Today in the History of Psychology 3/29

1887 — George T. Ladd’s book Elements of Physiological Psychology was published.

1948 — Lithium was first used in a trial treatment of manic behavior. Australian John F. J. Cade gave lithium citrate to “a little wizened man of 51 who had been in a chronic state of excitement for five years. He was amiably restless, dirty, destructive, and interfering.” The treatment was surprisingly effective and the patient was discharged on July 9, 1948.

1977 — The first informal meeting of the President’s Commission on Mental Health was held. President Jimmy Carter created the commission, carrying out a campaign promise of his wife, Rosalynn. Psychologists John Conger and Beverly Long served on the commission.

Text adapted from: History

Picture credit: 1, 2, 3