TIME CAPSULE

1478

On Nov. 1, Pope Sixtus IV issued a papal bull extending the power of the Inquisition to Spain. Established in some countries in the 13th century, the Inquisition was responsible for the torture and execution of many people with mental illness.

1650

In one of the earliest recorded references to the public care of people with mental illness in America, Puritan leader Roger Williams made a Nov. 11 appeal to the town council of Providence, R.I., urging the council to provide for the care of a 'distracted woman' named Mrs. Weston.

1899

Sigmund Freud?s book 'Interpretation of Dreams' was first published on Nov. 4. Six hundred copies were printed, and it took eight years to sell them.

1969

On Nov. 10, the first broadcast of 'Sesame Street' was made. The show employed principles of learning and developmental psychology in its presentation of academic and social skills. Psychologist Edward L. Palmer led the 'Sesame Street' research and evaluation team.

1975

Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, was signed by President Ford on Nov. 29. The law mandated assessment and programs for children with mental and physical disabilities, including those with learning disabilities. Entire college special education courses are taught on the implications of this act.

1987

The first International Alzheimer?s Conference began on Nov. 9 in Miami Beach, Fla.

Source: APA Historical Database, created and maintained by Warren R. Street, Central Washington University, and published as 'A Chronology of Noteworthy Events in American Psychology' (APA, 1994).