Autism In History: The Case Of Hugh Blair Of Borgue; Author: Houston, Rab A.; Author: Houston, R. A.; Paperback

Author: Houston, Rab A.; Author: Houston, R. A.
Paperback; Glossary
224 pages
Published: September 2000
Blackwell Publishers
ISBN: 0631220895

This intriguing case study is the result of a unique collaboration between a social historian and a cognitive scientist. It examines the enigmatic case of Hugh Blair, an eighteenth-century Scottish laird or landowner, whose brief arranged marriage was annulled on the grounds of his mental incapacity. Through an in-depth study of the evidence surrounding the case, the authors conclude that Blair, who was regarded at the time as a fool, was in fact autistic. Writing in a lively and engaging style, the authors draw together witness statements from court records with a wide range ofother documentation to set the sociohistoric scene for the case. This material provides a fascinating context, to which the latest theories on autism are applied. Autism in History will intrigue bothThe case of Hugh Blair, an 18th century Scottish laird whose brief arranged marriage was annulled on the ground of mental incapacity, but who, the authors conclude, was in fact autistic. The case of Hugh Blair, an 18th century Scottish laird whose brief arranged marriage was annulled on the ground of mental incapacity, but who, the authors conclude, was in fact autistic.This work is the result of a collaboration between a social historian and a cognitive scientist. It examines the enigmatic case of Hugh Blair Borg, an 18th-century Scottish Laird, whose brief arranged marriage was annulled on the grounds of his mental incapacity.