Syracuse State School Hereditary Analysis of Applicants for Admission B1645

Syracuse State School Hereditary Analysis of Applicants for Admission

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Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:

This series consists of a heredity analysis of applicants to the Syracuse State School. Most 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. Entries include name, date, age, county and application status. Pre-1928 entries also include patient and parental nativity, health conditions of parents and other relatives and remarks. The volume, arranged chronologically by application date, includes county and name indexes. Records are restricted.

Creator:

Syracuse State School

Title:

Syracuse State School hereditary analysis of applicants for admission

Quantity:

0.7 cubic feet

(1 volume)

Inclusive Dates:

1912-1931

Series Number:

B1645

Arrangement

Chronological by date application received.

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.

Related Material

B1647 Admission, Discharge, Death, and Transfer Records, contains similar information in Subseries 1 and 2.

Other Finding Aids

Available at Repository

The volume has both an alphabetical name index and an alphabetical county index.

Access Restrictions

Restricted in accordance with Mental Hygiene Law, Section 33.13, relating to confidentiality of clinical records. Access is permitted under certain conditions upon approval by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.