NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
77
mustard oil consumed by Bengalis attacked by Epidemic Dropsy during the
last Calcutta outbreak.
Experiment 33 .—Six pigeons received 30 grammes of wheat pulse mix-
ture daily and to this was. added 0.75 c. c. of “ Bloomless oil.”
The following table shows the number of pigeons fed, the duration of the
experiment, the weight at the beginning and end of the experiment, the per-
centage loss or gain of weight and the occurrence or non-occurrence of
neuritis :—
No. of pigeon.
Duration
of
experiment.
Weight at
beginning of
experiment.
Weight at
end of
experiment.
Gain or loss
of weight.
R e s u l t .
Days.
Gram.
Gram.
Per cent.
1.
.
.
.
161
290
310
+6.8
Healthy. No
signs of para-
lysis.
2
105
300
330
+10.0
, ,
3
.
.
.
.
105
270
300
+11.1
,,
4
.
.
,
105
350
350
...
,,
5
.
.
.
105
305
310
+1.6
, ,
6
.
.
.
97
320
350
+9.3
,,
Remarks .—This experiment shows that the addition of “ Bloomless oil ”
to the diet of pigeons over a very long period has no deleterious effect : the
pigeons did not show neuritis or loss of weight. Similar experiments were
done with other animals with like results. The results of these experiments
are in agreement with the epidemiological findings. There is no evidence in
favour of the consumption of mustard oil contaminated by mineral oils being
an etiological factor in Epidemic Dropsy.
78
CHAPTER VI.
General Conclusions.
As will be seen from a study of this report, the two main factors which
have determined the recent outbreak of Epidemic Dropsy in Calcutta are :
—
(1) The high and sustained rise in the price of food grains.
(2) Certain defects in dietary.
During the period of high price in Calcutta the conditions brought about,
amongst individuals with small fixed incomes, is broadly speaking analogous,
as regards dietary, to the conditions met with on board ships which touch
ports at prolonged intervals. In both the diet becomes “ One-sided ” and
monotonous, and in both cases a morbid condition may result, called in the one
case “ Ship Beriberi ” and in the other “ Epidemic Dropsy,” and the features
of these conditions very closely resemble each other and bear a relationship to
scurvy.
For the eradication of this disease it would be necessary to deal with both
conditions. The questions, however, connected with (1) are, as has been
pointed out by me already, outside the scope of my enquiry, but they are being
investigated by an Expert Committee under the Finance Department of the
Government of India.
In regard to (2) the defects in dietary which have been demonstrated
should receive attention. Also further investigation on diet with special re-
ference to this disease should be carried out.
The addition of rice bran to the dietary of persons consuming polished
rice is likely to prove of value not only in the prevention, but, also, in the cure
of this disease, and it has the advantage of being a simple and economical
means of dealing with the disease.
Jauducheau1 who confirms the opinion of Breaudat regarding the value
of rice bran in the prophylactic treatment of Beriberi, gives the following
combination :—
Common sugar (native)
300 gram.
Sifted rice bran .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
300 „
Salicylic acid
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 ,,
Water
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
60 „
The problem of the prevention of Beriberi or Epidemic Dropsy has a very
important relationship to the dieting of large bodies of persons whose staple
food is rice, e . g ., troops, prisoners, lunatics, etc., etc.
1 Bull. Soc. Path. Exot., Tome 111, No. 8, Oct. 12, 1910.
79
It has also an important bearing on the maintenance of the health of
crews of ships undertaking prolonged voyages, particularly those ships carry-
ing rice-eating crews. Consequently the accounts of recent researches on this
subject should be brought to the notice of all concerned with a view to prevent-
ing outbreaks of this disease.
An Indian food grain, which I have shown has valuable prophylactic
curative properties in this disease, is the green Mung dal of India, which
corresponds to the Katjong hidjoe of the Far East and the Aduki of Japan
and its technical name is Phaseolus radiatus . Green Mung or Mung dal is
cultivated in India, chiefly at Bijapur,1 North Canara, 2 Kathiawar, 3
Poona,4 Satara,5 Sirsi, North Canara. 6
Van Andel,7 i n t h e t r e a t m e n t o f B e r i b e r i p a t i e n t s , “ F o r b i d s r i c e , t o b a c c o ,
tea, and coffee for a time, and allows the Katjong hidjoe (Mung dal of India)
prepared in various ways along with fresh meat or fish, vegetables and fruit.
Under this regimen one finds an apparently hopeless paraplegic, and the most
advanced cases of Beriberi, improve rapidly. Eating of rice surrepticiously
was scrupulously guarded against.” He also warns against malingering in
connection with this disease and notes that the induction of cardiac irregu-
larities suggesting Beriberi in areas where the disease prevails, by the use of
drugs, is a possibility to be borne in mind by Medical Officers under whose
care native soldiers and workmen are being dealt with.
The value of the addition of fresh meat to the dietary has been already
discussed, and it should be borne in mind in the prophylactic and curative
treatment of Epidemic Dropsy.
1 Imperial Gazetteer, India, Vol. VIII.
2,, „ „ XIV.
3 ,, ,,
XV.
4 ,, ,, ,, XX
5,, ,, XXII
6 „ „ XXIII
7 Jour. Trop. Med. & Hygiene, No. 5, Vol. XII, March 1909.
Photo.-Engraved printed at the offices of the,Sur vey of lndia, Calcutta. 1911
PIGEON No. 1.
NEURITIS EARLY
Photo.-Engraved &. printed at the Offices of the Survey of India, Calcutta, 1911
PIGEON No. 2.
NEURITIS MODERATLY ADVANCED.
Photo.Engraved & printed at the Offices of the Survey of India, Calcutta, 1911.
PIGEON No. 3.
NEURITIS ADVANCED.
P h o t o . - E n g r a v e d & p r i n t e d a t t h e O f f i c e s o f t h e S u r v e y o f I n d i a , C a l c u t t a , 1 9 1 1 .
PIGEON No. 4, HEALTHY.
NEURITIS CURED BY MUNG DAL & PULSES.
Photo.-Engraved & printed at the Offices of the Survey of India Calcutta, 1911
PIGEON No. 5, HEALTHY.
POLISHED RICE & MUNG DAL DIET.
15
This table was referred to in my first report.1 It very clearly demon-
strates the fact that the spread of the disease does not follow the importation
of cases into households previously free from infection; and taken along with
the other evidence supports the contention that Epidemic Dropsy is non-
infectious.
15. Incidence of Epidemic Dropsy amongst Servants.
The following table shows the number of servants in households in which
cases of Epidemic Dropsy occurred, and the number of servants attacked by
Epidemic Dropsy :—
TOTAL NUMBER OF SERVANTS IN HOUSEHOLDS IN
WHICH CASES OP EPIDEMIC DROPSY OCCURRED.
NUMBER OF SERVANTS ATTACKED BY
EPIDEMIC DROPSY.
Male.
Female.
Male.
Female.
302
3 2 8
73
24.1 %
63
19.2 %
The following table shows the number of servants having the same food.
as, and number of servants having different food from, the affected families
and the incidence of Epidemic Dropsy in both cases :—
NUMBER OP SERVANTS ATTACKED BY EPIDEMIC
DROPSY HAVING SAME FOOD AND COOKING
ARRANGEMENTS AS AFFECTED FAMILY.
NUMBER OF SERVANTS ATTACKED BY EPIDEMIC
DROPSY HAVING DIFFERENT FOOD AND
COOKING ARRANGEMENTS.
Male.
Female.
Male.
Female.
55
44
18
19
From these tables it will be seen that the incidence of Epidemic Dropsy
amongst servants is lower than amongst their employers. A further import-
ant fact emerges, namely, that a larger proportion of servants were attacked
by the disease amongst those who had partaken of the same kind of food as
their masters, than amongst those who had consumed their own food, which,
though cheaper, has not been so highly polished, and is, therefore, more nutri-
tious.
16. Single Cases of Epidemic Dropsy recorded in Households.
Total number of houses where a history
was available in which cases of
Epidemic Dropsy occurred.
Total number of these houses
reporting single cases of
Epidemic Dropsy.
Number of such cases which
proved on enquiry to be
Epidemic Dropsy.
404
163
79
1
I b i d .
CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT
LEDGER SERIES No. I.
MAIN HEAD
SUB-HEAD
. STOCK DISEASE.
. CONTAGIOUS DISEASE.
SUBJECT:
RINDERPEST-CATTLE PLAGUE.
1894.
CALCUTTA:
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF GOVERNMENT PRINTING INDIA.
1894.
CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT
LEDGER SERIES No. I.
MAIN HEAD
SUB-HEAD
. STOCK DISEASE
. CONTAGIOUS DISEASE.
SUBJECT:
RINDERPEST-CATTLE PLAGUE
1894.
CALCUTTA:
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF GOVERNMENT PRINTING, INDIA.
1894.
CALCUTTA:
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA CENTRAL PRINTING OFFICE,
8, HASTINGS STREET.
PREFACE.
THE
enclosed article, which has been collected from
various sources, but chiefly from M. Galtier's "Maladies
Contagieuses," is forwarded for information. M. Galtier's
article is from his last edition. The following works have
also been consulted: Walley's "Four Bovine Scourges,"
Fleming's "Sanitary Science," "Report of the Indian Cattle
Plague Commission," Gunn's "Cattle Diseases in the Central
Provinces," Thacker's "Reports to the Board of Revenue,
Madras," and my own "Reports to the Government of the
Punjab." The article is circulated interleaved with a
request that any additions or corrections may be made on
the blank sheets. Information on any disputed or doubtful
point will be acceptable.
HENRY T. PEASE, F.R.G.S., F.Z.S.,
Asst. to the Inspector-General,
Civil Veterinary Dept.
MEERUT, 1894.
RINDERPEST–CATTLE PLAGUE–TYPHUS
Rinderpest is undoubtedly the most widespread and important of all
the diseases of cattle which are to be met with in India and Burma.
There are certain districts where the malady never ceases from one
year's end to another, but drags on its course, sometimes severe, at
others apparently dying out, but in reality only flickering and ready to
burst forth with renewed vigor at the first favourable opportunity. No
just estimate can be formed of the enormous numbers of animals which
annually perish from the disorder, as we have no accurate reports which
may guide us in so doing; but from my own personal experience I can
say that deaths from all other diseases to which bovine flesh is heir,
taken together, will not nearly equal those which it causes. It is the
custom in many parts of the Indian Empire to make light of the
damage done by epizootic diseases and to cloak them over as much as
possible; but such a policy can only emanate from weakness and a desire
to evade instead of facing and overcoming the obvious difficulties which
arise when the suppression or limitation of their spread has to be under-
taken. No one, I am sure, has a more accurate appreciation of what
these difficulties are than I have; but at the same time it is clear to me
that much can be done to limit spread, if they be faced and proper
measures adopted. It therefore behoves us to study this malady and
to make ourselves acquainted with what is known at the present time
regarding it.
Definition and general considerations.—Rinderpest is an epide-
mic, contagions, virulent general disease, infectious and very easily
transmissible from a diseased to a healthy animal. It is characterized
by groups of symptoms, which, although differing greatly in different
countries, enable us to diagnose the malady as a rule. Amongst the
more characteristic symptoms of this malady may be noted a low
typhoid form of fever, ushered in by trembling, shivering, or rigors, and
often also by muscular twitchings of certain groups of muscles. A dis-
charge from the eyes and nose, first watery and soon becoming mucous;
constipation at first, but in a few days followed by diarrhœa, and later
fatal dysentery. Congestion of the skin, and in numerous cases in this
country the eruption of pustules and papules on it, which has led some
observers to consider the disease to be of a varioious nature. These are the
2
general symptoms observed in India. In some cases here, however, and
invariably in Europe, other symptoms are found, which, when they
appear, are considered to be pathognomonic of the malady, and these are
discoloration of the mucous membrane of the mouth, followed by des-
quamation of its epithelium, leading to the formation of extensive charac-
teristic sores covered by bran-like flakes of epithelium, and also con-
gestion of the vaginal mucous membrane in the cow. The post mortem
lesions of Rinderpest are more characteristic than the symptoms, and the
more important of them are to be found in the digestive organs, especi-
ally at the pylorus and intestines, and also on the skin. These lesions
consist of congestions, ecchymoses, infiltrations, swelling and desquama-
tion of the epithelium, the presence of pustules and the like.
With regard to the vera causa, the virus of this disease, the
researches which have been made up till the present time have not evolved
definitely what it may be; but it appears probable that the latest enqui-
ries in Russia have led to its discovery in the form of a micrococcus.
Whatever the intimate cause of the virulence may be, it is undoubtedly
generally disseminated throughout the whole of the organs and tissues
of the body and exists in the blood, all the fluids and solids and the
discharges coming from the sick animal.
Rinderpest, as I have said before, is always present in India, and it
is, so far as my experience has been, never absent from the Himalayas,
whither it has probably been introduced from China. It is a curious
fact that all countries bordering on China are subject to the never-ceas-
ing ravages of the plague, and that such has been the case for an
exceedingly long time may be probably inferred from the fact that its
virulence has become much decreased, as is the case with other diseases—
syphilis for instance. We are in India, in this respect, in the same
position as the Russians who have Rinderpest permanently located in
their country. It is a fact which has been recognized for a very long
time that Rinderpest occurring in countries where it is enzootic is much
less severe than it is in countries to which it is newly introduced, and
hence it is much less severe in India and in Russia than in England,
Holland, Switzerland, Italy, and France, where it only occurs as the result
of introduction from without of either diseased animals or material
bearing the virus. It varies very considerably in different parts of India,
and so marked has this variation been that I have been led to attribute
it to the influence of the climate, and it appears probable that the great
heat of the plains has some attenuating effect on the materies morhi.
1 have seen the disease in the Himalayas clear out the cattle of a small
State, leaving less than a dozen animals alive in the whole of it, and
have traced its spread down through over thirty villages, in which three
fourths of the cattle have perished. It is no uncommon thing in the
Himalayas for whole villages to be left destitute of cattle. The climate
3
of these parts is cool or cold and more or less moist. In the plain dis-
tricts of the Punjab, on the other hand, the disease is of a much milder
type as a rule, and 60 to 65 % of recoveries may sometimes be observed
under treatment. These parts have an exceedingly dry and hot climate
in the hot weather when the disease usually appears, and it seems reason-
able to infer from the above facts that there may be some attenuation
brought about by the heat and dessication. In India, as in Russia, we
often get the disease in what has been termed the ''benignant" form.
It may be so slight as to pass unnoticed, there being no symptoms
beyond slight fever and looseness of the bowels, and it is to this form
that is alluded to as existing when the disease has apparently died out,
but is in reality only flickering, and ready to burst forth again at
the first favourable opportunity. The same occurs in Steppe cattle, and
it has happened that Russian oxen imported to occidental countries have
brought typhus with them when they have not been even suspected to be
suffering from the disease.
It appears from the literature on the subject that Rinderpest origin-
ated in the extreme orient China, and has been spread by nomads and
traders. The Huns are credited with the introduction of the disease
into Europe.
Symptoms.—It will be well to give the symptoms of this disease as
they are usually seen in Europe, and to compare them with those which
are commonly seen in India, because in certain cases, seasons, and
localities, the symptoms which characterize the malady in Europe appear
in this country. It must be admitted, however, that the differences are
often so great that one well acquainted with the European form of the
disease would not recognize the Indian form. Although Rinderpest
generally attacks bovine animals, its invasion is not specially confined to
these; it may be observed in all ruminants, even in wild ones. I have
seen it in the Kakar or barking deer in the hills, and large numbers
perished from it in 1891 beyond Simla. It is particularly fatal in the
camel. It has been seen in the Gaur or Indian bison, so called; in the
wild buffalo, Tsain, etc. It is also found in certain porcines, the pig itself
being subject to it. Victor D'Azyr thought that it could be transmitted
to the horse, dog, and cat, but this is a mistake. In order to make
ourselves thoroughly acquainted with the physiognomy of the affection, it
is necessary to study it closely from its very commencement in several
individuals. It becomes evident, then, that it may present itself in
various forms which vary from the influence of a number of circum-
stances, with the country, climate, season, the hygienic conditions under
which the animals are kept, the race of animals affected, etc., etc. It
has been noticed to be more severe in soft lymphatic animals than in
robust ones used to the open air; more severe in animals badly fed and
cared for than in those well fed and cared for; it is more severe in winter
B 2
4
when the animals are shut up in stalls, than in the summer; less severe
in animals existing under good hygienic conditions than in those badly
housed and fed; more severe in the hills than in the plains of India,
etc., etc.
Rinderpest, like other contagious maladies, does not declare itself
suddenly after the introduction of its germ into the organism, but there
is the usual period of incubation, the duration of which is variable, but
generally short: this period is ordinarily from 4 to 21 days, but the
medium duration is from 6 to 10 days or from 5 to 9 days. In
several cases inoculated by me, there was fever after from the 4th to the
6th day following the operation; but this is too small an experience to
place any weight upon.
The first symptom of the existence of Rinderpest is a rise of the
internal temperature, often preceded or accompanied by shivering or
rigor. Although this sign of itself, occurring as it does in a host of
other affections, has no precise diagnostic value, it assumes one when the
disease already exists in the village or on the farm, and it permits us at
least to suspect the disease if not to certainly affirm its existence, and
allows of our taking measures to prevent the animal in which it is noted
becoming a new focus of the disease.
The animal temperature rises to 102° F. or 105° F., or even in some
cases to 106° F. This elevation may occur in from 36 to 48 hours after
inoculation, and often exists for two or three days before any other
symptom is noted. It is more or less pronounced according as the
disease is going to be more or less severe. In India we must not be misled
by the great variation which exists in the temperatures of animals at
different parts of the country. As a rule the temperature increases with
the heat and decreases with the cold—at least such has been my experience.
In cases which assume an adynamic character, or a typhoid form,
the rise of temperature may be so slight as to escape notice.
The disease also announces itself by other general symptoms which,
although not pathognomonic, aid greatly in diagnosis. After the lapse
of a day or two following the rise of temperature, we note dullness, pros-
tration and weakness; the animal hangs its head, the back is arched, the
general sensibility is exaggerated, more particularly that of the dorsal
region; the skin is hotter than normal, dry and often congested, especially
in India; the hair is turned or erect; the attitude denotes suffering, loco-
motion difficult and gait tottering; debility rapidly shows itself.
The appetite early becomes in the majority of cases diminished,
capricious, or absent, although cases have occurred to my knowledge where
the patient has fed till the end in India. Rumination is of shorter
duration, irregular, or absent. The respirations are rapidly increased by
the slightest exertion. The circulation is generally accelerated, and the
heart and artery beats soon become more feeble than in health.
5
In milch cows, almost one of the first symptoms is a diminution in
the yield of milk, which becomes serous in character and small in
quantity or altogether arrested. The increase of temperature and the
disturbed lactation are the only symptoms noticed for from 24 to 48
hours.
The urine becomes deeper in colour, containing more solids. Urea is
much increased in quantity.
The disease remains for a short time characterized by these vague
symptoms, then its course rapidly advances, and, during the next three or
four days, more or less marked symptoms appear.
The temperature, elevated at first, does not maintain the same alti-
tude during the whole course of the disease. It soon descends either
because some improvement has taken place, which is rare, or because
the subject becomes very rapidly weakened. The surface temperature is
irregular, the ears and extremities becoming cold. The sick animal
soon falls into a state of somnolence, stupor and coma; the eyes are
lustreless and half-covered by the drooping lids. The conjunctivæ
are reddish-yellow in colour, either uniform or darker in patches and
ecchymosed; it is always the seat of a hypersecretion, which shows
itself at first by a limpid flow from the eyes, to which soon succeeds, in
a progressive manner, a yellow discharge, which by degrees becomes
purulent, greenish in colour, and irritates the skin over which it flows.
As the animal becomes fatigued, the erect position becomes pain-
ful, and the sick generally asume the recumbent one and remain
down.
The skin is hot, congested, and dry; sometimes it is covered with
sweat, more particularly in certain regions, as at the base of the
ears, etc.; the epidermis exfoliates and is easily detached; the hairs are
erect; the general sensibility is exaggerated. In white-skinned animals
we notice the congested appearance better, as the skin assumes a brick
red colour. We may observe trembling and shivering of certain groups
of muscles, and as the disease progresses the animal may shake. When
the disease is of some considerable duration, locomotion becomes painful
and difficult.
With regard to the digestive apparatus and the function of digestion
we observe numerous symptoms in connection with them.
Inappetence becomes in most cases complete, but not always;
rumination is suspended; eructations of gas are of frequeut occurrence.
The mouth soon exhales a fœtid odour; the buccal mucous membrane
is swollen, hyperæmic, and hot; the tongue becomes furred, congested
and red coloured, more particularly on its borders and inferior face. Sali-
vation is very abundant; the saliva at first clear and limpid becomes
greyish, thick yellow, viscous, fœtid, flocculent and sometimes sanguino-
lent; it flows from the lips, carrying with it pellicles plaques, grains or