( 6 )
males re-admitted, making a total of 61 persons. Of these, five males and one
female were discharged, transferred for trial, &c.; five males and one female died;
and on the 31st December 1881 there remained 47 males and two females.
The daily average number confined under treatment was 45.04 males and
3.43 females, or a total of 48.47.
10. Statement No. III shows the religion and sex of the admissions and
the districts from which they came ; 30 were Burmans, one European, 10 Hin-
dus, two Mahomedans two East Indians, three other castes, exhibiting a total of
48 admissions, being 40 males and eight females; 21 belonged to, or were found
in, Rangoon, and the remainder came from the various stations in the province,
Bassein sending six,Prome five, Moulmein four, Hanthawaddy three, Tharrawaddy
two, Kyoukpyoo three, Thayetmyo one, Tavoy one, Akyab one, and Thonegwa one.
11. Statement No. IV shows the trade and occupation of the admissions.
Of the 48, four were traders, three bazaar-sellers, one schoolmaster, one policeman,
one clerk, one writer, two tailors; the remainder, 35, belonged chiefly to the
labouring and cultivating classes.
Statement No. V is a return showing the ages of the inmates received during
the year. Of those admitted, the extremes of ages were reached and were as
follows:—
Under 20 ... ...
...
...
...
From 20 to 40 ... ... ... ...
From 40 to 60 ... ... ... ...
Upwards of 60 ... ... ... ...
3
33
11
1
Mental alienation seems to be most frequent in its occurrence between the
ages of 20 to 40. Various reasons have been suggested to explain this. In num-
bers of cases undergoing treatment, the cause of insanity at this age was
undoubtedly sexual excesses ; but I fear the true explanation is to be found in
higher wages to be obtained in Rangoon, and the consequent means of undue
indulgence.
12. Statement No. VI shows the types of insanity. Of the total treated, 224,
ninety-one were suffering from acute mania, 16 from chronic mania, 34 from melan-
cholia, 32 acute dementia, four chronic dementia, three paralysis of the insane,
eight idiotcy, 33 imbecility, and not insane three.
The class of lunatics admitted has not materially differed from that of other
years, but from the large number of cases of acute mania received in the asylum,
the behaviour of many of the recent inmates has been characterised by great
violence and excitement, requiring incessant watchfulness and attention. Sever-
al cases were also admitted in which suicidal propensities existed, and great
responsibility and difficulty were experienced in dealing with these creatures, and
more especially where it has not been the practice to deprive patients of that
class of the use of implements required in their occupations, with which they
might have effected their desire under less vigilant and careful watching, because
it is believed that whenever the tendency is lasting, the chances of overcoming
and wearing out the disposition to commit suicide are more remote when pa-
tients so afflicted are studiously prevented handling instruments than when under
strict watching they are permitted the use of them : the greater the familiarity
with their particular purposes, so much less is the wish to use them improperly.
Some marked and successful cases have justified this plan of treatment. Such a
practice at first sight may seem to be attended with risk. I think it is not so
much so as is imagined.
A patient inclined to destroy or mutilate himself is placed under the care of
one of the watchmen, accompanied by a few other patients not similarly disposed;
they are all employed, and have tools amongst them with which mischief may
be done.
The attendant, aware of the individual propensities of his group, arranges
them accordingly, and so places the dangerous patient that he may be constantly
under his own observation and that of the more intelligent of his workmen: it
can scarcely happen that an opportunity will occur for the suicidal patient to
accomplish his aim. As time goes on the continuous useful application of the
implement reconciles the patient, inspires him with confidence and hope; his