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Abstract

The psychiatric clinic St. Pirminsberg, a house with an impressive history. The early days of its existence were turbulent. At that time, medical care of the mentally disordered was neglected, patients being misunderstood and mistreated. The search for an appropriate place, that could house those "mad" people, met with a lot of difficulties. The government's, the doctors' and the people's views on the necessity of such an institution were too varied to make decisions easy. However, thanks to untiring initiative, the canton St. Gallen can now consider itself the proud owner of a wonderful psychiatric clinic. In Switzerland, St. Pirminsberg its the oldest institute for mental treatment after Munsterlingen and Geneva. At the same time, there were also a few private houses where the mentally sick were accommodated. Although these patients were usually relatives of wealthy families, they did, in fact, receive insufficient medical care. St. Pirminsberg's methods in therapy describe the development and modernization of psychiatry. The resident staff constantly endeavoured to satisfy the highest demands. In this respect, the work of famous personalities made a large contribution to the clinic. Each director and senior consultant has engraved his personal style on the institute. Some were primarily concerned with construction work to the building, others had to economize due to the financial situation. A few vested their interests exclusively in the science of psychiatry. All, however, had to cope with a shortage of staff, due to the rather remote situation of the clinic, the unsatisfactory remuneration and the demanding nursing care needed, often coupled with a great deal of responsibility. Cooperation with foreign clinics and those of other cantons was fruitful in human, medical and also financial aspects. Experiences were exchanged, decisions were made concerning education and schools for staff were founded. St. Priminsberg received recognition as an institute for further education towards specializing in psychiatry. A walk through today's clinic does not only mean seeing, but also experiencing history. Situated between the walls of the former monastery of St. Pirmin, the old part of the building, with its splendid ornamentation, can transport the visitor back to former times. Life in the clinic must have been difficult: massive, cold walls, mostly badly-lit rooms and corridors temporarily filled with beds must surely have had a very unfavourable effect on the disposition of the patients. Pavilions, erected later in a more useful but nonetheless pleasing style of architecture are equally impressive - new and old harmoniously united. Even in earlier times, people praised the beautiful countryside in which Pfäfers is situated. The outward appearance of the village has not changed in years. Its high location offers a wonderful view over the valley and provides a fresh, cool climate - an advantage which will always be held in great esteem by the clinic St. Pirminsberg.