89
NORTHERN DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
The principal diseases in the order of frequency of admission were—ague, 83; contusions,
including "shoe-bites," 72; rheumatic diseases, 61; diseases of the lungs, 49; diseases of
the eyes, ophthalmia, and conjunctivitis, 47; diseases of the stomach and intestines, 34;
cutaneous diseases, 52.
There were 3 deaths in hospital; 1 from phthisis pulmonalis (caste Purwarree), 1 from
disease of aortic valves (caste Purwarree), 1 from diarrhœa (caste Mahratta). One man
committed suicide in the lines by shooting himself (caste Bramin). Two men died whilst
absent on leave.
Principal causes of sickness.
Epidemics.
Vaccination and re-vaccination.
General health and physique of
the men.
13. Malaria and vicissitudes of temperature.
14. There have been no epidemics, no small-pox, nor
cholera.
15. These are carried out carefully and according to re
-
gulation.
16. General health has been good.
Average height of the regiment 5 ft. 6¼ in. I do not think the corps equal to what it
was some years ago just before the Abyssinian campaign.
17. I am convinced that a different system of pensioning would produce a marked
effect on the number of admissions into hospital. The present
system seems to offer a premium to malingerers and to others
to make the most of every trivial malady.
Special observations.
Resume of the whole.
18. The corps has, I consider, enjoyed very good health
during the year. Especially has there been a great decrease in
the amount of fever.
19. There is only one medical pupil. He has only joined quite recently. I instruct
him at my own quarters twice every week or oftener, besides
imparting information in the hospital wards.
REMARKS BY DEPUTY SURGEON-GENERAL D. WYLLIE, M. D.
Health was good throughout, the returns of sick showing a large decrease in ague as
compared with previous year, the admissions under that head aggregating only 85 as against
27 8. No opinion is expressed by the medical officer in explanation of the difference, but in
the 2nd Cavalry also the admissions from this cause were exceptionally small. The lines
are old and dilapidated, and have been repeatedly condemned; many of the huts are leaky,
and all are damp in the rains, the floors generally being below ground level; sanitary condi
-
tions otherwise favourable. No permanent latrines, but trenches are well suited to the locality
and better adapted here than elsewhere, as the ground admits of their being within conve
-
nient distance, while at the same time they are out of reach of observation from the lines.
Hospital very suitable, and but for some deficiency in plinth it would be the best in the
division; it is, however, inconveniently far from the lines. Accommodation ample with all
needful supplementary buildings complete and in excellent order. At my inspection,
November 10th, I was well satisfied with all arrangements.
H. M.'s Regiment 23rd N. L. I.
MHOW.—In medical charge of Surgeon D. A. PATTERSON;—strength, 501.9.
The head-quarters, consisting of the left wing of the regiment, was here during the
month of January. On 31st January the right wing arrived
from Nusseerabad. The whole regiment was stationed in Mhow
until the 12th July, when the left wing marched to Indore,
where it is still stationed.
The lines are single-tiled huts with small verandahs. They are low and not raised on
plinths, and are only kept habitable by continual repairs. The
streets are narrow, rough, and uncomfortable to walk upon, and
slope from the houses towards the centre, where there is a gutter.
196—23
Education of medical pupils.
Location and movements of
corps.
Lines.