she might have to stand trial for murder, in which event they would
surely hang her. She was admitted to this institution the first time
on May 8, 1907, on a medical certificate which stated that one sister
died of pulmonary tuberculosis, and that another is now afflicted with
chorea. The patient was addicted to the excessive use of alcohol and
cocaine and is considered to be a sexual pervert. Ever since she was
admitted to the penitentiary she has exhibited signs and symptoms of
insanity; her present symptoms are described as ungovernable temper,
attacks of extreme nervousness, attacks of fits resembling those of
acute mania, with loss of judgment and complete disregard for the
consequences of any of her acts. Delusions of persecution were also
noted. Her mother stated that the patient throughout her lifetime
would frequently have outbursts of temper, and her brother would tie
her down during these attacks to prevent her from injuring members of
the family. Physical examination on the first admission was negative.
Mentally she complained of being nervous and easily awakened at night;
consciousness was clear; she was well oriented; no hallucinations or
delusions could be elicited. Intellectually she appeared to be above
the average negro in intelligence; she read and wrote, spelled
correctly and used good English. Her memory was good for both past and
recent events. Throughout her entire sojourn here she was oriented to
time, place and person; except for having stated at one time in a sort
of careless and apparently indifferent way that she had heard someone
calling her by name, and upon looking for the person could find no
one, she manifested no hallucinatory disturbances. No delusional ideas
were elaborated at any time. Her conduct here was characterized
throughout by marked irritability; she frequently threatened to get
even with the ward physician, saying she did not propose to fight
open-handed any more and would not enter into a fight without a
weapon. She frequently broke window lights without any apparent
reason; often was very surly in manner; then again was pleasant and
agreeable and assisted with the work on the ward. She assaulted
several of the nurses when an attempt was made to restrain her, in
order to prevent her breaking window lights. When spoken to about
these outbursts of temper she would deny all knowledge of them, saying
that she never threatened nor assaulted anyone. She was discharged as
recovered on January 12, 1909, and returned to Moundsville
Penitentiary. She was again admitted to the Government Hospital for
the Insane on June 18, 1909, on a medical certificate which stated
that she was very irritable and had a mania for breaking windows; that
she was suffering from delusions. No further evidence of insanity was
given. On admission she was sullen and disagreeable, had a frown on
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account