NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
2-73
epidemic occurrence is materially influenced by conditions, such as filth, over-crowd-
ing, &c., and it not infreqeuntly happens that it is to good hygienic measures and
proper nourishment, rather than to the administrate of several drugs, that we do
look for the cure of our patients.
Drugs no doubt have a value, and a considerable value in plague oases, but it is
limited, and beyond that limit it is not possible to go. Recovery in plague depends
much on the original constitution of the person and the nerve stamina in him.
No case in the Hospital was subjected to the treatment by the curative serum
of Roux and Lustig.
G. B. KHEB, L.M. & S.,
Bombay, 3rd August 1899.
Chief Medical Officer, Hindu Fever Hospital.
Notes by
the Special
Medical
Officer.
The Committee and the Medical Officer are to be congratulated on the success of
their undertaking. The hospital and its surroundings were always conducted on the
most satisfactory manner. The whole buildings were compact, and no expense of
trouble was spared to make the patients comfortable and happy. It was always great
pleasure to me to visit this and the adjoining hospitals, as any suggestions I made
were invariably carried out and welcomed. Rao Bahadur Naraen Trimbuck Viadya
was indefatigable in the way he worked for the good of the hospital and camp, and
I cannot thank him too much for the support he always gave me.
No.13.
The Pathare Prabhu Fever Hospital.
Dr. A. V. Velkar, L.M. & S. ...
Dr. Y. S. Trilokekar, L.M. & S.
Dr. S. B. Nayak, L.M. & S. ...
Dr. A. P. Kothare, L.M.&S. ...
Mr. S. B. Dharadar (Senior Medical
Atmaram J. Kirtikar, Esq.
Anandrao Hurrishankar, Esq. ...
...
...
...
Student)
...
...
...{
...
...
I...
...
*••
Chairman and Honorary
Chief Medical Officer.
Members of the Committee
and
Hon.
Medical
Officers in charge.
Honorary House Surgeon.
Honorary Secretary.
Honorary Treasurer.
1. This Hospital, situated in the Churney Road Gardens, was re-opened on the
21st December 1898.
History of the
Foundation of
the Hospital.
2. It had been opened, with the.sanction of the Plague Committee, in Churney
Road Gardens, on the 10th February 1898, with a view to encourage timely removal
of plague patients belonging to the community, in the interest of the sick as well as
that of the healthy, a provision having also been made for locating the latter.
Ever since its establishment in 1898, this Hospital has been maintained with the
help of funds contributed by the members of the community.
It has also been under the active management of the abovenamed medical
gentlemen who all belong to the Pathare Prabhu community, and have volun-
teered their services with desire to help the afflicted and alleviate their sufferings.
Subordinate
Hospital Staff.
The subordinate hospital staff, since December 18'J8, consisted of one resident
compounder and three ward boys. Native nurses were engaged from time to time as
required.
275
by the bhangies, at least for 48 hours, in a tub containing saturated solution of per-
ehloride of mercury, and then washed with sea-water. The clothing was subsequently
handed over to the dhobie attached to the hospital for final washing. Special care
was taken to see that every article of clothing was put in a " Bhutty " constructed for
the purpose close to the hospital, with a view to subject it to a high temperature.
Disposal of
the dead.
In each and every case immediately after death, the body was wrapped in- a
sheet saturated with a strong solution of perchloride of mercury and then carried
on a special stretcher to the mortuary shed, erected about 55 yards from the
hospital.
In the majority of cases, all such bodies were taken from the mortuary to the
burning ground, quite up to the pyre, upon a light ambulance car specially kept for
the purpose.
Sickness
or mortality
amongst
the Staff.
Pneumonic patients were always kept separated from the plague patients and
special precautions were taken by the staff attending such patients. Care was taken
to see that ward-boys and native nurses never entered the hospital premises without
shoes on. And, as a result of such precautions, the Committee is glad to say that
none of the staff working in the Hospital caught the contagion or suffered in any
way.
The total number of patients admitted for Plague during the year under report
was 36. Of these 26 died and 10 recovered.
Plague
Relapsing· Fever
Observation and Obher Diseases ...
Total-
Admissions.
36
..»
...
36
Deaths.
26
.·..
...
26
Recoveries,
10
10
Percentage
of Mortality.
722
...
...
722
Out of the 26 that died, 10 died within 24 hours, 7 within 48 hours, and the
remaining 9 after 48 hoars from the time of admission into the hospital. Thus the
percentage of mortality at different periods after admission into the Hospital is as
follows:—
General Percentage of
total Mortality.
72.2
Percentage of Mortality
within 2¼ Hours.
27.7
Percentage of Mortality Percentage of Mortality
within 48 Hours.
j
after 48 Hours.
19.4
25
The total admissions during the different months of the year under report were
as follow:—
Months.
December
January
February
March
April
May
..
··
..
··
··
Total Admissions
Plague.
2l
13
9
8
1
3
36
Relapsing Fever
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
Observation
Cases including
all General Dis-
eases.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
Total.
2
13
9
8
1
3
36
276
The number of admissions was largest in the 3rd week of January. The viru-
lence of cases was greatest during the 2nd and 3rd weeks of January and March.
The largest number of deaths was on the 27th January 1899.
Months.
December
January
February
March
April
Hay
···
...
··»
···
**·
...
Daring the year
···
...
*··
...
...
Total Admis-
sions.
2
13
θ
8
1
8
36
Died within
24 Hours.
...
5
1
2
1
1
10
Died within
48 Hours.
1
1
3
2
...
...
7
Total Deaths.
1
9
7
7
1
26
Tolal Beco-
veries.
1
4
2
1.
2
10
Of the 36 that were admitted into the hospital this year, 22 were males, 10
females and 4 children (under 12). The number of recoveries or deaths among each
of these were as follow :—
Males
Females
Children (under 12
years)
Total
Total Admissions.
22
10
4
36
Deaths.
16
7
3
26
Recoveries.
6
3
1
10
Percentage of Deaths.
72.7
70.0
7.0
72.2
The total mortality for the year amongst the two sexes and children was as
follows :—
Total Mortality for
the year.
26
Mortality amongst
men.
16
Mortality amongst
Women.
7
Mortality amongst Children
all under 12 years of age.
3
Out of the 36 admitted this year, only two patients had been previously inoculated·
Details of cases inoculated previously by Professor Haffkin's
prophylactic.
Name.
Shantaram
"Madhowrao.
Vinayak Bsbul ji ...
Age.
10
15
Sex.
Μ
Μ
Date
of
inoculation.
18-1-98.
12-2-98.
Date
of
attack.
21-12-98.
25-1-99.
Cured
or
dead.
Cured.
25-1-99.
Dead.
1-2-99.
Seat of bubo.
Double In-
guinal.
Cervical.
Inoculated by
Dr. V. S.
Trilokekur.
Dr. V. S.
Trilokekur.
277
Locality.
The majority of the patients admitted this year was from the C and D wards.
More than half the number was from among the people residing on the ground
floor.
The types of plague cases treated during the period were as follow : —
With buboes
...
...
...
Without buboes aud without lung complications
Pneumonic plague without buboes
Pneumonic plague with buboes...
...
...
...
·· ·
• ··
...
Total Admissions
...
...
...
...
...
28
6
1
1
36
The following table shows the Situation of Buboes.
Situation.
Cervical
Parotid
R. Axillary
L. Axillary
E. Femoral
L. Femoral
E. Inguinal
L. Inguinal
Other Situations, Testis ...
No buboes
Multiple buboes
Left Femoral and Left Sub-
maxillary
Both Groins
Total ...
Total No.
of cases.
2
3
6
1
1
6
7
1
7
2
36
Males.
1
2
3
1
1
3
4
1
4
2
22
Females.
1
1
3
3
3
2
13
Mortality.
2
2
4
1
1
5
6
4
1
26
Recoveries.
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
9
Percentage
of Mortality.
100 per cent.
66.6per cent.
66.6 „
100 „
100 „
83.3 „
85.7 „
Nil.
57.lper cent.
50 „
Glands Suppurated in three cases and all of them were freely incised.
Tables showing Pneumonic Plague with and without Buboes. ( Without Buboes.)
Males* .
,
Females
Children ...
Admitted.
2
Died.
1
Recovered.
1
,
Percentage of
Mortality.
50 per cent.
*In both the cases the diagnosis, arrived at from the physical signs
present, was confirmed by bacteriological examinations made by Dr. S. B. Nayak,
L.M. & S.
In the second case with buboes pneumonia supervened after 3 days,
279
The general line of treatment followed was chiefly stimulant and nutritive. Treat-
ment.—The only antiseptics administered internally were Liq. lodi, Terchloride
Liq. Hyd. Perchlor., and Sodæ Sulpo Carb.
Strophanthus, Strychnia and Caffeine were chiefly used as cardiac tonics.
Spartein was also tried in a few cases, Tinct. Ferri. Perchlor, with Liq. Ammon.
Acet, was tried with a fair amount of success.
For delirium arid insomnia, Morphia with Atropine and Blister over the nape
of the neck were usually resorted to.
For Hyperpyrexia no depressing antipyretics were used. Guiacol Carb.
and vapour baths were tried in a few cases without much success. Ice friction or
ice-bag over the head and against the Medulla with abdominal ice-pack was found
to be attended with a fair amount of success in such cases.
As for local treatment, application of Ext. Belladona with Tinct. Ferri. Perch-
loride and Ext. Opii was found somewhat useful as also fomentations.
No special method of treatment such as that by the Curative serums of Roux
and Lustig was tried.
SHAMBAO BHAGALE, L.M. & S.,
Honorary Chief Medical Officer,
Pathare Prabhu F. H.
BOMBAY, 30th June 1899.
Report by the Special Medical Officer.
The Committee is to be congratulated on the success of the work they have
taken in hand. The line on which the whole plan was carried out is what ought to
be done if possible in all these hospitals. The health camp in which people were living
after leaving their houses in the city was quite adjacent to the hospital, and the strictest
vigilance was kept on the inhabitants of these huts. Cases were promptly removed to
the Hospital quite near by. The Hospital itself, as the plan will show, was well plan-
ned and was quite complete in itself having wards for plague, observation and also
ihe contacts in one plot. The management of the hospital was also very good. As
the Medical Officer remarks, the small amount of patients is, 1 also think, due to the
above measures. The report is a very interesting one.
No. 14.
Report on the Braham Kshatriya Plague Hospital,
Bombay, from the 1st June 1898 to 31st May 1899.
This hospital was first set on foot in the year 1898. The first year it was kept
open for only 3 months, viz,. during the time when the disease was in its epidemic
form. This year it was re-opened at the request of the members of the community
under the management of Mr. Vithaldas Parshotum for the benefit of the Braham
Kshatriya caste. The balance of the funds was swelled this year by donations from
generous members -of the caste towards the maintenance of the hospital which was
closed after being kept open for four mouths, viz., February, March, April and May.
A wadi belonging to the same community was turned for the time being into a
hospital with the accommodation of 10 patients. Dr. V. S. Divan was in charge of
the hospital with one hospital-assistant, one compounder and two ward-boys. The
contacts were kept in a wadi specially kept apart for the purpose in the same
Pinjrapole Lane close to the hospital,
280
TABLE I.—Total Admissions during the year.
Mouths.
3
Plague.
54
Relapsing fever.
Nil.
Observation
cases including
all general
diseases.
a
Total.
57
TABLE II.
Plague ...
Relapsing Fever
Observations- and other diseases
Total ...
Admissions.
54
Nil.
3
57
Deaths.
35
Nil.
Nil.
35
Recoveries.
19
Nil.
3
22
Percentage
of Mortality,
64.8
...
64.8
TABLE III.
Months.
3
Total
admissions
plague.
54
Died with-
in 24
hours.
9
Within
48 hours
9
Total
deaths.
35
Total _
recoveries.
19
Percentage
of Deaths.
64.8 p. c.
If deaths within 24 hours are deducted, the total mortality would stand to 57.7 p. c.
If deaths within 48 hours are also deducted, the total mortality would be 47.2 p. Q.
TABLE IY.
Total Admissions
Males
31
Females
16
Children (under 12 years)
7
Deaths.
22
10
3
Eecoveries.
9
6
4
Percentage
of
Deaths.
70.9 per cent.
62.5
„
42.8
„
TABLE V.—Table showing the mortality for the year amongst sexes and children.
Total mortality for
the year.
64.8 per cent.
35
Mortality amongst
the men.
70'9 per cent.
22
Mortality amongst
the women.
62.5 percent.
Mortality amongst
children all under 12
years of age.
42.8 per cent.
3
281
TABLE VI.—Table showing the situation of Buboes.
Situation.
Cervical
Parotid
R. Axillary
L. Axillary
E. Femoral
L. Femoral
R. Inguinal
L. Inguinal
...
* Other situations
No Buboes
Multiple Buboes
Total ...
Total
No, of
Cases,
1
0
8
1
20
5
13
2
1
2
1
54
Males.
0
0
4
1
13
4
8
2
0
2
1
35
Females.
1
0
4
0
7
1
5
0
1
0
0
19
Mortality.
0
0
7
1
10
3
10
2
0
2
0
35
Recoveries.
1
0
1
0
10
2
3
0
1
0
1
19
Percentage
of
Mortality.
50 per cent.
50
„
60
„
76.9 „
59.2percent.
* Situated on calf of right leg.
TABLE VII.— Table showing Pneumonic Plague (without Buboes).
—
Males
Females
Children
Admitted.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
Died.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
Recovered.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
Percentage of
Mortality.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
TABLE VIII.
Table showing cases of secondary Plague Pneumonia (complicated with Buboes).
—
Male
Admitted.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
Died.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
Recovered.
Nil
Nil.
Nil
Percentage of
Mortality.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
As much has been said in the two previous years' reports on the epidemic, it
would be sufficient to mention here that this year's epidemic in no way materially
differed from the two previous ones. The type was as virulent, the chief symptoms
being high fever, headache, vomiting, and glandular enlargements. In the majority
of cases of recovery the buboes suppurate, the treatment was more or less symp-
tomatic, bufe ice on the head and gland, wet pack and stimulants have been found
useful.
V. S, DIVAN,
30th June 1899.
Medical Officer,
282
No. 15
Report on the G. Lund's Hospital, Bombay,
from the 26th September 1898 to 30th November 1898.
The hospital was founded by Mr. G. Lund, in the compound of the late Mr.
Justice Telang's properties, for the benefit of the people living in those blocks, as
those labouring classes had the great dread of being removed to the hospital,
Maratha or Arthur Road.
It was opened on the 26th September 1898, by Mr. Wingate, the Plague Com-
missioner, Mr. Harvey, the Municipal Commissioner, Mr. DuBoulay, the Deputy
Commissioner, and some other gentlemen.
There was no regular Committee formed, but Mr. G. Lund used to come daily to
see the management of the hospital; S. Rajaballi V. Patel acted as a Medical
Officer in charge, and K. S. Bhimjibhoy R. Ashburner as a secretary, and a
Native Hindoo Nurse, one Hindoo Hamal, and two sweepers in all comprised the
Hospital staff.
The hospital was composed of three big blocks, two permanent and one tem-
porary, made of zawli; they are quite open on all sides and are about 20 feet high ;
the half of the largest block was divided into 4 big wards, each accommodating
about 10 beds, and the other half was used for the relatives of the patients who
were direct attendants,
The other permanent block consists of three big rooms, of which one was used by
the nurse, another as a cook-room for the patients, and the third as a store-room.
All the excreta of the patients were received in small tin tarred chatties full of
strong solution of carbolic acid one in 20, after having allowed excreta to remain in
that strong lotion for some time, the contents were thrown in the latrine baskets in
the sweeper gulli which is quite close and easily accessible. The clothes of the patients
were soaked in a tub full of strong solution of mercury (1 in 500) for a few hours
before they were given to Dhobies.
The water used for drinking purposes was obtained from ordinary water-pipes,
while the well water was used for ordinary working purposes.
The wards were thoroughly disinfected with H. P. Solution (1 in 500) and then
lime-washed.
The clothes of the patients were taken in our office load car used by coolies to
take away disinfectants, to the Narielwadi sterilizer, and were kept there for about
24 hours.
The dead were covered in the hospital sheets soaked in strong carbolic solution,
and were taken to the cemeteries to be burnt. The mortuary was situated away from,
the kitchen and store, and was open. The ground was made of chunarn and had
no roof and was quite open to the sun.
The poor and the unclaimed dead bodies were taken away and cremated at
Mr. G. Lund's expense.
One patient named Rangia Khandoo, age 24, male Maratha,. was inoculated
on the 4th September 1898, was attacked with plague on the 4th October 1898
discharged cured from tho hospital.
There, was neither sickness nor death among the Hospital staff.
283
TABLE No. I.—Total admissions during the year.
Months.
26-9-98
October
..
November
Plague.
Nil.
12
5
Relapsing
fever.
1
5
Nil.
Observation.
Nil.
9
5
Total.
1
26
10
The total number of deaths during the whole period is 14.
Deaths from plague 13.
The percentage of deaths is 76.5.
TABLE II.
Plague ...
Relapsing fever ...
Observation and other dis-
eases.
Admissions.
17
6
14
Deaths.
13
Nil.
1
Eecoveries.
4
6
13
Percentage
of
Mortality.
76.5
Nil.
7.1
Plague.
TABLE III.
Months.
October
November
Total
admissions.
12
5
Died within
24 hours.
4
2
Died within
48 hours.
2
Nil.
Total deaths.
9
4
Total
recoveries.
3
1
Percentage
of
Deaths.
75
80
Relapsing fever.
26-9-98
October
November
5
Nil.
...
Nil.
...
Nil.
...
Nil
1
5
Nil
Nil.
Nil.
Nil
TABLE IY.
Total admissions.
Males
Females
Children
... 32
... 5
...Nil
Deaths.
12
2
Nil
Eecoveries.
20
3
Nil.
Percentage of Deaths.
37.5
40.
Nil.
All the patients were of the labouring class of people.
TABLE V.
Total Mortality.
14
Mortality amongst
the Men.
12
Mortality amongst
the Women.
2
Mortality amongst the
Children.
Nil
284
TABLE VI.
Situation.
Cervical
R. Axillary
L. do.
E. Femoral
L.
do.
R. Inguinal
L.
do.
Total number
of cases.
2
2
1
4
1
1
1
Males.
2
2
1
4
1
1
1
Females.
Nil
"
"
"
"
"
"
Mortality.
2
1
1
2
1
1
Nil.
Recoveries.
Nil.
1
Nil.
2
Nil.
1
Percentage
of
Mortality.
100·
50·
100·
50'
100·
100.
50.
TABLE VII.
Table showing Pneumonic Plague.
They were five only—4 males and one female—all five died within 24 to 48
hours.
These cases when admitted had high fever from 103 to 105°, delirium, pulse
140 to 180. Respiration very shallow.
They had cough from the beginning, the expectoration was blood-tinged and
they were quite prostrated.
The Physical examination revealed a patch of consolidation on one of the
bases of the lungs, and all the signs of general cyanosis with failing heart.
TABLE VIII.
Males
Females
Children
Admitted.
12
Nil.
Nil.
Died.
10
Nil.
Nil.
Eecovered.
2
Nil.
Nil
Percentage of
Mortality.
83.3
Nil
Nil.
In these cases secondary Pneumonia supervened from áth to 8th day of the
attack.
Notes on Symptoms, Character and Treatment of the Disease.
The number of cases under observation was 14, and they turned out to be remit-
tent fever, continued fever, ordinary fever and cough with chronic bronchitis. One case
was found to be gangrene of the lungs, and she died on the fifth day after admission,
G. Lund's Hospital was closed on the 31st of November 1898, in consult-
ation with Mr. Wingale, as there were no indigenous cases in those blocks then,
nor any up to the present time. The hospital store, etc., are stored in the same
premises, to be at hand whenever the plague breaks out in these Telang's chawls.
RAJABALLY V. PATEL, L. M. & s.,
Medical Officer, Tarwadi,
285
1. Report on the
Hospital.
No. 16.
Report on the Modh and Porwad Plague Hospital,
Bombay, from the 1st June 1898 to 31st May 1899.
2. History of
the forma-
tion of the
Hospital, &c.
When the Plague was raging heavily, and the other hospitals were nearly full
of patients., and in some cases when difficulty was experienced in removing the
patients to long distances, the leaders of the community thought it better to open
an hospital in the midst of their locality and under the supervision of their own caste
men. Hence the hospital was opened on the 17th February 1898.
(a) Names of Committee.
The Hon'ble Mr. Vijbhookhandas Atmaram
Mr. Bhaidas Narotumdas
Mr. Chagonlal Briglal
...
... President.
Treasurer.
Secretary.
(b) Medical Officer.
Honorary·-- Dr. Nagindas Maneklal.
(c) List of Medical Staff.
Hospital Assistant Vinayekrao.
1 Compouuder.
1 Qualified Nurse, Mrs. Kirk.
10 Ward Boys.
2 Female Servants,
1 Gate Keeper.
2 Sweepers (one male and one female).
1 Washerman.
(d) Donation to the Hospital.
Mr. Atmaram Brigbhookhandas
,, Damoderdas Tapidas
„ Day abhai Tapidas...
„ Choonilal Nagiudas
„ Devkaran Nanjee
Bai Dayakore ..
Mr. Bhaidas Narotumdas
„ Harkeesandas Jugjivandas
...
...
...
...
...
...
Rs.
„
„
„
„
„
„
·„
150
100
150
125
150
150
50
50
per mensem.
„ Jekeesandas Gangadas gave his own building for the hospital purposes.
3. Description
of the Hospi-
tal Building·
Wards, Ser-
vants, Quar-
ters, &c.
It is a three-storeyed building, well-vontilated and with sufficient light, situated
near the Cawasjee Patel Tank. It belongs to Seth Jekeesandas Gangadas. It con-
tained six different wards—four for Plague cases, one for observation and one for
convalescents.
There was a special room for the Dispensary in the same building. One separate
storey was allotted for the use of the Nurse and the Hospital Assistant.
Servants were not provided with quarters.
As there were no special contact sheds, contacts were removed to the Churney
Eoad Segregation Camp.
4. Conservancy.
The building has permanent privies provided with water tanks. Two sweepers
were employed to keep them clean. In all there were six seats. The privies are
connected according to the new system with the main sewage, and phenyle water
was used from time to time to remove the filth.
286
Phenyle and carbolic water was used by the sweepers to disinfect clothes before
they were handed over to the dhobie.
No suggestion to add.
5. Water-sup-
ply.
Water was supplied from the main pipes, and no other water was used for any
other purpose.
6. Disinfection
of Waters.
Wards and other rooms were lime-washed and disinfected by the constant use of
phenyle lotion, and McDougall's powder was used profusely.
The clothes, viz., the beds and cushions, were disinfected once by the steam
disinfector at Mody Bay. They were sent by a bullock cart and were kept there for
about 2 hours.
7. Disposal of
the Dead.
Immediately after a death occurred the body was wrapped in a sheet well satur-
ated with a solution of Perchloride of Mercury and then carried away to the Mortuary,
and thence the body was removed to the Burning Ground, Sonapoor.
Just on the left side of the entrance to the hospital, a room was specially used
as a mortuary. The dead bodies of pauper patients were removed to the burning
ground, as above, at the expense of the Managing Committee. Special paid carriers
were employed for the purpose.
8. Inoculation
by Haffkine s
Serum.
No case already inoculated by Haffkine's serum was admitted in the hospital.
9. Sickness
and Mortality
amongst the
Ho s, pita 1
Staff.
One ward-boy got attacked in November last while on night duty. He had
high fever and bubo in the right inguinal region, and the source of the contagion
appears to be from the plague patients in the hospital. The patient did not live in the
hospital, there being no accommodation for the servants. He recovered in 20 days.
TABLE I.—Total Admissions during the year.
Months.
June
1898
July
„
August
„
...
...
...
September,,
October „
December „
January 1899
February „
March
.,
April
„
May
„
Total
Plague.
2
3
...
15
9
2
6
18
47
29
12
2
145
Relapsing
Fever.
......
......
......
......
Observation
cases, includ-
ing all Gene-
ral Diseases.
......
······
Total.
2
3
···
15
9
2
6
18
47
29
12
2
145
11. The largest
number of ad-
missions.
The largest number of admissions was 15, during the second week of February,
and 5 on the 15th February.