Introduction

The trial of Charles Julius Guiteau constitutes a landmark moment in the history of the relationship between psychiatry and law in 19th-century America. Drawing on the Oskar Diethelm Library’s unique collection of materials relating to the trial, this exhibition explores how the events of July 2, 1881 resulted in a dispute between old and new schools of psychiatry, invoking debates about nonconforming religious practices and the subversive role of scientific methodologies. Some highlights of the collection include trial notes made by prosecuting attorney John K. Porter; pamphlets and popular media discussing the trial; materials written by psychologists about the trial, both during and after; as well as unique correspondence between W. W. Godding, Superintendent of St. Catherine’s Government Hospital for the Insane, and President Chester A. Arthur.