Pari I. ]
LUCKNOW LUNATIC ASYLUM.
25
Sickness and mortal-
ity.
There were in all 17 deaths, 13 males and 4 females, against 22 in 1872.
The daily average number of sick was 14.67. Both sickness and mortality
were greatest during the season of increased cold and humidity, and in this
respect the results corresponded with the rates observed amongst the general
population and the prisoners in the central jail. The deaths amounted to 9.9
per cent. of the total treated. The causes of death were from dysentery 13,
continued fever 1, general paralysis 1, laryngitis 1, and general debility 1.
Of the total, 9 were in bad health at the time of admission; 14 of them were
never considered fit for employment of any kind; 2 were occasionally employed;
and only one (who died of acute laryngitis) was regularly employed. 224
patients were treated in hospital for bodily ailments. Bowel complaints
accounted for 83, and fevers for 79 of these.
Employment.
An average of 90 patients was kept constantly employed, and the greatest
care was taken to relieve any patient from labor whose health appeared to
be in any degree affected injuriously, or who was found to be losing weight.
Escapes.
Two inmates succeeded in escaping, " a small number,"Dr. Rice considers,
" when it is remembered that the asylum was not provided with any enclosing
fence, and is near the city."
Criminal lunatics.
Criminal lunatics constituted nearly 7 per cent. of the population.
Health on admis-
sion.
Of the 61 admissions, 12 were in good, 18 in indifferent, and 31 in posi-
tively bad health at the time they entered the asylum.
Finances.
The total cost of the asylum was Rs. 10,131-9-6, and the rate per patient
was Rs. 82-6-8 against Rs. 72-3-4 for 1872. The increase was due to extra
contingencies chiefly, such as hired mistris to supervise and guide the works,
the purchase of materials for the new hospital and convalescent ward, &c.
Each diet cost a little more than in 1872 on account of the increased cost of
cereals. Deducting Rs. 1,278-7-4 received from the treasury for advances, the
net value of lunatic labour amounted to Rs. 4,983, or over Rs. 55-6 per man
employed.
New works.
The report contains a detailed account of the progress made in the new
works. The inspection report of the Deputy Surgeon-General thus briefly
enumerates all that has been done :—
Making and completing verandahs to all the barracks with tiled roofs.
Building a new hospital under Dr. Rice's entire superintendence. It is a handsome and
convenient building, and is so far completed as to be nearly ready for roofing.
Building latrines for males and females of a very good pattern, with easement places, &c.
Pulling down old outer walls and buildings, much of the material of which has been
used in the new works. Parts of the inner wall have been pulled down and wooden railings
substituted, which allows of free perflation through.
These works have all been done by labour of the lunatics ; skilled masons and carpenters
have, however, been employed to superintend all.
All the buildings have been re-ventilated by apertures cut in the flat roof.
Two handsome and convenient barracks have been built in a separate enclosure but ad-
joining the main building. These will soon now be occupied.
Inspection.
Deputy Surgeon-General J. T. C. Ross inspected the asylum frequently.
His inspection report was written on January 7th, 1874. He writes :—
In my inspection report for 1872 I gave a copy of my minute, dated 13th August 1872,
on the alterations required. From the above it will be seen that they all have been, or are in
progress of being carried out. The result is that the asylum is now less like a jail, and conse-
quently of a much more cheerful aspect.
Eventually, as more important works are completed, and the present huts between the
new hospital and the Comatie nullah knocked down, the ground will be taken up, and a garden
will be commenced.
The report commends the management of the asylum under the " kind,
firm, and judicious" manner of the Superintendent.
LUCKNOW ASYLUM.
Charge.
Surgeon-Major J. Whishaw was the Superintendent.
Improved results.
The statistics, it is pleasant to note, present a very favorable contrast
to the figures of previous years. The statement exhibits a diminish-
ed population, an immensely improved death-rate, and an increased propor-
tion of cured to strength. The admissions numbered 91 against 96 in 1872,
and the deaths 22 against 70. There was a daily average of 13.6 of the
inmates sick. Dr. Whishaw writes:—" The healthiness of the patients is,
g