17
was—for males 15.4, for females 50.0, and for the two together 26.3. But as
there were only 5 cures altogether these figures are of even little comparative
value. Dr. Davidson omits to notice whether the recoveries occurred among
the remained or the admitted. This is a point which should be invariably
noticed, as it is desired to establish the co-relation between early treatment
and a high rate of cures. He, however, says :—" The small percentage
of recoveries is, doubtless, due to the delay which is generally allowed to take
place after the establishment of insanity before the friends of the patients
or the public authorities take the necessary steps to put them under proper
care and treatment."
Deaths.
66. The total deaths were 5 males, or 8.3 per cent. of the males. The
percentage on the total treated was 6.5. On admis-
sions the percentage of deaths was—in males 38.5, in
females 0, and on both together 26.3.
Criminal Lunatics.
67. Under the orders of Government Resolution No. 3131, of 1st
June 1874 (Judicial Department), the whole of the
criminal lunatics (7) were transferred to Colaba,
and since then no criminals have been admitted. There were 8 treated from
April till the above date ; 1 of them died.
Causes of Insanity.
68. Very little is known about the causes of the aberration of in-
tellect of the inmates of this asylum. But as 36.8
are beggars, and the previous occupation was un-
known in 26.3 per cent. of the insanes, Dr. Davidson infers that privation
and dissipation are probably the chief causes of the insanity here. In 4
cases physical and in 2 moral causes are set down.
General Health.
69. The general health has been very good, and there has been entire
immunity from all infectious diseases. For bodily
ailments 2 remained in hospital at the end of the
preceding year and 12 were admitted during the year, making a total of 14.
Of these 5 were cured, 1 was made over to his friends, 5 died, and 3 remained
at the close of the year. None of the diseases were attributed to defective
sanitary conditions or to deficient diet or clothing.
Average Daily Sick.
70. The average daily sick was 1.5.
Cost of each Patient.
71. The cost of each patient on an average was Rs. 134-0-2 ; as compar-
ed with the preceding year there is a reduction of
Rs. 53-3-2. But this conveys an imperfect idea of the
circumstances, because the saving has been chiefly owing to no new clothing
having been purchased. The diminished cost of food has also helped to reduce
the cost per head. Owing to the introduction of the Kharakwásla water the
bheestie was dispensed with, and the saving so effected was utilized in the
payment of a gardener and for garden contingent expenditure under the
sanction of Government. The garden has only realized by sales Rs. 7-9-6 ;
but, now that it has been put into order at a cost of much labour and some
expense, it is anticipated that a profitable return will be obtained from it.
Employment of Lunatics.
72. The average number of lunatics employed was 25 males and 6
females. The former were chiefly engaged in lay-
ing out the garden and in connection with the re-
pairs, &c.; the latter in grinding grain. Hereafter the garden will afford
healthy and abundant employment to the insanes, and will, it is hoped, be
productive of mental and physical benefits.
B 223—c