NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
16
DHARWAR ASYLUM.
Superintendent.—SURGEON-MAJOR C. J. SYLVESTER, M.D.
Building.
The asylum building has been already described in former reports, and
no alteration or addition has been made to it during
the period under review.
Capacity.
2. There is sleeping accommodation for 18 patients, but when the lu-
natics exceed that number, the day wards are made
use of for the accommodation of some of the quieter
patients. In this way 24 have been received for treatment at one time.
Inmates.
3. The number of lunatics remaining on the 31st December 1876 was
24 (18 males and 6 females), and 6 have been ad-
mitted. Two patients have been discharged from
the asylum during the year ; 1 of these being placed in charge of his
friends, the other (a Hospital Assistant) returned to his duty. The total
number under treatment during the year was 30 and the number remaining
on the 31st December 1877 was 17 (11 males and 6 females); of these 4
were cases of chronic mania and 13 of chronic dementia.
Causes of insanity.
4. In 22 cases the causes of insanity are unknown, of the remainder
they are as follows :—2 from ganja-smoking, 1 from
the effect of fever, and 5 from grief.
Criminal lunatics.
5. No criminal lunatics have been under treat-
ment during the year.
General health.
6. The health of the lunatics has not been favourable. The number
of sick has been 13, and the number of deaths 11.
The cases of sickness have been as follows :—6 from
debility, 1 from ague, 3 from diarrhœa and 3 from dysentery, and the
deaths have resulted from the undermentioned causes. One from fatty
degeneration of the heart—this patient died very suddenly, and there were
no previous indications of illness with the exception of debility. One from col-
lapse after an attack of diarrhœa—this patient had been in the asylum for
a period of 18 years; 1 from subacute peritonitis occurring in a patient in
feeble health ; 3 from general debility and anæsmia; 3 from diarrhœa;
and 2 from dysentery; all the above patients were in weak health, and I
cannot attribute the unusual mortality to any local sanitary defect, but to
the inherent debility of the patients and the general unhealthiness of the
district during the year.
Average cost of each pa-
tient.
7. The average cost of each patient has been Rs. 221-12-7 against
Rs. 179-11-1 in 1876. This increase has been caused
entirely by the exceptional high prices of all articles
of consumption which have obtained in this district
during the year owing to prevailing scarcity.
Employment of lunatics.
8. Those lunatics whose condition admitted of out-door occupation
were employed in working in the garden. The aver-
age number so employed has been 6.3. This labour
is conducive to health, and is useful in supplying vegetables for the use of
the patients and for sale to the public. There has been no in-door occupation
available.
17
Paying patients;
9. The number of paying patients has been
2 only.
Profit of garden.
10. In addition to supplying the asylum with vegetables, the sum of
Rs. 42-3-0 has been realized by the sale of fruit and
vegetables, the produce of the garden. Rs. 25-5-6
have been saved by economy in working the garden, making a total of
Rs. 67-8-6, which has been paid into the Government Treasury.
Attendance of committee.
11. The members of the monthly committee have visited the asylum
regularly during the year, and have performed their
duties satisfactorily.
AHMEDABAD ASYLUM.
Superintendent.—SURGEON-MAJOR CHARLES JOHNSON.
Buildings.
The asylum buildings have had no alteration
or additions made to them during the past year.
Ventilation, water-supply,
conservancy and drainage.
2. These are unaltered since last report. The ventilation is sufficient,
the water-supply good and abundant, and the con-
servancy and drainage suitable to the requirements
of the establishment.
Details of treated.
3. Eighty-nine males and 19 females remained under treatment on
the 1st January 1877, giving a total of 108 patients.
Theadmissions during the past year correspond exact-
ly to those of the previous one, being 8 males and 4 females. The re-ad-
missions also correspond, being 2 in all, both male lunatics. The total treat-
ed during the year amounts to 122, being the same as last year, except that
there were 99 males and 23 females instead of 101 males and 21 females in 1876;
of these 9 were discharged, including 1 escaped, who was not recovered, 5
discharged cured, 3 males and 2 females, 3 handed over to the care of their
friends, 1 of which was improved, and 2 were the same as on admission.
Mortality.
4. Nine deaths occurred during the year against 4 in 1876—2 from
epilepsy, 2 from Bright's disease, 1 from phthisis
pulmonalis, 2 from fevers (remittent and continued),
1 from scurvy, and 1 from debility. The case of scurvy was admitted into
the asylum in an advanced stage of that disease and during the five months
he was under treatment in the asylum did not appear materially to benefit
from any of the remedies resorted to. Of the 9 deaths 1 was between the age
of 42 and 60 years and the others between 20 and 40. No case of scurvy
originated in the asylum, where there is always an unlimited supply of
fresh vegetables and fruits, such as limes, papayas, shadocks, &c.
Increase or decrease in
admission.
5. There has been no increase or decrease in
admissions, the number being precisely the same
as last year.
Daily average strength.
6. The average daily strength during the year was 108.1 against 105.6
in the previous year; of the former 90.4 represent
the average strength of males and 17.7 of females.
B 672—3
18
Daily sick.
7. The average daily sick was 3.8 males and 2.3 females against 1.1
males and 0.8 female during 1876. The increase
of average is owing to cases of old age and debility
remaining from last year, being constantly under treatment for the whole
year and 1 case of debility under treatment for 9 months.
Percentages.
8. The percentages on daily average strength
were—of
Cured...
Died ...
Males ...
Females ...
Males ...
Females ...
3.3
11.3
3.3
33.9
Total 4.6
Total 8.3
The percentages of admissions were—of
Cured ...
Died ...
Males ...
Females ...
Males ...
Females ...
30
50
30
150
Total 35.7
Total 64.3
Criminal lunatics.
9. On 1st of the year 1877 the total number of criminal lunatics
under treatment was 19 males and 1 female. Three
were admitted during the year, 2 males and 1 female,
giving a total of treated of 23; one male was handed over to the charge of
his friends under Government Resolution No. 7393, dated 7th December
1877; 1 male and 1 female died, leaving a total remaining of 19 males and 1
female. The death-rate to the mean average population of this class was
43.3 per cent.
Crimes of criminal luna-
tics.
10. Ten of these lunatics were committed for murder, 1 for attempt at
murder, 5 for theft, 1 for culpable homicide not
amounting to murder, 2 for grievous hurt, 2 for
mischief and assault, and 1 for attempt at house-
breaking; of the total 2 were females. None of the above-mentioned cases
have shown symptoms of violence.
Employment of criminal
unatics.
11. Nineteen criminal lunatics were employed on labour of various
sorts during the year, the daily average being 15.4
males and 1.4 females, their work being principally
grinding food-grains for the Hutteesing and Prem-
mabhai Hospital, and for home use in the asylum. The remainder are
employed in domestic service inside the premises and on out-door work in
the garden when they can be trusted.
Religion, sex, and resi-
dence.
12. Of 14 admissions with re-admission 12 were Hindus and 2 Mahome-
dans; of the former 4 were females. On the 31st
December 1877 the total number under treatment
was 81 Hindus, 21 Mahomedans and 2 Parsis; 89
were males and 15 females. Only 1 patient was admitted from the Ahme-
dabad Districts, 2 from Kaira, 3 from Surat, 3 from Broach, 1 from Mahi
Kánta, 1 from Deccan, 1 from Meywár, 1 from Hindustan, and 1 unknown.
Previous employment.
13. Among the 14 admissions 2 were cultiva-
tors, 2 labourers, 1 weaver, 1 petty trader, 6 beg-
gars, and 2 unknown.
Ages.
14. Eight patients out of the admissions were between the ages of 20
and 40, 2 between 40 and 60 among the males, and 4
between 20 and 40 among the females.
19
Types of insanity.
15. Twenty-seven cases of acute mania remained at the end of the year,
chronic mania 53, melancholia 2, acute dementia 2,
chronic dementia 11, idiocy 7, and imbecility 6;
among the admissions 8 were cases of acute mania, 3 chronic mania, 2
acute dementia, and 1 imbecility, the total number treated being 122.
Of 35 cases of acute mania 3 males and 1 female recovered, 1 male
improved, and 1 male and 1 female died. Of chronic mania 56 cases were
treated, 1 female recovered and 1 male and 1 female died; of melancholia 2
cases were under treatment ; of acute dementia 4 cases, of which 1 female died;
chronic dementia gives 11 cases, of which 1 female died ; idiocy 7 cases, of
which 1 male and 2 females died ; imbecility 7 cases, total 122, of which 5
recovered, 1 improved, and 9 died.
Causes of insanity.
16. Among the above total there were 66 cases, in which the cause of
insanity was known and in 56 unknown ; of the
former 34 cases are attributed to the abuse of ganja,
and to intoxication, debauchery, &c., 4 from the results of fever, 8 from
epilepsy ; 9 were hereditary and congenital. From moral causes 11 cases are
shown resulting from religious exaltation, ill-treatment, and loss of money.
Length of
residence
among all patients of those
cured and died.
17. Among the patients discharged cured, the average period of resi-
dence was 1 year 7 months and 22 days, the maximum
being 2 years 7 months and 2 days, and the minimum
6 months and 13 days. Among those who died the
average residence was 1 year 8 months and 25 days,
maximum 4 years 5 months and 18 days, minimum 1 month and 26 days.
Sick in Hospital.
18. The total number under treatment in hospital during the year
was 49 from all causes detailed in the accompanying
form, of which 36 were discharged, 9 died, and 4
remained under treatment. The greater number of cases were of inter-
mittent fever; 1 case of scurvy occurred, which was admitted into the
asylum, suffering from that complaint.
Percentage of sickness
and mortality.
19. The average daily number of sick was 6.1
and percentage of deaths to treated was 25.7, against
11.8 of 1876.
Cash accounts.
20. The amount received from the Government Treasury was
Rs. 13,261-7-1. The receipts from paying patients
was Rs. 922-1-11. The sum realized by sale of
garden produce and lunatics labour was Rs. 637-1-0. The total receipts
being Rs. 14,820-10-0.
Expenditure incurred.
21. There is an increase in the cost of establishment of Rs. 234-1-10,
owing to the increase in the price of food all over
the country and the consequent necessity of giv-
ing grain compensation to the employés. In the diet of patients there
is also an increase, mainly from the same cause, of Rs. 1,167-7-2. In bazar
medicines an increase of Rs. 64-13-2, also on account of the high prices.
Contingencies show an increase of Rs. 125-1-5 from the same cause and
sundry petty repairs executed in the asylum during the year.
Decreased.
22. Clothing shows a decrease of Rs. 72-8-5
over the past year.
20
Average gross and net cost.
23. The gross cost of each patient for maintenance, clothing, &c., &c.,
was Rs. 122-10-9 per annum. The net cost of
Rs. 108-4-0, being an increase of Rs. 10-8-11, result-
ing from the causes above-mentioned.
Receipts and expenditure
on account of garden.
24. The gross receipts of the sale of garden produce and the amount
realized by patients labour was Rs. 905-14-0. The
net receipts Rs. 637-1-0, being Rs. 63-1-9 in excess
of those of the preceding year.
Population to average
number employed.
25. The mean population was 108.1.
The
average number employed was 82, showing a slight
increase over the number employed in 1876.
Credits or annual income.
26. The amount realized during the year from sale of garden produce,
patients labour employed on grinding provision,
&c, was Rs. 905-14-0. The amount unrealized from
crops grown, such as jowári, grass, &c., &c., as forage for the cattle, gar-
den improvements, mending fences, levelling, road-making, &c., &.c,
Rs. 797-2-2. The total amount would, therefore, represent a sum amounting
to Rs. 1,703-0-2, being a slight increase on last year's amount.
Debits or annual expen-
diture.
27. The total amount expended during the year was Rs. 1,065-15-2,
this includes Rs. 797-2-2 on account of plant,
machinery in store, &c., &c., and Rs. 268-13-0 for
raw materials and all other charges. The net profit
on all for the present year amounts to Rs. 637-1-0, this is also an increase
of Rs. 63-1-9 over the previous year, showing satisfactory financial results.
Condition as to marriage
and caste.
28. Out of the total remaining under treatment on the 31st December
1876, 37 were single, 41 married, 12 widowed, and
18 unknown; 5 single were admitted during the year,
6 married, 1 widowed and 2 unknown ; of these 10
were males and 4 females; 32 single Hindus and 10 Mahomedans ; 38 married
Hindus, 7 Mahomedans and 2 Parsis; widowed 9 Hindus and 4 Mahome-
dans ; unknown 15 Hindus and 5 Mahomedans.
Garden.
29. There is an excellent garden, in extent about 13 acres, surrounding
and forming the asylums grounds ; about 7 acres of
this is cultivated as a garden for English vegetables
during the season and native vegetables during the rains. The vegetables
produced are of excellent quality and command a ready market in the bazar.
The rest of the ground is taken up with fruit-trees and part not as yet brought
under the influence of irrigation is cultivated during the rains for the
purpose of growing jowári, &c, &c., as fodder for the bullocks working the
wells, the produce of which goes a long way towards feeding the cattle for
about 9 months of the year.
Vaccination.
30. There have been no admissions requiring
vaccination during the year.
Restraint.
31. No restraint was required during the past
year.
Clothing.
32. The clothing, as usual, is supplied by the
jail factory and is durable and suited to the wants
of the patients.
21
Food.
33. The food is of good wholesome quality. It is supplied by con-
tract and the diet scale is that laid down in the
asylum rules. Fresh vegetables are supplied from
the garden in abundance and the diet seems well suited to the wants of the
inmates who are well nourished and in good condition.
Official visitors.
34. The official visitors have regularly visited the establishment
monthly and half-yearly, and at the last meeting on
the 22nd December 1877 recommended the discharge
of one Heera Poonja, a criminal lunatic, who has now been quite sane for 21/2
years.
Escapes.
35. There were 2 escapes during the year, 1 of whom was captured
and brought back to the asylum by the police. One
has not been recovered, and, as he was much improved
and nearly ready for discharge, it is probable he may not be apprehended.
The former case was not returned as escaped in the register, as he was re-
covered in a few days.
Establishment.
36. The establishment was efficient. Mr. Joseph Solomon, resident
Assistant, continues to discharge his many and
onerous duties with the same zeal and ability he has
always shown, his tact and good temper in dealing with the lunatics render
his services to the last degree valuable in an establishment of this descrip-
tion. I have had to discharge one warder for carelessness in allowing a
patient to escape while under his charge.
General remarks.
37. Owing to the high price of all articles of food, &c., &c., during
the past year, the expenses of this establishment
have necessarily increased.
The profits of the
garden produce and labour have, however, increased to a small extent. The
cost per head of each patient shows an increase of Rs. 11-7-7; this is
entirely owing to the increase of the price of food, and the consequent cost
of grain compensation to the establishment. A large amount of work has
been done by the patients in a most creditable manner, and the garden and
grounds much improved in consequence. The number of deaths this year is
9, against 4 in the previous one: 3 were cases of organic disease, viz., 2
Bright's disease, 1 phthisis pulmonalis, and 2 cases of epilepsy. Cases
scarcely under the control of treatment represent the increase : the other
cases were much debilitated, two of them in a hopeless state of idiocy. Not-
withstanding, the general health of the asylum has been and continues
very good.
SIR COWASJI JEHANGIER LUNATIC ASYLUM,
HYDERABAD.
Superintendent.—SURGEON T. HOLMESTED.
Insanes from all parts of Sind are sent to this asylum. During the
past year 21 lunatics were received from the Kurrachee Collectorate,
30 from Hyderabad, 7 from Shikárpur, and 3 from Jacobabad.
A case
sent by the Magistrate of Kotri was refused admission, as the man was an
22
untried prisoner, and it was suspected that he was malingering, he was a
desperate character; the Magistrate was informed that the prisoner would
probably attempt to escape, which a few days later he effected.
Garden.
2. The garden has been cultivated throughout the year and has been
rather more productive. Out-door occupation in the
garden is most beneficial, and we try to get every
patient to work in it.
Buildings.
3. The aslyum buildings remain unaltered ; the Public Works Depart-
ment have carried out the annual repairs ; the wall
round the asylum grounds is being continued entire-
ly by asylum labour.
Water-supply.
4. The water-supply has been good throughout
the year ; the drainage is good ; the rain-fall has
been only 3 inches 40 cents.
Clothing.
5. The clothing has been good and sufficient ; it was necessary to
procure a few more blankets this year than last ;
they were all obtained from the jail-factory.
Food.
6. Food has been good and sufficient, but owing to the defective
inundation, to the scanty rain-fall and great expor-
tation of grain to the famine districts and of wheat
to England, provisions have been dear ; the contractor was losing a large
sum monthly, when the Commissioner in Sind, on application being made to
him, released the contractor of his engagement and allowed him to supply
food at the rates published monthly by Government.
Accommodation.
7. The accommodation has been more than
sufficient; no alterations are necessary.
Conservancy.
8. The conservancy is good and effective.
Admissions and dis-
charges.
9. During the year there were 61 new admissions, 6 females and 55
males ; of the latter 6 were criminals. Of these 35
were Mahomedans, 24 were Hindus, and 2 were
Christians ; 42 have been discharged—7 females and
35 males ; of the latter 5 were criminals.
Sickness and mortality.
10. There has been less sickness than during the preceding two years ;
fever and diarrhœa have been the most prevalent
affections ; 11 deaths have occurred against 18 last
year ; 1 case from Shikárpur was admitted in a hopeless condition.
Remaining.
11. There are now remaining in the asylum 15
females and 99 males ; of the latter 16 are criminals.
Vaccination.
12. All the new cases have been vaccinated, no
case of small-pox has occurred.
Escapes.
13. During the past year there has been no
escape.
Causes of insanity.
14. The causes of insanity in the new admissions have been chiefly due
to intoxicating drinks, to grief and fever ; sexual
excesses, I believe, greatly predisposes.
23
Restraint.
15. Restraint has been rarely needed, a few cases have at times been
very violent, necessitating great care and watchful-
ness, one in particular, a very strong sepoy formerly
in the 1st Belooch Regiment; fetters or straight jackets have not been
needed.
Treatment.
16. Treatment has been much as in previous years ; but subcutaneous
injection of Liq. Hydr. Perchlor has been more often
resorted to with, I believe, good effect even in cases
where there is no suspicion of venereal disease; friction with oil all down
the spine is also found beneficial.
Employment.
17. We endeavour to get all to do some work ; if we are able to accom-
plish this our prognosis is much more favourable.
There is garden work, making bricks, making the
wall round the asylum, pumping water, &c., and for amusement there are
native musical instruments, and lately Sir Cowasji has kindly given a musical
box. There are also pet animals, as rabbits, two hog-deer, and some Persian
cats.
Total cost.
18. The total cost of the asylum has been Rs. 12,220-4-8, and the cost
per patient Rs. 103-7-7, somewhat more than during
the previous year, chiefly owing to the enhanced cost
of provisions, Rs. 30 were paid into the treasury on account of paying
patients and Rs. 290-15-6 from sale of garden produce; this is rather more
than what was realized during the previous year.
Establishment.
19. The daily average has been 115, and the establishment all told
number 28, the same as last year ; they have all
worked well. Mr. Mendes, the Hospital Assistant,
has given me the greatest satisfaction ; he is kind to the patients, and sees
that the warders are so also, and he encourages work.
Visitors.
20. The regular visitors' meeting is once a month ; generally on the
1st Thursday, in order that friends wishing to take
out a lunatic may know when to attend : all the
warrants of those admitted since last meeting are examined, as well as the
warrants of those who may have died, or who are proposed to be discharged.
Buildings and asylum generally are inspected in April and October. The
Session Judge attended, and all the criminal lunatics were examined, and a
report on each made and forwarded to the Local Government. The visitors
attended regularly.
[Statements.
26
No. 1
Showing the Admissions, Discharges, &c., of Lunatics in the Asylums in the
1
Years.
AHMEDABAD.
1867-68
..
..
..
1868-69
..
..
..
1869-70
..
..
..
1870-71
..
..
..
1871-72
..
..
..
1872-73
..
..
..
1873-74
..
..
..
1874-75
..
..
..
1875
..
..
..
1876
..
..
..
1877
..
..
..
2
Remained
on 1st
January.
1877.
M.
53
69
76
77
77
68
88
90
92
91
89
F.
9
10
11
12
13
16
20
19
18
17
19
T.
62
79
87
89
90
84
108
109
110
108
108
3
Admitted.
M.
39
33
36
19
20
33
27
19
18
8
8
F.
6
5
9
6
6
9
5
8
2
4
4
T.
45
38
45
25
26
42
32
27
20
12
12
4
Re-admitted.
M.
1
4
2
1
..
6
1
3
1
2
2
F.
1
..
..
..
..
..
1
..
1
..
..
T.
2
4
2
1
..
6
2
3
2
2
2
5
Total
population.
M.
93
106
114
97
97
107
116
112
111
101
99
F.
16
15
20
18
19
25
26
27
21
21
23
T.
109
121
134
115
116
132
142
139
132
122
122
6
DISCHARGED.
A.
Cured.
M.
19
13
22
15
14
15
14
7
8
2
3
F.
3
3
1
3
1
2
2
3
1
1
2
T.
22
16
23
18
15
17
16
10
9
3
5
B.
Transferred to Friends.
Improved.
M.
..
3
2
1
4
2
2
3
..
1
1
F.
..
..
1
..
..
..
1
..
..
..
..
T.
..
3
3
1
4
2
3
3
..
1
1
Not
improved.
M.
1
4
2
3
6
..
5
2
..
5
2
F.
1
..
5
1
2
2
1
1
1
..
..
T.
2
4
7
4
8
2
6
3
1
5
2
C.
Other-
wise.
M.
..
1
..
..
..
..
..
1
2
1
*1
F.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
T.
..
1
..
..
..
..
..
1
2
1
1
The capacity of the Ahmedabad Asylum is, at 50 superficial feet
The maximum number of lunatics confined on any one
324 superficial feet in excess of the above capacity
SIR COWAS JI
J
EHANGIER'S .
l867-68
..
..
..
1868-69
..
..
..
1869-70
..
..
..
1870-71
..
..
..
1871-72
..
..
..
1872-73
..
..
..
1873-74
..
..
..
1874-75
..
..
..
1875
..
..
..
1876
..
..
..
1877
..
..
..
78
71
84
81
81
85
79
80
83
92
89
14
7
9
13
12
15
17
17
14
16
17
92
78
93
94
93
100
96
97
97
108
106
32
37
34
24
35
34
38
40
58
34
55
3
3
10
3
8
9
6
6
5
10
6
35
40
44
27
43
43
44
46
63
44
61
..
..
..
..
..
..
1 1
1
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
1
1
1
..
110
108
118
105
116
119
117
121
142
127
144
17
10
19
16
20
24
23
23
19
26
23
127
118
137
121
136
143
140
144
161
153
167
13
10
24
9
11
14
20
15
22
20
24
3
..
4
1
..
2
3
2
2
2
3
16
10
28
10
11
16
23
17
24
22
27
2
4
4
2
3
11
9
11
8
4
11
..
1
..
..
2
2
3
5
..
3
4
2
5
4
2
5
13
12
16
8
7
15
1
..
..
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The capacity of the Sir Cowasji Jehangier's Asylum, Hyderabad, is
The maximum number of lunatics confined on