( 2 )
The principle is convenient; for water can be drawn quickly from the filter whenever wanted,
instead of dripping through it, and being stored : never-
theless, it does not yet completely succeed, as the powdered
charcoal does not form a perfect filtering material, and
other things that have been tried are open to objection.
By further experiment, however, I hope I shall succeed in
rendering the filtering process on this principle thoroughly
effective. The accompanying sketch illustrates the prin-
ciple. Eight pucka masonry platforms 4 feet square, one
for each ward, have been built for these filters, and have
been fenced with wooden railings, to prevent the lunatics
from destroying them. The cost of the whole filtering
apparatus, masonry platforms, &c., was Rs. 200.
Syphon filter.
In December last Government sanctioned the building of a pucka tank, filtering reservoir,
and water-courses for canal water; a place has been set apart in the vegetable garden for this
purpose. The tank and reservoir will occupy an area of 87 feet square. The water will be
brought from a rajbuha of the canal which runs by the north side of the asylum about a 100
yards distance across the Amritsar road. The work now is under construction ; as soon as it is
finished, the canal water may be substituted for the well water for drinking, if it be considered
desirable.
2nd,—The water of the asylum wells was pronounced by the Sanitary Commissioner to
be of a very deleterious nature, and was ordered to be discontinued for drinking purposes; so it
is now only used for ablution, irrigation, washing out drains, &c.
Admissions, &c. 1st,—On the 1st of January 1870, there were 197 patients under treat-
ment, and the admissions during the year amounted to 103, making a total of 300. Of these, 205
were male, and 95 were female. The criminal lunatics who are included in this number
amounted to 37—15 of this class of patients having been added during the past year; 3 of
these are dangerous characters, and murdered a warder in the asylum and wounded the
Deputy Superintendent severely in 1868. These three were sent to the Central Jail for secu-
rity, while the solitary cells were being built, and were re-transferred in March last, when the
cells were finished; they are now kept in the cells, secured with leg irons. A list of the criminal
lunatics, with the nature of their crimes, &c., is appended. The annual daily average of criminal
lunatics has been 31, and of the non-criminal lunatics, 196, making a total annual daily average
of 227 during the year. The crimes of the lunatics seem to have been committed in many
instances under the influence of intoxicating drugs.
2nd,—The comparative number of admissions of lunatics in the years 1869 and 1870
are shown as follows:—
Admissions
..
...
..
...
Year 1869.
Men.
107
Women.
33
Year 1870.
Men.
82
Women.
21
Out of the total number of lunatics treated—viz., 300—51 have been discharged and
made over to their friends and relations, giving an average of 17 per cent.
On reference to the last Annual Report it will be seen that the mortality during 1869
was excessively high, consequent on the epidemic of cholera. This year we have been free
from cholera and the casualties have been only 29, which is 67 less than in the previous year,
Fever has been the prevailing malady during 1870. River water has not been used this
year for drinking, but only the well water near the Railway terminus.
The annual
return submitted with this report gives all other necessary information relative to the sick
treated in hospital.
3rd,—The relative proportion of Hindoos, Mussalmans and Christians admitted, as well
as the deaths during the year, is shown in the following table:—
Hindoos admitted.
Male ...
Female ...
Total ...
Died—
Male ...
Female ...
Total ...
46
6
52
9
2
11
Mussalmans admitted.
Male ...
Female ...
Total ...
Died—
Male ...
Female ...
Total
33
15
48
5
3
18
Christians admitted.
Male
Female
Total
3
0
3