102
A SKETCH OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
REMARKS BY DEPUTY SURGEON-GENERAL D. WYLLIE, M.D.
The station was healthier than in previous year. Bowel complaints still show unduly;
but under other heads the admissions were moderate, and comparatively few of the cases
were serious. There was no mortality. Line accommodation indifferent; but other condi
-tions generally favourable to health, excepting that natural drainage is defective, and that
storm-waters lodge on the adjacent ground, as its fissured appearance sufficiently indicates.
Flatness of surface, however, renders remedy difficult; vegetables are scarce, and indications of
incipient scorbutus are noted as not infrequent. Hospital, inspected December 9th; its ac
-commodation suitable, although limited, but, saving some crowding in autumn, hitherto
adequate; establishment and equipment complete; conservancy efficient.
H. M.'s 10th Regiment N. L. I.
MEHIDPORE.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major F. R. O ' KEARNEY, M.D.;—strength, 378.
1. During the past year the head-quarters of the 10th Regiment N. L. I. were stationed
at Mehidpore from the 1st January to the 28th October, when
they marched on Neemuch and arrived at this station on the
morning of the 7th November, where the head-quarters were
stationed for the remainder of year occupying the lines used by the 24th N. I.
Locomotion and movement of
corps.
Detachment.
2. The wing while at Mehidpore was relieved by co
m-panies from Agar in the months of February and March.
3. With reference to the climate, it may be well to state, that previous to departure the
troops appeared to suffer from considerable sickness and gene
-
ral debility due to protracted malarious influences in (particu
-larly for native) a most unhealthy climate where troops, as already suggested, should not
be stationed beyond, as a maximum, two years, including annual reliefs by companies from
Agar.
4. No change since last report, excepting that the trench latrines at Mehidpore, which
were in too close proximity to the lines, were removed to a
more reasonable distance, and the ground taken up by the
former let out and cultivated by the inhabitants of the town of
Mehidpore. The temporary covered latrines at Mehidpore were, as usual, used during the
rains. The open pucka-built latrines used by the 24th N. I., at Neemuch, have been used
by the 10th N. L. I. since arrival. The trench system is not practicable at this station,
owing to proximity of drinking water and danger of possible pollution.
5. The sources are the same as last reported both at Mehidpore and Neemuch, respectively.
The well sunk close by the river Seepra at Mehidpore, (though
built just before the rains,) was never used; it was covered by
an overflow of the river in the month of September, and rendered practically useless for
the time the regiment remained at Mehidpore, but was being cleared out before their de
-parture. At Neemuch the supply is by wells; the water is considered good and potable, but
the quantity during the hot weather is said to be limited, especially during seasons of
drought.
6. The supplies, especially at Mehidpore, were dear and limited during the rains, owing to
the deficiency of a well-made road from Mehidpore and Oojein
During the hot weather vegetables were said to be scarce,
an item of native diet which might perhaps with advantage be supplemented by the Com
-missariat. The supplies at Neemuch appear generally cheaper and more satisfactory.
7. No change in this particular since last report. The want of properly-made English
boots is much felt, and is the cause, both on the march and in
quarters, of considerable inefficiency. The sepoy also, especially
during the rains and cold weather, is badly clothed; he should at all times be warmly clad,
according to season, and his bedding and clothing improved, particularly when discharged
from hospital after a protracted illness, and where the use of warm flannel clothing may
have been afforded while in hospital; but when the use of this is suddenly discontinued, he
naturally becomes, (except in the case of very strong constitutions,) liable to colds, cough,
fever, rheumatism and several other complaints tending often to much inefficiency and
ultimately invaliding.
Climate of Mehidpore.
Conservancy and sanitary ar
-rangements.
Water-supply.
Food.
Clothing.