Report of the Committee of Visitors of the Lunatic Asylum for the North and East Ridings of Yorkshire : presented at the Easter quarter sessions for the respective Ridings, 1849 : together with the superintendent's second annual report, read at the Easter sessions, 1849 : and an account of the receipts and payments to the end of the year 1848 / [North and East Ridings of Yorkshire Lunatic Asylum].

  • North and East Ridings of Yorkshire Lunatic Asylum.
Date:
1849
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report of the Committee of Visitors of the Lunatic Asylum for the North and East Ridings of Yorkshire : presented at the Easter quarter sessions for the respective Ridings, 1849 : together with the superintendent's second annual report, read at the Easter sessions, 1849 : and an account of the receipts and payments to the end of the year 1848 / [North and East Ridings of Yorkshire Lunatic Asylum]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Report of Commissioners in Lunacy. North and East Ridings Asylum, Clifton, 28th Nov., 1848. We have to-day officially visited this Asylum,—have gone through and inspected its various galleries, clay-rooms, dormitories, and single sleeping rooms,—and have seen all the patients now confined in it, to the number of 149 in all; of whom 79 are males, and 70 are females. , The patients were generally tranquil and comfortable, and a large proportion of them seemed contented and cheerful. 4 heir persons and dress were clean and neat, their bedding warm and clean; the rooms which they occupy in the best order, w ell venti- lated, and perfectly free from any offensive smell. In answer to our inquiries upon the points to which the statute directs our attention, we find— . , , 1st. That Divine Service is regularly performed twice a-week by the Chaplain, and is attended by more than two-thirds of the patients; and that prayers are also read every morning and even¬ ing to a still larger number. , 2nd That the use of instrumental coercion is entirely unknown : a system of careful and constant supervision, with occasional seclu¬ sion for short periods, being substituted for it with the best results, as evidenced by the orderly, tranquil, and industrious habits ot the great bulk of the inmates. 3rd. That the patients are classed and associated according to their character and condition, as,—orderly and cleanly, epi eptic and refractory, idiotic and dirty; and that the total number of attendants is five on the male, and four on the female side, besides the head male attendant. . „ . , 4th. That upwards of five-sixths of the entire number of patients are systematically set to work at occupations suited to their age, strength, and previous habits of life. About 86 of the males are at present employed in gardening and in farm labour, and nearly an equal number at their various trades. The females are chiefly employed in household work and the laundry, and at their needle m making up linen and clothing. The effect of these occupations is considered here (as elsewhere) to be most beneficial. 5th. That, with a few exceptions, the condition of the patients when admitted, is tolerably good. _ 6th. That the dietary of the patients is very liberal; the provi¬ sions of the best quality, and the allowance ample. The different galleries and dormitories are well warmed by open fires, and the heating apparatus has not been brought into service. We are gratified to find that there is now an abundant supply ot good water throughout the house. ‘ A very large stock of clothing and other articles, prepared by the labour of the female patients, is now in store and ready for use. Altogether the Asylum is in excellent condition. J. W. MYLNE, \ (jommissioners in Lunacy. J. R. HU ML, )