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There is a state of brain produced by over-indulgence in bhang or churrus which
corresponds tc delirium tremens. Suspension of its use may cause a state of most violent
excitement. The patient talks incessantly, pelts others with bricks or stones, bites those about
him, tears his clothes, and it will be dangerous to approach him. There is great thirst;
craving for food. The skin is hot, but no fever. Decidedly sleepless, for he bawls and shouts
all night.
He may die from exhaustion of the brain or stoppage of the heart's action, from paralysis
of the sympathetic, or he may gradually recover.
Insanity or permanent disorder of the mind is a result of the evil habit of over-indulgence
in this narcotic,—I think more frequently in those who do not feed liberally.
On a reference to the Annual Report of the Lunatic Asylum in Bengal for 1871,—
Dullunda, Dacca, Patna, Cuttack, Moydapore,—I find that cannabis and spirit constitute 31
per cent. of the whole 78 of the known causes of insanity.
In previous years the percentage has been even as high as 50 per cent. in some of these
Asylums.
In my small Lunatic Asylum in Dehli, during the past five years, I have had about 50
genuine well-marked cases of mental disorder from the excessive use of Indian hemp.
The following table shows the percentage of total treated:—
In 1867... ... ...
„ 1868... ... ...
„ 1869... ... ...
„
1870
...
...
...
„
1871
...
...
...
11.92 per cent.
16.61 „
17.68 „
20.60 „
17.14 „
These figures do not represent the whole of the cases of insanity caused by cannabis,
because there are so many admissions where the cause is unknown and history a mere blank ;
but they show the fact that disorder of the mind often result from a most pernicious habit.
The common form of insanity from Indian hemp is dementia, with or without melancho-
lia, where the patient is totally indifferent to persons and things, and to what is passing around
him. He seems to hold no intercourse with the world, has a stupid stare, is very quiet, sleeps
well, and has a voracious appetite.
There are 3 or 4 of these cases now in the Asylum.
A less frequent form from the incautious use of hemp shows itself in excitement and
paroxysms of violence with intervals of quiet. They talk loudly, are authoritative and com-
manding, and most irritable. This state will last for a day or two, and the patient becomes
more tractable ; but he is never safe.
" Durya Shah, " a faquir now in the Asylum, is seldom out of close confinement, being
a well-marked case of a dangerous lunatic from bhang.
" Kurreem Bux" has been in the Lahore Lunatic Asylum, and is now in the Dehli
Asylum. He was a herdsman, and indulged too freely in bhang and churrus.
Good feeding, great kindness, and indulgence of every harmless kind, strict cleanliness,
tobacco, and carefully watching all the functions of the body contribute towards the relief of
these most unhappy sufferers.
Of the remaining five Returns, the ones calling for information as to vaccination employ-
ment, solitary confinement, and mechanical restraint, are blank or imperfect, because special
registers have not been kept on these points; but they will for the future.
Lastly, there is a very complicated Return (No. 9), giving the average number living ; and
No. 18 is the table showing nature and cost of Establishment. Application has been made
for a Darogah and extra staff.
If proper supervision, accurate records, and strict supervision are to be preserved, it is
quite certain that a better paid and more numerous staff must be provided.
I conclude by acknowledging the good services of Mr. Platner, who, although in bad
health, has taken the liveliest interest in the Asylum, and acts as Deputy Superintendent.
He is most kind and humane, and herein lies the foundation of the good management
of a Lunatic Asylum for natives. The hope of release, avoidance of everything that might
annoy or vex the patients, unremitting watching and silent attention to their complaints and
ramblings will gain perfect control over the noisiest and most troublesome. The unreal and
often rude speech must be borne, because to attempt corrections or to be angry with them
will only aggravate and destroy control over the patient.
I believe that by scrupulous cleanliness, liberal diet, affording them means of recreation
or occupation, and attention to all the functions of the body are the foundation of the medical
treatment and moral management of lunatics.