5
average 320, the total sick admitted averaged 427.7. The daily average strength
in 1897 was 257.6, and the daily average sick 37.04. In the preceding decade
these averages were 245 and 31.78.
36. . Malaria was prevalent during the past twelve months, but caused no
death. Bowel ailments were, as usual, rather frequent, and a considerable
number of lunatics suffered from debility, the direct accompaniment of their
mental ailments. The small number of pneumonia cases is satisfactory. This
is attributed by the Superintendent largely to the increased material com-
fort of the inmates. They have had warmer clothing during the past two cold
seasons. A day-room is also now set apart for the old and weaker people, a fire
is kept burning in it all day, stoves have been introduced into the hospital, and
a closed and sheltered bath-room has been provided, in which the more
delicate can get hot baths without fear of chill. These improvements have not
been secured without some additional cost, but it has been a beneficial and
humane expenditure.
37. Delhi.—The total strength was 179, and the admissions to hospital 48.
38. For the preceding ten years the average of the total strength was
143, and of the sick admitted 82.9. The daily average strength in 1897 was
128.15, and the daily average sick 6.92. In the previous ten years these
averages were 100.58 and 5.10, respectively.
39. Pneumonia was the most serious sickness during the year. The
Superintendent points out that the bedding and clothing during the past twelve
months were in no way inferior to those in use in 1896. Nevertheless, pneumonia
caused 10 admissions to hospital in 1897, while in 1896 there was but one case.
It is not easy to satisfactorily account for the greater or less prevalence of
pneumonia from year to year. The experience in Lahore goes to show that pro-
tection from cold has been markedly beneficial, and this is commonly recognized.
That it is not the only factor is, however, proved in Delhi this year.
40. Prophylactics.—Quinine and iron and also arsenic were freely used in
Lahore and in Delhi. It is probable that the gravity of the malarial attacks in
Lahore and their frequency in Delhi were lessened by the use of these drugs.
DEATHS.
41. Lahore.— There were 21 deaths during the year, being 8.15 per cent.
of the daily average strength, a comparatively small death-rate, for in the preced-
ing ten years there were 11.9 per cent. of deaths on an average. One death
occurred from rupture of the spleen. The lunatic was a very powerful man,
and was struggling to get through the gate of the dangerous ward. No undue
violence seems to have been used in restraining him; there were no marks of
injury on his body. The other deaths do not call for remarks.
42. Delhi.—In this asylum 11 deaths took place, the ratio per cent. to
the daily average strength being 8.58. This ratio for the previous ten years
was 11.0. Pneumonia caused 7 of the the total deaths.
STATEMENT No. IX.—CASH ACCOUNT.
43. Lahore.—During the past year the expenditure was Rs. 38,777-15-3,
being an increase of Rs. 7,231-8-7 on the previous year's expenses. The in-
crease was mostly under the following heads :—
Diet ...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Clothing
...
...
...
...
...
...
Eatablishment ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Rs.
4,757
1,703
654
a.
12
10
1
p.
4
11
3
44. The high price of food stuffs accounts for the first item. The average
cost of clothing for the ten years 1887 to 1896 was Rs. 2,002. In 1896 this aver-
age was largely exceeded, as the stock of clothing had run low, and in the
previous twelve months warm blankets had to be purchased, and jerseys were for
the first time supplied. The jerseys alone cost Rs. 1,756. The contingent
charges continued high, because the patients are made more comfortable. They
are given fires and hot bathing water. The supply of straw for bedding is more