Part I. ]
DELHI LUNATIC ASYLUM.
27
General health.
The general health is reported to have been " much as usual, the lunatics
being on the whole pretty well, with the exception of those who, from the
nature of their complaints, or some other cause, were in a bad state on admis-
sion. Of the eight deaths, five were admitted into the asylum in so bad a state
of health that it was clearly impossible to do anything more than prolong their
lives and diminish their sufferings. Of the three that were admitted into the
asylum in good health, one died of epilepsy in a fit, and the other two of acute
diseases." Fever was more prevalent than in 1872, and caused 40 admissions
into hospital out of a total of 68.
Buildings.
Additions and improvements to the buildings are thus described :—
The buildings were so fully described in the last report, that I shall only refer to additions,
improvements, and repairs. In the first place, the European asylum has been built; it consists
of a small house in the north-east corner of the asylum compound; it contains three rooms, viz.,
a sitting and bed-room of 16' × 16', height 18' ; it contains a fire-place, and has two iron-barred
windows, with outer wooden shutters, and three glazed windows high up in the wall. There is a
small room which may be used as a second ward or a dressing room; it opens into the sitting-
room, into the verandah, and into the bath-room, by doors; it has a window with iron bars and
shutters; it is 10' × 9' × 13' high. The bath-room completes the suite of rooms; it is
10' × 6½' × 13' high ; the verandah on the south 18 ¼' × 9' × 13' high.
There is an outside latrine and cook-house, suitable for Europeans, close to the building.
The improvements that have been effected are, first, the outer wall of the asylum has been
raised to 12 feet in the whole of its extent. This was suggested last year by the Deputy
Surgeon-General, and was undoubtedly necessary.
Iron-grated windows, seven in number, have been fitted in the large square central barrack;
these were absolutely necessary, as lunatics could not be detained in the ward until they were
completed.
In addition to the above, the yards have been levelled and trees planted in
all available places by lunatic labour.
Diet scale increased.
The diet scale was increased in accordance with the recommendation of
the Deputy Surgeon-General, and now consists of the following:—
DAYS.
Monday ...
Tuesday ...
Wednesday ...
Thursday ...
Friday ...
Saturday ...
Sunday ...
ATTA
WHEAT.
Males.
Chks.
10
10
10
10
...
10
10
Females.
Chks.
8
8
8
8
...
8
8
Dall.
Chks.
...
3
...
3
...
...
3
Ghi.
Tolah.
1
...
1
...
1
1
...
Masa.
3
...
3
...
3
3
...
Mutton.
Chks.
4
...
4
...
...
4
...
Kidgri.
Chks.
...
...
...
...
10*
...
...
Vegetables.
Chks.
4
...
...
4
...
4
...
Condiments.
Masa.
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Salt.
Tolah.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Masa.
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Dahi.
Chks.
...
...
...
...
2
...
...
Gur.
Chks.
...
...
...
...
½
...
...
Firewood.
Chks.
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
REMARKS.
* Three quarters of rice
and one quarter of dall.
Fruits or sweetmeats every
Sunday.
Formerly the quantities of salt, ghi and kijari were less. This diet is
only given to the males, but Dr. Taylor proposes extending it to the women
also. Dr. Taylor distinctly states his opinion that the increase in the dietary
has been attended with improvement in the health of the inmates, and that it
has tended to diminish the death-rate.
Drainage and conser-
vancy.
The drainage is carried out by means of pucca drains, and it is effectual.
For the males there are four latrines, and for the females two on the dry earth
system. The various rooms are also furnished with dry earth and pans for
night use.
Clothing.
The clothing is good and ample. It is intended to supply straw mattres-
ses for the next cold weather instead of the tât which is now furnished.
Management.
To keep the lunatics in discipline, whilst they are amused and employed,
is the Superintendent's endeavour:—
The males sleep in the large long barrack, or the rooms in the central yard. As a rule,
these men are not shut up. Two warders sleep in the barrack with the patients. Both the
female warders pass the night with the female patients. About nine on an average are confined in
rooms at night ; of these six are criminals; the other three are troublesome, dangerous, or apt to
stray about. The whole of the inmates are awoke at about sunrise and are taken out. They
go to the latrines and have a smoke if they like, and then go to work (at least those who can