The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-12-14

SUPERINTENDENT S r EPoRT or THE
WESTERN LUNATIc AsYLUM.--Wcck be.
fore last we gave a synopsis of the report of
DR. Baldwin. Superintendent OF the West
ern Lunatic Asylum, as obtained from the
Richmond papers; which comprchendet the
facts and figures embraced in tie report
Since then We have received the full text Of
the document. from which VIC extract the
following interesting paragraphs:
In speaking Of the prevalence OF typhoid
fever among the patients, several eases Of
which proved fatal. DR.. Baldwin says: ssrhe
only healthy subject was young man of fine
physique. and as he had exhibited suicidal
propensities OF the most determined ci,arac-
ter, | watched his case with unusual inter
| est, to see how far the fcbrIe state would
contihue. He at first ceased his direct ef-
forts to commit suicide. but he would take
no nourishment, rs God had told him not
to cat; y and it was only by the greatest tact
and after the most strenuous efforts that we
overcame this delusion. and induced him to
take sufficient nonrishment To sustain life
| ABOUT his room, he exhibited taste for draw
ing. which was duly encouraged, but when
his physical strength had completely rc-
turned, his impulsiye suicidal propensitie les
come back in full force
NO serions accident has occurred to any
patient during the yea. No suicide has oc-
Cured within the household, although, -
number OF male patieuts gave us cause for
great anxiety in this respect, two having
been provideutially discovered in the very
act, and Others prevented, one being ease
OF exalted type OF mania. who had never be-
fore exhibited this propensity. The case OF
suicide reported occurred at the Patients
nome nearly 1t the expiration OF his thirty
days leave of ABSENCE Speaking OF this case
Of suicide. DIR. Baldwin says: .'rhs patient
had been under my close observation for ten
months, and had never exhibited any pro-
clivities of this kind; aud therefore this resul,
was the more unexpected. Some weeks prior
o his probation his brother had made appli-
cation for his discharge, but l preferred test
ing him farther iii the institution, aad then,
being satisfied of his condition, decided to
give him a months trial at the home. Liv-
my as he did under the care OF his brother
ind wife, had as few misgiyings Of danger
in any case in which this privilege has been
extended to Il patient"
In speaking OF hereditary insanity, some
wholesome advice is given to young people
contemplating matrimony. Able English
authority is quoted as saying: Here is a
cause OF insanity which cannot be rid OF
"a part and parcel OF the individual csnsti-
tuition end being.'s And again: '.rhis much
| may say, that if anyone has already had an
attack of insanity, there is always good reas-
ON for thinking that he or she will have an
Other sooner or later; consequently, whoever
is about to marry, snch :; man Or woman
ought, beyond all question, to be informed
1f the preceding and OF tie chances of SUISSE
Iuent attacks
DIR. Baldwin gives a very encouragi ng ac-
count of the working Of the Institution, but,
Is mentioned in the synopsis, deems the
naterial enlargement Of the facilities for the
accommodation Of the insane, indispensable,
IS there are now 243 insane persons in the
State who have failed TO fluid admission into
either OF the asylums.
Appended TO the report is an able and in
teresting paper, read by DR.. Baldwin before
he Association OF Medical Superintend
ents,'' at the meeting held in Philadelphia.
June. 1876, advocating the more extensive
introduction OF the probation or furough
>ystem, which has been operated in this in
stitution with the most excellent results.