A Psychiatric Milestone

A Psychiatric Milestone: Bloomingdale Hospital Centenary, 1821-1921 is a comprehensive historical account commemorating the first hundred years of Bloomingdale Hospital, one of America’s earliest and most influential psychiatric institutions. Authored to mark the centenary of the hospital’s founding, the book offers a detailed chronicle of the evolution of mental health care in the United States, using Bloomingdale as a central case study. It traces the hospital’s origins from its establishment by the Society of the New York Hospital in 1821, through its early years in Manhattan, to its relocation to White Plains, New York, in 1889. The narrative delves into the shifting philosophies and practices in psychiatric treatment, highlighting the transition from custodial care to more humane and scientific approaches. It profiles the visionaries, physicians, and administrators who shaped the institution, including Dr. Pliny Earle and Dr. Charles L. Dana, and discusses the hospital’s pioneering role in patient care, research, and advocacy for the mentally ill. The book also explores the architectural and landscape developments of the hospital grounds, the daily lives of patients and staff, and the broader social and legislative context influencing mental health care during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Richly illustrated with photographs, portraits, and facsimiles of historical documents, A Psychiatric Milestone provides a vivid window into the challenges and achievements of psychiatric medicine over a transformative century. It stands as both a tribute to Bloomingdale Hospital’s enduring legacy and a valuable resource for historians, medical professionals, and anyone interested in the history of mental health care.