18
ANNUAL REPORT ON THE DELHI LUNATIC ASYLUM
FOR THE YEAR 1887.
Population.
On the 1st January there remained 72 males and 23 females ;
39 males and 11 females were admitted, making a total of
145.
Of these, 20 males and 2 females were discharged cured, 10 males and 2 females
were made over to their friends, 4 males were discharged proving not insane, 9 males and 4
females died, leaving 68 males and 26 females under treatment at the end of the year.
Of the 22 discharged cured, 12 had suffered from acute mania, 4 from chronic
mania, 1 from melancholia, 3 from acute dementia and two from chronic dementia ; a deaf
and dumb boy admitted in 1884. Two had been under treatment four years, 3 three years,
12 one year, 1 over six months, and 4 under six months.
The 10 males and 2 females handed over to their friends were quite harmless; the
friends petitioned for their discharge and gave security for their proper care.
There have been no escapes. There were two re-admissions, one that of Ganesh Dat
resident of Delhi, who had been discharged in January 1886 ; the other, a fakir, had been
discharged in June 1886. Both are addicted to the use of intoxicating drugs.
Criminal lunatics.
Of this class, 16 males and 2 females remained at the end of the previous year. Five
males were admitted ; and 5 males were discharged and sent
to stand their trial. With the exception of 4 males and 1 female,
all the criminal lunatics are employed on some kind of labour. No difficulty has been
experienced in managing them. There is a sufficient number of cells for their accom-
modation. The cells are used more for confining lunatics whether criminal or non-
criminal who are dangerous or liable to sudden outbursts of violence. There has been
no attempt at assault during the year.
Religion, sex and resi-
-ence.
Of the 50 admissions, 36 were Hindus, 11 Musalmans, 1 Native Christian and 2 of the
other castes. Twenty-five were residents of the Delhi district,
6 came from Hissár, 5 from Umballa, 4 from Rohtak, 3 from Gurgaon,
1 from Ludhiána, 1 from Karnál, 3 from Ajmere, and 2 from Nasirabad.
Previous occupations of
new admissions.
The cultivators furnished the largest number 13, beggars 7,
shop-keepers 6, servants 4, labourers 3, sweepers 2, barber 1, &c., &c.
Ages of lunatics.
Of the new admissions, 4 were under 20 years of age, 41
between 20 and 40, and 5 between 40 and 60.
Types of insanity.
Thirteen were admitted suffering from acute mania., 3 from chronic mania, 9 from
melancholia, 8 from acute dementia, 2 from chronic dementia, 6
from idiotcy, and 4 from monomania, and 5 were found not insane.
Causes of insanity.
In 15 cases the cause was alleged to be the use of intoxicat-
ing drugs, in 4 fever, in 2 the effects of exposure to the sun, in 11 to
grief, loss of money, &c.
Sickness and mortality.
There were 118 admissions to hospital, against 109 in the
year previous.
The daily average sick was 7.00 against 10.00 in 1886. There were 13 deaths, viz.,
phthisis 2, pneumonia 3, dysentery 4, general debility 1, pleurisy 1, chronic Bright's disease
1, general dropsy 1.
Of the lunatics who died, two had been 16 years in the Asylum, 3 ten years, 4 four
years, 2 three years, and 2 less than six months.
Many of the lunatics have suffered severely in previous years when malarial fevers
have been prevalent. The past year was very unhealthy and the lunatics suffered in
common with all other sections of the community with the result that at the end of the year
a great many were in bad health. Prophylactics in the shape of quinine or cinchona
febrifuge and lime juice were administered freely while fevers prevailed ; tonics and a
daily allowance of fresh milk were given to those whese health had suffered.
Many of the lunatics throw off their clothing and bedding, and in this way expose
themselves to chill which is of course calculated to produce disease.
Again many are very capricious and refuse their food from time to time. In such
cases, although artificial feeding is resorted to, their health suffers. The Deputy Superin-
tendent and other officials have been frequently warned to take particular care to see as far
as possible that the lunatics wear their clothes and use their bedding. In fact as far as
practicable all measures calculated to avert sickness and mortality are adopted, and I would
hope with greater care on the part of subordinate officials the health of the Asylum will
be improved.
Diet, &c.
The dietary is sufficient. Ample clothing and bedding are
provided, while the sick are allowed any diet considered necessary
for them.
Of the 50 lunatics admitted, 13 were found in good health, 10 in indifferent health, 27
in bad health, the condition of 3 being very bad.