BALINSKY

BALINSKY, Ivan Mikhailovich (1827-1902), in 1846 graduated from the Medico-Surgical Academy in St. Petersburg. In 1857, the Academy's conference decided to introduce the teaching of psychiatry as an independent science. From this moment began the scientific systematic teaching of psychiatry in Russia, and Balinsky created this first psychiatric department and clinic. Having received in 1860 the title of ordinary professor, Balinsky as early as 1861 raised the question of building a new clinic and creating a shelter for the chronic. However, this was only realized in 1867. Balinsky was also a consultant in resolving almost all psychiatric issues raised by the social or state needs of his time. Thus, in 1862 he was appointed a member of the Medical Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs on forensic-psychiatric issues; similarly, his forensic-psychiatric examinations in the district court and judicial chamber in criminal and civil cases stand out. B. was the person who supervised the construction of new psychiatric hospitals in a number of provincial cities. In 1876, upon completing 25 years of academic activity, B. resigned from teaching. But his work as a psychiatrist ceased only with his death on March 11, 1902.