A pamphlet with a pale green cover. There is an ornate but delicate black border and shows the title of the publication: Prevention of Insanity by Gershom H. Hill, MD. Superintendent of Iowa Hospital for Insane, at Independence. Published by request of Io

Gershom H. Hill, M.D. Prevention of Insanity. Iowa State Medical Society, 1889. Courtesy of the State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.

From the exhibit:

Language evolves over time, reflecting shifts in understanding and attitudes. Some outdated terms seen throughout the exhibition were commonly used to describe psychological conditions and practices related to mental health. As society’s knowledge about mental health continues to advance, it is crucial that language reflects this progress. Compassionate and person-centered language can help create an environment of understanding, support, and inclusivity for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Do the titles of these publications from Iowa’s past show progress over time? 

From co-curator Brad Ferrier:
“There were many more publications of this nature that were not included in the exhibit because of space constraints. It was interesting to see and hear the language used in these historic pamphlets and brochures. They were works written for the public or by doctors for other medical professionals, and are academic in nature. I know that it is not uncommon to see out-of-date language used in the context of an exhibition, but it is still troublesome.”

Additional historic publications, courtesy of the State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City:

A brown pamphlet cover showing the title and author. It says: The Care of the Insane in Iowa. By Forest C. Ensign. Reprinted from the Bulletin of the Iowa State Institutions. Iowa City, Iowa. 1900.

Forest C. Ensign, The Care of the Insane in Iowa. Reprinted from the Bulletin of Iowa State Institutions. Iowa City, 1900. Courtesy of the State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.

 

A buff pamphlet cover showing only text which says A Mental Hygiene Program for Iowa, Marcel Heiman, MD. New York, New York. Reprinted from the Iowa State Medical Society, June issue, 1944

Marcel Heiman, M.D. A Mental Hygiene Program for Iowa. Journal of the Iowa State Medical Society, June 1944. Courtesy of the State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.