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
1. Historical
background 1780–1840
2. Association of Medical Officers of Asylums and Hospitals for the
Insane 1841–1865
3. The Medico–Psychological Association - The early years
(1866–1900)
4. The Medico–Psychological Association-
The later years (1901–1925)
5. The Royal Medico–Psychological Association 1926–1967
6. The Royal Medico–Psychological Association 1968–1972
7. The Royal College of Psychiatrists 1972–2005
8. Treasurers and finances of the College and its antecedents
1841–2001
9. Development of specialties
10. Association and College research and the College Research
Unit
11. Education and training of nurses
12. Doctors and medical students – education, training and
examination
13. Journals and other College publications
14. The library and information service
15. Premises
Epilogue