The orthophrenic institute of doctor Voisin and the education of the so called “out of the ordinary line” children in France during the July monarchy (1830-1848)

Abstract

This article examines how a first medical-pedagogical experiment was set up under the July Monarchy, to manage children considered as being “out of the ordinary line”. This experiment sought both to adapt their education to their particularities and to prevent, in doing so, the formation of potential criminals or alienated. This experimentation was set up by the alienist Félix Voisin in his “orthophrenic institute”. We show both what were the principles, inspired by phrenology, which guided this experimentation; what were the medical-pedagogical techniques implemented in this institute; and more specifically how these experimentations paved the way to a first thematization of the so called “abnormal” children and of what will become the so called “conduct disorders” of the difficult child.