Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1860-01-23


Statistics of Insanity.
The twenty seventh annual report of the
Trustees of the State Lunatic Hospital in
Worcester has been published, and embraces
a great variety of statistical and other inter
esting information. The statement of the Su-
perintendent, DR.. Merrick Bemis, shows that
the number of patients in the hospital, Septem
Der Both, 1859, was 917, of whom 152 were
males, and 1865 females. The whole number
who were under treatment during the year
was sol. of whom 81 were discharged improv-
ed. 10 not improved, and 80 deceased, while
80 had recovered their full measure of mental
and physical health, and returned to their
homes and friends, clothed in their right
minds" OF those who were DISCHARGED as
improved, most had become tranquil, and so
far restored as to resume their ordinary labors
in whole or in part, and to cause their friends
but little anxiety. Of those who were dis
charged as not improved, was transferred to
another Asylum, went to their homes, and
to almshouses, harmless and incurable.
The tables show that for period of twenty.
seven years, rs per cent. of all patients COM
mitted to the hospital who had been insane
less than one year, have recovered their men,
tai health and strength. And large MAORI
ty of those who are committed on the first APP
pearance of insanity, are restored during the
first six months. Thirty-six patients were
committed during the year in state of de-
mentia more or less complete, some of them
from almshouses, and others from their homes
where all hope of their recovery had been
past, and all their ideas of propriety lost. The
report records a few of the most interesting
cases of delusion. One female firmly believes
she is the widow of the Duke of Wellington,
and dislikes to answer to any other title than
that of Duchess. Another fancies she is filled
with powder, and is in constant dread of being
set on fire and blown up. A third thinks she has
some other persons head and fears the rightful
person may call for it. While a fourth be-
lieves she has swallowed the sun. One male
patient believes he is Napoleon the Great, and
is violent if addressed by other patients in his
proper name. Another thinks he is a spirit
in the next world, surrounded by spirits who
ontrol his actions, and cause all his troubles,
A third is filled with devils who render his
life inexpresslbly miserable. Another always
speaks of himself as the son of God In
strong contrast with these and others like
them are two patients, one male and one
female, who, with constant exhibitions of vio-
ence destructiveness, and filth, have discov-
cred no delusion, but have been clear and CO.
herent amid all their noise and madness.
Thirty-six patients were admitted, whose
insanity was of the type of melancholia.
Their lean, slender, STOPPING persons, pale,
sallow features, brown, dry, scaly skins, hol-
low, changeless expression, uneasy, suspicious
chances, all speak of their gloomy fears, and
forebodings of evil. One fears he shall be led
to take the life of his wife and child, and flies
to the Asylum for control. Again, he has in
some mysterious manner committed an awful
crime, and thinks he is under the wrath of
God. Others imagine the approach of imme-
date calamity, from which there is no escape
no hope. They know well what is done for
them, and appreciate whatever is brought to
them. But no argument, no persuasion, no
kindness, no feeling of security, can triumph
over their fears; no pleasure can divert their
apprehensions of evil.
Of the causes of insanity in those commit.
ted during the last year, hereditary pre-
disposition was ascribed in % cases; in
Temperance in % cases, of which Is were
males and females. Ill health is ascribed in
the largest number of cases. Fear, grief, dis
appointment, trouble, afiction, and other de-
pressing emotions are among the more fruit
full causes Two males and one female died
during the year of exhaustion. These were
old, feeble, and had long been insane. Five
males and one female, cases of long standing
died of epilepsy. Three males and one fe-
male died of palsy, and two males who were
each more than rs years of age.
The report goes at length into the ages, EN-.
ployments, habits, &C., of the patients, the
methods of treatment, the wants of the insti-
tuition, and various other topics, and closes
with the reflection that, in looking back over
the events of the year, the officers have been
signally blest in their endeavors to promote
the welfare of the sufferers placed under their
charge The Trustees "are gratifed to ex-
press their confidence in the untiring industry
and devotion of the worthy Superintendent
and his efficient corps of assistants, in the pro-
motion of the welfare of the inmates of the in
stitution, and the progress of affairs committed
to their supervision"
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