Dr. Dana freely admits that this view of craniectomy for idiocy and imbecility lends itself readily to humour, and it would seem that he intended to kill the operation by ridicule.[51 - "Pediatrics," March, 1896, p. 243.]

Of course, Dr. Ireland has something to say upon this point, and after a brief review of the literature of the subject, he says: "So many cases have been collected of microcephales with open sutures, that it is not likely that anyone will continue to hold that the small size of the brain is owing to the sutures closing in, and thus hindering their growth. Even in those cases where the sutures have closed in before birth, the question still remains whether the brain ceased to grow because the sutures are closed, or whether the sutures closed in because the brain ceased to grow; or, lastly, whether both the brain and its coverings ceased to grow under a common cause."[52 - "On Idiocy and Imbecility," page 91.]

The benefits to be derived in apparently hopeless cases of idiocy, from the systematic and persevering use of all the modern adjuvants and appliances now available for treatment, are now so universally recognised, that it would be superfluous to dwell further on this point. Science has done much for the idiot, and she will do more, for her motto is "Excelsior," and her votaries are not content to linger with complacency on the heights already attained, but they look for the period when, by the powerful lever of an enlightened philanthropy, this benighted race shall be raised from the grovelling level of the brute, to the highest attainable pitch of bodily perfection.

I trust that I have said enough to justify an earnest appeal for sympathy with this unfortunate branch of the human family. I have endeavoured to show that a great social evil exists amongst us, and that duty and interest should alike concur to induce us to face this evil and to master it. I have endeavoured to point out how the care and training of the idiot has become one of the recognised obligations of a philanthropic public. At the Eastern Counties' Asylum, we are trying to mitigate as far as we can this great social calamity, and our efforts have hitherto been crowned with unlooked-for success. We are doing a grand and glorious work, and I ask you to come and help us; the Board of Directors, a noble band of philanthropists, who devote a considerable amount of time to the objects of this charity, ask you to come and help us; nay, more, from the cottage homes in East Anglia rendered miserable by the presence of these unhappy beings, a thousand voices cry to you with trumpet tongue, "Come and help us."

We have in the Eastern Counties' Asylum an institution admirably adapted for the care and treatment of the idiot; standing in its own grounds of seven acres, it is furnished with all the machinery necessary to grapple with this great social calamity, and by the judicious combination of medical, physical, moral, and intellectual agencies, we are enabled to develop and regulate the bodily functions of the idiot, to arouse his observation, to quicken his power of thought, and thus develop the sensitive and perceptive faculties; and we have not only succeeded in raising these poor creatures from a state of hopeless degradation to a state of comfort and usefulness, but we have, in many instances, succeeded in kindling up in their dark and twilight minds some dim anticipations of a brighter world; the veil which obscured their intellect has been rendered transparent, and to use the language of the bard of Avon, we have been privileged to observe that —

"As the morning steals upon the night,
Melting the darkness, so their rising senses
Begin to chase the ignorant fumes that mantle
Their clearer reason."

In addition to the Asylum proper, the Board has lately purchased a farm-house with 32 acres of land, immediately adjoining the main building. By means of this welcome acquisition, increased accommodation is afforded, and facilities are given for drafting off some of the most tractable patients who require less supervision than the majority of the inmates; moreover, farm work has proved very useful in training some of the patients who come from agricultural districts.

Crossley House.– Our area of usefulness has recently been extended by the munificent gift of Sir Savile Crossley, Bart., of a Convalescent Home, at Clacton-on-Sea. The building has accommodation for twenty patients; it stands facing the sea, in its own grounds of nearly an acre, and its privacy is secured by a walled-in garden, in which the inmates are able to take ample exercise. As a large number of our patients suffer from scrofula, or from some tubercular disease, the want has been long felt of a seaside adjunct, where such patients could be treated in the initial stage. Thanks to Sir Savile Crossley's princely gift, we now possess this valuable addition to our medical resources, the advantages of which cannot be too highly estimated.

The Ladies' Association.– The valuable additions that have recently been made to the Asylum, thus largely increasing the accommodation for patients, have necessarily entailed a largely increased expenditure, which could not have been met by the current income, had not the ladies of East Anglia come forward with great earnestness to help the objects of this Asylum by individual and energetic efforts; and one of the most interesting events of the last few years has been the formation of a Ladies' Association, the establishment of which is entirely due to the earnest and devoted efforts of the Marchioness of Bristol. Its object is to disseminate information respecting the working of the Asylum, to secure admission for necessitous cases, and to organise and carry out annually house to house collections for its funds. H.R.H. the Princess of Wales has given her countenance to this movement by graciously accepting the office of Patroness, several influential ladies have consented to act as presidents over the various districts into which the four counties have been divided, and as many as 1,400 ladies are engaged in this philanthropic work.

The success attending this movement has been phenomenal. During the first year of its operation, the substantial sum of £1,868 6s. 10d. was handed over to the general fund, this amount having been obtained from upwards of 20,000 contributors, who had thus the opportunity of joining in this good work, and whose aid could not have been secured in any other way. The efforts of these charitable ladies have been crowned with such signal success, that the large sum of £9,473 5s. 9d. has been added to the funds of the Asylum.[53 - As showing the result of individual effort, I may mention that in the year 1894, as much as £155 0s. 7d. was collected in the N. Walsham District, £89 12s. 9d. in the Norwich District, and £80 15s. 6d. in the Diss District, under the presidentship respectively of Mrs. Petre, Lady Lade, and Mrs. Sancroft Holmes.] This substantial help is very gratifying to the Directors of the Institution, who now rely upon the Ladies' Association for nearly a fourth part of their income; and it is not too much to say that the future success of the Asylum is intimately connected with the continuance of the efforts of these philanthropic ladies, who seem to me to be influenced by the noble sentiments lately expressed by one of their number, that "The simple obligation of all thoughtful women, is that of making the world within our reach the better for our being, and gladder for our human speech. It is a work such as this that I am sure stirs us up to feel that we must also give our help, our sympathy, our lives for other people, and in this work lies the elements of unselfishness."[54 - The Countess of Warwick, at the "Young Helpers' League."]

All honour to these ladies, who, having learnt the elementary truth that privileges involve responsibilities, instead of hiding their talents in the napkin of selfishness, prefer to go forth as messengers of mercy, to try and flash the electric fire of philanthropy into the slumbering hearts of others, and to induce them to join in their grand and good work. They thus become a force and a factor of influence with all around them, and their reward will be the satisfaction of feeling that they are contributing their part in the great work of elevating these stricken members of our race, from their present unhappy and degraded condition to a higher position in the scale of created intelligence.

I trust I have said enough to show that the idiot ought and must be cared for; and in asking for your support, I will also ask you whether anything can be more gratifying than, as the result of scientific treatment, to see the idiot standing erect, asserting his birthright, and claiming brotherhood with the rest of the human family.

True philanthropy never stops short of the remotest boundary of human want, and in urging upon you the claims of the Eastern Counties' Asylum for Idiots, I would have you remember that I am pleading for a class who cannot plead for themselves, and whose very silence is eloquent with an appeal for your merciful aid.

Remember that these poor stricken individuals are members of the human family. They are heirs with us of all that human beings may hope for from the hands of a common Father. They possess the rudiments of all human attributes, especially the distinctive attribute of educability and of progressive improvement; their bodies are the vehicles which carry souls never destined to perish, through the series of ages, and when the walls of the cottages of clay in which their better part has sojourned collapse, and they mingle with their kindred dust, the freed inhabitants shall wing their way to brighter regions and to a more enduring home, and will thus illustrate the beautiful sentiment of one of our modern poets, when he said:

"In death's unrobing room we strip from round us
This garment of mortality and earth,
And breaking from the embryo-state which bound us,
Our day of dying is our day of birth."

Each person here belongs to one of two classes. Either you have one of these unhappy beings in your own immediate circle, or you have not. If you have, you can feel all the more for those who are similarly afflicted with yourselves, but have not your means for mitigating their dire distress, and you will think of the narrow home of the humble artisan or labourer, rendered intolerable by the constant presence of one of these afflicted members of our race. If, on the other hand, you have been spared this overwhelming calamity in your own family, and have had the joy of watching the dawn of infant intelligence, and have experienced the delight of seeing the capacities shown in the early life of your own children gradually ripen and develop into the intelligence of manhood, you will look with an eye of pity on the numerous households rendered miserable by the intolerable incubus of the presence in their midst of an idiot child, and will, I am sure, consider any assistance you can render to so good a cause in the light of a thank-offering.