76
BHOWANIPORE ASYLUM.
large number; in 2, epilepsy was a precursor; fever in 3, and cranial injury in 2. Domestic
trouble is said, but without much probability, to be responsible for 1 case. In 25 persons the
cause was not traced.
Varieties.—There were 9 cases of acute mania among the admissions, a rather large
proportion for this asylum, the bulk of whose inmates consist of soldiers who are invalided,
for a condition of which the earlier stages are passed in regimental hospitals. There were 30
cases of chronic mania, 3 of melancholia, 1 of acute and 9 of chronic dementia.
Among the soldiers, the number of men pronounced in the regiment to have been
deficient in intellect from their recruitment, has always been remarkable. This year has
afforded no exception to the rule.
Sickness and Mortality.—The sickness has as usual been nominal. There were 2 deaths
of persons admitted in extremity of illness—1 from the mofussil, 1 from the Medical College
Hospital. The latter, apparently moribund on arrival, lived only a short time; the former,
though she never gained strength, was fed and stimulated through a longer course of unceasing
phrenzy: she was old, and physically very feeble also.
Money Receipts and Expenditure.—The receipts on account of paying patients have amounted
to Rs. 2,129. The number of first class patients has been smaller than in 1869. Very little
progress has been made towards realizing the large amount due to Government by the estate
of Mr. Kallonas. The only remittance received from the Collector of Backergunge has been a
second instalment of Rs. 500. The other outstanding debts at the close of the year amount
only to Rs. 239. There is no reason to suppose that these will remain long unadjusted.
The sum of Rs. 1,100 must be carried to credit of the institution, as deducted from the
pay of soldiers.
The total expenditure of the year, including passage money and sea outfits, was
Rs. 44,704, against Es. 47,581 in 1869; of which sum Rs. 10,497 was the charge incurred for
passages and sea outfits.
The actual cost of maintenance per man per month was Rs. 21-0-0, without deduction
for money received in payment.
With regard to the conduct and efficiency of the establishment, I can only repeat what
has been said year after year since the present subordinates have been in the asylum. They
seem wanting in nothing which is useful in such a place. Their judgment and kindness are
the sole means by which private persons accustomed to comfort and ease are enabled to make
use of a place which otherwise, by its conspicuous disadvantages, would deter them, and many a
quaint expression of approval reaches my ear from the soldiers when they comment on the food
and the care they receive. This example, as well as active supervision, secure the good
behaviour of servants, the whole establishment being now more efficient and more suited to
this peculiar work than at one time I believed it possible for native attendants to become. It
is very satisfactory to know as I do, when these men have to control a refractory European
and force must be used, it is used with judgment. Quite recently a case occurred in which
a soldier attacked a native attendant, knocking him down and cutting his head severely.
The man was at once seized by three servants, and before they could get him to his room,
the whole party fell to the ground together. The soldier got some bruises, and was full of
complaints of illtreatment. Fortunately there was reliable testimony from his own comrades
to the effect that he had been treated with perfect temper and forbearance, a conclusion which
he himself admitted when his paroxysm of excitement had subsided.
I have the honor to be,
SIR,
Your most obedient servant,
ARTHUR J, PAYNE, Surgeon Major,
Superintendent of Asylums at the Presidency.