Main description:

This readable text presents the long-awaited first comprehensive history of the Royal College of Psychiatrists as an organisation, from its creation as the Association of Medical Officers of Asylums and Hospitals for the Insane in 1841, its development through various name changes and the receipt of two charters, to become the present Royal College as we know it today. As a former President of the College from 1984-7, Dr Bewley also gives an overview of the fascinating developments in British psychiatry and its sub-specialties over the past two centuries. Further, more specific activities are also detailed, such as the formation of the research unit, the College publishing programme of journals and books, and the growth in facilities now provided including the library and information service. The book contains a collection of photographs in a glossy centre section.

Contents:

Contents; Introduction; 1. Historical background, 1780-1840; 2. Association of Medical Officers of Asylums and Hospitals for the Insane, 1841-65; 3. The Medico-Psychological Association - the early years, 1866-1900; 4. The Medico-Psychological Association - the later years, 1901-25; 5. The Royal Medico-Psychological Association, 1926-67; 6. The Royal Medico-Psychological Association, 1968-72; 7. The Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1972-2005; 8. Treasurers and finances of the College and its antecedents, 1841-2001; 9. Development of specialties; 10. Association and College research and the College Research Unit; 11. Education and training of nurses; 12. Doctors and medical students - education, training and examination; 13. Journals and other College publications; 14. The library and information service; 15. Premises; Epilogue.