LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN BENGAL.                                        13

Inferences from
the statement ;

As regards popu-
lation ;

From this it appears that, comparing periods of one month, the numbers living decrease
regularly; comparing quarterly periods, the same circumstance is observable. In annual
periods a similar reduction of strength among older residents is obvious, and this becomes
still more apparent as longer periods are taken. The asylums are thus ever being emptied,
and the large majority of their residents are comparatively short-term residents. The Dacca
asylum shows a larger proportional number of long-term residents than the two others, and
a comparatively smaller number of short-term. This is quite in keeping with the smaller
admission rates of 1870 and 1871, and the longer average term of residence of each lunatic.

As regards events.

When the events of the year are classified on the same principle and reduced to per-
centages of the number living under each class, most interesting features appear. Both the
recovery and death-rates of earlier and shorter periods are larger than those of later and
longer periods. The small numbers in many cases give results which the larger figures of
many institutions or several years would correct, but the general truth is plainly evident,
more particularly when the ratios of the first and second year are compared. It will be
observed that while the recoveries of Dullunda and Dacca show nearly the same relations to
numbers living during the first year, the deaths in the latter asylum in the earlier times of
residence are much more numerous in relation to number living; though the deaths of later
terms—-still in excess—are not so greatly in excess. This statement, if carefully prepared,
affords an instrument of analysing the mortality of asylums which would increase in value
yearly, and suggest a study of the influences operating upon lunatics before and after admis-
sion better than any other statement which could be devised.

Causes             of
mortality.

22. Causes of Mortality,—These are shown in statement No. 8, and the results recorded
during 1871 generally confirm the remarks made in the report of 1870. The total cases
registered under debility and its allied conditions are fewer than in previous years. Dysentery
and diarrhœa together amount to about 27 per cent. of the causes assigned. Brain disease
accounts for 22 casualties. Cholera is rather below the average of previous year, and
phthisis considerably above. Pneumonia is rather above the average, the number of cases
in the Dacca Asylum being remarkable ; and remittent fever is the only other noteworthy
cause. The detailed register of deaths appended to the report of each asylum gives infor-
mation of interest and value. Both Drs. Payne and Wise remark on the greater number of
cases of phthisis. This is probably owing to the greater care exercised in investigating the
cause of death by post mortem examination, and this practice should invariably be adopted
in every asylum and in every case. It is probably also from the same cause that cases
registered under debility and exhaustion are fewer.

                                                                                                                                  D