ANNOUNCEMENT 
or TUB 
PSYCHOPATHIC RETREAT, 
AN INSTITUTION FOB THE TREATMENT OF 
MENTAL AND NERVOUS DISEASES, 
UNDER THE SUPERINTENDENCE Or 
EDWARD MEAD, M. D., 
MEMBER OF TUI MAM A CIITT SETTS AND THE OHIO STATE MEDICAL SOCIETIES; 
LATE PROFESSOR OF INSANITY AND MEDICAL JURISPRUDENCE IN TUB 
CINCINNATI COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY, FORMERLY 
OF OBSTETRICS AND DISEASES OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN 
IN THE SAME| AND OF MATERIA MEDIOA AND 
THERAPEUTICS IN THE MEDICAL DEPART- 
MENT OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE. 
BOSTON: 
W. F BROWN & CO., PRINTER8, 50 BROMFIELD ST. 
1874. The only institution of the kind within the limits of Boston, 
authorized by the Governor and Council of Masachusetts ; 
and amenable to the laws governing public institutions, in re- 
gard to the admission of patients and official supervision. 
No patient admitted for a shorter period than three months. 
A bond is required for the payment of expenses for that length 
of time, unless the patient is sooner restored. 
Visiting days Wednesdays and thursdays from 2 to 4 P. M. PSYCHOPATHIC RETREAT. 
Tiie need of a well organized and well conducted 
private institution for the care and treatment of persons 
afflicted with mental and nervous diseases, where spe- 
cial arrangements can be made, is very generally felt 
and acknowledged. Although provision has been made 
on a liberal scale, by the establishment of public hospi- 
tals, the extent of accommodations is still inadequate 
to the need. 
There are, moreover, persons suffering from certain 
forms and degrees of mental disturbance, for whose 
care and restoration to health the ordinary restraints of 
a public hospital are not necessary ; yet where tempo- 
rary removal from home to a suitable retreat in which 
home-like arrangements are preserved, is indispensable 
to a speedy recovery : again, friends sometimes prefer 
to place the afflicted members of their families in charge 
of some competent medical adviser, who has availed 
himself of opportunities of culture in the requirements 
of this specialty, and whose personal supervision is lim- 
ited to a few cases, enabling him to give more attention 
to each than is practicable in crowded wards. 
Nervous diseases, so nearly related to those of the 
brain, are also often embarrassing to the practitioner, 
as well as annoying to friends, for want of a proper 
combination of hygienic and curative influences besides 
mere medication. Complicated as they generally are, with chronic functional disturbance of some kind, they 
can only be controlled by the aid of sanitary and moral 
agencies beyond the reach of ordinary domestic regula- 
tions. 
Oinomania or Dipsomania—the disease of intemper- 
ance—is frequently the result rather than the cause of 
brain disease ; and when treated in accordance with the 
dictates of modern science and enlightened humanity, 
experience has proved its curability. 
Uterine displacements, which have been observed to 
be a prolific source of mental disturbance, and certain 
abnormal conditions of the menstrual function, origina- 
ting in a variety of causes, characterized by extreme 
sympathetic nervous reaction, constitute a class of cases 
which need temporary retirement from the harassing ex- 
citement of familiar scenes. 
To supply these needs an institution has been estab- 
lished within the present limits of the city of Boston, 
yet with all the advantage of retirement beyond the con- 
fusion of public thoroughfares, and organized with ref- 
erence to the practical application of the most efficient 
psychopathic means. 
It is situated on Seaver street, Roxbury, near the in- 
tersection of Walnut Avenue. The building is a first 
class dwelling erected in the Italian style, with spacious 
apartments, formerly occupied by Gen. Horace Binney 
Sargent. The locality is elevated, affording command- 
ing views of the adjacent country, free from miasmatic 
effluvia, enbracing in its surroundings a salubrious at- 
mosphere and the highest sanitary conditions. The 
grounds are laid out with cultivated taste, in accordance 
with the principles of landscape gardening, adorned with 
a variety of ornamental trees and shrubbery, lawns for croquet, games of ball, and other out-of-door exercises. 
Music, a library, current periodical reading matter, and 
parlor games afford in-door recreation and amusement. 
Medicated as well as ordinary baths form a part of the 
therapeutic resources. 
It is within a short distance of two lines of street rail- 
road, viz : Grove Hall station in one direction, and 
Egleston Square in another, thus affording convenient 
access to the intellectual privileges, social and religious 
assemblies, concerts, lectures, theatrical entertainments, 
museums and other advantages to be had in the city of 
Boston ; all of which can be made available in the treats 
ment of the various forms of mental and nervous maladies 
during the period of convalescence. 
The institution is under the immediate superinten- 
dence of Edward Mead M. I)., late Professor of 
Insanity and Medical Jurisprudence, formerly of Ob- 
stetrics and Diseases of Women and Children, and of 
other branches in some of the western Colleges. Dr. 
M. has devoted a large part of thirty years to the study, 
practice and teaching of this specialty, including eigh- 
teen years’ experience in the management of two similar 
institutions, with extensive practical observation in the 
hospitals and asylums in this country and Europe, and 
the delivery of ten courses of lectures to medical classes 
and before medical societies. Appended hereto will be 
found a number of testimonials from experts in the spe- 
cialty, Professors in Medical Colleges, and other per- 
sons of distinction, which, although given for another 
purpose, are here presented in order to assure those 
who desire to place their afflicted friends under treat- 
ment, that they will have the benefit of kindly care and 
a large professional experience. TESTIMONIALS. 
From His Excellency R. B. Hayes, Governor of Ohio. 
State of Ohio, Executive Department. 
Columbus, Oct. 29 1868. 
Dr. Edward Mead of Cincinnati, Ohio, is known to me per- 
sonally and by reputation. The care and cure of the insane 
has been his specialty for many years; and he is no doubt a 
perfectly competent physician to take charge of an Asylum, and 
administer its affairs. I therefore commend his claims and 
merits &c. 
From Hon. Charles F. Wilstach, Mayor of Cincinnati. 
Mayor’s Office, Dec. 31 1868. 
To WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: 
The bearer of this letter, Dr. Edw’d Mead of this city, is here- 
by recommended to all with whom he may have business rela- 
tions, as a gentleman worthy of the fullest confidence. The 
Doctor’s specialty is the management of Insane Asylums, in 
which he has had much experience. 
From Hon. Bellamy Storer, Judge of the Superior Court, 
Cincinnati; Professor in the Law School; formerly Member of 
Congress. Dated Oct. 30 1868. 
Dr. Edward Mead is a highly esteemed member of the medi- 
cal profession in this city, and has had large experience in th« TESTIMONIALS. 
management of the insane. His lectures upon the treatment of 
the insane, and all forms of disease connected with the mental 
faculties, nave been well received, and are appreciated by all 
who have read them. I have no doubt of his competency and 
entire fitness to superintend a Lunatic Asylum. 
From Hon. Geo. Hoadley, Professor in the Cincinnati Law 
School, formerly a Judge of the Superior Court. Dated Dec. 
31 1868. 
This is to certify that I have known Dr. Edward Mead for 
many years. He is a gentleman of high social and personal 
standing; esteemed by all who know Tiim. llis professional 
brethren are better qualified than I, to speak of his profes- 
sional standing; but I may properlj' say that lie is reputed to 
be a physician and surgeon of great skill; especially qualified 
by experience and study, for the treatment of the insane. 
I cheerfully recommend him to all who know me, as worthy 
of the highest confidence. 
From John Davis M. P., of the Medical Staff of the Cincin- 
nati Hospital; President of the Academy ot Medicine; member 
of the Board of Commissioners of Benevolent Institutions. Da- 
ted Dec. 30 1808. 
Dr. Edward Mead has made the study of Insanity his special- 
ty for many years; and I do not know any one that I regard as 
his superior in knowledge on this subject. He is very unassum- 
ing in his address, but bold when boldness is required in any 
work entrusted to his charge; and always thorough. 
If appointed superintendent of your institution, I have no 
doubt he will give you eminent satisfaction. 
Note. Drs. Davis and Mead were in the same class in 1840. 
From John II. Tate M. P., Professor of Obstetrics and Dis- 
eases of Women and Children in the Cincinnati College of Med- 
icine and Surgery; the same chair occupied by Dr. Mead in 
1851-2 and for two subsequent sessions. Dated Dec. 31 18G8. 
I graduated in the same class with Dr. Edw'd Mead, and 
have known him personally and professionally for many years. 
Insanity is his hobhy; lie lias given more attention to this sub- 
ject than any man 1 know; lias already had the management 
of Institutions for the Insane; and is in my opinion, thoroughly 
qualified to take charge of such an institution. 
By conferring an appointment on such a man, you will benefit 
alike the insane, and a most worthy member of the profession. testimonials. 
From W. W. Dawson M. D., Surgeon to the Cincinnati Hos- 
pital ; late Professor of Anatomy in the Medical College of Ohio. 
Dated Dec. 31 1868. 
Dr. Edward Mead of this city has made Insanity a special 
study for years, and I think he has few superiors in that depart- 
ment, in the United States. 
N. Foster M. D. says “I fully concur in the above.” 
From M. B. Wright M. D., Professor of Obstetrics in the 
Medical College of Ohio, addressed to Dr. Mead. 
I have known you from boyhood. In your specialty you 
have manifested great zeal; and so far as I am capable of 
judging, your knowledge of Insanity and its treatment comes 
up fully to the times. Added to this, you have had ample ob- 
servation and experience. 
In another letter Prof. W. writes, “From my knowledge of 
your professional attainments, yon are abundantly qualilied to 
discharge the duties that belong to the superintendent of a Lu- 
natic Asylum. With my best wishes for your success, &c.” 
From Geo. Mendenhall M. D., Professor of Obstetrics in 
the Miami Medical College; President of the American Medical 
Association. Dated Dec. 31 1868. 
Dr. Mead has been in charge of institutions of the kind, and 
has had considerable experience in that way. It would be 
gratifying to his friends to hear of his appointment. 
From Win. Clendenin M. D., Health Officer, Cincinnati; Pro- 
fessor of Military Surgery in the Miami Medical College. 
I beg respectfully to suggest for your consideration, the name 
of Dr. Edward Mead of this city. Dr. Mead is an educated gen- 
tleman, and has had quite a large expei’ience in the treatment 
of the insane, and as superintendent of Insane Asylums; and 
he would in my opinion, readily adapt himself to, and properly 
manage your institution. 
From Edward B. Stevens M. D., Editor of the “Lancet and 
ObserverProfessor of Materia Medica in the Miami Medical 
College. 
I have known Dr. E. Mead of this city for many years. He stands among our well known physicians. He has for a lon«» 
time given particular attention to the subject of Insanity, and 
the care of the insane. 
I understand that you desire to select a proper person to 
take charge of your Asylum, and it atlbrds me a great deal of 
pleasure to commend to your favorable regards Dr. Edward 
Mead. 
TESTIMONIALS. 
From W. II. Mussey M. D., Professor of Surgery In the Mi- 
ami Medical College. 
I have known Edward Mead M. D. for many years. lie has 
given especial attention to the Literature of Insanity, and to the 
practical care of the insane. His industry, character, attain- 
ments and position in the profession, entitle him to distin- 
guished consideration. 
From W. F. Tibbals M. D., addressed to F. Howard M. D. 
Washington City. 
Permit me to present my friend Dr. Mead of this city. He is 
quite an eminent man in the west in the specialty of Insanity. 
He is on a visit to the eastern Institutions. 
From John F. Whit* M. D., late Professor of the Theory 
and Practice of Medioine in the Miami Medical College. 
It gives me pleasure to commend Dr. E. Mead as a medical 
gentleman, fitted by nature, acquirements and experience, to 
take charge of an Asylum for the Insane. 
From the late L. M. Lawson M. D., Professor in the Transyl- 
vania University, Lexington, Ky.; and In the Medical College 
of Ohio; founder of the Western Lancet, and author of a Trea- 
tise on Phthisis Pulmonalis.—Extract from a letter addressed 
to the late Governor Wkight of Indiana, afterwards U. !3. Min- 
ister to Prussia. Dated April 3 1857. 
Permit me to introduce to you Dr. Edward Mead of this city, 
who visits Indianapolis for the purpose of inquiring into the 
condition of your Lunatic Asylum. 
I)r. Mead is now, and has been for years engaged in treating 
Insanity; and it is my opinion that his qualifications in that de- 
partmeht, are not surpassed (if equalled) by any physician in 
the western country. TESTIMONIALS. 
The undersigned, Physicians of Cincinnati, being personally 
nequainted with Dr. Mead, cordially recommend him as a gen- 
tleman peculiarly fitted, from long study and experience, to 
take charge of a Hospital for the Insane. 
Geo. C. Blackman 
James Graham 
B. F. Richardson 
[Professors in Medical College of Ohio.] 
Thomas Carrol 
Fred’k Roelker 
W. H. Mussey .. Miami Medical College. 
.. Cincinnati College of Medicine 
and Surgery. 
Geo. Fries M. D. 
David Judkins M. D. 
We the undersigned, Physicians of Cincinnati, placing confi- 
dence in the honesty, integrity and professional ability of our 
friend and colleague Dr. Edward Mead, (particularly in the 
specialty of Insanity) do respectfully recommend him as a suit>- 
able person for superintendent of an Insane Asylum. 
P. S. Conner, [Professor of Chemistry, Med. Coll, of Ohio.] 
W. F. Tibbals. 
W. H. MeREYNOLDS. 
John Davis. 
I. S. Dodge. 
T. J. Peale. 
W. B. Davis. 
Cha’s Woodward. 
E. Morgan. 
M. Cassat. 
Note. A similar testimonial signed by twenty one others, 
including the prominent German Physicians, is now in Wash- 
ington city. 
From Isaac Kay M. D., Author of the Medical Jurispru- 
dence of Insanity,” and “Mental Hygiene,” formerly Superin- 
tendent of the Butler Hospital for the Insane, and of the Maine 
Insane Hospital. 
Our progress in this branch of the healing art would have 
been much greater than it has, had not so many been appointed 
to the charge of hospitals, whose merits consisted of any thing 
rather than high professional attainments. 
For the good of the cause, therefore, and the honor of the 
country, I hope that Dr. Mead’s claims will be allowed to have 
all the weight to which they are eminently entitled. 
From the late Luther V. Bell M. D., President of the 
Massachusetts Medical Society, and for twenty years Superin- 
tendent of the McLean Asylum, Somerville, near Boston. Da- 
ted June 19 1860. 
I became acquainted with Dr. Edward Mead some fifteen testimonials. 
years since, at one of the annual meetings of the Association of 
Insane Hospital Superintendents. 1 formed, in common, I be- 
lieve, with the other members, a high estimate of Dr. M’s men- 
tal powers, professional attainments, and decided taste for this 
special department of the medical profession. 
The knowledge I have since had of his pursuits, and a recent 
opportunity of renewing my personal acquaintance, have cor- 
roborated my conviction, that he has gifts, qualifications and 
experience, which ought not to be lost to the community, in 
their application to the charge of some of our public institutions 
for the insane. 
1 should be happy, from the interest I must ever retain in a 
great cause, to hear that you had called him into your service. 
From Clement A. Walker M. D., Superintendent of the 
Boston Lunatic Hospital. 
I have known him [Dr. Mead] long and well by reputation 
and somewhat by personal acquaintance, and I think I cannot 
be mistaken in my knowledge and estimation of him. His rep- 
utation (among the members of our specialty) for thorough 
knowledge and skill in this most dillicult branch of our profes- 
sion, has for years been an enviable one. 
Should you place your hospital in his charge, he will carry 
into your service a clear head, a warm heart, and an untiring1 
energy. 
The following paper was drawn up at the annual meeting of 
the Association to which it refers, held In June 1869. 
The undersigned, members of the Association of Superintend- 
ents of American Institutions for the Insane, having known Dr. 
Edward Mead personally, and by reputation for many years, 
consider him to be eminently litted by study and experience, to 
take charge of an institution for the insane. 
Isaac Hay, [Late Superintendent of the Butler Hospital for 
the Insane, Providence, R. I. 
JonN Curwen, Superintendent of the Pa. State Hospital, 
for the Insane, Harrisburg, Pa. 
Clement A. WALKfcR, .. Boston Lunatic Hospital. 
Thomas S. Kirkbride, .. Pennsylvania Hospital for the 
Insane, Philadelphia. 
D. T. Brown, .. Bloomingdale Asylum, N. York. 
C. H. Nichols, .. Gov’t Hospital, Washington City. 
John S. Butler, .. Hartford Retreat. 
John P. Gray, .. N. Y. State Lunatic Asylum. 
John E. Tyler, .. McLean Asylum, Boston. TESTIMONIALS. 
From Pliny Earle M. D., Superintendent of the Northamp- 
ton Lunatic Hospital. 
Although my personal acquaintance with Dr. Edward Mead 
has been but slight, I have known him many years by reputa- 
tion. I have regarded him as not only well versed in the treat- 
ises upon insanity, but as having a particular taste for that spe- 
cialty, and therefore likely, if engaged in it, to devote himself 
with all his ability to its duties. 
From H. M. IIarlow M. D., Superintendent of the Maine In- 
sane Hospital. 
I have known Dr. Mead for several years past, and believe 
him to be a man well qualified to have charge of the insane. 
He has made the subject of insanity a study for many years, 
and has had quite an extended experience in the treatment of 
the disease; which with his natural mental qualities, render him 
much more suitable for the position of superintendent than one 
who has had little or no training for the specialty. 
Should your board see fit to elect him to the office, I feel con- 
fident that you -will not have cause to regret the appointment. 
From John E. Tyler M. D.. Superintendent of the McLean 
Asylum, Boston. 
Your experience in the study and treatment of Insanity has 
been very large, and I have no doubt but you would fill the of- 
fice of Superintendent to the entire satisfaction of the Trustees, 
and of their community; and I should be pleased to welcome 
you back into the ranks of the active members of our Associa- 
tion.