86
A SKETCH OP THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
16. The rain fall during the past year (5 inches 66 cents.) does not appear to have influ
-
enced the men's health, unless thelast fall has caused the recent
fever.
1 7 . C h o l e r a w a s m o r e o r l e s s p r e v a l e n t i n v a r i o u s p a r t s o f t h e c o u n t r y f r o m J a n u a r y
to September. Some cases of hooping cough were met with in
the lines and suddur, during the hot season.
18. As in former years, all Kunbi recruits on joining, and families on arriving from their
country, are examined, and all doubtful cases re-vaccinated.
Vaccination is steadily carried on amongst the children born
in the lines. The results obtained during the past 12 months are as follows:—62 persons were
re-vaccinated by 85 operations, of which 27 were successful and 58 unsuccessful; 90 persons
were vaccinated by 102 operations, of which 90 were successful and 12 unsuccessful.
1 9 . T h e g e n e r a l h e a l t h o f t h e r e g i m e n t s t i l l c o n t i n u e s g o o d , a n d t h e m e n d o n o t
appear to have suffered in physique during their three years'
stay here. The recruits, who joined during the year, appeared
to be a promising lot, with one or two exceptions.
20.The regiment has been stationed at Bhuj during the whole year; the men appea
r
still to retain their good health. Two cases of small-pox were
imported from Bombay. The water-supply continues ample
and good, notwithstanding a rather scanty rainfall, and the price of grain has not varied
much. The lines are well placed, and open to the prevailing wind. The huts are none of
the best, but appear to answer well enough for health, though perhaps hardly for comfort,
The duties of the men are light; there is a lack of occupation for their leisure time, which
was, however, somewhat remedied this year. The death-rate has not been high, nor has there
been much invaliding or sending on sick leave.
21. The medical pupil is instructed on an average three days a week and examined three
times weekly on the subjects embraced in the half-yearly exa
-
minations, and the hospital assistants are instructed and exa
-
mined as opportunities present themselves.
REMARKS BY DEPUTY SURGEON-GENERAL D. WYLLIE, M.D.
This regiment was the healthiest in the circle during the two previous years. It now
takes second place, chiefly through increased incidence of autumnal ague—a matter less
dependent here on local rainfall than on flooding of the Bunn by its northern affluents.
Nothing unusual occurred; the mortality was very moderate, and the only feature for com
-
ment in the hospital history is the prominence of syphilis, of which there were 20 cases,
showing an excess over other corps. Lines old, dating back to first occupancy of canton
-
ments: cubage of huts by much the smallest of all; but they have not been insanitary. The
only drawback to site is that sweet-water wells are distant some half a mile. Other remediable
conditions all sanitarily favourable. Trench latrines, which although somewhat far, are said to
answer well. Hospital, inspected January 17th and 18th, is one of the best in the division,
and has sufficient room for all ordinary wants, with the abatement, however, that its ridge
-
ventilation is complained of as excessive in the cold months, supplemetary buildings adequate,
and all arrangements good. Vaccination and re-vaccination were efficiently conducted.
H. M.'s 2nd Regiment Light Cavalry.
DEESA.—In medical charge of Surgeon A. BARRY, M.D.,F.B.C.S. ;— strength, 287.
1. The regiment has been stationed at Deesa throughout the year. The 3rd Squad
-
ron marched for Rájkot on the 26th October, and the first
returned to camp on the 4th December without any sick.
Influence of rainfall.
Epidemics.
Vaccination and re-vaccination.
General health and physique of
the men.
Resumé.
Medical pupil examination.
Location and movements of corps.
Detachments.
2. The 1st Squadron was at Rájkot till the 16th of No-
vember. A party of 15 sabres, relieved monthly, were on out
- p o s t d u t y a t P á l a n p u r .