Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital Order and Commitment Books B1753

Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital Order and Commitment Books

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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 certificates of lunacy, medical certificates, forms, petitions, and case histories documenting the process used to commit people to the Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital. Early commitment orders include name, case number, address or residence, occupation, and by whom brought. The physician's certificates include a brief statement of symptoms. Indigent patients are noted. Name indexes appear at the front of each volume. There is no information for 1890-1892. Records are restricted.

Creator:

Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital (N.Y.)

Title:

Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital order and commitment books

Quantity:

2.5 cubic feet

5 volumes

Inclusive Dates:

1885-1893

Series Number:

B1753

Arrangement

Chronological.

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of certificates of lunacy, medical certificates, forms, petitions, and case histories which document the process used to commit people for care at the Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital. These formats are bound-in with printed forms. Information included varies over time. The earliest commitment orders contain the following information: name, case number, address or residence, occupation, and by whom brought. Formal orders of commitment are signed by two physicians and, if a patient is indigent, the Superintendent of the Poor.

The volumes usually contain handwritten transcriptions of the physician's Certificate of Lunacy. Certificates include a brief statement of symptoms. Around 1892, format changes slightly; Certificates of Lunacy refer to numbered questionnaires which can be found in the Hospital's published reports. Name indexes can be found at the front of each volume. Indigent patients are noted in red pen or in a separate section at the rear of volumes. Volumes 4 and 5 (1890 -1892) are missing.

Other Finding Aids

Available at Repository

Name indexes are included at the front of each volume

Volume list is available at the repository.

Custodial History

This series was transferred from the Middletown Psychiatric Center to the State Archives in June 2000 and accessioned in January 2001.

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 of Mental Health.