NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
Sanitary
condition of
lines.
Sanitary
condition of
guard-rooms,
&c.
CENTRE OR PRESIDENCY DISTRICT.
19
This gives a rate per cent. of—
Average Strength Present.
Average Strength.
Admissions.
Daily Sick.
All Deaths.
Pensioned.
Sick Leave.
59·77
1·97
1·66
3·93
1·81
Chief admissions from—ague 87, rheumatism (muscular and chronic) 19, diarrhœa 17,
dysentery 30, boil 23, itch 35, old age and debility 12, and injuries 32.
Deaths in hospital caused by—epilepsy 1, pleuritis 1, congestive apoplexy 1, general
debility 1, cholera 2, dysentery 1, colic (?) 1.
Deaths out of hospital caused by—dysentery 1, phthisis pulmonalis 1, unknown 1.
Deputy Surgeon-General W. J. vanSomeren, M.D., inspected this corps on the
20th June 1877 and reports as follows:—
Sanitary condition of lines.—The average number of occupants in each hut of the lines
has been about 2·85.
The drainage is unaltered, and must be regarded as fair. Water standing in the drains
, however, points to an obvious defect in their gradients.
Sanitary condition of guard-rooms, &c. —The guard-room was clean, but not the prison cells,
which in floors, ceilings, and walls were more or less soiled and stained, or covered with cobwebs
and dust. The Telugu school is a havildar's quarter, at the south-west angle of the northern
section, a low, dark, ill-ventilated chamber, altogether unfit for the purpose to which it is
applied ! 20 children, I was informed, are taught there. The Hindustani and English
schools are a pucka building near, and to the east of, the hospital. The ventilation is good,
provided all the doors and windows are kept open during school hours; but the place might
and should be kept cleaner.
Water-supply. —From the Red Hills tank, however, a copious supply is obtained through
taps in both sections of the lines.
Hospital.—The hospital is clean, and so also is its neighborhood. Its drainage, ventilation
and accommodation have not undergone any change, nor yet has its water-supply, which
continues to be furnished from the Red Hills lake. The latrine is kept in excellent order.
The cook-room is leaky; the dead-house is as clean as a new pin; the average superficial space
enjoyed by each patient has been 18·16 feet and the cubic 1278·2 feet.
13th Regiment Native Infantry.
STATION—MADRAS (ROYAPOORAM).
Arrived from Palaveram, 5th March 1873.
Average strength
713
Do. do. present
592
Admissions
378
Daily sick
18
Deaths in hospital
3
Do. out of do.
3
Pensioned
15
Sick leave
17
Water- •
supply.
Hospital.
The following return shows the rates of sickness, deaths, and invaliding, as
contrasted with previous years:—
Years.
Stations.
Rate per Cent. of
Average Strength Present.
Average Strength.
Admissions. Daily Sick. All Deaths. Pensioned. Sick Leave.
1873
Madras
99·69
3·68
·73
·36
·98
1874
Do.
48·30
2·87
1·29
4·01
1·68
1875
Do.
66·81
2·75
1·12
1·96
2·24
Average
71·60
3·10
1·04
2·11
1·63
1876
Madras
63·85
3·04
·84
2·10
2·38
Water-suppy
Hospital.
Ventilation
and drainage
of the men's
huts, &c.
Water-supply
Diet.
Foot soreness.
22
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF MADRAS.
placed in a small unfaced cess to receive it. The schools and taleem-khana are as they were.
The guard-room cells and defaulters' room were clean, the asphalte on the floor of the former
broken and wanting in one part.
Water-supply. —The fluid is at present turbid and not inviting in appearance, although
liked by the natives, both military and civil.
Hospital.—This is in good order and clean throughout, including its latrines and kitchen.
37th Regiment Native Infantry.
STATION —MADRAS (VEPERY).
Arrived from Moulmein, 16th March 1872.
Average strength
736
Do. do. present
697
Admissions
351
Daily sick
12
Deaths in hospital
9
Do. out of do.
3
Pensioned
11
Sick leave
15
The following return shows the rates of sickness, deaths, and invaliding, as
contrasted with previous years:—
Years.
Stations.
Rate per Cent. of
Average Strength Present.
Average Strength.
Admissions. Daily Sick. All Deaths. Pensioned. Sick Leave.
1873
Madras
78.66
2.61 1.43
3.74
1.00
1874
Do.
74.88
2.84
1.45
1.59
2.75
1875
Do.
56.55
2.81
.98
4.65
14.24
Average
70.03
2.75 1.28
3.32
5.99
1876
Madras
50.35
1.72
1.63
1.49
2.03
The following medical officers were in charge of this corps during the year,
the latter of whom reports as follows:
—
Surgeon-Major Joseph,
M . D . , L L . D .
Surgeon A.L. Hackett.
Climate of the
station.
Position of
lines.
Climate of the station. —Owing to the almost total failure of rain and high prices asked
for food the health of the population has suffered to some extent. Cholera made its appearance
off and on in different parts of the city, and other epidemic diseases, such as small-pox, measles,
&c., have also prevailed.
Position of lines. —The lines of the 37th Grenadiers are situated on low ground, badly built,
badly ventilated and badly drained. The position is unfavorable on account of the lowness of
the ground, and during the rainy season parts of them are under water.
Ventilation and drainage of the men's huts, &c. —The ventilation of the guard-rooms is good
but that of the lines is bad; and as the lines are situated on low ground and surrounded by
houses and streets densely populated the air cannot be pure: the position of the lines renders
the drainage bad and insufficient. Frequent correspondence has taken place on this subject but
without any result.
Water-supply. —The supply of water is obtained from tanks only; it is sufficient and of fair
quality.
Diet.—Provisions had been very dear in consequence of the failure of rain; vegetables have
also been less abundant than usual. Compensation is allowed monthly for the dearness of rice.
Foot soreness. —The men frequently come to hospital with foot sores, chiefly owing to the
non-protection of the feet by socks.
Vaccination.
Epidemic.
Hospital
drainage.
General
conclusions.
CENTRE OR PRESIDENCY DISTRICT. 23
Duty.—The duties have not been over severe, but as the health of the corps has suffered
much on foreign service some of the men occasionally come to hospital from a state
of exhaustion and fatigue from duty.
Average number of nights in bed per week 2.64.
Duty.
Vaccination has been regularly kept up among the corps.
Epidemic.—Cholera broke out in an epidemic form in the lines in January 1876; the disease
was then prevailing in Vepery and other parts of Madras. Five sepoys and 15 camp-followers
died of the disease. The huts of the lines were disinfected and sulphur was burnt in the huts
every morning and evening. The cholera patients were treated in a separate building at
some distance from the regimental hospital.
Ventilation of the hospital.—The defective ventilation of the hospital has been frequently
represented to the authorities, but it still continues in the same state. The hospital wards are
occasionally overcrowded on account of the insufficiency of the accommodation.
Ventilation
of the hospital.
Hospital drainage .—The hospital latrine is in pretty good order, but the drainage from it
is bad. The dry-earth system has been efficiently carried out.
General conclusions.—The defective condition of the lines occupied by the
3 7 t h G r e n a d i e r s a t V e p e r y h a s b e e n s u f f i c i e n t l y d e t a i l e d i n t h e r e p l i e s t o t h e v a r i o u s q u e r i e s o f t h i s r e p o r t . T h e
health of the corps having suffered severely on foreign service a great number of the men were
in a weakly and anæmic state when they landed at this station from Burmah, and admissions into
hospital from ague and general debility were of frequent occurrence; but during the past year
the health of the corps has improved, the climate of Madras has acted favorably on the men.
39th Regiment native Infantry.
HEAD QUARTERS AND LEFT WING—STATION—RANGOON.
RIGHT WING—STATION—PALAVERAM.
Arrived from Rangoon on the 4th February 1876.
Average strength
335
Do. do. present
286
Admissions
133
Daily sick
9
Deaths in hospital
2
D o . o u t o f d o .
. . .
Pensioned
19
Sick leave
10
The following return shows the rates of sickness, deaths, and invaliding, as
contrasted with previous years:—
Years.
Stations.
Rate per Cent. of
Average Strength Present.
Average Strength.
Admissions. Daily Sick. All Deaths. Pensioned. Sick Leave.
1873
Palaveram
80.91
2.81
.29
3.77
4.06
1874
Rangoon
70.86
3.14
2.20
.14
3.68
1875
Tonghoo
77.40
4.08
2.3
1.36
6.74
Average
76.39
3.34
1.61
1.75
4.82
1876
Palaveram
46.50
3.14
.59
5.67
2.98
The following officers were in medical charge of the Right Wing of this corps
during the year:—
Surgeon J. Lancaster, M.B.
Surgeon J. G. Collis, M.D.
Surgeon-Major H. T. Shaw.
The last-named reports as under:—
Climate of the station .—The following are the remarks by Dr. Lancaster, who says, "the
climate of Palaveram is suited to troops coming over from Burmah. The air is dry and pure.
There has been a very small rainfall during the year up to date.
Climate of
the station.
Water-supply
Sanitary
arrangements.
Diet.
Foot soreness
Duty.
Vaccination.
Epidemic.
Hospital
ventilation.
Hospital
drainage.
Hospi t al wat er suppl y.
Sanitary con
- d i t i o n o f l i n e s .
Water-supply
Hospital.
24 MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF MADRAS.
Position of
lines.
Position of lines .—The lines are close to the depôt lines; they are clean and in good order.
Water-supply has been good and sufficient.
Sanitary arrangements have been most carefully attended to.
Diet .—During the early part of the year provisions were cheap, but a vast difference
occurred towards the end of the year, when they became very dear; vegetables were abundant.
The men received the usual compensation for dearness of rice.
Foot soreness .—There were 108 cases of foot soreness; they were slight, and being excused
wearing boots for a day or two the abrasion healed.
Duty .—Number of nights in bed, 1 in 5. Duties not prejudicial to health.
Vaccination .—Seventy-three cases vaccinated during the year; of these 54 successful and
19 failed. No small-pox among the men.
Epidemic—No epidemic disease.
Hospital ventilation.—Ventilation very good; no overcrowding.
Hospital drainage good.
Hospital water-supply good and sufficient during the year.
General
conclusions.
General conclusions .—The health of the wing was good: there were 133 admissions against
184 last year. The average strength was 335.83; in 1875 it was 364.50. There were two
deaths in hospital, one from chronic bronchitis, the other hæmetemesis. There were ten men sent
on sick leave and 19 pensioned. The chief diseases from which the men suffered were general
debility, rheumatism, ague and affections of stomach and bowels; many of these cases were
clearly traceable to service in Burmah. I should say that the health of the wing has much improved since arrival at Palaveram.
Deputy Surgeon-General W. J. vanSomeren, M.D., inspected this wing on the
4th December 1876 and reports follows:—
Sanitary condition of lines.— The lines are clean and in fair repair.
Water-supply .—Drinking water is good.
Hospital .—The hospital is as it was. The average cubic and superficial area enjoyed by each
patient have been 2,614 and 192 feet respectively. The water-supply for drinking is obtained
clear and potable from the Commissariat well close by, that for washing from wells in front of
the hospital. The lighting is effected by one lamp trimmed with oil in the ward, but the
latrine requires one too. The latrine is clean, but with a sanded floor as formerly. Conservancy
is unexceptionable.
NORTHERN DISTRICT.
Average strength
2,912
Do. do. present
2,627
Total admissions
2,344
Daily sick
98
Deaths in hospital
29
Do. out of do.
15
Pensioned
71
Sick leave
65
The following return shows the rates of sickness, deaths, and invaliding, as
contrasted with previous years:—
Years.
Rate per Cent. of
Average Strength Present.
Average Strength.
Admissions.
Daily Sick.
All Deaths.
Pensioned.
Sick Leave.
1873
94.88
4.17
.70
1.91
2.37
1 8 7 4
94.86
4.80
1.07
3.47
2.03
1875
95.85
4.36
1.30
2.72
2.51
Average
95.03
4.44
1.02
2.70
2.30
1876
89.22
3.73
1.51
2.43
2.23
Sanitary con-
dition of the
guard-room,
&c.
Water-supply.
Hospital.
Sanitary con-
dition of the
lines.
32
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OP THE NATIVE ARMY OF MADRAS.
admitted for febricula; the fever assumed a typhoid character with suppurative parotitis.
Compared with last year there has been a great diminution in sickness.
Admissions.
Average
Daily Sick.
1875
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . ...
312
8.4
1876
...
...
. ..
...
...
...
218
4.8
Deputy Surgeon-General J. R. Theobalds inspected this corps on the 8th
January 1877 and reports as under
:—
Sanitary condition of the lines.— The ventilation of the huts indifferent, chiefly through
the tiles and where the poles supporting tiles of roof rest on the mud walls, and a small low
door in front for entrance into the hut.
The drainage is good from the natural configuration of the ground. I found the sepoys'
lines very clean.
Sanitary condition of the guard-room, &c.—The guard-room and cells are all in good order,
well raised from the ground, and sufficiently ventilated, with the exception of the treasury and
jail guard-rooms, which would be much improved by making circular openings in the top of the
verandah walls of these two guard-rooms.
Water-supply .–Abundant supply of drinking-water.
Hospital.—The ventilation is good, through doors and windows and oval spaces in the walls
of the hospital leading into the verandahs. The drainage is very good from the fact of the
hospital standing on the top of a hill. The drinking-water is good and abundant, brought from
a well in the lines. The latrine is well ventilated, kept very clean, and worked partially on the
dry-earth system.
7th Regiment Native Infantry.
STATION—VIZAGAPATAM.
Arrived from Madras. 14th February 1873.
Average strength
...
. . . ...
. . .
. . . . . .
. . .
. . .
... 938
Do.
do. present
...
...
...
...
. . .
...
. . .
. . . 687
Admissions ...
...
. . .
...
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
... 678
Daily sick ...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
... 28
Deaths in hospital ...
...
. . . ...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . . 7
Do. out of do.
...
. . .
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . . 6
Pensioned...
...
. . .
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
...
. . .
. . . 24
Sick leave ...
...
...
. . .
...
. . .
...
...
..
...
2 2
The following return shows the rates of sickness, deaths, and invaliding, as
contrasted with previous years:—
Rate per Cent. of
Years.
Stations.
Average Strength Present.
Average Strength.
Admissions. Daily Sick. All Deaths. Pensioned. Sick Leave.
1 8 7 3 . . .
. . .
Vizagapatam ...
..
78.23
4.71
.85
2.84
5.68
1874 ...
...
...
Do.
...
...
85.72
10.50
1.42
3.13
3.70
1875 ...
...
Do.
...
...
67.21
3.74
. 57
1.69
3.53
Average ...
77.05
6 . 3 1
.94
2.55
4.30
1876 ...
... Vizagapatam ...
...
98.68
4.07
1.38
2.55
2.34
Climate of the
station.
The undernoted medical officers were in charge during the year,
Surgeon R. Warder,
Surgeon E. A. Dalgairns,
and the last-named reports as follows :—
Climate of the station.—The climate during the past year, with the exception of a short
period during the hot season, has been very agreeable throughout.
Hospital
ventilation.
Hospital
drainage.
General
conclusions
SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
37
field service to the feverish Bustar country. The type, as it occurred amongst the latter, was
very severe, generally quotidian at first and then lapsing into tertian, at which stage it was
usually complicated with diarrhœa or dysentery. Four deaths occurred out of a strength of
250 men.
Two cases of cholera occurred amongst the troops during the epidemic that prevailed in
the town and neighboring villages in the months of July, August and September. One of
these recovered; the other was taken ill in the pettah and died before he could be removed
into hospital.
Hospital ventilation —Ventilation has been good; no overcrowding was permitted.
Hospital drainage.—Drainage has been good. Latrines kept in good order. The dry-
earth system was adopted, but under great difficulties, owing to the construction of the latrines
being unsuitable to its application.
General conclusions. —The health of the regiment, as shown by the number admitted sick
compared with that of last year, has greatly improved. The mortality, however, during the year
is unusually high. Four deaths from ague occurred amongst the men of the detachment who
returned from field service to the Bustar country. The disease, as it appeared amongst these
men, was of a diarrhœa,
severe type, and complicated with diarrhœa and dysentery. In the cases
which proved fatal medicines did not seem to have any control on the symptoms from the
beginning, and death occurred rapidly from exhaustion.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
Average strength
. . . . . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
3,713
Do.
do
present
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
...
3,257
Total admissions
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
...
1,970
Daily sick
...
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
...
71
Deaths in hospital
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
...
37
Do. cut of do.
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
...
9
Pensioned
...
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
..,
96
Sick leave
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
81
The following return shows the rates of sickness, deaths, and invaliding, as
contrasted with previous years :—
Years.
Rate per Cent. of
Average Strength Present.
Average Strength.
Admissions.
Daily Sick.
All Deaths.
Pensioned.
Sick Leave.
1873
...
90.98
2.20
.64
.93
2.16
1874
. . .
74.33
1.98
.97
3.61
2.98
1875
...
63.26
2 . 4 8
1 . 4 9
3 . 5 7
2 . 7 2
Average ...
76.19
2.22
1.03
2.70
2.62
1876
...
60.48
2.17
1.23
2.58
2.18
The following corps were serving in the division on the 31st December 1876 :—
19th Regiment N. I.
32nd
do.
do.
38th
do.
do.
24th
do.
do.
26th
do.
do.
Deputy Surgeons-General L. W. Stewart and J. Wilson were in charge of
this circle, the latter of whom reports as follows :—
Alleged causes of sickness and mortality .—There was an epidemic of dengue amongst th
e men and families of the 26th Regiment N.I. stationed at Quilon.
10
Alleged
causes of
sickness and
mortality.
Ventilation and drainage of the men’s huts, &c. — The ventilation would be excellent except
for the defect mentioned in preceding paragraph. The natural drainage is sufficient to carry
off rainfall water from around the huts, but on account of the porous nature of the soil all
slops, &c., must soak into the soil. Stone drains would be advantageous.
water-supply
Diet. —Provisions were plentiful and dear. Vegetables abundant. I believe that those
amongst the sepoys who had families to support were obliged, on account of the high price of
the necessities of life, to stint themselves to an injurious extent as regards their daily allow-
ance of food.
Ventilation
and drainage
of the men’s
huts, &c.
Water-supply.—The supply was derived from irrigation channels, from the river Cauvery,
from a large tank, and from several wells ; quality doubtful.
Diet.
Foot soreness
Vaccination.
Epidemic.
Hospital ven-
tilation.
H ospit al
drainage.
40
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF MADRAS.
32nd Regiment Native I n f a n t r y .
STATION-TRICHINOPO LY.
Arrived from Hooshungabad, February 1873.
Average strength ...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
... 754
D o .
do.
present ...
...
...
...
...
... . . .
. . . 668
Admissions ...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
... 4 0 5
Daily sick ...
...
...
...
..
...
...
... . . .
. . .
12
Deaths in hospital ...
...
...
...
...
... . . . . . .
. . .
9
Do. out of do. ...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
2
P ensio ned ...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
25
Sick leave ...
... ... ...
...
. . .
27
The following return shows the rates of sickness, deaths, and invaliding, as
contrasted with previous years :—
Y ear s .
Stations.
Rate per Cent. of
Average Strength Present.
Average Strength.
Admissions. Daily Sick. All Deaths.
Pensioned. Sick Leave.
1873 ...
... Trichinopoly ...
...
147.64
2.73
.58
.14
3.23
1874 ...
...
Do.
...
...
43.20
1.87
.57
5.63
6.35
1875...
...
Do.
...
. . .
61.23
2.05
2.81
5.76
2.66
Average ...
84.02
2.21
1.32
3.84
4.08
1876 ...
... Trichinopoly ...
...
60.62
1.79
1.45
3.31
3.58
The following officers held medical charge of this corps during the year,
Surgeon H. J. Hazlett,
Surgeon H. P. Esmonde-White,
the first-named of whom reports as under :—
Position of
lines.
Position of lines. —The lines are situated on moderately elevated ground, their aspect is
good, but they are too much surrounded on one side by part of the native town. Except for
their notorious liability to cholera visitations they are healthy.
Foot soreness. —There was an increase in the number of admissions and cases of foot
soreness.
Vaccination.—Fifty-nine cases vaccinated.
Epidemic.—Cholera. Nine sepoys were attacked by it and four died; amongst the camp-
followers and families 14 cases, and seven died.
Hospital ventilation good. On some occasions there was overcrowding.
Hospital drainage sufficient.
Hospital
water-supply.
Hospital water-supply.—The supply was derived from the tank and was abundant ; quality
uncertain.
General
conclusions.
General conclusions.—Except for cholera, the health of the regiment would have been
satisfactory.
Position of
lines.
Drainage of
lines, huts,
&c.
Sanitary ar-
rangements.
Diet.
44
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF MADRAS.
Sanitary
condition of
latrines, &c.
Rations.
Sanitary condition of latrines, &c.—The dry-earth system of conservancy is carried out
as far as possible.
Rations. —Food is dear, and it is probable that many of the sepoys are under-fed.
Water-supply
Water-supply. —Drinking water is of good quality.
Hospital.
Hospital. —The hospital is an excellent one, and was originally built for a European
regiment. It is capable of accommodating 150 men, and it is clean and well ventilated. The
natural drainage is good.
26th Regiment Native Infantry.
STATION—QUILON.
Arrived from Trichinopoly, 19th January 1873.
Average strength
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
961
Do.
do. present
...
... ... ... ... ... ...
688
Admissions...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
447
Daily sick
... ... ... ... ... ... . . . . . .
16
Deaths in hospital
...
... ... ... ...
...
...
1
Do. out of do.
... ... ... ... ... ...
...
3
Pensioned
...
...
... ... ... ... ... ...
25
Sick leave
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
16
The following return shows the rates of sickness, deaths, and invaliding, as
contrasted with previous years :—
Years.
Stations.
Rate per Cent. of
Average Strength Present.
Average Strength.
Admissions. Daily Sick. All Deaths, Pensioned. Sick Leave.
1873
... Q u i l o n . . .
. . .
25.52
.70
.70
...
.56
1874
...
Do.
. . . . . .
42.99
1.27
.84
2.97
1.27
1875
...
Do. ...
...
48.68
2.48
1.14
2.57
2.14
Average ...
39.06
1.48
.89
1.84
1.32
1876
... Quilon
...
. . .
64.96
2.32
.41
2.60
1.66
The following officers held medical charge of this corps during the year,
Surgeon-Major F. Duckworth, M.D.,
Surgeon B. H. Williams,
and the first-named reports as under :—
Climate of the
station.
Climate of the station. —A sea-coast station, with a wet moist climate for more than half
the year, Both the south-west and north-east monsoons are felt pretty severely. Chest
affections, bowel-disorders, fevers and rhenmatism most prevalent, and skin diseases may be
said to be endemic.
Position, of lines. —The "regimental lines" consist of ordinary huts constructed of
leaves and bamboos, with very little ventilation and lighting in them.
Drainage of lines, huts, &c. —No drainage or sewerage works exist in or about any of these
places, but the natural configuration of the ground, along with the sandy porous nature of the
soil everywhere, seem to remove all surface-water.
Water-supply
Water-supply.—Good in quality and sufficient in quantity.
Sanitary arrangements and condition are satisfactory.
Diet.—Owing to exportation to the famine districts and the partial failure of the monsoons,
scarcity prevailed and provisions of every description were dear.
Foot soreness.
Foot soreness. —Sore-feet caused by ill-fitting and badly made boots.
Vaccination.
Vaccination is kept up.