REPORT.
ix
among the people, and one feasible method of spreading vaccination was of no avail to that
end. In this opinion he was supported by the Deputy Inspector-General of the circle.
Drs. Chevers, Fayrer and Charles were consulted on the subject, and it was arranged that
the native teacher of medicine should give special instruction in vaccination to the vernacular
classes. This important subject will not be lost sight of. Dr. Lidderdale, it will be observed,
proposes a special class for instructing in vaccination at the Medical College, but I am of
opinion that the duty can best be performed by Superintendents of Vaccination, who have
such ample means at their command of imparting practical instruction. It is a question
however, whether students of the primary and secondary classes should not be specially
certified in this important matter, more particularly as to their practical knowledge of details
of efficient vaccination, and their power of recognising a true vesicle.
33. Extension of vaccination.—No step has been taken during the year materially to
extend systematic vaccination through the province. Maldah and Purneah will be included
in the Darjeeling circle, and an increase of four superintending and twelve ordinary
vaccinators has been sanctioned for the circle. (Financial Resolution No. 466, dated 28th
January 1871.)
Cattack, Burdwan (the greater part of it), Dacca,
Chittagong, Assam, Patna, Bhaugulpore (the greater
part of it) and the Moorshedabad district.
The divisions marginally noted are still without a
properly organized agency for vaccination.
A great opportunity of introducing the more extended and systematic practice of vaccin-
ation in and around Dacca was lost where the special and highly successful effort of 1869-70
was not sustained by creating a new circle here under a special Superintendent. By this
means systematic vaccination might have gradually spread through Eastern Bengal, whereas
now matters have reverted to their former feeble and inadequate condition.
34. Prevalence of small-pox.—A report on vaccination is incomplete without some
account of the prevalence of that disease of which it is the prophylactic. Unfortunately this
cannot be given in the absence of reliable statistics with any degree of accuracy; but the
reports of Superintendents contain a considerable amount of information regarding the
districts included in the area of their circles, the measure adopted to meet the disease, and their
success or otherwise. Elsewhere reports of the prevalence of small-pox were received,-—
From Beerbhoom, in April and May 1870.
„ Shahabad, in April, May and June.
„
Gowalparah, in April 1870.
„ Tipperah, in May 1870.
„ Chumparun and Patna, in April 1870.
The reports are so imperfect that it has been found impossible to compile from them any
narrative connected or complete. Some information on this subject will also be found in
the report of dispensaries. Perhaps as registration of deaths becomes more general and
complete, it will be possible to include more exact data regarding the prevalence of small-pox
in the year's record of vaccine proceedings.
I have the honor to be,
SIR,
Your most obedient servant,
J. CAMPBELL BROWN,
Inspector-General of Hospitals, Indian Medical Department.
E