LUNATICS IN RUSSIA.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 54, 2 July 1887, Page 3 (Supplement)

LUNATICS IN RUSSIA.

Alarming Statistics Concerning the Extent of Insanity.

Dn KovaIjKFFSKi, one of bhe mosb renowned of Russian physicians, professor ab bho Kharkoff University, has made known some serious facbs relative to lunacy in Russia. According to the learned professor, the number of lunatics in Russia amounts to 100,000. Only one-tenth can be accommodated in asylums, or elsewhere obtain attention. Dr. Kovaleffski sa.ys that the treatment of the inmates is, for the greater part, defective. Rich patients alone can obtain careful attention ; the indigent are too often ill-treated. The number of really skilful doctors in the asylums is restricted, and rational breabmenb oub of bhe question. The keepers are, for tho most part, rude men who maltreat bhe unforbunabos, if nob bribed bo kindness by relatives. The nourishment is insuificienb and of bad qualiby. Thousands of lunabics who cannob be aceommodabed in public or private asylum's, walk aboub ab largo wibhoub receiving bhe slighbesb care. C)ne meebs bhem everywhere on bhe roads in bhe country, of ben ill-used by the heartless, and then taking their revenge by setting houses op fire or mutilating children.