Research

Scope and Content Note

The series consists of a relatively small number of medical certificates, petitions, lunacy orders, and other forms containing patient information which document the process used to commit patients for care at the New York City Asylum for the Insane (and its successor, the Manhattan State Hospital). The types and form of information given in the process changed over time.

Admission documentation typically includes patient name; address; color; place of birth; age; marital status; height; weight; eye and hair color; occupation; religion; education level; occupation of father; occupation of spouse; temperate (yes/no); hereditary (other family members mental issues); history of previous attacks, treatment, and hospitalizations; physical and mental condition on admission; synopsis of case; names of father, mother, and other interested parties.

Attached 'Certificates of Lunacy' include summary information concerning, physical and mental condition, name of court of record, name of asylum, and signature of judge ordering commitment. Also included are references number and page of relevant case book, date of certificate, approval date, name of receiving institution, date of admission, consecutive (case) number, number committed for the year, and legal status (whether indigent, public, or private).