Aleksander Freze One of the first professors of psychiatry in Russia Date of Birth: 03.04.1826 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Early Career and Psychiatric Studies
3. Founding the Kazan District Insane Asylum
4. Academic and Humanitarian Contributions
5. Legacy and Commemoration

Early Life and Education

Alexander Ustinovitch Freze was born on April 3, 1826, in Reval (now Tallinn), Estonia, where his father served as a Lutheran pastor. He graduated from high school at the age of 19 and commenced medical studies at the University of Dorpat (now Tartu University). After two and a half years, he transferred to Moscow University, graduating as a physician in 1851.

Early Career and Psychiatric Studies

For several years, Freze practiced medicine privately in the Kaluga province. In 1854, he returned to Moscow and became an intern at the Preobrazhenskaya Hospital for the Mentally Ill. There, he pursued his interest in psychiatry under the guidance of Dr. Sabler. In 1855, Freze established a private mental hospital in Moscow, which he operated for seven years.

In 1857, Freze traveled to Germany, Holland, and England to study psychiatric institutions. Upon his return, he defended his doctoral dissertation, "De paralysi generali sive dementia paralytica," at Moscow University in 1858.

Founding the Kazan District Insane Asylum

Freze's expertise in psychiatry coincided with the Russian government's efforts to improve the care of the mentally ill. His 1862 publication, "On the Construction of Institutions for the Mentally Ill," caught the attention of officials. He was commissioned to study psychiatric facilities abroad for a year and a half.

In 1864, Freze was appointed director of the newly established Kazan District Insane Asylum. He oversaw the construction of the facility, which opened in 1869. The institution was later renamed the Kazan District Hospital in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Academic and Humanitarian Contributions

Concurrently with his administrative duties, Freze was elected an assistant professor of psychiatry at Kazan University in 1866. In 1872, he became a full professor, a position he held until his death. Freze was known for his dedication to teaching and research.

Freze was also a compassionate and philanthropic individual. He donated a significant portion of his salary to the poor and the legal library in Kazan. He played a leading role in establishing a colony for juvenile delinquents in the city.

Legacy and Commemoration

Alexander Ustinovitch Freze died on February 4, 1884, in Kazan. He is remembered as one of the pioneers of psychiatry in Russia and the founder of the Kazan District Insane Asylum. A memorial plaque commemorating his contributions to psychiatric care has been installed on the building of the Kazan Psychiatric Hospital.