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Imbecile 1871

ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Chrispynoodle

Chrispynoodle Report 24 Mar 2006 09:25

Anyone know the definition of an imbecile c 1871?

East Point

East Point Report 24 Mar 2006 09:28

It probably means of low intelligence or Downs Syndrome. Stella

Jess Bow Bag

Jess Bow Bag Report 24 Mar 2006 09:31

someone with less than average ability, ranges from totally gaga (!)to someone we would consider just slow

Chrispynoodle

Chrispynoodle Report 24 Mar 2006 09:35

There were special definitions of diffferent levels of mental illness which are not relevant now. Just wondered if anyone knew what they were in 1871

Porkie_Pie

Porkie_Pie Report 24 Mar 2006 09:37

here you go, A stupid or silly person; a dolt. A person whose mental acumen is well below par. A person of moderate to severe mental retardation having a mental age of from three to seven years and generally being capable of some degree of communication and performance of simple tasks under supervision. The term belongs to a classification system no longer in use and is now considered offensive

East Point

East Point Report 24 Mar 2006 09:39

People who had a mental illness were labelled 'Lunatic'. Stella

Liberty64

Liberty64 Report 24 Mar 2006 09:41

Try this site.. www.visionofbritain.org.uk/ once there click on census reports on the right hand side of the page, then click on 'guide to census reports', from the list click on.... 'physical and mental infirmity' 1851 - 1911 Lib

J

J Report 24 Mar 2006 09:41

Try reading this web page www.sochealth*co*uk/history/imbecile.htm Change * to . Julie

Porkie_Pie

Porkie_Pie Report 24 Mar 2006 09:43

Lunatic, Suffering from lunacy; insane. Of or for the insane. Wildly or giddily foolish: a lunatic decision. Characterized by lunacy or eccentricity.