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A CHESHIRE COLONY FOR SANE EPILEPTICS.
852
difficulty acquired the Sandlebridge estate, " suitable a regards soil and surroundings." It may be interesting t know that it belonged to Lord Knutsford, whose father
A CHESHIRE COLONY FOR SANE EPILEPTICS.
the late Sir Henry Holland, so well known as scholarly physician, inherited it from his father wh ON Sept. 8th Mr. B. W. Levy, the David Lewis legatee, lived greatly respected in Knutsford and had a large genera extending over a wide area. About 130 acres of thi formally handed over to representative trustees the title-. practice are estate immediately available for the purposes of th deeds of the Sandlebridge Colony for Epileptics, between and further land may be brought into use " shoulc colony the titlehanded and Mr. Chilford. Alderley Edge Levy deeds to the Lord Mayor of Manchester and in the the needs or expansion of the colony require it." As the of his remarks stated that Lord Egerton had result of all the various inquiries "it was decided to forn -course - consented to be the president of the institution. When a colony on the lines of German establishments, with sucl the David Lewis Trust decided to establish the colony’ adaptations and alterations as English climate and modes o: The buildings consist of ar the experience of the system in England was of the life rendered desirable." administration block, three houses for men and three for the some of continental He visited therefore slightest. colonies and was so much impressed that he sent a women, each for 20 or 30 patients, a hospital and administra school house, chapel, recreation room, kitchen; deputation to visit them. The colony now erected tion block, was as complete as it could possibly be, "and the laundry, farm buildings, and cottages for work-people, and sc object they had in view had been to evolve a colony on. The total cost of land and buildings, together with the which would be an object-lesson and act as a guide to laying out of the grounds, electric and sanitary installations, those forming similar institutions." The homes were not and furnishing, has been over £100,000 and is expected to intended primarily for the pauper classes for whom the reach E120,000. The committee will be able to accommodate guardians of the poor were responsible. The Lord Mayor of in the first instance about 200 patients. There is room now, Manchester having received the title-deeds expressed his however, for 250 and the hospital and kitchen have been pleasure as chief magistrate of the city in accepting the gift arranged with the view of the number increasing to 500. and said that Mr. Levy could not be thanked too much for During the first few years it is expected that there will be a what he had done. Sir W. H. Houldsworth, Bart., M.P., one of deficiency of income of from £3000 to .&4000 yearly. The the trustees, in moving a vote of thanks to the Lord Mayor, patients will contribute to the cost of their maintenance at also spoke of the munificent generosity of Mr. Levy. various rates and in years to come it is hoped that a tangible at the commencement of the trust he had placed revenue will be derived from the produce of the farm, £100,000 in their hands for Manchester and a similar gardens, poultry yards, and the like, and this hope seems to He trusted that the public would take be justified by the experience of the American institutions of sum for Liverpool. the same character. The education there is such as will - care that the necessary funds were supplied for the assist the to We must the maintenance of the institution. With epileptic gain his daily bread. proper example of the well-considered and generous philanthropy of Mr. recognise the fact that the epileptic is a more or less Levy before them, we may hope that Manchester will not defective being,"but "there is no reason why he should fall short in the duty and privilege of insuring the success be a total burden to the State." "For him labour is a godsend and he should be taught how and where that of this noble work. And the incurables who The history of the colony is as follows. In September, labour can best be used." must remain at the should be able to in a read before the PoorNorth-western always colony 1892, paper - law Conference at Chester, Dr. J. M. Rhodes gave enjoy reading and to write home to their friends. Many expression to a feeling that no doubt existed in the minds trades and occupations are taught in these institutions ,of others that as regards any proper provision for sane besides farming. Thus in the Craig Colony in New York a blacksmith’s shop, a epileptics England was remiss in her duty. His experience State there are aa printing office, on the Chorlton board of guardians had shown how unhappy carpenter’s shop, sewing room, a tailor’s shop, and a shoe was the lot of the sane epileptic, associating as he had to do shop. It should be noted that six hours a day is the limit of with the feeble-minded and insane, without provision for work time. In some such ways will the profitable education amusement or instruction and with the practical certainty at Sandlebridge be conducted. In the United States models, that gradually increasing mental feebleness would re- pictures, and the Sloyd system are much used. And in such duce him to the level of the poor creatures around him. institutions the quality and capacity of the brain have to be Happily, Dr. Rhodes’s paper aroused public attention and considered. in 1897 members of the Chorlton and Manchester asylums There can be no question that this epileptic colony committee, including llr, Rhodes, visited the chief epileptic will meet a great want in a wide district in an colonies on the continent. Shortly afterwards, quite inde- efficient manner and the committee, though it anticipates pendently of the joint asylums committee, a provisional that the colony will in time be to a certain extent selfcommittee was formed with the view of establishing a colony supporting, is justified in making an earnest appeal for .
"
in the Manchester district. This was not connected with the Poor-law but was an independent voluntary association. This ,committee collected about E8000 which sum was to be the nucleus of an endowment fund. It has now increased to about £14,000, which amount is, however, much too small, but it will grow, it is hoped, to at least .E50,OOO. Application was next made to the Manchester committee of the At David Lewis’ Trust for a grant from its fund. .first thiswas refused but after searching inquiry the trustees generously offered to provide land and buildings for the proposed colony, to furnish and to equip it, and to hand it over to the committee ready for occupation. When this decision was come to Mr. B. W. Levy himself, as mentioned above, visited some of the ’continental institutions and sent, moreover, a small - commission of inquiry to visit various continental epileptic colonies. It consisted of Dr. Head, Mr. Alexander Graham, architect, and Mr. Levy’s own secretary, and reported to him on the medical, architectural, and general aspects of these institutions. Alderman A. McDougall, Dr. Rhodes, and other members of the provisional committee, with the secretary, Mr. Marshall, also visited similar ’institutions on the continent and in the United States. "These institutions [in the United States] are surrounded by extensive grounds, with farms, workshops, and all that is required by way of healthy surroundings and internal
’equipment
to secure,
;for the unfortunate
far as possible, sufferers." . The
as
succes&ful treatment trustees after some
substantial assistance at the outset of its career of usefulAs previously stated, an effort is being made to raise an endowment fund of iB50,000. Dr. Rhodes would double this, his view being that as the proportion of epileptics to the whole population is 1.5 per 1000 the sum of £100,000 is not too great. It must not be forgotten that there will be substantial gain to the community if the care and protection of the epileptics and feeble-minded are carried out in the country at large. The workhouses will be relieved. At present it appears that the only institutions of this kind in this country are at Maghull, near Liverpool, at Chalfont St. Peter in Buckinghamshire, the Countess of Meath’s home at Godalming, and a home for pauper Roman Catholic children at Bishop Stortford. There is room for many more but as the law stands at present they must be left to voluntary effort. The county councils can provide for cases of mental disease, but in the eye of the law epilepsy is not a mental disease and cannot be dealt with till it has merged into insanity and the mischief has become complete and irremediable. How desirable it is that care and treatment should begin early is hown from the fact that the prospect of benefit, and even .n some cases of cure, is so much the more likely. But even if incurable the epileptics will live under happier ;onditions than in the miserable homes from which many of ;hem come. They will be saved from themselves and their )wn weaknesses and from the deteriorating moral and >hysical influences of the workhouse ward, where too often ness.
853 insane, the virtuous and the vicious, are females. The admissions during the year amounted to 223-equally wretched. A great debt of viz., 120 males and 103 females. Of these 129 were first gratitude is due to the David Lewis trustees for their admissions. Dr. Neil T. Kerr, the medical superintendent, generous and well-considered munificence. It is intended statesin his report that the number of private patientsthe
sane
and the
equally hopeless
and
to make the Sandlebridge Colony one of the best of its kind and it may be hoped that it will be the precursor of others, each striving to come up to, or to surpass, it in usefulness. The following is the list of the trustees :-Mr. B. W. Levy, Sir W. H. Houldsworth, Sir W. H. Mather, Mr. S. Levy, Mr. H. Philips, Mr. W. J. Crossley, the Lord Mayor of Manchester, the Mayor of Salford, Sir Frank Forbes Adam, Mr. H. Agnew, Mr. E. Tootal Broadhurst, Mr. E. Donner, Mr. S. L. Helm, Councillor J. Royle, and Mr. G. Combes. The deed provided that the trustees should never number The following form the committee of more than 20. management :-Mr. R. Armitead, Mr. E. Aston, Mr. A. Crewdson, Colonel Dixon, Mr. James Hall, Mr. S. L. Helm, Sir Bosdin T. Leech, Mr. Eliot S. Levy, Mr. E. G. Leycester, Alderman M’Dougall, Mr. John Royle, Alderman J. Milson Rhodes, Mr. John Shillito, Mr. Charles H. Scott, and Mr. Charles E. Thornycroft. Mr. S. L. Helm is the
treasurer. ______
__
ASYLUM REPORTS. TVa1’wick Guunty Asyhsm (Annual Report for 1908).-The average number of patients resident during the year was 979, comprising 422 males and 557 females. The admissions during the year amounted to 239-viz., 111 males and 128 females. Of these, 199 were first admissions. Dr. ’Alfred Miller, the medical superintendent, states in his report that "the general health of those cases admitted was decidedly bad, many being in a very debilitated state. More especially was this noticeable among the females. Our infirmary wards have been crowded owing to this fact and the amount of extra diet issued has been far greater than in previous years." Intemperance in drink was found to exist in 50 of the admissions. The number of cases discharged as recovered during the year amounted to 73-viz., 32 males and 41 females, or 75 per cent. of the average nuniber resident. The deaths during the year amounted to 105, or 10’7 per cent., as calculated on the same basis. Of the deaths, five were due to pneumonia, six each were due to cardiac disease and senile decay, ten to epilepsy, 11 to general paralysis, 14 to cerebral haemorrhage, 17 to pulmonary and other forms of tuberculosis, and the rest to other causes. The male patients have. as a rule, enjoyed good health, but on the female side of the asylum there has been a great deal of illness, including an epidemic of diarrhoea. About 60 patients were attacked and of these two died. There has been a good deal of discussion," says Dr. Miller, 4 concerning accoamodation for idiot and imbecile children certifiable under the Lunacy Act........ I am sure that these cases are not suitable for the wards of a county asylum....... I trust that the asylum authorities in the Midlands will combine for the purpose of providing accommodation for the idiot and imbecile children at present in the wards of the county asylums. Personally, I would prefer to see these patients classified and living in small numbers, somewhat on Under these circumstances the lines of cottage homes. classification would be an easy matter, and those capable of receiving instruction and deriving benefit from special treatment would thereby obtain the best opportunities for doing so." A new building for private patients has been recently opened and is expected to prove useful for a class of patients for whom practically no suitable accommodation exists in the country." The ventilation of the asylum has been entirely remodelled but on the existing lines. Before the end of the year 1904 it is expected that all the wards in the asylum will be plastered and refloored. The Commissioners in Lunacy state in their report that the condition of the patients was satisfactory and that they looked wellcared for, that they seemed contented and had no complaints to make, that the wards were bright and well ventilated, and that the medical case-books and records were efficiently kept. The committee of management states in its report that a contract has been entered into for the enlargement 01 the asylum in accordance with the plans which have been approved by the council for the sum of f.6950. Lanark District Asylum (Report for the 1ear eAdin6 May 15th, J90).—The average number of patients resident during the year was 877, comprising 446 males and 43]
admitted during the year was again large " and showed the need that existed of granting to district asylums the privilege of admitting private patients at a low rate of board, as has already been granted to English county asylums. There are many people in a good social position who frequently find it difficult to pay the higher rate at a private or royal asylum if the relative’s illness is likely to be of long duration." The condition of many of the patients, mental and physical, was very unsatisfactory ; "indeed," adds Dr. Kerr, "many were hopeless from the very first." Eight were admitted over 70 years of age. It was a matter of regret that so many patients were certified because of the brain failure that accompanied old age, for the accumulation of such senile cases had much to do with the apparent increase of insanity. The admissions also included seven cases. of congenital mental deficiency, five cases of epilepsy, 11 of general paralysis, and 24 who had attempted suicide prior to admission. Of the causes of insanity hereditary predisposition and alcoholic intemperance were the principal ones. The number of patients discharged as recovered during the year amounted to 92-viz., 61 males and 31 females-or 10’& per cent. of the average number resident. The deaths during the year amounted to 73, or 8’3 per cent. as calculated on the same basis. Of the deaths one was due to renal disease, five were due to general paralysis, six to cerebral haemorrhage, eight to pulmonary and other forms of tuberculosis, 12 to pneumonia and broncho-pneumonia, 19 to cardiac disease, and the rest to other causes. During the winter there was much illness, chiefly influenza, which affected both patients and officials. "It was the most severe we have had since the asylum was opened and epidemic it caused the death of a large number of patients, mostly old and chronic cases who had no reserve [strength] towithstand the virulence of the attack. The disease first of all assumed the gastro-intestinal type; after a time this type gradually abated and lung complications then became most prevalent." The Commissioners in Lunacy state thatthe meals were excellently cooked and the amount of food was ample for the requirements of the patients. The patients were neat and well dressed, their general behaviour was quiet and proper, the asylum was found to be in excellent order throughout, the wards and dormitories wereclean and properly heated and ventilated, and scrupulously the medical case-books were correctly and well kept. The committee of management states in its report that additions and improvements have been made to the dining rooms of the.male and female attendants and that a system of electrical fire alarm has been introduced which gives exact information at the central fire station as to the block and the position of a fire. Joint Counties Asyluin, Carmarthen (Annual Report for 1903).-The average number of patients resident during the year was 647, comprising 321 males and 326 females. The admissions during the year amounted to 177-viz., 103 males and 74 females. Of these 160 were first admissions. Dr. Edwin Goodall, the medical superintendent, states in his report that in 65 of the admissions there was, ascertained a history of insanity or allied mental disorder in the parents. Shock, trouble, and worry were present as exciting causes in 31 cases. Alcohol was assigned as the cause of insanity in 20 cases, or 13’ 4 per cent., "a lower proportion than usual. A low proportion (or alcoholic insanity] was also noted last year." Among the admissions special reference is made to the case of a father with his two daughters, all received together. "Such of so-calledcommunicated insanity ’ are rarely cases The circumstances predisposing to their development seen. existed in this instance ; neurotic degeneration in the family, lonely surroundings, unusual anxiety, stress of mind among those attacked, and a terrifying suddenness of onset in the first case. Another curious feature was that death occurred in the same way and from the same cause in two of the cases." Of the admissions 33 were actively suicidal and 22 were dangerous. 89 cases, or 60 per cent. of the admissions, were attacked with insanity for the first time, which was in itself a favourable circumstance from the point of view of treatment of about 50 cases, since these were admitted to the asylum within three months of the attack. In theprevious year’s report reference was made to a patient admitted for the fifth time in consequence of excess in’drink.
difficulty acquired the Sandlebridge estate, " suitable a regards soil and surroundings." It may be interesting t know that it belonged to Lord Knutsford, whose father
A CHESHIRE COLONY FOR SANE EPILEPTICS.
the late Sir Henry Holland, so well known as scholarly physician, inherited it from his father wh ON Sept. 8th Mr. B. W. Levy, the David Lewis legatee, lived greatly respected in Knutsford and had a large genera extending over a wide area. About 130 acres of thi formally handed over to representative trustees the title-. practice are estate immediately available for the purposes of th deeds of the Sandlebridge Colony for Epileptics, between and further land may be brought into use " shoulc colony the titlehanded and Mr. Chilford. Alderley Edge Levy deeds to the Lord Mayor of Manchester and in the the needs or expansion of the colony require it." As the of his remarks stated that Lord Egerton had result of all the various inquiries "it was decided to forn -course - consented to be the president of the institution. When a colony on the lines of German establishments, with sucl the David Lewis Trust decided to establish the colony’ adaptations and alterations as English climate and modes o: The buildings consist of ar the experience of the system in England was of the life rendered desirable." administration block, three houses for men and three for the some of continental He visited therefore slightest. colonies and was so much impressed that he sent a women, each for 20 or 30 patients, a hospital and administra school house, chapel, recreation room, kitchen; deputation to visit them. The colony now erected tion block, was as complete as it could possibly be, "and the laundry, farm buildings, and cottages for work-people, and sc object they had in view had been to evolve a colony on. The total cost of land and buildings, together with the which would be an object-lesson and act as a guide to laying out of the grounds, electric and sanitary installations, those forming similar institutions." The homes were not and furnishing, has been over £100,000 and is expected to intended primarily for the pauper classes for whom the reach E120,000. The committee will be able to accommodate guardians of the poor were responsible. The Lord Mayor of in the first instance about 200 patients. There is room now, Manchester having received the title-deeds expressed his however, for 250 and the hospital and kitchen have been pleasure as chief magistrate of the city in accepting the gift arranged with the view of the number increasing to 500. and said that Mr. Levy could not be thanked too much for During the first few years it is expected that there will be a what he had done. Sir W. H. Houldsworth, Bart., M.P., one of deficiency of income of from £3000 to .&4000 yearly. The the trustees, in moving a vote of thanks to the Lord Mayor, patients will contribute to the cost of their maintenance at also spoke of the munificent generosity of Mr. Levy. various rates and in years to come it is hoped that a tangible at the commencement of the trust he had placed revenue will be derived from the produce of the farm, £100,000 in their hands for Manchester and a similar gardens, poultry yards, and the like, and this hope seems to He trusted that the public would take be justified by the experience of the American institutions of sum for Liverpool. the same character. The education there is such as will - care that the necessary funds were supplied for the assist the to We must the maintenance of the institution. With epileptic gain his daily bread. proper example of the well-considered and generous philanthropy of Mr. recognise the fact that the epileptic is a more or less Levy before them, we may hope that Manchester will not defective being,"but "there is no reason why he should fall short in the duty and privilege of insuring the success be a total burden to the State." "For him labour is a godsend and he should be taught how and where that of this noble work. And the incurables who The history of the colony is as follows. In September, labour can best be used." must remain at the should be able to in a read before the PoorNorth-western always colony 1892, paper - law Conference at Chester, Dr. J. M. Rhodes gave enjoy reading and to write home to their friends. Many expression to a feeling that no doubt existed in the minds trades and occupations are taught in these institutions ,of others that as regards any proper provision for sane besides farming. Thus in the Craig Colony in New York a blacksmith’s shop, a epileptics England was remiss in her duty. His experience State there are aa printing office, on the Chorlton board of guardians had shown how unhappy carpenter’s shop, sewing room, a tailor’s shop, and a shoe was the lot of the sane epileptic, associating as he had to do shop. It should be noted that six hours a day is the limit of with the feeble-minded and insane, without provision for work time. In some such ways will the profitable education amusement or instruction and with the practical certainty at Sandlebridge be conducted. In the United States models, that gradually increasing mental feebleness would re- pictures, and the Sloyd system are much used. And in such duce him to the level of the poor creatures around him. institutions the quality and capacity of the brain have to be Happily, Dr. Rhodes’s paper aroused public attention and considered. in 1897 members of the Chorlton and Manchester asylums There can be no question that this epileptic colony committee, including llr, Rhodes, visited the chief epileptic will meet a great want in a wide district in an colonies on the continent. Shortly afterwards, quite inde- efficient manner and the committee, though it anticipates pendently of the joint asylums committee, a provisional that the colony will in time be to a certain extent selfcommittee was formed with the view of establishing a colony supporting, is justified in making an earnest appeal for .
"
in the Manchester district. This was not connected with the Poor-law but was an independent voluntary association. This ,committee collected about E8000 which sum was to be the nucleus of an endowment fund. It has now increased to about £14,000, which amount is, however, much too small, but it will grow, it is hoped, to at least .E50,OOO. Application was next made to the Manchester committee of the At David Lewis’ Trust for a grant from its fund. .first thiswas refused but after searching inquiry the trustees generously offered to provide land and buildings for the proposed colony, to furnish and to equip it, and to hand it over to the committee ready for occupation. When this decision was come to Mr. B. W. Levy himself, as mentioned above, visited some of the ’continental institutions and sent, moreover, a small - commission of inquiry to visit various continental epileptic colonies. It consisted of Dr. Head, Mr. Alexander Graham, architect, and Mr. Levy’s own secretary, and reported to him on the medical, architectural, and general aspects of these institutions. Alderman A. McDougall, Dr. Rhodes, and other members of the provisional committee, with the secretary, Mr. Marshall, also visited similar ’institutions on the continent and in the United States. "These institutions [in the United States] are surrounded by extensive grounds, with farms, workshops, and all that is required by way of healthy surroundings and internal
’equipment
to secure,
;for the unfortunate
far as possible, sufferers." . The
as
succes&ful treatment trustees after some
substantial assistance at the outset of its career of usefulAs previously stated, an effort is being made to raise an endowment fund of iB50,000. Dr. Rhodes would double this, his view being that as the proportion of epileptics to the whole population is 1.5 per 1000 the sum of £100,000 is not too great. It must not be forgotten that there will be substantial gain to the community if the care and protection of the epileptics and feeble-minded are carried out in the country at large. The workhouses will be relieved. At present it appears that the only institutions of this kind in this country are at Maghull, near Liverpool, at Chalfont St. Peter in Buckinghamshire, the Countess of Meath’s home at Godalming, and a home for pauper Roman Catholic children at Bishop Stortford. There is room for many more but as the law stands at present they must be left to voluntary effort. The county councils can provide for cases of mental disease, but in the eye of the law epilepsy is not a mental disease and cannot be dealt with till it has merged into insanity and the mischief has become complete and irremediable. How desirable it is that care and treatment should begin early is hown from the fact that the prospect of benefit, and even .n some cases of cure, is so much the more likely. But even if incurable the epileptics will live under happier ;onditions than in the miserable homes from which many of ;hem come. They will be saved from themselves and their )wn weaknesses and from the deteriorating moral and >hysical influences of the workhouse ward, where too often ness.
853 insane, the virtuous and the vicious, are females. The admissions during the year amounted to 223-equally wretched. A great debt of viz., 120 males and 103 females. Of these 129 were first gratitude is due to the David Lewis trustees for their admissions. Dr. Neil T. Kerr, the medical superintendent, generous and well-considered munificence. It is intended statesin his report that the number of private patientsthe
sane
and the
equally hopeless
and
to make the Sandlebridge Colony one of the best of its kind and it may be hoped that it will be the precursor of others, each striving to come up to, or to surpass, it in usefulness. The following is the list of the trustees :-Mr. B. W. Levy, Sir W. H. Houldsworth, Sir W. H. Mather, Mr. S. Levy, Mr. H. Philips, Mr. W. J. Crossley, the Lord Mayor of Manchester, the Mayor of Salford, Sir Frank Forbes Adam, Mr. H. Agnew, Mr. E. Tootal Broadhurst, Mr. E. Donner, Mr. S. L. Helm, Councillor J. Royle, and Mr. G. Combes. The deed provided that the trustees should never number The following form the committee of more than 20. management :-Mr. R. Armitead, Mr. E. Aston, Mr. A. Crewdson, Colonel Dixon, Mr. James Hall, Mr. S. L. Helm, Sir Bosdin T. Leech, Mr. Eliot S. Levy, Mr. E. G. Leycester, Alderman M’Dougall, Mr. John Royle, Alderman J. Milson Rhodes, Mr. John Shillito, Mr. Charles H. Scott, and Mr. Charles E. Thornycroft. Mr. S. L. Helm is the
treasurer. ______
__
ASYLUM REPORTS. TVa1’wick Guunty Asyhsm (Annual Report for 1908).-The average number of patients resident during the year was 979, comprising 422 males and 557 females. The admissions during the year amounted to 239-viz., 111 males and 128 females. Of these, 199 were first admissions. Dr. ’Alfred Miller, the medical superintendent, states in his report that "the general health of those cases admitted was decidedly bad, many being in a very debilitated state. More especially was this noticeable among the females. Our infirmary wards have been crowded owing to this fact and the amount of extra diet issued has been far greater than in previous years." Intemperance in drink was found to exist in 50 of the admissions. The number of cases discharged as recovered during the year amounted to 73-viz., 32 males and 41 females, or 75 per cent. of the average nuniber resident. The deaths during the year amounted to 105, or 10’7 per cent., as calculated on the same basis. Of the deaths, five were due to pneumonia, six each were due to cardiac disease and senile decay, ten to epilepsy, 11 to general paralysis, 14 to cerebral haemorrhage, 17 to pulmonary and other forms of tuberculosis, and the rest to other causes. The male patients have. as a rule, enjoyed good health, but on the female side of the asylum there has been a great deal of illness, including an epidemic of diarrhoea. About 60 patients were attacked and of these two died. There has been a good deal of discussion," says Dr. Miller, 4 concerning accoamodation for idiot and imbecile children certifiable under the Lunacy Act........ I am sure that these cases are not suitable for the wards of a county asylum....... I trust that the asylum authorities in the Midlands will combine for the purpose of providing accommodation for the idiot and imbecile children at present in the wards of the county asylums. Personally, I would prefer to see these patients classified and living in small numbers, somewhat on Under these circumstances the lines of cottage homes. classification would be an easy matter, and those capable of receiving instruction and deriving benefit from special treatment would thereby obtain the best opportunities for doing so." A new building for private patients has been recently opened and is expected to prove useful for a class of patients for whom practically no suitable accommodation exists in the country." The ventilation of the asylum has been entirely remodelled but on the existing lines. Before the end of the year 1904 it is expected that all the wards in the asylum will be plastered and refloored. The Commissioners in Lunacy state in their report that the condition of the patients was satisfactory and that they looked wellcared for, that they seemed contented and had no complaints to make, that the wards were bright and well ventilated, and that the medical case-books and records were efficiently kept. The committee of management states in its report that a contract has been entered into for the enlargement 01 the asylum in accordance with the plans which have been approved by the council for the sum of f.6950. Lanark District Asylum (Report for the 1ear eAdin6 May 15th, J90).—The average number of patients resident during the year was 877, comprising 446 males and 43]
admitted during the year was again large " and showed the need that existed of granting to district asylums the privilege of admitting private patients at a low rate of board, as has already been granted to English county asylums. There are many people in a good social position who frequently find it difficult to pay the higher rate at a private or royal asylum if the relative’s illness is likely to be of long duration." The condition of many of the patients, mental and physical, was very unsatisfactory ; "indeed," adds Dr. Kerr, "many were hopeless from the very first." Eight were admitted over 70 years of age. It was a matter of regret that so many patients were certified because of the brain failure that accompanied old age, for the accumulation of such senile cases had much to do with the apparent increase of insanity. The admissions also included seven cases. of congenital mental deficiency, five cases of epilepsy, 11 of general paralysis, and 24 who had attempted suicide prior to admission. Of the causes of insanity hereditary predisposition and alcoholic intemperance were the principal ones. The number of patients discharged as recovered during the year amounted to 92-viz., 61 males and 31 females-or 10’& per cent. of the average number resident. The deaths during the year amounted to 73, or 8’3 per cent. as calculated on the same basis. Of the deaths one was due to renal disease, five were due to general paralysis, six to cerebral haemorrhage, eight to pulmonary and other forms of tuberculosis, 12 to pneumonia and broncho-pneumonia, 19 to cardiac disease, and the rest to other causes. During the winter there was much illness, chiefly influenza, which affected both patients and officials. "It was the most severe we have had since the asylum was opened and epidemic it caused the death of a large number of patients, mostly old and chronic cases who had no reserve [strength] towithstand the virulence of the attack. The disease first of all assumed the gastro-intestinal type; after a time this type gradually abated and lung complications then became most prevalent." The Commissioners in Lunacy state thatthe meals were excellently cooked and the amount of food was ample for the requirements of the patients. The patients were neat and well dressed, their general behaviour was quiet and proper, the asylum was found to be in excellent order throughout, the wards and dormitories wereclean and properly heated and ventilated, and scrupulously the medical case-books were correctly and well kept. The committee of management states in its report that additions and improvements have been made to the dining rooms of the.male and female attendants and that a system of electrical fire alarm has been introduced which gives exact information at the central fire station as to the block and the position of a fire. Joint Counties Asyluin, Carmarthen (Annual Report for 1903).-The average number of patients resident during the year was 647, comprising 321 males and 326 females. The admissions during the year amounted to 177-viz., 103 males and 74 females. Of these 160 were first admissions. Dr. Edwin Goodall, the medical superintendent, states in his report that in 65 of the admissions there was, ascertained a history of insanity or allied mental disorder in the parents. Shock, trouble, and worry were present as exciting causes in 31 cases. Alcohol was assigned as the cause of insanity in 20 cases, or 13’ 4 per cent., "a lower proportion than usual. A low proportion (or alcoholic insanity] was also noted last year." Among the admissions special reference is made to the case of a father with his two daughters, all received together. "Such of so-calledcommunicated insanity ’ are rarely cases The circumstances predisposing to their development seen. existed in this instance ; neurotic degeneration in the family, lonely surroundings, unusual anxiety, stress of mind among those attacked, and a terrifying suddenness of onset in the first case. Another curious feature was that death occurred in the same way and from the same cause in two of the cases." Of the admissions 33 were actively suicidal and 22 were dangerous. 89 cases, or 60 per cent. of the admissions, were attacked with insanity for the first time, which was in itself a favourable circumstance from the point of view of treatment of about 50 cases, since these were admitted to the asylum within three months of the attack. In theprevious year’s report reference was made to a patient admitted for the fifth time in consequence of excess in’drink.