Conolly Norman facts for kids
Conolly Norman was an important Irish doctor who helped people with mental health issues in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He was known as an "alienist," which was an old name for a psychiatrist. He managed some of Ireland's biggest hospitals for mental health. The most famous one was the Richmond District Lunatic Asylum. Today, this hospital is called St. Brendan's Hospital.
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Who Was Conolly Norman?
Conolly Norman was born on March 12, 1853. His family lived in a place called All Saints' Glebe in Newtown Cunningham, County Donegal, Ireland. He was the fifth of six boys. His father, Hugh Norman, was a church leader (a rector).
His family was well-known and active in politics in Derry. Several family members became mayor of Derry. Two of his relatives were even elected to parliament, which is like being a member of Congress.
How Did He Become a Doctor?
Conolly was taught at home when he was young because he wasn't very strong. When he was seventeen, he started studying medicine. He went to Trinity College, Dublin, the Carmichael Medical School, and the Richmond Surgical Hospital. He earned a medical degree (M.D.).
In 1874, he became a licensed doctor with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. He became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1878. Later, in 1890, he became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians.
His Early Career
After finishing his studies in 1874, Norman immediately started working. He became an assistant medical officer at the Monaghan District Lunatic Asylum. He stayed there until 1880.
Then, he joined the staff of the Bethlem Royal Hospital in London. There, he worked with a famous English alienist named Sir George Savage.
In 1882, he returned to Ireland. He was appointed the main doctor (Resident Medical Superintendent) of Castlebar District Lunatic Asylum in County Mayo. He stayed there until 1885. After that, he became the main doctor at the Monaghan Asylum again.
In 1886, a high-ranking official called the Lord Lieutenant appointed him to a very important role. He became the Resident Medical Superintendent of Ireland's largest asylum, the Richmond District Lunatic Asylum. He worked in this important position until he passed away in 1908. He was fifty-five years old.
Improving Mental Healthcare
When Conolly Norman arrived at the Richmond asylum, it was already a well-known place. His predecessor, John Lalor, had started a school for patients there. This was a very advanced idea at the time.
Conolly Norman continued to improve the care for patients. By 1904, he believed that some mental health conditions, like what was then called "dementia praecox" (which is now often linked to schizophrenia), were not always incurable. This was an important idea. It meant that doctors could work to help patients get better, not just manage their condition. He was part of a group of doctors who wanted to reform and improve mental healthcare.
See also
- St. Brendan's Hospital (Grangegorman)
