Christmas entries from the diaries of
Sir Alexander Morison (ref: MOR/1)
Sir Alexander Morison was a pioneer in psychiatric medicine and the
study and treatment of mental disease. Born and educated in Edinburgh,
he practised there for a time, but moved to London where he was inspecting
physician of lunatic asylums in Surrey from 1810. In 1832 he became
consulting physician at Hanwell Asylum and, in 1835, physician to the
famous Bethlem Hospital.
He kept diaries from 1807-1862 so for the majority of the time he
was writing Christmas was not observed as the holiday of feasting and
gift-giving that it is now. Even still, it is interesting how seldom he
even mentions it. What then did this busy doctor do at Christmas?
Tree felling…
25 Dec 1807
Took down three trees one of them measured 50 feet in length, a larch,
sold them to John Fenton. Walked to Edinburgh and dined at my brothers.
Political gossip…
25 Dec 1808
Lord Somerville and Miss Somerville dined with us. Received from Thoresby
a turkey bacon and sausages. Lord Somerville related to me the reason
of his not continuing one of the 16 Scotch Peers in Parliament.
Gambling…
25 Dec 1813
A good deal recovered from my fatigue – breakfasted with the
family wrote to Mary and my mother – dined in company with Mr
and Mrs Peploe of Herefordshire – Mrs Crosbie (Irish) and the
family. Lost 2/- at whist.
On holiday in Italy…
25 Dec 1821
Christmas day; - saw the Pope and the cardinals in the chapel of the
Palace. Service said. Margaret and Amelia obliged to go back for veils.
Saw the silver and golden image of an infant Jesus in the Church of
Santa Maggiore. Margaret and Amelia dined with me. Warm wind and rain.
And of course, still working…
25 Dec 1848
Attended Bethlem after having partaken of the Lords Supper in Vere
Street. After dinner went to Jeanie’s and Springfield – female
patients made a little dance in the evening …
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