OC - that is tragic that your great great aunt was diagnosed in such a way. I'd heard of unmarried mothers being classed as moral defectives and institutionalised, but wasn't aware that people born deaf and dumb were treated in this way. I appreciate that there were different standards then, but to me it seems just cruel
For reference - 19th and early 20th century census definitions:
Imbecile: Mental age of an infant.
Idiot: Natural fool from birth.
Lunatic: Sometimes of good and sound memory and understanding, and sometimes not.
Following the Mental Deficiency Act 1913:
Idiot: Unable to guard themselves against physical danger.
Imbecile: Incapable of managing themselves or their affairs.
Feeble-minded: Needing care or control for the protection of themselves or others.
Moral defective: Those possessed of vicious or criminal propensities.
And unmarried mothers could be deemed morally defective.
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