We hereby certify that we have examined the foregoing report of John F. Connor, Treasurer, and compared the same with the Treasurer's books, bank accounts, vouchers and the books of the institution, and that such report is correct to the best of our knowledge. H. E. BROWN, October 8, 1901. Auditing Committee. Report of the Medical Superintendent for the Year Ending September 30, 1901. SONYEA HALL, SONYEA, N. Y., October 1, 1901. To the Board of Managers of the Craig Colony for Epileptics: We are gratified in being able to report satisfactory progress in the continued recognition and extension of the true colony system during the year just passed. Definite ideas as to what should constitute an ideal colony existed before the first blow was struck in the creation of this Colony, and we have not yet had cause to abandon or even to greatly modify any of the fundamental principles conceived at that time; including provision for classification, education, occupation and forms of treatment. If there ever was an experimental stage in the development of this practical charity-and its work has ever been along new lines-it was passed long ago. The Colony system rightly interpreted and created for the care and treatment of epileptics, is and must be an unqualified success. NO THEORIES. In making this report I have sought to include in it nothing theoretical, my aim being only to show something of what we are doing and how we do it. Some epileptics taken in time and properly treated can be cured; some are being cured here. Many more, perhaps 60% to 70% of them all, if taken in time can be so improved as to make them capable of living in comparative comfort in a colony of this kind; while a few others must always remain beyond the aid of science to improve or to cure. ADMISSIONS, DISCHARGES, DEATHS AND TRANSFERS. A year ago we had 612 patients; 329 males, 283 females. Since then we have received 259 more; 198 males and 61 females. During the same period 80 were discharged, 36 died and 12 were transferred as insane to State hospitals, leaving our census on this date: 440 males, 303 females; total 743, a net gain of 131 for the year. The death rate for the year, based on the daily average number under treatment, 675.89, was less than 5%. In the admission of new patients we endeavored to be impartial to all the counties of the State, as may be seen by referring to the county table in this report. New York county, for instance, which has nearly one-third of the entire population of the State, has contributed 309 cases, almost a third of the entire number received; while Greater New York alone has contributed 498 cases, nearly one-half of the entire number received. Because of the disqualifications of an open colony system of this kind to care for persons having too great unsoundness of mind, we have to exercise constant care in the selection of new cases. We have again omitted the statistical tables usually a part of such reports, feeling that the information they contain is not generally appreciated in such form. COST OF MAINTENANCE. As the population increases the per capita cost decreases. COST OF NEW CONSTRUCTION. The average cost of new construction for patients, including plumbing, heating and lighting, has been about $425. This does not include the hospital, which cost more. |