The Prisoners' Hidden Life Or Insane Asylums Unveiled (1868) - Paperback

by Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard (Author)

The Prisoners' Hidden Life Or Insane Asylums Unveiled is a book written by Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard and published in 1868. The book is a detailed account of Packard's personal experiences as a patient in an insane asylum in Illinois, where she was committed by her husband without her consent. The book sheds light on the inhumane treatment of patients in asylums during the 19th century and the lack of rights and freedoms they had. Packard describes the deplorable conditions of the asylum, the abuse and neglect of patients by staff, and the use of cruel and unusual punishment methods such as straitjackets and solitary confinement. She also exposes the corruption and incompetence of the asylum's administration and the medical professionals who were supposed to be treating the patients. The book is a powerful indictment of the mental health system of the time and a call for reform. It is considered a landmark work in the history of mental health advocacy and has influenced the development of patient rights and mental health policies in the United States.As Demonstrated By The Report Of The Investigating Committee Of The Legislature Of Illinois, Together With Mrs. Packard's Coadjutors' Testimony.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.