Mind, Brain, Body, and Behavior

14 FARRERAS

narcotic farm and in Hagerstown, Maryland).^49 The intramural research

program’s mission was broad and multidisciplinary:

...lacking definite clues to the etiology or best methods

of treatment of mental illness, it is wisest to support the

best research in any and all fields related to mental illness,

whether clinical or non-clinical, basic or applied, empirical,

methodological, or theoretical, in the medical, biological,

social, or behavioral sciences.^50

Three smaller staff branches that reported to the Office of the

Director also existed: a Biometrics Branch, a Publications and Reports

Branch, and a Professional Services Branch. The Biometrics Branch, head­

ed by Morton Kramer, compiled, analyzed, and evaluated statistical data

on the national incidence and prevalence of mental illness, acted as a con­

sultant to outside agencies, and obtained a census of patients in mental

institutions. The Publications and Reports Branch, under Albert S.

Altman, produced and disseminated scientific and technical information

in pamphlets, articles, films, posters, and other materials for professional

and lay education. The Professional Services Branch, headed by Dale

Cameron until 1950, when Joseph Bobbitt succeeded him, consisted

of advisors to the institute director on the long-range planning of the

national mental health program, formulating objectives and assessing

program progress and effectiveness.^51

The NIMH’s philosophy in the 1950s, whether in the extramural

or intramural programs, was that the government should provide

individuals and institutes with the maximum amount of freedom and

not hamper their progress by directing or regimenting their activities.^52

In Felix’s words:

I never, ever would tolerate controlling research or education.

I felt that if we compromised the freedom of intellectual

thought, the freedom of research, if we compromised aca­

demic freedom, we [would have] compromised more than

we would ever gain back if we found the answer to schizo­

phrenia tomorrow. The minds have to be free.^53