The Construction of Hospitals for the Insane

PART I.

* Chapters 1 - 10

Chapter I
PRELIMINARY REMARKS
Chapter II
DEFINITIONS OF INSANITY
Chapter III
FREQUENCY OF INSANITY
Chapter IV
CURABILITY OF INSANITY
Chapter V
ECONOMY OF CURING INSANITY
Chapter VI
HOSPITALS THE BEST PLACES FOR TREATMENT
Chapter VII
DIFFERENT CLASSES OF HOSPITALS FOR THE INSANE
Chapter VIII
STATE PROVISION TO BE FOR ALL CLASSES
Chapter IX
THE ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENTS OF AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS FOR THE INSANE
Chapter X
FIRST STEPS TO SECURE A HOSPITAL

* Chapters 11 - 20

Chapter XI
FORM OF LAW FOR ESTABLISHING A HOSPITAL
Chapter XII
BUILDING COMMISSIONS
Chapter XIII
SELECTION OF A SITE
Chapter XIV
AMOUNT OF LAND
Chapter XV
SUPPLY OF WATER
Chapter XVI
DRAINAGE
Chapter XVII
ENCLOSURES
Chapter XVIII
PATIENTS' YARDS
Chapter XIX
IMPORTANCE OF ARCHITECTURAL ARRANGEMENTS
Chapter XX
CHARACTER OF PROPOSED PLANS

* Chapters 21 - 30

Chapter XXI
SIZE OF BUILDINGS AND NUMBER OF PATIENTS
Chapter XXII
POSITION, AND GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS OF THE BUILDING
Chapter XXIII
FORM OF BUILDING
Chapter XXIV
HEIGHT OF HOSPITALS
Chapter XXV
TEMPORARY OR WOODEN STRUCTURES
Chapter XXVI
NUMBER OF PATIENTS IN A WARD
Chapter XXVII
NATURAL VENTILATION
Chapter XXVIII
CELLARS
Chapter XXIX
MATERIALS OF WALLS
Chapter XXX
PLASTERING

* Chapters 31 - 40

Chapter XXXI
SECURITY FROM FIRE IN CONSTRUCTION
Chapter XXXII
ROOFS
Chapter XXXIII
SIZE OF ROOMS AND HEIGHT OF CEILINGS
Chapter XXXIV
FLOORS
Chapter XXXV
DOORS
Chapter XXXVI
LOCKS
Chapter XXXVII
WINDOWS AND WINDOW GUARDS
Chapter XXXVIII
INSIDE WINDOW SCREENS
Chapter XXXIX
STAIRS
Chapter XL
ASSOCIATED DORMITORIES

* Chapters 41 - 50

Chapter XLI
INFIRMARY WARDS
Chapter XLII
BATH ROOMS
Chapter XLIII
WATER CLOSETS
Chapter XLIV
WARD DRYING ROOMS
Chapter XLV
WATER PIPES
Chapter XLVI
DUST FLUES AND SOILED CLOTHES HOPPERS
Chapter XLVII
KITCHENS AND SCULLERIES
Chapter XLVIII
DUMB WAITERS AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD
Chapter XLIX
RAILROAD
Chapter L
HEATING AND VENTILATION

* Chapters 51 - 60

Chapter LI
AXIOMS ON HEATING AND VENTILATION
Chapter LII
HOT AIR AND VENTILATING FLUES
Chapter LIII
LIGHTING
Chapter LIV
PATIENTS' WORK ROOMS
Chapter LV
GENERAL COLLECTION ROOM
Chapter LVI
WASHING, DRYING, IRONING, AND BAKING
Chapter LVII
FARM BUILDINGS
Chapter LVIII
COST OF HOSPITALS FOR THE INSANE
Chapter LIX
DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATES
Chapter LX
DESCRIPTION OF THE FRONTISPIECE AND ITS GROUND PLAN

More to come...

CHAPTER XXVII
NATURAL VENTILATION.

ALTHOUGH a forced ventilation is deemed indispensable in every hospital for the insane, still a natural ventilation should never be neglected. In most part of the United States, during one-half the year, there is a comfort in the fresh, cool breezes which may often be made to pass through the wards, that can not be too highly estimated, and every precaution should be taken to derive full advantage from them. The darkest, most cheerless, and worst ventilated parts of such establishments, will generally be found to be where a wing joins the centre building, or where one wing comes directly in contact with another running at right angles to it. The first of these defects, however, is easily and effectually remedied, by leaving on each side an open space of ten or twelve feet, with movable glazed sash extending from near the floor to the ceiling, and which may either be accessible to the patients, or be protected by ornamental open wire work on a line with the corridor; this arrangement gives nearly every advantage of light, air, and scenery. Behind such a screen, even in the most excited wards, may be placed with entire security, the most beautiful evergreen and flowering plants, singing birds, jets of water, and various other objects, the contemplation of which can not fail to have a pleasant and soothing effect upon every class of patients. To remedy the other difficulty alluded to, instead of allowing a second wing to come directly in contact with the first, it should be placed on a parallel line, but made to recede just so far as will allow its corridor to be open at both extremities, or as much more as may be deemed desirable, and these ends should also be furnished with movable glazed sashes, terminating in a bay window, accessible to the patients, or protected and ornamented as already suggested, according to the class by which it is to be occupied, and other circumstances. If the second range of wings is placed at right angles to the first, the same arrangement is required, as that suggested where the first wing joins the centre building. I deem this mode of finish of great importance, and one of the most valuable features of the plans under notice. These open arrangements, where one ward joins another, give all possible advantages of light and air, and are infinitely preferable to structures entirely detached, which, besides being more expensive, without having compensating advantages, have many inconveniences, that must be obvious to those who are practically familiar with the management of hospitals.

The character of the ground must often decide whether the building shall be in one extended line, or whether the second or third range shall be at right angles to the first or second as the case may be. If the building is but for one sex there can be no objection to either of these, and of both plans, outlines are given.

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