Feature ‘Found Incapable’ As senility came to be recognised as a distinct diagnosis, methods of protecting patients – from themselves and from others – had to change. Janet Weston | Published in History Today Volume 73 Issue 8 August 2023 Portrait of an unnamed woman, Vilhelm Hammershøi, late 19th or early 20th century. Artepics/Alamy Stock Photo To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5. Start my trial subscription now If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems. England Related Articles Care in the Community Remedies Against the Devil and Dementia Popular articles Aliens and the Enlightenment The Roman Catholic War on Wigs