38
A SKETCH OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
out, 8 cases; chronic rheumatic affections, ; lung disease, 1; and 1 from weakness of eye-sight.
Two men were sent on sick leave to their own country and 1 was discharged by sentence of
court-martial.
1 2 . T h e r e h a s b e e n n o e p i d e m i c d i s e a s e a m o n g s t t h e m e n o r f o l l o w e r s . N o c a s e s o f c h o l e r a
occurred in camp or neighbourhood. Four cases of mild modified
small-pox were under treatment during the course of the year,
b u t i t n e v e r t o o k a n e p i d e m i c f o r m .
1 3 . A s b e f o r e s t a t e d , t h e t o t a l r a i n f a l l w a s 1 6 i n c h e s 3 6 c e n t s , t h e a v e r a g e f o r s o m e t i m e
back being 21 inches. The greatest fall was 2 inches 48 cents on
the 28th June. The influence of the rainfall seemed to cause an
increase in cases of intermittent fever, the number admitted for the months of July, August,
and September, after rain had fallen, being almost double the number of admissions during the
hot months, March, April, and May.
14. This has been carried on regularly during the year; 42 children were vaccinated, and
of these 38 cases were successful, and 4 unsuccessful. Re-vacci
-nation was also performed on 119 sepoys; and of these 84 cases
were successful, and 35 unsuccessful.
1 5 . T h e g e n e r a l h e a l t h o f t h e w i n g i s v e r y g o o d , a n d t h e p h y s i q u e o f t h e m e n f a i r ;
many of them, however, are getting elderly and worn-out. 25
recruits were enlisted, the average height being 5 feet 5 inches,
and their chest measurement over 33 inches.
16. The sulphate of cinchonidine has been chiefly used in the treatment of the ordi
-nary cases of intermittent fever, and found to answer. In many
cases I have used it also as a tonic. No other special treatment,
except the subcutaneous injection of liquor morphia in rheumatic affections. The injection
generally gave great relief.
From what has been stated it will be seen that the general health of the wing has been
good, mortality small, and that there has been no epidemic dis
-ease in camp; also that the condition of the lines occupied is
good, and the conservancy properly looked to, and a supply of water good and sufficient. With
the exception of a guard-room for the hospital guard, nothing seems at present to be required.
REMARKS BY DEPUTY SURGEON-GENERAL T. B. BEATTY, M.D.
This regiment had marched from the camp of exercise at Poona in November of the pre--
ceding year, and was stationed in Málegaon during the entire of 1876. The general health
of the men had been excellent.
Only two casualties had been recorded, and those were from non-zymotic diseases.
Surgeon-Major Miller, the medical officer in charge, complained of the want of a guard-room for
the use of the hospital guard, who are obliged at present to sleep in the hospital verandah,
which, for many reasons, is extremely objectionable.
The water-supply is obtained entirely from wells, and is generally sufficient; but this year,
owing to want of rain, a great scarcity was felt.
The amount of rain registered in 1876 was 36 inches, compared with 91 in the previous
year.
The hospital was clean, is never over-crowded, and the arrangements and organization
were satisfactory.
There being no regular bath-room attached, patients were obliged to bathe in a corner of
the verandah, which practice should be discontinued, and a separate bath-room erected. At the
time of inspection there were 10 sick in hospital, but from only trivial complaints. Thirty-eight
primary successful vaccinations and 84 successful re-vaccinations had been performed amongst
the men and children during the year. A gymnasium is required for the use of the men in
the lines.
Detachment H. M.'s Poona Horse.
DHULIA.—In medical charge of Surgeon G. BAINBRIDGE; strength 102.
During the month of January the detachment was away from Dhulia on the march
back from Sirur after the Prince of Wales' reception; this report, therefore, refers to eleven
months' sickness only.
Epidemics.
Rainfall and its influence
Vaccination.
General health and physique.
Special treatment of disease.
R e s u m é
.