12
LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN BENGAL.
superintendent to be likely to profit by the measure, which is described as "harmless and
advantageous." Dr. Payne surmises that the use of this bag is extending, because other
superintendents are sending for patterns and samples of it.
Establishment.
37. No change of any importance has been made in the establishment. The removal of
85 lunatics caused no reduction—"in fact did little more than bring the population within
a reasonable proportion of attendants and lunatics."
Subordinates.
38. The superintendent reports that Mr. Bancroft, whose designation has been, with
the sanction of Government, changed from "Overseer" to "Deputy Superintendent," sustains
his high character for usefulness and integrity. He also writes approvingly of Mrs. Monteiro,
the matron ; third class Hospital Assistant Indramun; Baboo Khetter Mohun Banerjee, the
clerk and accountant; and Ilahee Buksh, the darograh.
Management of the
asylum.
39. The administration and management of the Dullunda asylum are in every respect
admirably conducted by Dr. Payne, who has now added to his original aptitude for such a
charge the invaluable qualifications derived from long and well-used experience.
DACCA ASYLUM.
Superintendence.
40. Dacca.—This asylum was under the superintendence of Surgeon-Major J. F. N.
Population.
Overcrowding.
STATEMENT No. 15.
YEARS.
1869 ...
1870 ...
1871 ...
1872 ...
1873 ...
Average ...
1874 ...
Daily average
strength.
232
222
213
218
244
226
255.62
Admitted.
99
42.6
77
34.7
80
37.5
125
57.3
127
51.9
101.6
45
133
52.03
DISCHARGED.
Cured.
29
12.5
34
15.3
29
13.6
38
17.4
46
18.8
35.2
15.5
38
14.8
Improved.
6
2.5
10
4.5
11
5.1
14
6.4
12
4.9
10.6
4.7
9
3.5
Otherwise.
7
3.01
11
5
4
1.9
4
1.8
13
5.3
7.8
3.4
14
5.5
Deaths.
41
17.6
41
18.5
42
19.7
40
18.4
47
19.2
12.2
18.7
45
17.6
Total dis-
charges
and
deaths.
83
35.6
96
43.3
86
40.3
96
44
118
48.3
95.3
42.3
106
41.4
NOTE.—The smaller figures are percentages of mean-strength.
41. The statement on the margin exhibits the principal statistical facts of the year in
contrast with those of the
five preceding years. The
population has been larger
than ever, and as no more
space became available, the
overcrowding of the lunatics
has been unprecedentedly
great. When Deputy Sur-
geon-General Ross visited
the asylum on the 23rd of
March 1875, the male in-
mates had only 29 super-
ficial feet and female 41,
instead of 50. The popula-
tion was 270 men and 48
females: the male wards
have been more crowded
than the female throughout
the year.
42. The attention of
Government was drawn to the overcrowded state of this asylum in April, and orders were issued
that as many quiet lunatics as possible should be removed to the Lallbagh barracks. These
orders were duly communicated, but the superintendent does not report whether they were
carried out, and, if so, to what extent they relieved the overcrowding. The removal of the
Assam lunatics to Tezpore will relieve the asylum somewhat, but more radical measures are
necessary. Provision has been made for the erection of two new wards, urgently needed,
in the budget estimate of the Public Works Department for the year 1875-76.
Admissions.
Re-admissions.
Assam lunatics.
Health of
admissions.
43. The admissions of the year have been unprecedentedly numerous, showing that the
supply as well as the accumulation of lunatics is increasing. "Of the 21 re-admissions, four
returned after having escaped from the asylum; there were criminals sent back after being
put on their trial, and four returned after prolonged residence at their homes; these were
ganjah-smokers and spirit-drinkers." Twelve of the lunatics admitted came from Assam
proper, 12 from Sylhet, and 13 from Cachar: 41 were received from the city of Dacca. The
duration of insanity prior to admission was ascertained in 93 cases—74 males and 19 females;
in 58 (46 males and 12 females) it was under one year. 66.91 per cent. of the admissions were
in good health, 19.53 in indifferent, and 13.52 in bad health. "Two females, one from Cachar
the other from Dacca, were admitted in a state of pregnancy; both of them were confined in
the asylum (on the 3rd and 17th September, respectively); both were delivered of healthy
infants. One of these women was discharged cured."
Recoveries.
44. The number of recoveries was actually above the average, but, relatively to popula-
tion, rather below. The percentage of recoveries on mean strength for the decade 1864—73
was 17, that for 1874 being 14.8. The number discharged improved was, both actually and
relatively, rather below the average. Four inmates effected their escape, and endeavours made
to recapture them have not as yet been successful. Four others escaped and were recaptured.
These eight, with five who were boarded out, constitute the number discharged " otherwise."
Deaths.
Causes.
45. The number of deaths, 45, exceeded the average of the previous five years, and the
death-rate, 17.6, was also higher. The death-rate of the decade 1864—73 was 17. The
death-rate among males was 15.8, and among females 24.4. The results in Dullunda were
13.7 and 12.1, and the general results 12.8 and 15. Of the 45 deaths, nine were due to
dysentery, seven to pneumonia, and four to phthisis. In addition to the cases of pneumonia