Das Irrenschloss (Palace of Insane Patients)

A Bit Of Background

In 1845, Heinrich Hoffmann published a children’s book titled “Der Struwwelpeter” (Shaggy-Peter). A book illustrated by him portraying children misbehaving. Dr. Hoffman was a senior doctor of psychiatry at a mental hospital in my home town Frankfurt am Main, Germany. In his early years he was a doctor for paupers. This book became famous in Germany and many foreign translations followed.

His story of the Suppenkaspar may have been the first description of anorexia in literature.

A Modern Hospital For The Mentally Ill

What is lesser known is that Dr. Hoffman also founded a rather modern, advanced hospital for the mentally ill in Frankfurt. This hospital was financed by private donations. Construction started in 1859 and it was demolished in 1928. The architect chosen had a wife who suffered from a nervous disease. Alzheimer’s disease was later discovered at this hospital.

In colloquial language this hospital was fondly called “das Irrenschloss” (palace of insane patients).

The Significance Of This Story

This modern hospital was founded, financed, and maintained by private initiative. Extraordinary individuals came together to make it happen. Thus, long before big government usurped control of health care in the 20^th century, many private citizens were trailblazing towards a better medical care for all. Stories like this cannot be told often enough.