FURTHER ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE ALLEGED HEMP DRUG CASES OF 1892.
141
Hemp Drug cases admitted in 1892—contd.
Name, race, occupation,
district, age, and register
number of lunatic.
Alleged
cause of
insanity
(Statement
VII).
Type of in-
sanity (State-
ment VI).
State of
health on
admission.
Facts ascertained from the papers.
Asylum history and facts ascertained from
registers, and from inquiry from
Superintendent.
8. Ramaswami; Hin-
du; Sepoy; Vizaga-
patam; 32; 32.529.
Ganja
Dementia Good
The papers show the cause of in-
sanity as, "he has been in the
habit of smoking ganja."
"His
general appearance is that of a
man who is slightly demented,
although he answers questions
and speaks rationally when ad-
dressed.
The Hospital Assis-
tants say that he was noisy the
first night he was in the peni-
tentiary. The orderlies say that
he wanted to commit sodomy
with them. And as the police
report his having behaved in an
insane manner outside he should
be sent to the Lunatic Asylum
for treatment and further obser-
vation before going back to his
regiment, and having arms placed
in his hands."
Admitted, 22nd April 1892.
This man when admitted "laughs
foolishly, but answers rationally."
On June 20th he was "rational,
quiet, and well-behaved." And
on 23rd idem he was handed over
to his friends "improved." There
is no mention of ganja in the case
book.
9. Nabi Saheb; Musal-
man; Cooly; Bellary,
35; 33 2.
Ganja
Mania
Fair
The papers show the cause of
insanity as "said to be from
sorrow."
"He commenced to
lose muscular powers. His legs
and arms were tremulous. Lips
trembled during speech and the
pronunication
was
imperfect.
His memory failed. He was on
several occasions found moving
about corners of the Jail cell in-
cessantly talking to himself and
smiling."
Admitted, 8th May 1892.
On admission he "is rather wander-
ing and incoherent in his speech,
but fairly rational." He con-
tinues incoherent but quiet. He
is said to have admitted the use
of ganja, but to us he denies it
altogether.
10. Hari Mohanti; Hin-
du; Cultivator and
Clerk, Jeypore, 35;
31.207.
Ganja
Melan-
cholia.
Fair
The papers show that this man
was charged with murder and
acquitted on the ground of in-
sanity. On 31st December 1878
he said: "At one time I look
ganja;" but on 5th
March
1879 he said: "Paroxysms of
insanity frequently come over me.
I have taken opium. I was al-
lowed opium in the District Jail
in very small doses as being un-
able to do without it."
The
Judge describes the prisoner as
"an emaciated creature suffering
from the effects of excessive use
both of mercury and opium."
The evidence showed that he took
mercury for venereal disease and
also took opium, but not hemp
drugs.
Admitted, 10th August 1892.
On admission the man was entered
as suffering from "toxic insanity."
The type was finally entered as
"melancholia." He has not al-
tered in mental condition. He is
said to have admitted in the
Asylum that he used ganja;
but
before us he denies this altogether.
11. Kunji Kalappen;
Hindu; Proprietor;
Malabar; 34; 33.60.
Ganja
Not insane Good
The papers show, that this man
was handed over to the authorities
as insane by his friend, Mr. P. C.
Rama. "He stares in a pecu-
liar manner, laughs without cause.
Won't bathe. Wandered away
in the middle of the night.
Re-
peats shastras." The cause of
insanity is shown as "alcohol
and ganja."
Admitted, 9th September 1892.
Released, 3rd October 1892.
Dr. Dobie (the Superintendent) re-
cords that this man never showed
any signs of insanity. He was
therefore released on 3rd October
1892. Inquiry showed that "he
used to take spirits some time
ago, but never ganja. His servant
says that four years ago the patient
used to drink brandy and wiskey
about 2 drams (6 oz.) a day, and
that he never took ganja. Says
Mr. Rama is not his friend."
"Has shown no signs of insanity
to any of the Asylum officials who
have to do with him."
36