When Algeria was controlled by the Arabs, there seems to have been some provision made for the humance care of the insane, but by the time of the French conquest it had deteriorated to chaining them in cells. For nearly a century the insane were allowed to run free, be secluded in their own homes, or be exiled to hospitals in France, after being held for transfer under poor conditions. The numbers sent to France were relatively small. They found it difficult to adjust to European food and customs. The death rate was much higher than for French people. Finally, after long political interference and after Tunis and Morocco had begun to care for their own psychotics, Algeria has also begun to care for its own mentally ill. One regular mental hospital has been opened, at Blida-Joinville, April 1938. There are also three smaller hospitals with clinics (referred to as open services) which correspond to American psychopathic hospitals, where many of the patients come voluntarily for short periods of treatment and diagnosis. The Europeans and natives are under separate services at Blida, which is built on a modern pavilion system. It also has a pavilion for boys. Problem girls are treated at St. Elizabeth Hospital.