Does anyone know the correct definition for idiot? Beside her occupation it also said Ref, could be Rel. some of the other inmates had that on their line as well. Any ideas what this means? Thanks Jenn

Jennifer: In the 19th century the terms "idiot", "imbecile" and "moron" were regarded as proper and distinct medical terms, with precise descriptions. If I recall correctly (and I may not) an idiot was more intelligent than an imbecile or a moron. In the 20th century these terms were given definitions based on IQ. I don't remember the exact numbers, but an idiot would have been defined as having an IQ of (say) 50-70. Times have changed. Best wishes Paul Prescott ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jennifer Penner" <jennifer_penner@alumni.sfu.ca> To: <ENG-WORCESTER-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 3:35 PM Subject: [WOR] Popwick lunatic assylum > Does anyone know the correct definition for idiot? Beside her occupation > it also said Ref, could be Rel. some of the other inmates had that on > their line as well. Any ideas what this means? Thanks Jenn > > > ==== ENG-WORCESTER Mailing List ==== > Transcribers wanted for Worcestershire FreeREG > for more information see http://freereg.rootsweb.com > UK Census on-line > http://freecen.rootsweb.com/ > http://www.worcestershiresurnames.co.uk/ > >