Thirtieth annual report of the Suffolk Lunatic Asylum : December, 1867.

  • Suffolk Lunatic Asylum.
Date:
[1868]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Thirtieth annual report of the Suffolk Lunatic Asylum : December, 1867. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    4/18 (page 4)
    The patients have been throughout the year very healthy, though many as usual have been admitted in a feeble and debilitated state. Without minute classification, there are now resident more than a hundred epileptics, paralytics, imbeciles, and idiots. The attention of the public has at various times, and especially within the last few years, been drawn to the sub¬ ject of making provision for this large class : and it is antici¬ pated that a more fitting abode than either the asylum or the union house will be provided by the Legislature for some of these patients. In England the number of imbeciles is said to be 10,321. Receptacles are required for them where they may be properly educated and trained, independently of the more extended latitude and indulgence of what our asylums ought to be—curable institutions, and the more rigid economy of the Union House. They are only fit for a peculiar abode, and a peculiar abode should be provided for them. A patient escaped from the unenclosed grounds on the 18th November, 1867. He wandered to Lincoln : an at¬ tendant was sent after him, but he was not brought back in time to prevent the necessity of his re-admission on fresh orders and certificates. The statutory limit is 14 days. No accidental occurrence of an unfavourable character has taken place in the House throughout the year, which is certainly to be attributed to the vigilance and care of the Assistant Medical Officer and the attendants. There are several inmates now whose inclinations to suicide are so persistent and strong, that the anxiety attendant on watching them with constant association and intercourse, seems almost to paralyze their efforts in the day, and to deprive the watchers of their sleep at night. It is astonishing with what tenacity suicidal monomaniacs will hold to a morbidly self-accusing conviction. This makes their early days after discharge always most important to regulate and guard. Under the most watchful inspection