Feature ‘Found Incapable’ As senility came to be recognised as a distinct diagnosis, methods of protecting patients – from themselves and from others – had to change. Janet Weston | Published in History Today Volume 73 Issue 8 August 2023 Portrait of an unnamed woman, Vilhelm Hammershøi, late 19th or early 20th century. Artepics/Alamy Stock Photo To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive. Buy Online Access Buy Print & Archive Subscription If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.