ANNUAL REPORT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS.                        19

Percentage of Deaths to Average Daily Strength.

Death-rate per cent. to Average Strength.

(j.) Treatment.—Freedom from personal responsibility, the discipline of the
asylum, regular hours, good feeding, separation from habits of dissipation, &c.,
exercise, and occupation; these are the great remedies for the cure or alleviation
of insanity. Occasionally, medicine, to give sleep or to reduce excitement, is
useful, as well as ordinary medicines given to improve bodily health.

No conclusive evidence as to the good of bromide of potassium in epilepsy has
been forthcoming.

                V.—OCCUPATION AND AMUSEMENTS.

These are most important aids in the care of the insane.

(a.) Occupation.—A great deal of weaving is done by criminals and ordinary
patients. This might be doubled if extra looms were supplied.

Gardening, by which vegetables have for half the year been supplied to the
asylum, has been carried on. Dr. Leapingwell planted many graft mangoes,
casuarinas, and jack trees with success. Dholl and gram crops failed from a surfeit
of rain. There has been plenty of work about the grounds.

(b.) Amusements.—It is not easy to keep up amusement for a mixed multitude
of Europeans, East Indians, and Natives.

Cricket and such like games are difficult to keep up with few patients here-
ditarily or by early training inclined towards them, and with no staff of attendants
to whom such games are familiar, so that they may take the lead in them.

At Christmas there was the usual treat, with sports, fireworks, and a band.
At New Year the Europeans and East Indians had a dinner provided out of surplus
subscriptions. If this concentrated joy were distributed through the year, it would
do more good. Native music, sweets, jugglers, and a few fireworks once a month
would, at a cheap rate, give pleasure to many.

Native books might be supplied to amuse several Native patients.

The Europeans and East Indians make considerable use of the asylum library.

                    VI.—THE OFFICIAL VISITORS

Have regularly visited the asylum monthly.

                        VII.—VACCINATION

Has been performed when necessary.

I certify that the orders respecting the custody of poisonous drugs issued by
the Inspector-General, Indian Medical Department, dated 23rd January 1863, were
carefully carried out.

                                                                    S. L. DOBIE, Surgeon,
   MADRAS,                                                        Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum.
26th April 1882.