( 2 )
not well supported by the facts given in the foregoing statement. None of those
on the list would seem to have been admitted to hospital within a fortnight of
their coming to the asylum and only two within a month ; all the others had been
from about two months and upwards in the asylum before the fatal attack set in.
The two cases of diarrhœa in July were the most rapidly fatal after coming under
treatment.
Annual Report of the Rangoon Lunatic Asylum for the year 1887.
Situation and Buildings.—The buildings have been kept in good order.
During the year the visitors reported to the local Government that during
the shipping season the accommodation for European lunatics was insufficient,
and at the same time suggested that two more compartments be added to the
European cottage.
The Chief Commissioner, however, considered " that the over-crowding of
" the European side of the asylum should, if such a course is possible, be relieved
" by the removal to some Indian asylum of those among the patients who are
" supported by their friends or by Municipalities." This is being done.
Water-supply.—Good, but not abundant in the hot weather.
Conservancy.—Conducted as in former years.
Clothing and Bedding.—The clothing is in good order and of suitable
quality. The visitors found it necessary to recommend that gunny blankets
should be discontinued, two men having hanged themselves in their cells with
ropes made of the material of which their coverings were made. The following
order was issued: " The Committee recommend that neither gunny nor any
" material of a like nature which can easily be picked to pieces and then twisted
" into a rope be used for blankets or other covering in the cells."
Diets.—Call for no remarks.
Occupation, &c.—The same as last year.
POPULATION, ADMISSIONS, &c.
On the 1st January 1887 the number of lunatics in the asylum was 227,
during the year 96 were admitted, making a total of 323.
There were discharged cured 54, improved 19,2 * escaped and have not been
re-captured, 21 died, and 2 hanged themselves in their cells, and at the close
of the year there remained 225.
The daily average strength was 223.74; in 1886 it was 216.51.
As compared with the previous year there were 19 more admissions and 30
more were discharged cured.
There were five more deaths this year than last year. Five of these, how-
ever, were admitted moribund, seven † hopelessly ill, and two committed suicide.
During the whole of the year the number in the asylum was but little
under the maximum (255) which it can accommodate without over-crowding.
Criminal Lunatics.—At the commencement of the year there were 72
criminal lunatics, 28 were admitted, 16 were discharged to stand their trial, &c.,
and 7 died, leaving 77 on the 31st December 1887.
Statements III, IV, and V.—Call for no remarks.
Types of Insanity, Statement VI.—As usual the admissions have chiefly
consisted of cases of melancholia, acute mania, and imbecility, and it is in those
types of insanity, especially the former, that most cures are effected. In cases of
chronic insanity of long standing there is but little hope of recovery, and when
such lunatics after being kept under observation for a sufficient length of time
evince no tendency to injure themselves or others they should be made over to
their friends under section 10 of Act XXXV of 1858, provided they will receive
them and the Deputy Commissioner considers that they are fit persons to have
charge of them. The same course should be pursued with regard to imbeciles,
idiots, and some cases of chronic dementia. More attention has been paid to
this during the last year and hence the large number shown as having been
transferred improved, 19 in all.
* Civil lunatics.
† Incurable diseases attended with dropsy.