Remittent fever
Cinchona
alkaloids.
Phthisis.
Surgery.
14
REPORT ON THE
5. There were only eight admissions from remittent fever during the year ; and of
these, three died, giving a death-rate of 375.00 per mille.
6. Dr. Ewart gives a full report, illustrated by cases, of a trial which was made by him
of the medicinal value of the " cinchona alkaloid" manufactured by Mr. Wood, the Govern-
ment quinologist at Rungbee. This " cinchona alkaloid" consists of a mixture, in the
precipitated form, of all the alkaloids present in the succirubra bark.
This mixed preparation, as Dr. Ewart shows, is of known composition, and is chiefly
composed. of alkaloids whose anti-periodic powers have already been determined. Dr. Ewart
considers this mixed alkaloid to be an excellent anti-periodic, and to be only second to
quinine.
7. During 1874, 57 cases of phthisis were treated. Of these eight died, or at the rate of
140.3 per mille.
8. The increase in the number of surgical operations is very satisfactory, as showing
the interest which the superintendent of the hospital and his assistants take in this branch of
practice.
The number of operations performed during the year is as follows :—
Number of
operations. Deaths.
European males
. . . Major
. . .
. . . ...
. . . 41
1
Minor
...
...
...
. .. 5 1
...
Native males
. . . Major
. . .
. . .
...
...
17
. . .
Minor
...
...
. . .
...
15
...
Women and children...
M a j o r
. . .
. . .
...
...
9
4
Minor
. . .
...
...
...
6
. . .
There has not been any case of pyæmia during the year.
Midwifery.
Diet, &c.
Out-door practice
Staff.
9. There were 29 cases of delivery during the year, and but one death. The midwifery
Ward has been free from puerperal fever or septicæmia, but still Dr. Ewart considers it neces-
sary to have the ward space enlarged. This will be accomplished on the removal of the
nurses to the Canning home.
10. The dieting, notwithstanding the difficulty of getting good meat in the hot and
rainy seasons, has been well and successfully conducted. The sanitary condition of the
hospital has been satisfactory, but a supply of the municipal water is much required. The
drain by the medical subordinates' quarters is still considered to be a source of illness to the
inmates ; but, as an estimate has been prepared to remedy this, I hope this cause of complaint
will be removed.
There were 1,107 out-door patients who received medicine and advice, and it is stated
that the work of this useful department of the hospital would be very much increased were
the services of the 2nd resident surgeon exclusively available for the hospital.
Dr. Ewart acknowledges the assistance he has received from the 1st and 2nd resident
surgeons, and to it attributes, in a great measure, the successful and harmonious working of
the hospital. A certificate of proficiency as a midwife has, after examination, been granted
to Mrs. Hickie, the matron.
The subordinate medical establishment has worked to Dr. Ewart's entire satisfaction.
Mr. L'Estrange, the late steward, has well earned the title of honorary surgeon which
His Excellency the Viceroy has been pleased to confer on him.
CALCUTTA HOSPITAL NURSES' INSTITUTION.
Calcutta Nurses'
Institution.
This institution has been in existence for the last 15 years. The General Hospital and
Medical College have each a matron and a working staff of 13 nurses attached to them, and
both Drs. Ewart and Chevers bear ample testimony to the untiring care they bestow on the
patients under their charge. The number of nurses is too small in proportion to that of the
patients requiring attendance, but, from want of funds, the ladies' committee are unable to
give any more.
A " home " is being built, close to the General Hospital, in memory of the late Lady
Canning, by private subscription, supplemented by Government aid ; and the interest of the
Lady Canning's Home fund will be used for the support of two ladies who will superintend
the nursing in the General Hospital after being properly educated for the work in London
The committee of the institution hope to be able to train nurses not only for the Medical
C College and General Hospital, but also for service in private houses and military hospitals in
Calcutta and in the mofussil ; but the success and extent of the work depend on the amount of
funds which may be received for the purpose.
The nurses commence on a salary of Rs. 30 a month, rising to Rs. 50 in the course of
18 months, if their conduct is approved of by the medical men under whom they serve.