Madness to Mental Illness: A History of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
Thomas Bewley
This readable text presents the long-awaited first comprehensive
history of the Royal College of Psychiatrists as an organisation,
from its creation as the Association of Medical Officers of
Asylums and Hospitals for the Insane in 1841, its development
through various name changes and the receipt of two charters, to
become the present Royal College as we know it today.
As a former President of the College from
1984-7, Dr Bewley also gives an overview of the fascinating
developments in British psychiatry and its sub-specialties over the
past two centuries. Further, more specific activities are also
detailed, such as the formation of the research unit, the College
publishing programme of journals and books, and the growth in
facilities now provided including the library and information
service.
The book contains a collection of
photographs in a glossy centre section.
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"Dr Bewley has written a well-structured account that will be of
interest to all those working in psychiatry and the related
professions."
Journal of Public Mental Health
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"The title, and especially the sub-title, of this book does not
do it justice. Detailed and fascinating ... a most enjoyable,
beautifully written book."
Retired Fellows Society Newsletter (Royal
Society of Medicine)
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"The online material is fascinating, and some
highly entertaining. Having the archive online allows the book to
flow easily so that it is a joy to read. The work, a fund of
information, is beautifully produced, elegant and neat. Buy
it."
Irish
Psychiatrist
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"Although this book has been written for
psychiatrists there is much in it that should be of interest to all
those who are involved in any way with people with mental ill
health. ...The moral from this book is that society must care
better for all those disadvantaged by mental disorders."
Prof Sheila Hollins, RCPsych President
2005-08
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Related Online Archives
Additional material was gathered by the author
during the writing of this book that was not published in the final
print version. This consists of some biographies, reference
material and papers which expand on many of the accounts in the
book, giving much greater detail.
These documents are presented in an electronic
format in our Madness to Mental Illness: A History of the Royal
College of Psychiatrists Online
Archives
Contents
Introduction
- Historical background 1780–1840
- Association of Medical Officers of Asylums and
Hospitalsfor the Insane 1841–1865
- The Medico–Psychological Association - The early
years (1866–1900)
- The Medico–Psychological Association- The later years (1901–1925)
- The Royal Medico–Psychological Association
1926–1967
- The Royal Medico–Psychological Association
1968–1972
- The Royal College of Psychiatrists 1972–2005
- Treasurers and finances of the College and its
antecedents 1841–2001
- Development of specialties
- Association and College research and the College
Research Unit
- Education and training of nurses
- Doctors and medical students – education, training
and examination
- Journals and other College publications
- The library and information service
- Premises
Epilogue