The Portland daily press., 1871-12-13
Maine Insane Hospital.

normal capacity. The monthly supervision re-
GERS have faithfully performed their duties, and
the unfortunate inmates have at all times been
treated and properly cared for Last
year the Legislature appropriated $4,000
towards the erection of chapel. the exterior
OF which is about finished. A similar appro-
priation Will be required to complete the build
ing ready 1or occupancy The hospital build
ings are in good condition. The rooms in the
centre buildings have been painted, papered
and returnished Several convenient rooms
nave been gained in the centre building by
placing the dining hall for the males ! IN the
wings New floors have been laid IN galleries.
where needed, the painting has been wei at
tended to, and the outbuildings have been
painted of uniform color.
The records show that there are put II per-
sons in the hospital who are entirely supported
by themselves or their friends, while there are
334 sunnorted either wholly or in part by the
State One fact is clear-either insanity is
nrettv much confined to the poorer classes, or
the hospital is grossly imposed upon by munic
in the hospital who are not legally entitled to
State aid, in the absence of any other facts, the
Superintendent does not feel authorized to go
behind the certificates of municipal officers.
The regret is expressed that no investigation
has been made into the financial affairs of the
ing expressed themselves as entirely satisfied
without an investigation, although an examina-
ton would have been more satisfactory to the
Trustees. The Importance is urged of provid-
ing further accommodations for the insane.
The present normalcapacity of the hospital is
about 350-the utmost limits being 400. Not
much has been done towards carrying out the
proposed rural improvements, but it is hoped to
accomplish more next year.
The Trustees suggest that in making appro-
faf,A fnrf I,nf ,,t,, :.
no responsibility be divided but that the duty
OF expanding them will be wholly with the
Trustees or the Executive Council; also the pro-
priety of so amending the statute as to require
the Superintendent to make his annual report
to the Trustees, instead of to the Governor and
Council The following is the Board of Trus-
tees: w. b. Lapham, Augusta, PRESIDENT
John T. Gilman, Portland, Secretary; George
A Frost, Springvale; A. G. Wakefield, Ban
gor; E. L. Pattangall, Pembroke; N p. Mum
roe, Belfast
DIR. H. M. Harlow, the experienced and pop
ular Superintendent, presents his report some
parts of which must be a valuable contribution
to medical science, and great help to those
treatment of the insane. There has been the
past year exemption from all epidemic sickness,
although not the usual immunity from accidents
On the 18th ult., one of the inmates was fatally
injured by fellow associate who, following the
his comrade down with an instrument used in
dustiug and rubbing the floor.
The whole number of patients under treat
ment during the year has been 519-282 men.
and 237 women Of these, 345-166 men and
179 women-were in charge at the commences
ment of the year, Dec. LIST, 1870. 174-116 men
and 5S women-have been admitted since
There have been discharged during the wear
1914 men and 81 women, leaving in the
Hospital at the close of the year, 368-1S6 men,
and 1872 women. The condition of those dis
rnnd tUQG Qnna lxy Fall
5S-A men and "a women; improved, 28-15
men and Ii women; unimproved, 21-16
men and women; died, 80 men and IA women.
The per cent. of recoveries on the number ad-
mitted in the year differs not materially from
that OF years previous
The number of women recovered in propor-
ton to the number admitted is larger than the
number of men, owing to the fact that very
large part OF the latter were in chronic, incur
able state when they entered the hospital. The
number OF improved and unimproved is essen
TALLY the same as in past years. The longest
time under treatment of any one of those who
recovered was 120 weeks, the shortest time 3
weeks, and the average time % weeks The ra-
ito OF deaths to the number of patients under
treatment differs not materially from that of
former years. In the absence of any special or
general sickness, all who died seemed to reach
the end through the grave character of the dis
ease affecting the brain and nervous system
The causes Of death were as follows: tubercular
phthisic, s; general paralysis, s.; marasmus, 5;
exhaustive mania, 4; chronic insanity, 4; decay
OF Old age, 4; paralysis, A. epilepsy, 3; apoplxy,
2; anasarca or dropsy, q disease of heart, 1; vi
olence by patient, l. The civil condition of
those admitted during the year is as fol-
lows: 40 men and u woman are married,
overs and 10 are widows The attributed
causes OF insanity are: Ill health, 35; intern
Perance, y; epilepsy, a. masturbation, 70;
domestic afhlctlon, 8; spiritualism, 4 disap-
pointed affection. z; religious excitement, s;
over-exertion, s. decay of old age, s.; injury of
head, s; embarrassment in business, A; critical
period OF life, 3; excessive use of tobacco 2;
sun stroke, 2; rheumatic fever, 9; loss of prop
erty, l; injury from gas explosion, L; loss of
sleep /; paralysis, 1; unknown, 49,
DIR. Harlow has noted with a good deal of
care that form of disease termed relioio,ts ex-
element, and is satisfied that religion has no
more to do in producing insanity than gold or
silver or the most precious stones have in de-
veveloping the disease in those who fancy
themselves immensely rich.
FOrty-seven of the patients now in the hospi-
tai are supported entirely by the State, 273 re-
ceive State aid of 81 50 per week, and 81 pay
the whole of their expenses, or are supported
by their friends, at the rate of 81 and 81 per
week, according to accommodations On the
14th of October, 1910, the first patient was adj
mitted to the hospital. Since that 1913 have
been admitted. 3445 have been discharged; of
whom 1547 recovered; 664 improved, 375 I'M
and O39 have died.
In view Of anticipated lack of accommoda-
tlons, the superintendent suggests the COM
mencement OF another building on the grounds
little north of the present hospital building,
for the accommodation of female patients, con-
sistlng of a center building and two wings,
each OF sufficient capacity when completed to
accommodate 100 patients Then. as future
necessities require, other wings could be added,
Till the size should reach that of the present es-
adjustment, when both together. would accom-
modate about 800 patients.
:, The male inmates are provided with work on
the farm, in the garden and about the build
ngs, and the females employment in the
laundry, seamstress' room, kitchen. &c. Rid
ing and walking is enjoyed by those who do not
care to work for exercise, and games of various
kinds serve to beguile the weary hours.
Captain w. E. Leighton, Steward and Treas
lrer, submits his annual report, which makes
, good showing for the institution. Paid out
the last year $90,0624 AZ; receipts, 1871, sos. 4S.
The statement of resources and liabilities show
quite an amount in favor of the institution;
out reckoning the balance in the treasury at
'he commencement of the year. there is now
shown small balance against the hospital,
,wing to the necessity the past year of expend-
ng an unusually large amount for repairs and
on the farm and buildings The
arm which has always been. found so useful,
has fully maintained its reputation. The hay
md grain crops have suffered somewhat from
he drouth, necessitating the conversion of
ome of the stock into beef Mr.. Amos Church
has the immediate charge of the farm, under
he direction of the Steward and Treasurer.
Religious services have been regularly OBJ
served and fully attended The divine word,
udleiously expounded, always produces
sootnng and salntary effect upon the troubled,
surging mind. Rev. Dr. Kicker, who has serv,
3D. as chaplain for two years, has resigned that
position and Rev. G. f. Penney appointed to
fill the vacancy.