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Today's Top 5
The Healing Arts: 1922
Submitted by Dave on Tue, 10/19/2010 - 2:03pm.
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Washington, D.C., 1922. "Social Hygiene exhibit. House of Detention, Women's Bureau. Clinic -- Mental and medical examinations are essential in order to make intelligent disposition of cases." National Photo glass negative. View full size.
One for Ghost Hunters?
Submitted by Across the water on Wed, 10/20/2010 - 6:23am.
If this photo were taken out of context, and the staining was not seen as affecting the photo itself, this could be a candidate for ghostly spirit heads imprinted on the wall looking at their possible point of departure from this mortal coil.
Eugenics and Stirrups
Submitted by Thad Robinson on Tue, 10/19/2010 - 8:58pm.
Involuntary sterilizations and abortions were once legally sanctioned means to toward the "intelligent disposition of cases." Considering that the Social Hygiene movement quite openly included the elimination of "racial degeneration" and "genetic defectives" among its progressive aims, there were probably quite a few unsavory operations carried out in this room.
Wonder if there were drains in the floor?
Imagine
Submitted by Anonymous Tipster on Tue, 10/19/2010 - 6:32pm.
what went on in this room -- note the stirrups on the table; the stethoscope on the table; the lidded disposal can. Medical examinations (of the women in detention) were "essential in order to make intelligent disposition of cases." That is, did they have a social disease and/or were they pregnant. One wonders what the "disposition" might have been.
Even Now
Submitted by Mr Mel on Tue, 10/19/2010 - 6:19pm.
I'm gonna guess that the great majority of inmates did not have even basic health care outside the Jailhouse. At least the Department of Corrections Doctor was a step in the right direction. Amazing that to this day some prisoners are getting better care than their families on the outside.
Can't help it; house of horrors!
Submitted by Margo on Tue, 10/19/2010 - 5:00pm.
I am sure this was typical for the time period, but I think it would make a GREAT set for a horror movie. Even the stirrups have a sinister appearance. Yikes, where's the garlic and the holy water?
I hope those spots
Submitted by Anonymous Tipster on Tue, 10/19/2010 - 4:19pm.
are on the picture, and not the sheets!
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Today's Top 5