Remarks on the lunacy acts for Scotland, and district pauper lunatic asylums / by A. Watson Wemyss.

Date:
1867
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Remarks on the lunacy acts for Scotland, and district pauper lunatic asylums / by A. Watson Wemyss. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    It is now ten years since I i elf called upon to direct my attention particularly to this subject, on the passing of the first amended Lunacy Act for Scotland in 1857, in order to assist in carrying for- ward the arrangements required in this County of Fife, for accom- plishing the ends so much desired; conceiving that my knowledge, acquired by long] cognizance of Hospitals and other Public Insti- tutions, might be of service. In doing so I commenced witli Efficiency and Economy as my motto, to which I stni continue to adhere and keep in view. As my remarks on this subject are intended to be partly critical, as well as suggestive, I shall confine them to public Institutions and those connected with their management; and, considering that it is the boasted privilege of this free country that the conduct and actings of public boards, and managers of public institutions, are freely open to criticism, and that if this is fairly exercised with candour, reason, and moderation, it may be attended with beneficial effects,'^!'shall direct my remarks to this end alone. And, it is to be kept in view that, as it is only by defects or evils being observed and pointed out that a remedy can be devised and applied, so it is necessary that these should be distinctly stated, not with a view to find fault where no good is to be done or proposed, but solely with a benevolent and useful object to be accomplished. The just expression of public opinion forms a wholesome and influential encouragement to those engaged in well-discharged public duties, on the one hand, and a check upon despotic, overbearing, and arbitrary conduct, when oppressively used, on the other; but I wish it to be distiactly understood that, while I may criticise or animadvert on the public conduct of those whose personal character is deserving of the greatest respect for honourable and benevolent intentions, T shall study to do so with fairness and candoiu, without offence, and without allusion to private considerations. And, if my zeal and anxiety to do the good I desire should ever carry me beyond these bounds, I must plead for the indulgence of my readers, in the hope that this will not be withheld. My words will be few, but I trust they will be considered to be of importance and deserving of attention by those called upon to take an interest in the subject, or engaged in the management of Asylums. I shall at all times be ready to give praise where it is due; and shall not find fault without reason, and without a good object to be attained;