18
LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN BENGAL.
exercise and open air, if practicable—such as gardening, farming, digging, &c.—are more
salutary; and, except in the case of criminal lunatics, it is questionable whether a succession
of skilled weavers can be kept up on a large scale. This consideration will no doubt have
full weight with the Superintendent, who brings not only a profound knowledge and large and
intelligent experience of mental disease in all its relations to bear on the management of the
institution, but bestows on its every concern a patient and searching attention to details,
and holds so clearly in view the only legitimate object of all its arrangements—the recovery of
the insanes. It is satisfactory to observe that Mr. Bancroft, the overseer, maintains his high
character for intelligence, industry, and efficiency.
On the subject of the native doctor, a separate reference has been submitted, on which no
orders have been as yet received.
Dacca.—The population of this asylum is remarkably stationary, taking a series of years
into account. The daily average strength of 1870 was 222.5, against 221, the average of
1865-69. The death-rate continues high—13.3 on total treated, and 18.4 on daily average
strength.
Dr. Cutcliffe's management has been characterized by many most important and salutary
changes, which are enumerated in the 16th paragraph of his report. The changes have secured
for the lunatics one of the objects so strongly desired in former reports—more space—and
provided throughout the year the kind of work most suitable for the insane, open air employ-
ment. Many improvements still remain to be executed in order to render the construction
and arrangements of the institution all that the Superintendent would desire, but the regular
steps have been taken to move the proper authorities to undertake the excellent measures
suggested. The suggestions contained in paragraph 17 are reasonable, and calculated to meet
real defects and secure unquestionable advantages; they have therefore my full support.
Dr. Cutcliffe urges the propriety of artificially heating a ward in order to obviate the effect
of cold, to which he attributes a considerable share in the causation of death among a certain
class of the inmates. In this opinion and suggestion he is supported by Mr. Buckle and
Dr. D. B. Smith, and the proposal might be carried out experimentally. It is a fact beyond
dispute that a greater number of these lunatics die in the cold months of the year, and it
is reasonable to attribute this excess to season; there is no other way of accounting for it. It
would not cost much, and every plan which promises to affect favorably the large death-rates
of asylums is worthy of consideration, and, if practicable, of trial. The other Superintendents
do not discuss this point.
The native doctor, Sheikh Abdoollah, whose conduct is so unfavorably commented on,
has been removed, and a more promising young man appointed. On the subject of native doctors
for lunatic asylums Mr. Buckle remarks as follows in his covering memorandum:—"The fact is,
that a higher amount of intelligence, and a more careful performance of their duty, is required
both from the native doctor and the attendants at a lunatic asylum than in any other situation.
It is almost impossible to make the native doctor understand that it is his business to be
constantly watching the insane, to notice who is sick, who more dull and depressed than usual,
and that his duty lies far beyond waiting at the hospital until the sick are brought to him."
I certainly think that the pay of the native doctor is too low to secure or retain a good man.
The duties here are far more difficult and responsible than those in a jail hospital, where the
pay is the same—Rs. 25. I think at least Rs. 40 should be the salary of asylum native
doctor where the number of inmates exceeds 100.
The class of attendants is very unfavorably commented on both by the Superintendent
and Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals; the advantage of obtaining the services of a
matron is also strongly urged. The Superintendent has been requested to submit a special
report and definite proposition statement on the whole subject of establishment, which will be
submitted for orders when matured. It is probable that by reducing numbers and increasing