Ireland on Idiocy

This is a large book on a subject which is forcing itself gradually and pertinaciously, not only upon the notice of the profession, but also upon that of the legislature. The sympathies of mankind are strongly manifested towards the helpless-ever-childlike, for asylum after asylum is raised and fostered as this great social skeleton of idiocy unshrouds itself; and thus practical benevolence, leading to scientific treatment, is yearly developing in their behalf. And this truly earnest desire to aid the idiot has brought its reward, not only in the increased comforts, better education, and happiness of the class, but also in stimulating research into the causes and treatment of this great incubus on humanity. Most people who may take up