Epidemics.
12. No epidemics.
Invaliding, and its causes.
Requirements and recommen
-
dations.
Special observations and new
experiences in treatment, sanita
-
tion, &c.
73
POONA DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
"The death in the lines from gunshot wound was suicidal. The deceased appears
to have seated himself on a raised earthen sleeping place with his back to the wall, and
held the muzzle of the rifle with his left hand against the abdomen and pushed the
trigger with his right toe. On entering his hut, about an hour after the event, the
deceased was lying in a semi-recumbent position with his head supported by the right hand
resting on the right shoulder. The left shoulder was resting against the wall, and the left arm,
with the hand clenched, lying across the chest. The barrel of the rifle rested on the right thigh;
the butt projected beyond the raised earth-work or sleeping place. The deceased's cotton
jacket was much burnt in front. The wall against which the deceased was lying was
broken as if by a heavy blow, which was doubtless the case, produced. by the bullet
striking the spine about the 11th or 12th dorsal vertebræ, cutting it in two. There was no
wound of exit. The integuments in the lower dorsal and upper lumbar regions were much
ecchymosed. The deceased was removed to hospital and a post-mortem held in an empty
ward. The skin from left nipple to umbilicus was severely scorched and abraded in two
places. So also was the left wrist, which had one abrasion. The wound by which the bullet
entered was situated about 1½ inch above the umbilicus and a little to the left of the median
line. The splenic end of the stomach was perforated. The spleen itself was clean ruptured,
and the left kidney disorganized and containing fragments of lead and splinters of bone
near the 11th and 12th dorsal vertebræ. The bullet itself was found in the spinal canal of
first and second lumbar vertebræ. The deceased had a syphilitic history, and having, as it is
reported, lost his virility, made away with himself."
11. The mortality register notes altogether five deaths, i.e., including one European
officer. The causes are one from primary syphilis, one from
pneumonia, one from gunshot wound of abdominal walls and
viscera, and one is marked unknown.
Mortality, and its causes.
13. The vaccination duties have been, I believe, carefully carried out. Nine males
and six females were primarily vaccinated successfully. Thirty
-
eight recruits were vaccinated, but sixteen were failures.
Vaccination and re-vaccination.
14. Thirty-two men were invalided. Of these, five were
about 50 years of age, five between 40 and 50, one between 30 and
40, and 22 for physical disability.
15. As has been recommended periodically for the last
three years, a latrine is required for the solitary cells used by
the Regiment.
16. None.
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General BEATTY.
The head-quarters of the Regiment has been stationed at Poona since December 1878;
but during the year detachments have been constantly employed in the districts against
dacoits.
The lines are ill suited for the accommodation of sepoys, the ventilation is defective,
and the huts, which are without any plinths, leak during the rainy season.
The trench system of conservancy is used, and seems to answer satisfactorily.
The hospital, which is admirably situated, was in good order, and the books written to
date.
The ventilation of the building is good, and the latrines and out-houses were kept scru-
pulously clean.
The general health of the Regiment was good, and the physique of the men generally
compares favourably -with that of the other regiments stationed in Poona.
Thirty-two men were invalided during the year.
H. M.'s 22nd Regiment N. I.
BELGAUM.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major H. A. LEWIS.
Average Strength . . .
653
Do. present . . .
596
Admissions . . .
1,343
Daily Sick . . .
40.6
Deaths in Hospital . . .
2
Do. out of Hospital . . .
1
Invalided . . .
61
Sick Leave . . .
15