37
POONA DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
38 (of which 31 were syphilis primary and 7 gonorrhœa), conjunctivitis 34, dysentery 31,
bronchitis 25, diarrhœa 24, rheumatism chronic 23, boils 17, guinea worm 13, febricula 13,
sprain of ankle joint 12.
11.
Four deaths occurred in hospital during the year, one from excess of fat of the
heart, one from malignant cholera, one from ague complicated
with pneumonia (this was a young, delicate badly nourished
recruit), and one from fatty degeneration of the heart. This man was old, very fat and
suffered from slight leprosy. The fatigue of marching proved too much for him and his heart
failed. Five deaths occurred out of hospital, two of which were on furlough and two on
sick leave, and one man who was sent up to the General Invaliding Committee for nodes on
the tibia, died at Poona soon after the Committee. Four of these deaths were caused by ague,
and the cause of death of the fifth was not reported.
12.
Cholera was rather severe and fatal in the town of Malegaon, but only one case
Mortality and its causes.
Epidemics.
occurred in the Regiment, which proved fatal from secondary
fever, in which his head was much affected. Every precaution
was adopted to prevent the spread of the disease, the men were prevented from going into
the town, and the dwelling occupied by the patient disinfected carefully, as also the contagious
ward in which he was treated; all his discharges were disinfected, and then buried.
13.
Forty-three primary vaccinations were performed, and were successful, and thirty
re-vaccinations, which were successful. All recruits are vacci-
nated. Only three children remained unprotected, and these
were too young for the operation.
14.
Fifty-four men were invalided ; 43 from old age, 5 physical debility, 1 nodes of tibia,
1 psoriasis inveterata, 1 debility, 1 varicose veins, 1 chronic
rheumatism, 1 chronic conjunctivitis. Of these 49 were pen-
sioned, and 5 discharged with gratuity.
Vaccination and re-vaccination.
Invaliding and its causes.
Requirements and recommend-
ations.
15. The hospital requires to be enlarged, as it is not
sufficient for a full regiment if there was much sickness.
16. The ague was of a mild form generally, and yielded to the usual treatment. The
Special observations, new
experiences in treatment, sanita-
tion.
cinchona alkaloid acted fairly, but in some cases caused irritability
of the stomach, when it had to be discontinued and quinine
subst i t ut ed ; i t al so somet i mes seemed t o i r r i t at e t he bowel s.
The conjunctivitis is said to be caused by a small fly which is found on the new bajree and
jowaree. The disease was easily cured by mild astringents. The bowel complaints were not
very serious or troublesome, though some of the cases of dysentery tolerated ipecacuanha
badly, and other treatment had to be adopted. The chest affections occurred mostly amongst
old men, and were not severe. Most of these men were invalided at the end of the year. To
prevent blisters of the feet, boots ought to be made to fit well, especially as the men do not
wear socks.
Inspection by Deputy 'Surgeon General WYLLIE.
Inspected December 26th, 1878. This regiment was stationed at Malegaon up to 21st
ultimo, when the head quarter wing separated, arriving at Mhow 13th instant. At the former
station the men were healthy, as expressed in the fact that there were only 2 casualties,—
cholera, and excess of fat of heart. As yet they have scarce had time to settle in their
present quarters, which are similar to those of the 6th, which they adjoin, and with the same
inherent defects, but occupying a better raised site. Hospital ample and excellent, and I
found all arrangements suitable and sufficient for sick, the number of' which (25) compares
unfavourably for the moment with that of the 6th, as the result of the march, during which
there were 2 deaths, from heart disease and ague. Lines clean and tidy, as well as surround-
ings; permanent latrines in use, but so inconveniently distant that pans have to be placed
near the lines at night for the use of families.
Left Wing H. M.'s 13th Regiment N. I.
MALEGAON.—In Medical charge of Apothecary T. ROBINSON.
Strength, 289.
1. The left wing was stationed in Malegaon during the entire year 1878. After the
Location and movement of
Corps.
departure of the head-quarters to Mhow, the left wing took up
the lines occupied by the head-quarters, and on the 28th
February 1879, marched for Mhow, and arrived on the 16th
March 1879.
1 0
m