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Of the narcotics used, datura has on two occasions been noted among the exciting
causes. I allude particularly to this drug in connection with the case of Bunkall, who was
admitted in August under the following circumstances :—
He had been an Inspector in the Irrigation Works six years, always bore a good and
upright character, and had given uniform satisfaction, so much so that when one of the Executive
Engineers was absent on sick leave, Bunkall was placed in charge of extensive and very import-
ant works ,. previous to this he was already doing the work of another subordinate, so that at
one time he was doing the work of three men. Mr. Bunkall's previous health had never been
good; he was subject to spasmodic asthma; during the damp weather it was so bad that his
medical attendant recommended him to live two miles away from his works, and among other
remedies ordered the datura to be smoked. Bunkall derived so much benefit from this that he
resorted to it on every occasion he was distressed. Tobacco was also freely used, but never with the
datura. The leaves of the plant were chiefly employed. For six months he continued in this
habit, on some occasions smoking two or three pipes a day; about this time he was heard to
complain of pain and pressure on the head. Here then were two exciting causes : excessive
mental and bodily occupation, and 2ndly, datura smoking. The difficulties of the case were,
that when relieved of some of his work on giving over charge, he suddenly burst into a fit of
craziness, and declared he was poisoned and surrounded by conspirators. For the first two months
of his stay in the asylum he lost greatly in flesh and was violently maniacal; official visitors
and others who had seen him on these occasions were struck with the change in his condition,
and had no doubt of his insanity. For some days he was so morose that he refused all food,
and had to be fed by the stomach pump. He slowly improved, but had two or three relapses.
Since then he has steadily recovered, but not sufficiently to justify his discharge. Orders
have been received to transfer him to Bhowanipore, where he can be better treated than
in an asylum in which no provision is yet made for European cases.
We are aware of the powerfully deleterious effects of all parts of the datura (alba and
fastuosa) when swallowed. The narcotic irritant effects of the seeds especially have for a long
time been the subject of study in Indian Jurisprudence. But whether the habit of smoking
parts of the plant, so highly recommended in bronchial complaints, has a further action in dis-
turbing the mind and predisposing to lunacy, is perhaps not so generally acknowledged.
Natives believe firmly in its action in this respect. The question is an interesting one and
worthy of further investigation.
Statement. No. 5 shows the caste and sex of the patients, and the zillahs from which
they were received. Of a total of 21 there were 15 male and 2 female Hindoos, one male and
2 female Mahomedans, and one Eurasian-Christian. Twelve belonged to the province, 8 to other
parts of India, and were chiefly those who left their homes on a pilgrimage to Pooree.
Statement No. 6 shows the trades or occupations of those admitted in 1867. Six were
Brahmins, who were either cooks or poojah-men in the houses of the richer class of natives, and
whose previous history showed that they lived an irregular and wandering life. The remaining
cases were chiefly admissions from the lower orders of society.
Statement No. 7 shows the ages of admissions during the year. Eighteen or 85 per cent. of
those admitted, were under 40 years of age; of these 11 or more than half were between
20 and 30 years. Of the discharged cured and transferred relieved to friends, 9 were less than 12
months under care, one 14 months, and one (a criminal case) nearly three years.