Thread: Imbeccile From Birth

Hi



Would anyone know what was meant by this statement? Its on several census entries for my great great aunt.

Thanks



Lynne

Hi ,



This remark was a horrible thing to describe our ancestors , some who were deaf/dumb were classed as this . Slow learning problems ect. I know i havnt answered your question maybe someone can , but a interesting one.

Today we would say she had learning difficulties.

At the beginning of the 20th century the definition was 'mental age of an infant', Mental Deficiency Act 1913 defined it as 'incapable of managing themselves or their affairs'. It was regarded as a medical term at that time, not an insult as now.

Gillian

Thanks Chris and Gillian for your replies. I think what is most interesting for me was that Hannah (my great, great aunt) wasn't cared for my her parents but by her father's sister and her husband from at least the age of 4. I do wonder if she hadn't been cared by her aunt whether she would have been institutionised? In the 1901 census Hannah was 45 and still living with her aunt and uncle.

Thanks again. Lynne