Ten Days in a Mad-House; or, Nellie Bly's Experience on Blackwell's Island
By Nellie Bly
()
About this ebook
Nellie Bly
Nellie Bly (1864-1922) was an American investigative journalist. Born Elizabeth Jane Cochran in a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was raised in a family of Irish immigrants. In 1879, she attended Indiana Normal School for a year before returning to Pittsburgh, where she began writing anonymously for the Pittsburgh Dispatch. Impressed by her work, the newspaper’s editor offered her a full-time job. Writing under the pseudonym of Nellie Bly, she produced a series of groundbreaking investigative pieces on women factory workers before traveling to Mexico as a foreign correspondent, which led her to report on the arrest of a prominent Mexican journalist and dissident. Returning to America under threat of arrest, she soon left the Pittsburgh Dispatch to undertake a dangerous investigative assignment for Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World on the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island. After feigning a bout of psychosis in order to get admitted, she spent ten days at the asylum witnessing widespread abuse and neglect. Her two-part series in the New York World later became the book Ten Days in a Mad-House (1887), earning Bly her reputation as a pioneering reporter and leading to widespread reform. The following year, Bly took an assignment aimed at recreating the journey described in Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days (1873). Boarding a steamer in Hoboken, she began a seventy-two day trip around the globe, setting off a popular trend that would be emulated by countless adventurers over the next several decades. After publishing her book on the journey, Around the World in Seventy-Two Days (1890), Bly married manufacturer Robert Seaman, whose death in 1904 left Bly in charge of the Iron Clad Manufacturing Co. Despite Bly’s best efforts as a manager and inventor, her tenure ultimately resulted in the company’s bankruptcy. In the final years of her life, she continued working as a reporter covering World War I and the women’s suffrage movement, cementing her legacy as a groundbreaking and ambitious figure in American journalism.
Read more from Nellie Bly
Ten Days in a Mad-House: Feigning Insanity in Order to Reveal Asylum Horrors Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsInto The Madhouse: The Complete Reporting Surrounding Nellie Bly's Expose of the Blackwell's Island Insane Asylum Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTen Days in a Mad-House Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings10 Days in a Madhouse Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Nellie Bly Collection Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSix Months in Mexico: And Other Investigative Journalism Articles Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Complete Works of Nellie Bly Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTen Days in a Mad-House Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Six Months in Mexico Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTen Days in a Mad-House: A Story of the Intrepid Reporter Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Around the World in Seventy-Two Days Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTen Days in a Mad-House Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTen Days in a Mad-House: The Original 1887 Edition (Nellie Bly's Experience on Blackwell's Island) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings10 Days in a Madhouse Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Ten Days in a Mad House: Studies about brutality and neglect at the Women's Lunatic Asylum of the Blackwell's Island Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWomen in Journalism - The Best of Nellie Bly Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEva The Adventuress Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Mystery Of Central Park Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related to Ten Days in a Mad-House; or, Nellie Bly's Experience on Blackwell's Island
Related ebooks
Ten Days in a Mad-House: Nellie Bly's Experience on Blackwell's Island Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTen Days In a Mad-House Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTen Days in a Madhouse Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTen Days in a Mad House: Studies about brutality and neglect at the Women's Lunatic Asylum of the Blackwell's Island Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Complete Works of Nellie Bly Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTen Days in a Mad-House: A Story of the Intrepid Reporter Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Ten Days in a Mad-House: The Original 1887 Edition (Nellie Bly's Experience on Blackwell's Island) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTen Days in a Mad-House: And Other Stories Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEssential Novelists - Nellie Bly: the forerunner of Lois Lane Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHigh Sea Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAn Average Joe's Search For The Meaning Of Life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Seven Secrets Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Vampire's Soul Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Creation of the Inevitable: Volume 1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAsmodeus at Large Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDr. Nikola's Experiment Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDr. Nikola's Experiment Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDeparture Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsNotes from Underground Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Message of A Master Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTHE SEVEN SECRETS (British Murder Mystery): Whodunit Classic Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Message of a Master: The secrets of success—harnessing the power that lies within each of us Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCraving Her: Galactic Women, #1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsForbidden Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDr. Nikola's Experiment Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Modern Day Prophet: The Visible Truth Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Child With a Spiritual Eye Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Rise and Fall of Pariah Immortalis: Prequel A - Sporadic Ravings Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Classics For You
The Poisonwood Bible: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Flowers for Algernon Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Silmarillion Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Confederacy of Dunces Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Learn French! Apprends l'Anglais! THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY: In French and English Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Old Man and the Sea: The Hemingway Library Edition Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Fellowship Of The Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wuthering Heights (with an Introduction by Mary Augusta Ward) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Things They Carried Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Rebecca Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Sense and Sensibility (Centaur Classics) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Count of Monte Cristo (abridged) (Barnes & Noble Classics Series) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Mythos Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Odyssey: (The Stephen Mitchell Translation) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Master & Margarita Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Jungle: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Ulysses: With linked Table of Contents Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Little Women (Seasons Edition -- Winter) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5For Whom the Bell Tolls: The Hemingway Library Edition Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Animal Farm: A Fairy Story Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Canterbury Tales Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Master and Margarita Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Farewell to Arms Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5We Have Always Lived in the Castle Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Warrior of the Light: A Manual Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Bell Jar: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Good Man Is Hard To Find And Other Stories Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5As I Lay Dying Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Grapes of Wrath Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Related categories
Reviews for Ten Days in a Mad-House; or, Nellie Bly's Experience on Blackwell's Island
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
Ten Days in a Mad-House; or, Nellie Bly's Experience on Blackwell's Island - Nellie Bly
Nellie Bly
Ten Days in a Mad-House; or, Nellie Bly's Experience on Blackwell's Island
EAN 8596547250975
DigiCat, 2022
Contact: [email protected]
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.
CHAPTER I. A DELICATE MISSION.
CHAPTER II. PREPARING FOR THE ORDEAL.
CHAPTER III. IN THE TEMPORARY HOME.
CHAPTER IV. JUDGE DUFFY AND THE POLICE.
CHAPTER V. PRONOUNCED INSANE.
CHAPTER VI. IN BELLEVUE HOSPITAL.
CHAPTER VII. THE GOAL IN SIGHT.
CHAPTER VIII. INSIDE THE MAD-HOUSE.
CHAPTER IX. AN EXPERT(?) AT WORK.
CHAPTER X. MY FIRST SUPPER.
CHAPTER XI. IN THE BATH.
CHAPTER XII. PROMENADING WITH LUNATICS.
CHAPTER XIII. CHOKING AND BEATING PATIENTS.
CHAPTER XIV. SOME UNFORTUNATE STORIES.
CHAPTER XV. INCIDENTS OF ASYLUM LIFE.
CHAPTER XVI. THE LAST GOOD-BYE.
CHAPTER XVII. THE GRAND JURY INVESTIGATION.
Miscellaneous Sketches.
TRYING TO BE A SERVANT. MY STRANGE EXPERIENCE AT TWO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES .
Nellie Bly as a White Slave. HER EXPERIENCE IN THE ROLE OF A NEW YORK SHOP-GIRL MAKING PAPER BOXES.
INTRODUCTION.
Table of Contents
Since my experiences in Blackwell’s Island Insane Asylum were published in the World I have received hundreds of letters in regard to it. The edition containing my story long since ran out, and I have been prevailed upon to allow it to be published in book-form, to satisfy the hundreds who are yet asking for copies.
I am happy to be able to state as a result of my visit to the asylum and the exposures consequent thereon, that the City of New York has appropriated $1,000,000 more per annum than ever before for the care of the insane. So I have at least the satisfaction of knowing that the poor unfortunates will be the better cared for because of my work.
Nellie BlyTEN DAYS IN A MAD-HOUSE.
CHAPTER I.
A DELICATE MISSION.
Table of Contents
On the 22d of September I was asked by the World if I could have myself committed to one of the asylums for the insane in New York, with a view to writing a plain and unvarnished narrative of the treatment of the patients therein and the methods of management, etc. Did I think I had the courage to go through such an ordeal as the mission would demand? Could I assume the characteristics of insanity to such a degree that I could pass the doctors, live for a week among the insane without the authorities there finding out that I was only a chiel amang ’em takin’ notes?
I said I believed I could. I had some faith in my own ability as an actress and thought I could assume insanity long enough to accomplish any mission intrusted to me. Could I pass a week in the insane ward at Blackwell’s Island? I said I could and I would. And I did.
My instructions were simply to go on with my work as soon as I felt that I was ready. I was to chronicle faithfully the experiences I underwent, and when once within the walls of the asylum to find out and describe its inside workings, which are always so effectually hidden by white-capped nurses, as well as by bolts and bars, from the knowledge of the public. We do not ask you to go there for the purpose of making sensational revelations. Write up things as you find them, good or bad; give praise or blame as you think best, and the truth all the time. But I am afraid of that chronic smile of yours,
said the editor. I will smile no more,
I said, and I went away to execute my delicate and, as I found out, difficult mission.
If I did get into the asylum, which I hardly hoped to do, I had no idea that my experiences would contain aught else than a simple tale of life in an asylum. That such an institution could be mismanaged, and that cruelties could exist ’neath its roof, I did not deem possible. I always had a desire to know asylum life more thoroughly—a desire to be convinced that the most helpless of God’s creatures, the insane, were cared for kindly and properly. The many stories I had read of abuses in such institutions I had regarded as wildly exaggerated or else romances, yet there was a latent desire to know positively.
I shuddered to think how completely the insane were in the power of their keepers, and how one could weep and plead for release, and all of no avail, if the keepers were so minded. Eagerly I accepted the mission to learn the inside workings of the Blackwell Island Insane Asylum.
How will you get me out,
I asked my editor, after I once get in?
I do not know,
he replied, but we will get you out if we have to tell who you are, and for what purpose you feigned insanity—only get in.
I had little belief in my ability to deceive the insanity experts, and I think my editor had less.
All the preliminary preparations for my ordeal were left to be planned by myself. Only one thing was decided upon, namely, that I should pass under the pseudonym of Nellie Brown, the initials of which would agree with my own name and my linen, so that there would be no difficulty in keeping track of my movements and assisting me out of any difficulties or dangers I might get into. There were ways of getting into the insane ward, but I did not know them. I might adopt one of two courses. Either I could feign insanity at the house of friends, and get myself committed on the decision of two competent physicians, or I could go to my goal by way of the police courts.
NELLIE PRACTICES INSANITY AT HOME.
On reflection I thought it wiser not to inflict myself upon my friends or to get any good-natured doctors to assist me in my purpose. Besides, to get to Blackwell’s Island my friends would have had to feign poverty, and, unfortunately for the end I had in view, my acquaintance with the struggling poor, except my own self, was only very superficial. So I determined upon the plan which led me to the successful accomplishment of my mission. I succeeded in getting committed to the insane ward at Blackwell’s Island, where I spent ten days and nights and had an experience which I shall never forget. I took upon myself to enact the part of a poor, unfortunate crazy girl, and felt it my duty not to shirk any of the disagreeable results that should follow. I became one of the city’s insane wards for that length of time, experienced much, and saw and heard more of the treatment accorded to this helpless class of our population, and when I had seen and heard enough, my release was promptly secured. I left the insane ward with pleasure and regret—pleasure that I was once more able to enjoy the free breath of heaven; regret that I could not have brought with me some of the unfortunate women who lived and suffered with me, and who, I am convinced, are just as sane as I was and am now myself.
But here let me say one thing: From the moment I entered the insane ward on the Island, I made no attempt to keep up the assumed role of insanity. I talked and acted just as I do in ordinary life. Yet strange to say, the more sanely I talked and acted the crazier I was thought to be by all except one physician, whose kindness and gentle ways I shall not soon forget.
CHAPTER II.
PREPARING FOR THE ORDEAL.
Table of Contents
But to return to my work and my mission. After receiving my instructions I returned to my boarding-house, and when evening came I began to practice the role in which I was to make my debut on the morrow. What a difficult task, I thought, to appear before a crowd of people and convince them that I was insane. I had never been near insane persons before in my life, and had not the faintest idea of what their actions were like. And then to be examined by a number of learned physicians who make insanity a specialty, and who daily come in contact with insane people! How could I hope to pass these doctors and convince them that I was crazy? I feared that they could not be deceived. I began to think my task a hopeless one; but it had to be done. So I flew to the mirror and examined my face. I remembered all I had read of the doings of crazy people, how first of all they must have staring eyes, and so I opened mine as wide as possible and stared unblinkingly at my own reflection. I assure you the sight was not reassuring, even to myself, especially in the dead of night. I tried to turn the gas up higher in hopes that it would raise my courage. I succeeded only partially, but I consoled myself with the thought that in a few nights more I would not be there, but locked up in a cell with a lot of lunatics.
The weather was not cold; but, nevertheless, when I thought of what was to come, wintery chills ran races up and down my back in very mockery of the perspiration which was slowly but surely taking the curl out of my bangs. Between times, practicing before the mirror and picturing my future as a lunatic, I read snatches of improbable and impossible ghost stories, so that when the dawn came to chase away the night, I felt that I was in a fit mood for my mission, yet hungry enough to feel keenly that I wanted my breakfast. Slowly and sadly I took my morning bath and quietly bade farewell to a few of the most precious articles known to modern civilization. Tenderly I put my tooth-brush aside, and, when taking a final rub of the soap, I murmured, It may be for days, and it may be—for longer.
Then I donned the old clothing I had selected for the occasion. I was in the mood to look at everything through very serious glasses. It’s just as well to take a last fond look,
I mused, for who could tell but that the strain of playing crazy, and being shut up with a crowd of mad people, might turn my own brain, and I would