56
A SKETCH OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
a slight increase of secondary syphilis. The cases of lumbago also show a marked decrease.
The fatal case of diabetes is the same that was alluded to in last year's report. He returned
from sick leave in the early part of the year, and I recommended him for discharge at the
time of the yearly inspection of the regiment; but the General directed him to be kept on
until the annual invaliding committee was assembled. Before that time, however, he had
succumbed to disease.
Only 3 cases of disease of nervous system have been under treatment, of which 1
remained from the previous year. They comprised 1 of
hemiplegia, 1 of cephalalgia, and 1 of pleurodynia, the two
former occurring in the same individual, a young soldier, the subject of constitutional syphilis.
He was admitted into hospital on two occasions suffering from intense headache, and a certain
amount of obtuseness of intellect. He improved considerably under the administration of
bromide and iodide of potassium, and was discharged to duty, but ultimately was attacked
with left hemiplegia, and well-marked aphasia. He was again put upon large doses of iodide
of potassium with perchloride of mercury, and by degrees has regained a certain amount of
power; but the aphasia still continues, and there is considerable tendency to rigidity of
muscles, so that he will, probably, not be fit for the duties of a soldier, and will have to be
discharged.
These comprise 17 cases, against 21 in 1875, and include 12 of conjunctivitis, 2 of
sequelæ of iritis, 2 of impaired vision, and 1 ocular tumour.
The latter was the case referred to at some length in last year's
report, and the man was sent before the general invaliding committee on 1st November,
and ischarged the service with a gratuity, not being entitled to pension.
Diseases of the nervous system.
Diseases of the eye.
Diseases of the ear.
Two cases of simple inflammation of the external meatus
were treated during the year.
This class also gives 2 cases, 1 of which was a case of most obstinate chronic inflam-
mation of the inguinal glands (non-specific), which necessitated
the man being sent away on sick leave.
This class of diseases shows a considerable reduction as compared with the previous
year, only 17 cases having been treated, against 31 in 1875.
They included 9 cases of bronchitis, 2 of asthma, 1 of pneu
-monia, 1 of pleurisy, 1 of chronic pneumonic phthisis, and 3 of bronchial catarrh. One of
the cases of bronchitis proved fatal, but I can give no details concerning it, as it occurred
during my absence on leave. None of the other cases call for special remark.
Of " diseases of the digestive system" 38 cases have come under observation, viz., 3 of
gum-boil, 1 of ulcer of tongue (syphilitic), 1 of quinsy, 1 of tonsillitis, 1 of enlarged tonsils,
10 of dyspepsia, 1 of enteritis, 15 of dysentery, 3 of diarrhœa, 1 of worms, 1 of enlargement
of liver. It will be seen from the above that liver affections were very rare, and there was
not a single case of splenic disease, clearly pointing to the improved state of health of the men,
when one considers the great prevalence of ague in the two previous years. The cases
of dysentery were mild, and quickly yielded to large doses of ipecacuanha followed by castor
oil, and an occasional enema. The cases of diarrhœa, too, were mild, as well as rare.
These account for 19 cases, viz., 11 of gonorrhœa, 4 of bubo, 1 of gleet, 1 of paraphimosis,
and 2 of stricture, none of which presented any features of
special interest.
Diseases of the absorbent system.
Respiratory system.
Urinary organs.
Generative system.
Three cases were treated, viz., 2 of orchitis and 1 of
epididymitis, precisely the same as in the previous year.
Under this heading appear 2 of acute and 3 of chronic synovitis; of the latter 1, an
old non-commissioned officer, was invalided, and 1 sent on
sick leave.
Organs of locomotion.
Cellular tissue.
These include 1 of inflammation and 1 of guinea-worm.
These account for 42 cases, comprising 2 of erythema, 4 of psoriasis, 2 of impetigo, 8 of
ulcer, 23 of boil, 2 of whitlow, and 1 of fissures. These do
not call for special remark.
Cutaneous sy stem.
Conditions.
Under this head are included 2 cases of debility, following
sharp attacks of fever.