REPORT ON THE TEZPER LUNATIC ASYLUM, 1883.
No. 295C, dated Shillong, the 25th March 1884.
From—A. ETESON, ESQ., M.D., Deputy-Surgeon-General, Eastern Frontier District,
To—The Secretary to the Chief Commissioner of Assam.
I HAVE the honour to forward the Tezpur Lunatic Asylum Report for 1883, prepared
and submitted to this office by the Superintendent, Surgeon R. Neil Campbell, M.B.
2. The first section deals with the improvements which have been effected during
the year, and from which the hygiene of the lunatics will, it is hoped, be more favourably
developed.
The improvements are—
(a) The building of two new wards.
(&) Separation of criminal from non-criminal lunatics,
(c) Asphalt coping to the wells.
(ci) Better ventilation and lighting to the solitary cells.
(e) Plantation of trees and bamboos.
(/) The excavation of a tank which has long been recommended as necessary
to drainage.
3. It is satisfactory to note that the accommodation has now been increased, so that
in the male wards there is room for 30 more patients than have been at any time present
during the year. Overcrowding should never be permitted in Asylums.
4. On the 1st January there were 61 inmates, viz., 44 males and 17 females.
During the year the population was added to by 32 ; of whom 27 were fresh admissions,
viz., 22 males and 5 females ; and 5, inclusive of 1 female, were re-admissions. The
re-admissions were of 3 relapsed patients and 2 escaped inmates.
Of the total 93, 1 escaped, 11 were discharged, 14 died, and 67 remained on the
31st December.
These figures give a larger average population for 1883 than in any previous year.
It will also be remembered that 1882 had a similar increased average over 1881. The
term is too brief to draw any conclusions as to the causes of such an increase in lunacy
in the province ; but the statistics should be carefully watched.
5. I regret to observe that the medical history of the Asylum for the year is
unfavourable. An epidemic of cholera appeared in June which lasted three weeks.
During that time there were 20 cases and 9 deaths. This has weighted the mortality
considerably ; but in addition there were 5 deaths from general causes. Hence the
mortality during the year readied a very grave percentage of 21'95, or, in a more general
method of computation, 219 5 per mille. In 1876 and 1877 the deaths reached 258-6
and 366'6 per mille ; but the average for 1878-82 was only 91 per mille.
6. The admissions into hospital were at the rate of 1,976 per mille ; the female
lunatics having a higher average than the male. The total admissions for the year were
126. A catalogue of the diseases is given for the first time, and I am struck, in reading
them over, to see such a large proportion of grave disease affecting the inmates. Probably
the past condition of neglect and exposure to which the unfortunate inmates have been
subject before admission to the Asylum had a tendency to originate or reproduce such
diseases indicative of chronic innutrition. The daily average of sick, 3T3, is an increase
on 1882 (2*24), also on 1881 (2-63), and more so on 1880 (1-23), but without a ratio
per cent, or per thousand these figures are of small value, for a varying strength may
iiccount for much of the difference.
7. An examination of the several tables devoted to statistics, religion, residence,
occupation, age of inmates, does not appear to call for remark. The Superintendent notes
the unusual circumstances of so few lunatics being admitted under age, and the small
proportion over 40 years ; but he gives no suggestion as to the cause of the exception in
the two classes. It would be well to have it enquired into and mentioned next year.
8. Of the causes to which insanity is attributed in 18 ascertained cases, no less than
8 are attributed to gavja, while opium is credited with one patient only. Considering
how very generally opium-eating as a habit' exists in this Province, 1 am surprised its