Prior to the acceptance of the notion that deviant behaviour could be "corrected," criminals and the mentally ill were simply restrained from hurting themselves or others. For this purpose various macabre devices were used. The iron harness shown here kept William Norris' arms pinioned to his side, while manacles at the feet and neck made it just possible for him to lie on his back or stand. Norris was kept in the device for nine years in the Bethlem Asylum in London, England. Officials interested in improving the asylum heard of Norris in 1815. On visiting him, they found him to be lucid and quiet. He was released, but died of tuberculosis soon after.
