8
ANNUAL REPORT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS.
13. Sickness in Asylums.—In the Madras Asylum 176 patients were admitted
into hospital during the year. Of these 149 were discharged cured of their bodily
ailments, 17 died, and 10 remained in hospital. In Waltair 39 were treated in
hospital, of whom 23 were discharged cured, 12 died, and 4 remained at the end of
the year. In Calicut 46 were admitted to hospital, of whom 41 were discharged and
5 died. The particulars will be found in Statement VIII.
The chief diseases were bawel-complaints, abscesses, fevers, and diseases of
debility.
14. MADRAS ASYLUM.—This institution was under the charge of Surgeon
Leapingwell for the first nine months of the year. Dr. Leapingwell resigned the
charge at his own request early in January 1882 and was succeeded by Surgeon
S. L. Dobie.
15. Buildings.—The buildings have been maintained in fair repair. Floors
have been asphalted where required. No additions of any importance have been
made, but sanction has been given to the erection of two rooms additional for
males and two for females of the superior classes, which work will be completed in
the present year. Sanction has also been given for improving the bathing accom-
modation referred to in the Superintendent's report as defective.
16. The health of the inmates was remarkably good, considering the condition
in which many were admitted.
The diet scale was revised in the preceding year, and the results as regards
health have been very satisfactory, without adding, except in a trifling degree, to
the cost of maintenance.
17. Changes have been made in the establishment. Mr. Apothecary Watts
succeeded Mr. Hardaker and is well reported on by the Superintendent. The
increased pay and systematic grading of the Warders and Attendants recently
sanctioned by Government holds out the prospect of improved efficiency.
18. Three lunatics escaped during the year.
19. The grounds are maintained in a cleanly state, and afford occupation to a
large number of lunatics who are fit only for light work.
20. The usual occupations of weaving and gardening have been followed, and
with fair results, and attention is given to the periodical amusements of the insane.
21. The asylum is visited once a month by Official Visitors, whose representa-
tions are at once communicated to Government for orders. On the whole the
asylum has, in my opinion, been efficiently and economically managed during the
year by Surgeons Leapingwell and Dobie, who have displayed much interest in
their duties.
22. WALTAIR.—This is only a small asylum for the reception of lunatics in the
Northern Districts. It was under the charge of Surgeon A. N. Rogers-Harrison,
Civil Surgeon of Vizagapatam, for the whole of the year. Thirty-four patients
remained at the end of the year.
23. Buildings.— The buildings were repaired during the year, but sanction has
been given for more substantial repairs during the current year, and for the better
security of criminal insanes.
24. As already stated, the mortality in this asylum has been high, chiefly,
however, amongst chronic cases long time insane. Intermittent fever was very
prevalent in the neighbourhood of the asylum, and some cases occurred in the
institution.
25. The Superintendent notices favorably the conduct of Assistant Apothecary
White, who is in subordinate charge of the asylum,
26. There were two escapes during the year, owing chiefly to defective boun-
daries of the asylum premises and insecurity of buildings.
27. The occupations of the insane are gardening, basket and mat making,
while some help in repairing clothing,
28. CALICUT.—This asylum contained 55 patients at the beginning of the year
and 65 at the close. Twenty-one were discharged and five died.