14            ANNUAL REPORT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS.

      ANNUAL MEDICAL REPORT

                                            OF THE

    LUNATIC ASYLUM, MADRAS,

                  FOR THE YEAR 1879-80.

I have the honor to submit the report of the Madras Lunatic Asylum for the
official year 1879-80.

Surgeon-Major L. C. Nanney held the post of Superintendent for the first
seven months of the year. His report is appended.

No new buildings have been erected, but the latrines in the criminal enclosure
have been removed 10 feet from the wall, as it was found that they facilitated
escapes.

The roofs of some of the general cottages and of the Superintendent's bun-
galow will require attention during the year.

The roads and paths require regravelling. This can be done by the patients
if gravel be provided.

The so-called "Idiot enclosure," in which the greater number of European
and East Indian males pass the day, is a cheerless place, surrounded as it is by a wall
6 feet high, shutting out all view of the grounds. It would be much improved if
the wall were removed and a low hedge planted in its stead. The old bricks could
be utilized in repairing the roads.

The general condition of the asylum and its inmates is satisfactory.

The number of admissions is exactly the same as last year.

There is a slight falling off in the number of cures. The death-rate is much
lower.

There have been no epidemics.

One suicide occurred—the first for many years,

There has been only one escape.

The number remaining under treatment on 31st March 1880 was 246.

Admissions.—There were 136 new admissions (105 males and 31 females).
Two are readmissions.

"Readmission" as here used requires some explanation,