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'The first gathering of the idiotic family was a spectacle unique in itself, sufficiently discouraging to the most resolved, and not to be forgotten in after-time by any. It was a period of distraction, disorder, and noise of the most unnatural character. Some had defective sight; most had defective or no utterance; most were lame in limb or muscle; and all were of weak and perverted mind. Some had been spoiled, some neglected, and some ill-used. Some were clamorous and rebellious; some were sullen and perverse; and some unconscious and inert. Some were screaming at the top of the voice; some making constant and involuntary noises from nervous irritation; and some, terrified at scorn and ill-treatment, hid themselves in a corner from the face of man, as the face of an enemy. Windows were smashed, wainscoting broken, boundaries defied; and the spirit of mischief and disobedience prevailed. It seemed as though nothing less than the accommodation of a prison would meet the wants of such a family. Some who witnessed the scene retired from it in disgust, and others in dispair. How very different the impression is at present many can testify. Here is now order, obedience to authority, classification, improvement, and cheerful occupation. Every hour has its duties; and these duties are steadily fulfilled. Windows are now safe, boundaries are observed without rules, and doors are safe without locks. The desire now is, not to get away, but to stay. They are essentially not only an improving but a happy family. And all this is secured without the aid of correction or coercion. The principle which rules in the house is Love -- Charity -- Divine Charity.'

The success of the Highgate Asylum having awakened the benevolent interest of the Queen and received Her Majesty's patronage, the establishment was soon visited by her beloved and lamented consort. The building speedily became too small for the numerous applicants, and it was necessary to have a branch till one large national asylum could be erected. For this purpose Essex Hall, Colchester, a commodious and handsome building, the property of Sir Morton Peto, was obtained upon advantageous terms, and a portion of the pupils were received there. The Prince Consort who paid it a visit expressed his admiration of the aspect of the place. At length, in 1863, his Royal Highness laid the foundation stone of the National Asylum at Earlswood, near Redhill, and such was the interest taken in the work, that about 10,000 were placed before him as offerings on the stone. In 1855, the Asylum was opened by the Prince in person; and the inmates of Essex Hall having been removed thither, the place which had been previously a branch became a separate institution for the eastern counties, and is still in effective operation.

Space will not allow of further history of the progress of establishments of the same kind, except to say that Scotland has not been wanting in the benevolent duty. The work commenced at Aldovan, near Dundee, being promoted by Sir John Ogilvy, and Dr. Brodie began the same operations in Gayfleld Square, Edinburgh, and now superintends the New Scotch Asylum at Larbert, near Falkirk, which is intended for the reception of 200 pupils, and was zealously aided both in the capital and at Glasgow. In this effectual manner has the leaven spread over the greater part of the civilized world, and will ultimately become a relief to a class of unfortunates greatly in need of help.

In all the various countries in which the uniformly successful experiment has been tried of ameliorating the state of the idiot, there has been a remarkable uniformity of principle and practice, as if a bright wave of physiological and psychological light had simultaneously cast its radiance on them all. The first effect of it was to enable those who directed their attention to the subject to determine the real characteristics of the true idiot, and to separate him distinctly from the insane. It has been too common to connect them with each other, though the acute mind of Locke perceived the difference, calling idiots 'naturals,' and advising an 'exact observation of their several ways of faltering,' which has been indeed the true key to their release from the organic impediments that have prevented the development of the faculties of the mind. M. Séguin defines a typical idiot as one who knows nothing, can do nothing, and cannot even desire to do anything, which condition must certainly be regarded as the maximum; and as Dr. Howe observes, it would be hardly possible to find such a being in human shape, little above a sensitive plant, fashioned externally as man, but shorn of all other human attributes. Yet one such recurs to our recollection, who was, in addition to his never manifesting any desire, blind if not deaf.

Dr. Howe divides idiots into three classes, and observes --

'Idiots of the lowest class are mere organisms, masses of flesh and bone in human shape, in which the brain and nervous system have no command over the system of voluntary muscles; and which consequently are without power of locomotion, without speech, without any manifestation of intellectual or affective faculties. Fools are a higher class of idiots in whom the brain and nervous system are so far developed as to give partial command of the voluntary muscles; who have consequently considerable power of locomotion and animal action; partial development of the affective and intellectual faculties, but only the faintest glimmer of reason, and very imperfect speech. Simpletons are the highest class of idiots in whom the harmony between the nervous and muscular system is nearly perfect; who consequently have normal powers of locomotion and animal action; considerable activity of the perceptive and affective faculties; and reason enough for their simple individual guidance, but not enough for their social relations.'