Currently under the supervision of the Dept. of Mental Health, since 1878, Danvers State Hospital and its predecessors have been responsible for providing residential care and treatment of mentally ill persons in northeastern Massachusetts since 1878. Inpatient histories were created to record information about about patient commitment and personal history as well as periodic reports on condition. Information includes name, inpatient registration no., means of support, year no., residence, place of birth, age, occupation, and marital status of patient; place of birth of parents; previous attacks and admissions; alleged causes of attacks and diagnosis; date of admission; date of discharge/death (and autopsy no. if applicable); time in hospital; result of treatment; cause of death; address of relatives; summary of physician's certificate describing physical and mental condition at commitment; and periodic notes and observations throughout patient's stay. In some cases, autopsy reports, correspondence, or photographs are tipped in. Related information may be found in: Inpatient case files, 1878-1930 ((M-Ar)253)
