In the 1790s Philippe Pinel, a French physician, was a key figure in revolutionizing the treatment of the mentally ill by advocating for more humane care. At a time when those suffering from mental illness were often chained and treated as criminals, Pinel challenged the prevailing norms. In 1793, as head physician of Bicetre Hospital in Paris, he famously ordered the removal of chains from patients, believing mental illness was not a crime but a medical condition requiring compassionate treatment.

Pinel’s approach, which emphasized kindness, respect, and moral therapy over punishment and confinement, laid the foundation for modern psychiatry and changed the way society viewed mental health.