Mental Deficiency Amentia

Adulu.Chi dren. Males . . . .33959 3.2442,1796,685Females . .2828482,1932,1125.435That a greater number of aments are to-day resident in institutions than was the case a generation back is, I think, incontestable, and there can be little doubt that this number will considerably increase in years to come; but as to whether the condition is or is not more prevalent than formerly, or as to the relative incidence in different countries, we have no data upon which to form an opinion. It is quite clear, however, from the statistics here given, that even on account of its present prevalence the condition is one deserving the gravest consideration. In this connection I may quote some figures relating to the United States of America. The following table shows the number of feeble-minded and epileptics under care in institutions in the whole of the United States on various dates. They are compiled from the inquiries of Dr. W. E. Fernald. 1Feeble-minded and Epileptics in Institutions. Dati. : No.Ratio per 100,000 Pop.June 1, 1890 January I, 1904 .. .. .. January i, 1910 January I, 19164.001 15.599 Z3.358 34.1376-4 I9-3 25'4 33'7 Walter E. Fernald, " The Growth of Provision for the Feeble-minded ill the United States," Mental Hygiene, January, 1917. It is to be noted that these figures only relate to patients under care in institutions, not to the total number in existence; and, although they clearly show how greatly the provision has increased, they must not b...