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PATIENTS IN MENTAL INSTITUTIONS, 1938

RATIOS TO GENERAL POPULATION.—In computing ratios or hospitalized patients and of first admissions during the year to general population, the estimated population as of July 1, 1937 was utilized except in those cases where other indication is made. These estimates were the most recent that had been made by the Bureau of the Census for each State. The rates will be adjusted when the results of the 1940 population census hove been determined. Adjusted rates, expressing the prevalence and incidence of hospitalised mental disease, may be presented in a subsequent publication.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT.—The generous cooperation of each of the institution superintendents and of the various State officials through whom data were supplied is gratefully acknowledged. Without their help in making returns accurate and complete, this report would lose much value.