Research

Scope and Content Note

B1558-97: This accretion contains of records relating to bindery and printing work done at the State Lunatic Asylum (later Utica State Hospital). The earliest volume (1850-1854) contains transcripts of outgoing correspondence largely addressed to subscribers, editors, and contributors to the "American Journal of Insanity." Subjects include topics and scheduling of articles for publication; submission and corrections of proofs; requests for articles or notices; and billing for copies sent. Other topics of correspondence include subscriptions to "The Opal" (a publication by the patients of Utica State Hospital), and requests for reprints of previously published material.

Two volumes of printing accounts (1902-1911) are divided into accounts for each state hospital which list (by date) items or services purchased from the bindery, with prices. Items purchased include letterhead, blank forms, blank records books, and other office supplies. Services include repairing and binding of books.

Two order books (1908-1936) contain records of items ordered by other state hospitals from the Utica State Hospital bindery. The books contain sections for each state hospital with lists, by date, of items ordered and (sometimes) costs. The variety of items listed include numerous medical and scientific journals, as well as blank ledgers, record books, paper supplies, and printed forms.

B1558-97A: This accretion consists of incoming correspondence concerning the "American Journal of Insanity" (1877-1883). Topics include submissions of manuscripts and advertisements, billing for subscriptions, and requests for back issues and reprints of articles.

B1558-98: This accretion consists of correspondence with several state hospitals regarding requests, descriptions, and price quotations for bindery services; orders and prices for office supplies; clarifications of orders; instructions for binding; and lists of material to be bound.