Research


Scope and Content Note

This series consists of bound copies of "The Opal," a monthly literary newsletter edited by the patients at the State Lunatic Asylum at Utica. The newsletter contains poems, essays, news articles, correspondence, and editorials on national and local events and subjects. Subjects and themes are mostly social, literary, religious, and political. Some topics are covered in a humorous or satirical manner. Some material includes information on currently held theories and attitudes concerning mental illness.

Volume One contains a few pieces of original art work.