CALCUTTA AND THE SUBURBS.
3
coerced into isolating themselves, and for its being rendered compulsory that each case of
small-pox should be reported to the police. The Government declined to put in force my
recommendation with regard to isolation of affected persons. I do not consider myself justi-
fied in pressing for a reconsideration of this question; but as in the course of years data
will be collected bearing on this point, at a future time I hope to be able to demonstrate
not only how necessary the proposal is, but how easily it can be carried out.
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Neither in Calcutta nor the suburbs are the police en rapport with the population, and
do not seem to hear more about small-pox than the scavengers or the casual passers-by. The
people are already accustomed to report deaths in Calcutta, and could soon be taught under
a compulsory law to report attacks of small-pox.
These reports will now be so few in number in any given month as to constitute but
little hardship; and as the mere existence of the law will lead to most persons complying
with its requirements, and if prosecutions were rendered permissive and not compulsory, a
large amount of good would be done without perhaps the penal clauses of the Act being
once put into operation. I may instance, in confirmation of the above view, that I do not
know of a single prosecution having been instituted in Calcutta under the Act prohibiting
inoculation, and yet inoculation is never now practised. The order also prohibiting public con-
veyances from being used by persons suffering from small-pox has been productive of much
good, and I have not heard of a single punishment having been required to enforce it. In
the same way, when persons know that the law requires them to report attacks of small-pox a
maximum of good will result with a minimum of evil. *
*
*
*
The Nuddea Pundits' declaration.—In last year's report on the vaccination in the three
metropolitan circles I stated that the Nuddea pundits had been induced to allow vaccination
to be introduced into their families. A letter was addressed to them inviting them to sign
a declaration in favour of vaccination. I adopted the unusual course of dictating to them the
document to which I wished them to append their signatures. The request was complied
with, and we are now in possession of the signatures of seven of the leading pundits to a
very short document, the language of which admits of no dispute, and in which those points
alone are touched on which will assist us in spreading vaccination. Other questions which
we know create doubts and raise difficulties in the minds of the orthodox Hindoo have been
carefully excluded. In conducting future struggles against prejudice and bigotry we not
only have the advantage of turning their own weapons against objectors, but, from having
carefully selected their weak point for attack, will find it more easy to gain our object. Both
in Calcutta and the villages round it printed copies of this document have been extensively
circulated. It is difficult to ascertain the exact share that it has exerted in promoting
vaccination in Calcutta, and while I attributed but little credit to it, the superintendents,
who should be able to judge in this matter, feel inclined to attach to it much more value.
In the villages, even when it does not of itself suffice to induce the people to be vacci-
nated, it gives very important assistance by silencing the opposition of the Brahmins.
Formerly the vaccinators had a hard task to overcome the disinclination of the people
while a Brahmin, esteemed by them, declaimed against vaccination on religious grounds.
Now they can always avail themselves of his silence, as the vaccinators know well how to
keep him quiet by a judicious appeal to the printed declaration which I now append.
" Notice.—We, the undersigned pundits of Nuddea, have introduced the practice of
vaccination into our families, and we recommend its adoption generally among all classes.
There is nothing in the 'Dhurmo Shastra' against vaccination, and its practice involves no
loss to the Hindoo.
Vaccination is a more simple process than inoculation, and does not, like it, cause
danger to life, and involves very little inconvenience, while the protection it affords against
small-pox is a great blessing.—(Signed by) Sree Brojonath Biddyaruthno, Sree Prosunnochunder
Thurkoruthno, Sree Prankisto Bhuttacherjo, Sree Madhubchunder Biddyaruthno, Sree Kristokantho
Shirroruthno, Sree Khetturnath Chooramony Bhuttachergo, Sree Ramnath Tharkoshiddhanto."
Remarks by the Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals.
In forwarding Dr. Charles's vaccine report for the past year, I would invite attention
to the success which has attended the superintendent's operations in Calcutta and the
suburbs during the period under review.