( 2 )
to observe the relative proportions of the various races as shown in the tables.
The summary is here re-produced, in which the results are compared with the
returns of mofussil dispensaries in 1870.
CLASSES.
PER CENT. OF TREATED.
IN-DOOR.
OUT-DOOR.
TOTAL.
Calcutta.
Mofussil.
Calcutta.
Mofussil.
Calcutta.
Mofussil.
Europeans
...
...
•.•
25.8
4.24
4.1
. 8 2
7.4
. 9
Eurasians
7.9
. 7 6
8.8
1.28
8.7
1.3
H i n d o o s
44.6
66 . 02
48.2
61 . 39
47.6
61.6
M u s s u l m a n s
19 . 4
2 6 . 7 9
35.2
34.66
3 2 . 7
34.3
Other castes
2.3
2.19
3.7
1 . 8 5
3.6
1.9
It is natural to find that Europeans are generally in-door patients. The class
of men seeking hospital relief, and the probable character of their diseases,
account for this. The way in which the Eurasian population is concentrated
in Calcutta is another point evident from these figures. It is also noticeable
that Hindoos, notwithstanding caste prejudices, accept in-door relief much more
readily than Mussulmans, the latter probably relying more on their own system
of medicine.
6. It is evident from Statement IV in paragraph 4 that much of the decrease
in the rate of mortality, for which the year is remarkable, is due to the decrease
of cholera. This is again adverted to in paragraph 7, where a statement is
given, which shows that though the improvement has since 1868 been steadily
progressive, the death-rate has in 1870 and 1871 been halved and re-halved in
the most remarkable manner. It is impossible not to attribute this in a great
degree to the free supply of pure water to the town, and the improved drainage
of a large section of its area.
7. Intimately connected with this subject is the decrease in the number of
“moribund" cases received at the College and Pauper Hospitals. Looking to the
definition given of such cases, it is a sure sign of the absence of anything like an
epidemic, that their gross number has so materially fallen.
8. The high death-rate among Natives, as compared with Europeans, is
shown clearly in Statement VI, where the rate per 1,000 at the College Hospital
was for Europeans 55 . 8 and for Natives 185 . 2. This is the only institution where
the results can properly be compared. At the General Hospital only Europeans
are treated, and at the Pauper Hospital only the most forlorn class of Natives.
These last institutions represent the extremes, the death-rate in the former being
36 . 52 and in the latter 272 . 1. The cause of the disproportion is perhaps,
however, indicated by the results in the Police Hospital, where the death-rate
for Natives was only 22 . 65. The inference would seem to be, that generally an
ordinary Native does not seek in-door relief till his disease is far advanced, and
till other remedies have been tried. The police on the other hand are sent off
for treatment at once. The Inspector-General's conclusion, that the results in
hospitals depend more upon the anterior circumstances of the patients than on
the intrinsic difference of the institutions, seems to be fully borne out.
9. Fevers, bowel complaints, and injuries, do most to fill the wards;
cholera, phthisis, and tetanus coming in to swell the death-rate. Among the
paupers, dropsy, debility, and spleen, seem to find their natural home. The
special measures adopted for checking small-pox and venereal disease seem, to
have each in their degree proved more or less effectual. What that degree has
been will be more appropriately discussed in connection with the vaccination
and Lock Hospital reports.
10. The Medical College Hospital.—Turning now to the reports of the
several institutions, the Lieutenant-Governor proceeds to notice the working of