2-888-611 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Institution for Cretins at Interlacken, Switzerland, 1850. 'Dr. Guggenbühl had ascertained that Cretinism never exists above a certain elevation on the mountains; therefore, the first requisite for the Institution was a lofty position. The Abendberg is 3000 feet above the sea level...sheltered from the storms that are frequently very destructive in the immediate neighbourhood, and enjoying an unusual portion of sun in so alpine a situation...More than 300 Cretin children have been admitted... About one-third have returned home cured, healthy and active, fully developed in body and mind...Cretinism, although nearly allied with idiotcy..is capable of cure; and it is found by experiment that the amendment of the faculties corresponds with the improvement of the bodily health of the patient. Pure air is as essential to the cure as wholesome food; consequently, the lofty site has been selected'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.