From Brigade-Surgeon-Lieutenant-Colonel D. SINCLAIR, M.B., C.M., Inspector-General of Jails with Civil
Medical Administration, Burma, to the Secretary to the Chief Commissioner, Burma,—No. 2026-98,
dated the 22nd* February 1895.
I HAVE the honour to submit, with the prescribed statements, the Report
on the Rangoon Lunatic Asylum for the year 1894, appended to which will be found
a brief note signed by five members of the Committee of Visitors.
2. The report is dated the 6th instant, but did not reach this office until
yesterday. As it is already overdue, I shall not add to the delay by any very
lengthened criticism, which, however, seems unnecessary.
3. In paragraph 15 Dr. Baker recommends that the double row of cells
about to be built over one of the old cell blocks should stand back to back.
Back-to-back structures, though probably less costly than those with a bisecting
corridor, are difficult to properly ventilate, and noises in adjoining cells are
readily communicable. Besides being able to deaden sound by subdividing with
doors, corridors are convenient for administrative purposes. I have asked the
Executive Engineer to arrange to meet me at the asylum on an early date, when
this subject will be fully re-considered.
4. The Superintendent and Committee of Visitors are agreed that more
day sheds are required. Why not enclose with wooden palisading the space
under one or more of the cottages ?
5. In paragraphs 25 and 26 the water-supply is discussed. Samples of
water from all the wells were analysed and, with one exception, were pronounced
good. The exception was water from the well recently sunk in land " thickly
studded with shallow excreta trenches." The well is said to be used chiefly for
gardening purposes, but as the majority of even sane Asiatics are peculiarly per-
verse regarding the sources from which supplies for drinking purposes are obtain-
ed, it is very desirable, if this well be really polluted as described, that the inmates
of the asylum should not have access thereto. Water taken from the well last
August was said by the Chemical Examiner to contain in solution 15.6 grains of
total solids and 0.8 grain of chlorine per gallon, and of saline and albuminoid
ammonia 0.16 and 0.12 parts per million. My firm belief is that the excess of
nitrogenous matter here indicated is in no way due to soil contaminated by liquid
human excreta. Under such circumstances, the chlorine reaction would be far
more pronounced. The condition was probably temporary and most likely due
to the falling into the well of some small animal, such as a mouse or rat. The
well is imperfectly protected and has neither platform nor parapet. The water
will be again analysed, and, with a view to throwing light on the sources of pollu-
tion, if the results continue to give unfavourable indications, the Chemical Ex-
aminer will be asked to state the composition of the total solids.
6. In paragraph 29 certain objections to the employment of Burman in-
sanes on conservancy duties are given. In pauper asylums and union work-
houses in England such inmates as are physically fit assist in the performance of
this and all other menial duties, and, seeing that many European women of refine-
ment have similar offices to perform, I am strongly opposed to the exemption
suggested in the case of insane paupers belonging to this country.
7. When the establishment has been strengthened, a reduction in the num-
ber of escapes will be looked for.
* Despatched on the 27th idem as certain errors necessitating the return of the report to the Superin-
tendent of the asylum were discovered after the completion of this letter.