LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN BENGAL.
13
32. Establishment.—The management of the Dullunda asylum was in the
hands of four medical officers during the year, viz., Surgeon-Major W. F.
Murray from January to April, Surgeon-Major Nicholson from April to
August, Surgeon Peck for a few days, and Surgeon E. G. Russell from
August to November 28th, when Surgeon-Major Nicholson resumed the charge.
Mr. Bancroft, the Deputy Superintendent, continued to give his invaluable
service throughout the year, and Mrs. Monteiro, the matron, maintained the
high character she had previously earned. The hospital assistants and clerk
are again favourably mentioned.
At Dacca, Surgeon A. Crombie held charge from January to March,
Surgeon-Major J. C. Shaw from March to August, and Surgeon-Major
H. Purves from August to 21st December, when Dr. Crombie returned from
furlough. Assistant Surgeon Netailal Baisak acted as overseer throughout
the year, and was favourably regarded by Drs. Shaw and Purves. The hospital
assistant and accountant gave entire satisfaction.
Surgeon-Major French held charge of the Patna asylum throughout
the year. He continues to report favourably of the services of Mr. and
Mrs. Nowlan, the overseer and matron.
At Cuttack Surgeon-Major Stewart was in charge. The darogah is said to
be an efficient and satisfactory officer.
Surgeon-Major Shircore of Berhampore was absent from 1st to 8th January,
and again from 21st August to 20th November. During the latter period
Surgeon-Major Nicholson held charge of the asylum. The native overseer is
said to do his work in an efficient and satisfactory manner, and the hospital
assistant is favourably mentioned.
EUROPEAN INSANE ASYLUM, BHOWANIPORE.
33. Population.—On 1st January there remained in the asylum 27 persons,
viz., 12 males and 15 females, an increase of 7 over the number of 1882.
There were admitted in 1883, 24 persons, 21 males and 3 females. This num-
ber also exceeds by 4 the corresponding number of 1882. Of the 24 admitted
18 were Europeans, one Armenian, four East Indians, and one native. There
were 21 from the civil population and 3 soldiers.
The total number treated in 1883 was 51 against 40 in 1882. The average
daily number in confinement was 27.6. It had been 22.9 in 1882. The daily
average of sexes was 13.34 males and 14.25 females. In 1883 as in former
years the female ward was constantly full, and it was necessary to refuse
admission to several applicants.
34. The following table shows the forms of insanity treated:—
105 Mania (a) ... ... ... ... ... ...
105 Mania (b) ... ... ... ... ... ...
106 Melancholia
...
...
...
...
...
107 Dementia (b)
...
...
...
...
...
110 Imbecility ... ... ... ... ... ...
Not insane
...
...
...
...
...
Total ...
ADMITTED.
Males.
10
4
5
2
......
.....
21
Females.
1
1
......
......
......
1
3
Total.
11
5
5
2
......
1
24
TOTAL TREATED.
Males.
12
10
5
6
......
.....
33
Females.
2
10
1
3
1
1
18
Total.
14
20
6
9
1
1
51
The only point noticeable here is an unusual prevalence of melancholia,
but I need scarcely say that no conclusions can be drawn from numbers so
small as these.
35. Disposal.—The disposal of lunatics was as follows:—
PARTICULARS.
Discharged cured ... ... ... ...
Despatched to Europe under Merchant Shipping Act ...
Transferred to care of friends ... ... ...
Despatched to Europe as still insane ... ...
Died ...
...
...
...
...
Total ...
Males.
2
6
5
4
1
18
Females.
1
...
3
...
...
4
Total
3
6
8
4
1
22