Research

Scope and Content Note

This manuscript volume is a "heredity analysis" of those applying for admission to the Syracuse State School from (fiscal) years 1912 through 1931. Records cover applications filed from October 1915 through July 1931. The bulk of entries include multigenerational data on mental conditions or predisposition to "feeble-mindedness" as well as remarks on individual or family medical history or living conditions.

Pre-1928, entries show applicant name, date, age, and county; "disposal" of application (filed, accepted, rejected); why rejected (usually an age limitation); numbers of children in the family (birth number, total, number of feeble-minded or "No. F.M."); nativity (of child, father, mother); health condition of father (e.g., "alcoholic," "cripple," "deserted family"); condition of mother ("healthy," "feeble-minded," "very immoral"); condition of other relatives ("maternal aunt insane," "grandfather intemperate"); and remarks ("parents very poor," "ap. had polio").

For applications received after 1928 only applicant name, date, age, county, and application "disposal" information is present.

An alphabetical name index at the fore of the volume gives a page reference to the patient's entry. An alphabetical county index at the end of the volume shows applicant name, date accepted, date rejected (often "cancelled"), and date admitted.