Alexander Morison

Scottish physician and psychiatrist

Alexander Morison (1 May 1779 – 14 March 1866) was a prominent Scottish physician and psychiatrist known for his contributions to the field of mental health. He served as the Physician to the Bethlem Royal Hospital and was a pioneer in the study and treatment of mental illness during the 19th century.

Early Life and Education

Alexander Morison was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on 1 May 1779. He was the son of John Morison, a merchant, and his wife, Mary. Morison pursued his medical education at the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated with an MD in 1799. His early education laid the foundation for his future contributions to psychiatry.

Career

Morison began his medical career in Edinburgh, where he worked as a physician. In 1808, he moved to London and became associated with the Bethlem Royal Hospital, one of the oldest psychiatric hospitals in the world. He was appointed as the Physician to the Hospital in 1835, a position he held until 1853.

Portrait of Alexander Morison

Morison was known for his humane approach to the treatment of mental illness, advocating for better conditions for patients and the use of moral treatment methods. He was a strong proponent of the idea that mental illness should be treated with the same respect and care as physical illness.

Contributions to Psychiatry

Morison made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of mental disorders. He was particularly interested in the classification of mental illnesses and worked on developing a systematic approach to diagnosis. His work laid the groundwork for future developments in psychiatric classification.

In addition to his clinical work, Morison was an active educator. He delivered lectures on mental diseases, which were attended by many students and practitioners. His lectures were later published, providing valuable insights into the psychiatric practices of the time.

Art and Psychiatry

Morison had a keen interest in the intersection of art and psychiatry. He commissioned artist Richard Dadd, who was a patient at Bethlem, to create a series of portraits of patients. These portraits were used to study the facial expressions and features associated with different mental conditions.

Portrait of Alexander Morison by Richard Dadd

Later Life and Death

After retiring from his position at Bethlem, Morison continued to be active in the field of psychiatry. He returned to Scotland, where he spent his final years. Alexander Morison passed away on 14 March 1866 in Currie, near Edinburgh.

The grave of Dr. Alexander Morison in Currie churchyard

Legacy

Morison's work had a lasting impact on the field of psychiatry. His emphasis on humane treatment and his efforts to classify mental illnesses influenced future generations of psychiatrists. He is remembered as a pioneer who helped shape modern psychiatric practices.

Related Pages

• Bethlem Royal Hospital
• Richard Dadd
• History of psychiatry