Autism in History: The Case of Hugh Blair of Borgue

This case study is the result of a unique collaboration between a social historian and a cognitive scientist. It examines the enigmatic case of Hugh Blair, an eighteenth century Scottish ′laird′ or landowner, whose arranged marriage was annulled on the grounds of his mental incapacity. Through an in–depth study of the evidence surrounding the case, the authors conclude that Blair, who was classed at the time as a ′fool′, was in fact autistic.

Writing in a lively and engaging style, the authors draw together witness statements from court records with a wide range of other documentation to set the sociohistoric scene for the case. This provides a fascinating context to which the latest theories on autism are applied.

This book will not only intrigue both historians and psychologists but will also appeal to a wider audience for its study of this compelling and deeply affecting human story.

List of Plates.

Acknowledgements.

1. The Background to the Study.

2. The Life and Times of Hugh Blair.

3. Understanding Mental Incapacity in the Past.

4. Autism and its Relevance to the Case of High Blair.

5. Reading the Court Case as a Clinical Case.

6. Historical–clinical Approach to the Case of Hugh Blair.

Notes.

Glossary of Historical Terms.

Glossary and Topics in Autism.

Further Historical Reading.

Further Reading on Autism.

Index.

Rab Houston is Professor of Early Modern History at the University of St Andrews. He has extensive research experience in the social history of Britain and Europe in the early modern period. Best known for his work on seventeenth and eighteenth–century Scotland, his published books include Madness and Society in Eighteenth–Century Scotland.

Uta Frith is a Professor of Cognitive Development at University College of London and Deputy Director of the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at the University College of London. She has pioneered investigations into the mind of the individual with autism and has a keen interest in the impact of the disorder on both sufferer and carers. Her book, Autism: Explaining the Enigma has been translated into many languages.

"I found this book utterly absorbing and utterly convincing. The richness of historical detail – testimonies and actual interrogations – and its telling hold one like a novel. The minute sifting of the evidence is in the best historico–clinical tradition, weighing everything carefully, never overstating or pushing. The interest spreads in all directions – about the way the law, the culture, and ordinary people thought of mental incapacity or madness in the eighteenth century. I think Autism in History will be extremely valuable in many different ways." Oliver Sacks M.D. Author of Awakenings

"The authors guide us through the case with an expert hand, in a book written for a wide range of non–specialist readers. What′s more, the book constitutes a unique introduction to autism, presenting both its scientific and clinical aspects, as well as the person and their social circumstances. A stimulating read." Infancia y Aprendizaje, vol 24(2), 2001.

"Rab Houston and Uta Frith provide a splendid case study of probably autism from eighteenth–century Scotland. Houston and Frith are to be congratulated in their synthesis of the evidence for Hugh Blair of Borgue being a case of autism in history. They have done so in a manner and style that is as cautious as it is thorough." Stephen Jones, Norfolk Mental Health Care Trust, Social History of Medicine, vol 14 (2), 2001.

"This is a fascinating book." RH Campbell, Transactions, Vol 75, 2001

"In presenting Hugh Blair, a member of the landowning class in eighteenth–century Scotland, Autism in History demonstrates a refreshing lack of squeamishness ... Although Houston and Frith conclude confidently that they are looking at a case of the same condition we now call autism, they remain sensitive to the ways that historical conditions could influence the perception or presentation of the disorder. In addition, Houston and Frith amass convincing data to show that Blair was, in fact, autistic. It might be possible to quibble with their retrospective diagnosis, but they make a highly plausible case." Jonathan Sadowsky, Castele Associate Professor of Medical History, Case Western Reserve University, Journal of the History of the Behavioural Sciences, Fall 2003