NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
( xxii )
Localities.
Kolábá
...
...
Fort, Southern ...
Fort, Northern ...
Esplanade ... ...
Market ... ...
Mándví ... ...
Chakhlá
...
...
Umbarkhadí ...
Dongri
...
...
Dhobí Taláo ...
Phanaswádí ...
Bhuleshwar ...
Khárá Taláo ...
Kumbhár-wádá ...
Khetwádí...
...
Girgáon ... ...
Chawapátí ... ...
Wálkeshwar ...
Mahálakshumi ...
Mázagáon ... ...
TádWádí
...
...
Kámáhíhpurá ...
Parel
...
...
Shivrí ... ...
Seo...
...
...
Máhim ... ...
Warlí
...
...
Water Division ...
Non-resident and Un-
known ... ...
Byculla ... ...
Total......
Deaths from Small-pox.
April
1872.
5
...
12
1
36
54
28
30
21
17
4
24
28
24
15
5
3
1
2
5
6
75
13
2
2
6
3
1
8
...
431
May
„
6
1
19
1
32
22
29
20
15
37
6
18
18
14
13
7
1
...
3
6
8
45
6
...
...
5
2
...
4
...
339
June
„
6
...
28
...
9
13
5
9
9
53
4
15
8
5
9
8
2
...
3
1
3
20
6
1
...
2
2
...
2
...
220
July
„
1
...
15
...
10
4
2
9
8
21
...
5
4
2
2
8
1
1
...
4
3
8
2
...
...
2
...
...
1
...
113
August „
...
... 6
...
4
...
1
1
...
6
1
1
3
1
...
5
...
...
...
1
...
5
2
...
...
...
...
...
1
...
38
September „
...
...
2
...
4
2
3
1
...
...
...
...
1 1
2
2
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
...
...
...
1
...
1
...
30
October „
...
...
4
...
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
3
...
...
...
5
...
1
...
1 1
5
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
28
November „
...
...
2
...
1
...
1
...
...
2
2
...
...
...
2
4
1
...
...
...
...
3
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
18
December „
...
...
2
...
1
...
...
..
1
1
1
2
1
...
4
6
5
...
...
11
...
...
...
...
1
...
...
...
...
...
36
January 1873.
...
...
1
...
1
5
3
3
2
2
2
1
2
2
3
3
3
1
1
7
1
11
1
...
8
2
...
...
1
...
66
February „
...
...
3
...
5
4
1
8
4
5
7
6
5
5
3
18
4
1
...
11
...
16
1
2
12
2
...
1
1
...
125
March
„
...
...
8
...
10 9
6
16
11
12
6
9
14
4
10
15
2
...
...
9
1
25
3
12
7
2
1
...
1
...
193
Total.
18
1
102
2
114
115
80
98
72
157
34
81
84
58
63
86
23
6
10
60
24
214
35
17
31
21
9
2
20
...
1,637
Number
of
Children
vaccina-
ted
310
711
937
930
428
470
1,076
890
1,118
382
687
680
387
1,129
739
169
219
414
421
208
1,099
593
246
314
599
186
171
208
694
16,415
61. The following shows the number of deaths from small-pox in the
city of Bombay during the past five years : two previous, and three subse-
quent, to the date of introduction of animal vaccination; and notwithstanding
the severe epidemic which we have just passed through, it will be seen that
the annual mortality from this disease has been less in the latter period :—
1868
1869
1870 ...........
1871-72
1872-73
1,140
1,725
556
1,213
1,637
Prior to the introduction of animal
vaccination, annual average 1,432.
Subsequent to the introduction of
animal vaccination, annual average
1,135.
( xxiii )
Truthfulness of Vaccinators'
Returns.
62. I think I may safely say that the returns of the past year will, in
point of correctness, compare favourably with
those of previous years. This is due to the closer
and more frequent supervision to which the vac-
cinators know their work and registers are now subjected. But, in some places,
there is still a good deal wanted to ensure correctness. In last year's report
I advocated the introduction of a particular kind of village vaccination regis-
ter, as a means of preventing falsification of records. I fear, however, that the
method therein detailed cannot be carried out in some parts of the Presidency,
especially in Sindh. In Sindh there is no village system such as we have in
the Deccan and elsewhere. I feel, however, that something must be done in
that province to ensure correctness of the returns, especially on the Frontiers.
During my tour in Sindh, in the past year, I observed that the names of a
large number of persons are shown in vaccinators' registers who were said to
be inhabitants of foreign territory, or to belong to other villages or distant
places in Sindh. These may be correct, every name ; but that they are so
we have no thoroughly reliable evidence. When the Superintendent or As-
sistant Superintendent come to make their inspections, such persons are
always absent. And as the Pátil is almost invariably illiterate, I feel certain
that neither he nor any one else, however intelligent he may be, can remember
the names of the vaccinated strangers. This is especially the case in the
larger towns.
This subject has engaged and is engaging my attention.
Conduct of the Vaccinators.
63. During the year under report, the vaccinators, as a body, have
conducted themselves and their duties satis-
factorily.
In the Central Circle three men died, one was dismissed for falsification,
one for absence without leave, one for continued inefficiency, and a fourth
resigned.
In the Southern Circle one was dismissed for falsification, one absented
himself, and one resigned.
In the Western Circle one was dismissed for continued inefficiency, one
resigned, and one died.
In the Northern Circle one was pensioned, one died, and one was
dismissed.
In the Sindh Circle two were dismissed for falsification of returns.
In the Káthiáwád Circle five men were dismissed—three by Dr. Blanc
and one by Dr. Butler, for falsification, and the 5th by Dr. Sexton for absence
without leave.
In Rewá Kánthá Circle one Native State vaccinator was dismissed for
continued disobedience.
In Presidency Circle no casualties took place.
( xxiv
)
Assistant Superintendents.
64. After an experience of a year and a half of the working of the
Department since its reorganization by Dr. Pin¬
kerton in 1871, it seems necessary to give some
details as to the utility or otherwise of the newly-formed grade of Assistant
Superintendent. Of 24 men originally appointed, 20 having, on the expira-
tion of the probationary period, been pronounced " fit," were confirmed in
their appointments, one is still on probation, and the remaining three remanded
to their former duties. Of those so remanded one was employed in Sindh, and
was noticed in para.37 of last year's report. The other two belonged to the
Southern Circle, and were much below the average vaccinator in intelligence.
Of the 21 remaining, the Circle Superintendents report favourably of all, except
one or two. Judging from the experience gained in my tours during the last two
years, and from reports, special and otherwise, by Circle Superintendents, I think
we have fair reason to be satisfied with the work performed by these men. It
cannot be expected that men appointed to new situations, and to perform new
duties, will become in such a short period thoroughly efficient; like all men
they are fallible, and it would be strange were they to perform the duties im-
posed upon them without mistakes of some sort or other.
These men have been found particularly useful in (a) their frequent visits
to vaccinators, and the inspection of their work ensuring greater regularity
and better lymph; (b) detecting falsification or incorrectness of registers, and
thus ensuring greater exactness in the annual statements ; (c) promoting the
spread of knowledge of vaccination among the people and the subordinate
Government officials, and instructing young vaccinators as to the manner in
which they can, with best effect, conduct their duties and relations with the
village officers and the people, especially where difficulties are met with and
opposition encountered; (d) assisting dispensary Medical Officers in the same
way; (e) stamping out outbreaks of small-pox : they can be on the spot at
once, and with the assistance of the vaccinators of the neighbouring tálukás
and the officers of the affected villages can operate emergently and with effect;
(f) being constantly on the move the work of vaccinators is inspected at all
seasons of the year, and as the vaccinators are never aware when it is to be in-
spected, they are obliged to pay greater attention to it and the preservation of
the lymph.
65. The following is the summary of the special reports submitted to
this Office, by Superintendents, regarding qualifications and usefulness of the
Assistant Superintendents in their respective Circles.
Central Circle.
In this Circle there are six men, and all of them, since their appointment,
have performed their duties very satisfactorily,
more especially the Assistant Superintendents of
the Púná and Sátárá Zilhás. In the Sholápúr, Násik and Khándesh Collec-
torates, outbreaks of small-pox occurred, and were speedily extinguished by
(
XXV
)
the prompt and effective measures taken by these men. All of them have
been found useful in instructing the young vaccinators appointed, on the re-
organization of the establishment in August 1871, and in smoothing the way
where difficulties were met with. They have also given effective aid in col-
lecting and storing good lymph for transmission, by post, to vaccinators
wherever required, and to a very large number of applicants, Medical Officers,
and others, both within and beyond the Presidency.
Southern Circle.
There are four Assistant Superintendents in this Circle. Two of these
were found unfit, and were remanded to their
former duties. The other two are confirmed in
their appointments. The Superintendent is of opinion that none of these
men have sufficient education and intelligence for such appointments. He,
however, considers that the two men who have been confirmed in their ap-
pointments have done their work fairly well. No instance in which they were
found useful is given.
Western Circle.
There are three Assistants in the Western Circle. Of these two have per-
formed their duties most willingly and satisfactori-
ly, and in an active and intelligent manner. The
third at first did not do well, but he is now improving. They have been found
very useful in testing returns, ensuring a supply of good lymph, and in instruct-
ing the vaccinators. In a few instances irregularities, on the part of vaccina-
tors, have been brought to light by them.
Northern Circle.
There are four Assistant Superintendents in this Circle. The Superin-
tendent anticipated a great deal of good from these
men, as inspectors of the vaccinator's work ; but
to a certain extent only have his anticipations been realized. The fact that
they were selected from among the vaccinators does not, he thinks, inspire the
vaccinators with a sufficient degree of respect for them, and consequently "their
instructions are often disregarded, and good advice given at one visit is found
at the next, not to have been attended to." Of these, however, such notice
taken as will gradually enforce attention. In the early part of the current
natural year small-pox was almost universal in the Khedá Zilhá, and called
forth all the energies of the Assistant Superintendent. From actual personal
observation Dr. Colá is able to say that, during the critical period, the Assist-
ant Superintendent worked with praiseworthy zeal and industry, and was
successful in stamping out the disease wherever he went. Had opportunities
occurred, Dr. Colá is sure that the other Assistant Superintendents would
have proved as useful as the Khedá. Assistant Superintendent.
4 vac
( xxvi )
Sindh Circle.
There are four Assistant Superintendents in the Sindh Circle. Of
instances in which these men are useful, Dr.
Williams enumerates some of those mentioned in
para. 64. But he reports rather unfavourably as to the activity and
intelligence of two of them. The Assistant Superintendent of the Shikárpur
Zilhá, who, last year, was reported on unfavourably, is this year held up as
quite a model Assistant; active, intelligent, and possessed of great tact and
judgment. He was successful in discovering and bringing to notice the
absence, without leave, of two young vaccinators, in detecting very extensive
falsifications, carried on for some time past, by the vaccinator of H. H. Mir All
Murád. He is also reported to have stamped out an outbreak of small-pox in
Sáidpur, to have pointed out that " a certain mír " was employing an inocu¬
lator, and, finally, to have fearlessly exposed every wrong doer. Of the other
Assistants, the one employed in the Thar and Párkar District is reported to
have done very good work, and to have improved and much extended vaccina-
tion in that Political Superintendency.
Káthiáwád Circle.
The report on the two men employed in this Circle is very favourable.
Dr. Butler found them useful, particularly in the
propagation of good lymph, in the verification of
returns, in the teaching of vaccinators generally, and in the suppression of
outbreaks of small-pox. At Wadwán and Lakhtar, where much difficulty was
experienced, an Assistant was deputed to arrange matters. This was done
with much tact, and to the entire satisfaction of Dr. Butler.
Rewá Kánthá Circle.
The Assistant Superintendent employed has not had any opportunity
of prominently distinguishing himself, nothing
unusual having occurred to call forth his latent
energies. He has, however, done his work well.
Superintendents.
66. Changes among the Superintendents have been fewer than in the
preceding year. Still they have been many. In
the month of June Dr. Butler resumed charge
of the Káthiáwád Circle, and has since remained in charge. Surgeon Lewis
and Dr. Robb until the month of May were in charge, respectively, of the
Central and Southern Circles. In that month they exchanged appointments.
Dr. Williams resumed charge of the Sindh Circle from Dr. Keith in Novem-
ber. In the other Circles the Superintendents were in charge throughout the
year.
67. Statement No. VII. shows the amount of attention which has
been paid by Superintendents and their Assistants to each táluká and zilhá,
as far as the travelling and inspection are concerned. The following table
shows the total of each Circle as given in this Statement:—
( xxvii )
Name of
Superintendent.
Mr. Lewis and Dr. Robb ... ... ...
Dr. Robb and Mr. Lewis ... ... ...
Mr. Cody
...
...
...
...
...
Dr. Mancharjí
... ... ... ...
Drs. Keith and Williams...
...
...
Drs. Blanc and Butler ... ... ...
Mr.
Haliday...
...
...
...
...
Circle.
Contral ...
Southern ...
Western ...
Northern ...
Sindh...
...
Káthiáwád ...
Rewá Kanthá...
Total ...
Nu mb e r of En-
campments.
67
68
67
54
143
75
31
505
Number of travel-
ling days.
133
111
112
166
271
148
121
1,062
Distance travelled
in miles.
1,397
1,295
1,400
2,050
2,770
1,828
921
11,661
Number of Villa¬
ges visited.
222
151
193
414
635
309
215
2,139
Number of vac¬
cinated Children
inspected.
9,609
4,933
5,752
13,640
13,890
23,736
6,799
78,359
I do not think, however, that this table shows at all well, nor is it possible
to show, the amount of real work performed. As far as the first two columns
are concerned, no doubt they do so, but not the others. For instance, the faci-
lities for travelling vary much—by rail, by boat, &c.—as well as the nature of
the country travelled over. Then, again, in the matter of villages visited, it is,
strange to say, a very erroneous guide. In Sindh, for instance, every collection
of two or three houses is considered a village, and entered as such in the re-
turns ; whereas in the Konkan and Deccan a village consists of the village
proper, or " Mouje" as it is called, and of a number of "Wádís" or hamlets, in
some cases a mile or two miles from the village proper, and sometimes as large
as the town or village itself. In fact, no matter how many different collections
of houses there may be on the land belonging to a particular village, or how
far apart these may be, the whole is considered as one village only. In
some cases there are as many as six or eight, and even ten or more of these
" Wádís," some of them as big as the village town itself. If these were shown
separately as in Sindh, the number of villages shown in the statements of the
Superintendents of the Central, Southern, and Western Circles, at least,
would be more than double the number shown in the present return. Again
in the matter of children inspected, there is also a great variety. In the re-
turns of some Superintendents, as for instance those of Messrs. Cody and Colá,
the greater number of the children's names were read over, and the registers
tested, column by column and name by name ; whereas in some Circles the
work is tested principally by examining the arms, one by one, of the children
present merely. Hitherto inspections have thus been done in two ways, as
time permitted or circumstances allowed, viz. (a) by reading over the names
of the children from the vaccinator's register and testing it column by column ;
(b) by arranging the children in a row, examining their arms, and counting
( xxviii )
them. The latter can only give a very general idea of the state of vaccination
in a village, and is of little or no value as a test of the correctness of the vac-
cinator's register. However in this way a large number of villages can be
visited, and children seen, with much less trouble and exposure to weather.
For comparison with the table above given I show below the number of
names tested by each Superintendent by reading over the names:—
Circle.
Central ... ... ...
Southern...
...
...
Western...
...
...
Northern... ... ...
Sindh
...
...
...
Káthiáwád
...
...
Rewá Kánthá... ...
Total ......
WORK TESTED BY CALLING NAMES FROM REGISTED.
Present during
Inspection.
Successful.
3,849
2,391
5,004
11,690
6,243
5,889
5,938
41,004
Unsuccessful including
doubtful.
247
849
182
324
117
499
71
2,289
Absent during
Inspection.
Absence accounted for.
1,872
2,829
1,845
3,369
1,069
1,477
2,522
14,983
Absence unaccounted
for.
5
15
15
...
...
31
...
66
Number of persons whom the Vac¬
cinator has returned as vaccinated.
Successful.
5,069
5,425
6,456
13,956
7,199
7,338
8,007
53,450
Unsuccessful and
doubtful.
121
269
406
699
161
384
349
2,389
Unknown.
166
390
106
667
76
174
175
1,754
Total.
5,726
6,084
6,968
15,322
7,436
7,896
8,531
57,963
Generally the Superintendents have performed their duties with zeal
and ability. The names of Drs. Butler, Cody, Colá and Robb deserve special
mention. Dr. Williams since his return from leave to England has carried on
his duties with his former energy, ability and success.
Assistance from the Civil
Authorities.
68. It is gratifying to report that the Revenue and Political Officers
have, generally, given much assistance to the
Officers of this Department, and that they are
taking increased interest in its operations. This
is especially the case with the work carried on by the Local Fund vaccinators;
Collectors and their Assistants and subordinates being now more directly
interested in the work. There is one subject, however, on which more enlighten
ment is desirable. I refer to the idea prevailing in some quarters, that each
( xxix )
vaccinator should visit every village in the táluká within the year, and this
without reference to the number of villages, and the area of the district in his
charge. In my opinion it is impossible to lay down arbitrary rules of this na-
ture without injuriously affecting the quality of the work performed. Many
things—such as the willingness or otherwise of the people to submit their chil-
dren for vaccination, the facilities for the conveyance of vaccine lymph, the na-
ture of the country to be travelled over, assistance or otherwise rendered by the
village officers and many others—have to be taken into consideration. During
the year two of the Assistant Collectors of the Násik Zilhá reported to Govern-
ment that vaccinators of the districts in their charge did not visit all the vil-
lages within the "year, and this was submitted to me for report. One of the
tálukás particularized was that of Báglán, a táluká consisting of two " pethás,"
besides the táluká proper, and having an area of 2,620 square miles and a
population of 96,084 souls. Besides, the greater part of the táluká is hilly
and difficult to travel over. Were it possible, I do not think it desirable, that
the vaccinator should go over the whole in one year; for to enable him to do
so he would have to dispense with arm-to-arm vaccination, and large numbers
would have to be left unvaccinated in every village. Moreover, I do not think
it is desirable much to increase the number of vaccinators. In some places there
are rather more than sufficient already, I fear. In the present state of the
country and of the Department, all that should be done is to urge vaccinators
to perform as much work and overtake as many villages as possible. A vacci-
nator should never leave a village without making endeavours to persuade
every one of the inhabitants to get their children vaccinated. To do this a
great deal of time and patience are necessary, but the gain is great. The
more complete the vaccination of individual villages is carried out, the more
efficient will be the operations of the Department, and there will be less
chance of small-pox gaining a footing therein.
Tour.
69. During the year I visited every Circle in the Presidency. In the
month of May, during the" Rains," and in October,
I had opportunities of frequently seeing the
Superintendent of the Central Circle and his office. In November, after at-
tending the Darbár of His Lordship the Governor General, in Bombay, I
proceeded to Káthiáwád viâ Broach and Gogo. I travelled through the Gogo
Táluká of the Ahmadábád Collectorate and the Bháwanagar State, viâ Bháwa¬
nagar and Rájpurá to Songad, inspected the office of the Superintendent
Káthiáwád Circle and work in a few villages. The office was in very good
order, and the work well performed. Returned to Broach viâ Rájpurá, Wartej
and Gogo, in which latter place I inspected the dispensary and vaccination in
the town. These were found satisfactory. Inspected work in the Broach and
Ankleshwar Tálukás of the Broach Collectorate, Northern Circle, and finding
it correct, proceeded to the Native State of Rájpiplá along the Narmadá River