NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
POONA DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
19
16. During this year I have tried the application of cold, with some success, in fever
cases. Finding that great terror of the cold bath existed, I had
the men put instead on an empty cot and cold wet sheets ap-
plied : I found it easy in this way to reduce the temperature
three or four degrees.
I have used boracic acid lotion in the treatment of wounds. I find that, unlike carbolic
acid, it does not hinder cicatrization ; it is a very useful application for foul ulcers.
During the rains I taught a small class Physiology and the Practice of Medicine and
Surgery—I think with some practical utility ; but since that time I have not been able to get
a class together, their duties preventing attendance.
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General BEATTY.
The sanitary condition of the lines is good; conservancy carefully attended to.
The water supply derived from Kurruckwasla waterworks is abundant and pure. The
medical officer drew attention to the unprotected state of the main pipe, which passed close
to the lines of the regiment, and which, from being placed in a nullah and covered at times
by liquid sewage, obviously became a cause of danger. This state of things has been reme-
died by a wall built so as to isolate the main, and thus protect the contained water from
pollution.
The general health may be pronounced fair, but has to some extent.been impaired by
ague, caused, it is supposed, by the increased irrigation consequent on the opening of the
Kurruckwasla canal.
At the time of inspection the hospital was found to be in a state of the highest effi-
ciency, and it was very evident that Surgeon-Major Day evinces the utmost care and solici-
tude for the men of his regiment, not only whilst in hospital under immediate observation,
but also when in the lines.
H. M.'s 8th Regiment N. I.
POONA.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major T. MILLER.
Average Strength
686.3
Deaths in Hospital
6
Do.
Present
631.6
Do. out of do.
6
Admissions
951
Invalided
30
Daily Sick
24.3
Sick Leave
11
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions. Daily Sick. Deaths in
Hospital.
1874
Poona
93
2.8
0.2
1875
Do.
200.1
4.1
0.4
1876
Do.
191.6
4.1
0.2
Average
168.2
3.7
0.3
1877
Poona
155.7
3.8
0.9
Special observations, new ex-
periences in treatment, sanitation,
&c. &c.
The head-auarters of the regiment have been permanent during the year : one party
of eighteen men was sent on guard duty to Sattana, in the
Nassick district, and another detachment of two native officers
and sixty-two men was sent to guard the prisoners from the Yerrowda jail who are working
at present at the Neera canal.
Location and movements.
22
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
15. As the Present hospital was condemned some time ago, I would beg to recommend
that the new one should be built as soon as possible. The site
chosen is a very good one, and much more convenient than the
present, which, as before stated, is too near the Staff quarters
and too far from the lines.
16. I have nothing particular to remark under this head. The ordinary class of
diseases has been under treatment, and nothing new has
occurred.
The ordinary malarious fevers have been treated with quinetum, which seems to be
efficient in the milder cases, as also is the sulphate of cinchonidine, but in the more severe
eases quinine has to be fallen back on.
With the conduct and acquirements of the hospital assistants I have every reason to be
satisfied.
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General BEATTY.
The new lines, which are situated on the western edge of the plateau joining the parade-
ground, and in continuation of the lines of the two other Native Infantry regiments, were
completed in April last. The site has been well chosen, and good surface drainage with
sufficient ventilation ensured. The huts are built in accordance with Government standard
plan, and are kept scrupulously clean.
Conservancy is carefully looked after, the night-soil and urine are removed twice daily,
and the latrines kept clean by being washed constantly with a plentiful supply of water.
The general health of the regiment has been fair, but the medical officer considers that
a good many of the men have suffered from their having been engaged for nearly three years
in building their lines, a description of work to which they were hitherto unaccustomed.
The dearness of provisions, and the impoverished condition of system occasioned thereby,
have likewise contributed to create an injurious effect on the men's health.
The present hospital having been condemned some time ago, it appears unnecessary to
give any further description of the building. The site for the new one has been judiciously
selected, being much nearer the lines than the present one. At the time of inspection the
hospital, which has been frequently visited, was found remarkably clean, the books written
up to date, and the organization of the establishment all that could be desired.
H. M.'s 26th Regiment
N . I .
P O O N A . — I n m e d i c a l c h a r g e o f S u r g e o n - M a j o r G . Y .
H U N T E R .
Average Strength
691.5
Deaths in Hospital
4
Do.
Present
581.
Do out of do.
1
Admissions
780
Invalided
48
Daily Sick
23.5
Sick Leave
12
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions.
Daily Sick.
Deaths in
Hospital.
1874
Surat
195 . 2
4.8
0.9
1875
Do.
201.9
5.6
1 . 7
1876
Poona
1.32.5
5.1.
0.8
Average
376.5
5.2
1 . 2
1877
Poona
134.2
4.0
0 . 7
Requirements and recom-
mendations.
Special observations.
POONA DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
25
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General BEATTY.
The lines being situated on elevated ground sloping towards the western nullah every
facility is afforded in the way of natural drainage for the escape of rain-water. Ventilation
is excellent, and the sanitary arrangements are all that can be desired.
The hospital, which has been frequently visited, was, at the time of inspection, found to
be in a state of efficiency, but the medical officer particularly brought to notice the condition
of the roofing and the objectionable mud flooring.
H. M.'s Sappers and Miners.
KIRKEE.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major W. NIVEN.
Average Strength
505 . 7
Deaths in hospital
5
Do.
Present
470.1
Do.out of do.
2
Admissions
452
Invalided
27
Daily Sick
16.7
Sick Leave
2
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions.
Daily Sick.
Deaths in
Hospital.
1874
Kirkee
85.7
2.1
0.2
1875 .....................
Do.
55.8
1.8
0.7
1876 .....................
Do.
46.7
2.0
0.6
Average...
62.7
2.0
0.5
1877 .....................
Kirkee .....................
96.1
3.5
1.1
The corps is permanently stationed at Kirkee, or rather at New Jhansi, which is the
name given to the lines of the Sappers and Miners. One com-
pany is always on duty at Aden. No. 1 company left head-
quarters for Aden on the 3rd, and on the 25th November No. 4 company returned from
thence to Kirkee.
2 . T h e l i n e s a r e n e w , b u i l t a c c o r d i n g t o t h e s t a n d a r d p l a n , a n d s i t u a t e d b e t w e e n
Holkar's Bridge and the Deccan College, in an angular piece
of ground between the Ahmednagar and Poona roads, on the
east side of the Moola river. The streets run east and west,
and the ground slopes northward, towards the Ahmednagar
road and the river. The native officers' houses are placed on the north side, and also the
three masonry dipping-tanks, and therefore on the lowest level of the slope. The hygienic
condition of the lines is fairly good.
3 . T h e r e a r e t w o p r i v i e s , o n e f o r m a l e s a n d o n e f o r f e m a l e s , s i t u a t e d o n t h e e a s t c o r n e r
of the lines. The night-soil is carried away by a conservancy
cart to the general manure-yard on the Kirkee side of the river.
4. The water supply is obtained from the Kurruckwasla canal by means of pipes ; it is
of good quality and abundant in quantity.
5. During
the past year, on account of the famine, the food-grains have been dear,
and the quality not so good as usual.
6. The duties are considered heavy, as the men have to mount guards in the Kirkee
cantonment, as well as carry on the usual work and special
drill of the Sappers and Miners. The magazine and ordnance
factory guards are two miles from New Jhansi. There is a
gymnasium, and the usual games are indulged in by most of the men.
Location and movements.
The Lines and their surround-
ings : present condition, hygienic
and otherwise.
Conservancy.
Water supply.
Food.
Duties, exercise, and amuse-
ments : their effect on health.
7m
POONA DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
39
H. M.'s 2nd (Prince of Wales' Own) Regiment N. I. (Grenadiers).
BELGAUM.—In medical charge of Surgeon C. T. PETERS, M.B.
Average Strength
705
Deaths in Hospital
9
Do.
Present
631
Do. out of do.
1
Admissions
356
Invalided
20
Daily Sick
19.3
Sick Leave.
18
Years.
Stations
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions. Daily Sick. Deaths in
Hospital.
1874
Aden
66.8
2.6
0.8
1875 ...
Do
60.2
2.3
0.1
1876
Belgaum
63.8
2.6
0.8
Average
63.8
2.5
0.6
1877
Belgaum
56.4
3.0
1.4
The regiment has been stationed iu Belgaum throughout the year. A detachment of
thirty rank and file, under the command of a native officer, was
sent on the 12th October 1877 for guard duty with the extra-
mural gang of convicts working at Gokak, and returned to Belgaum on the 10th December
1877. Numerous escort parties have been sent to different places during the famine with
treasure, but they have been only absent from the regimental head-quarters for about eight
or ten days at a time.
2. The regiment is occupying the same lines they occupied last year, which are in good
condition. A good portion of the ground between the lines
and the Khanapur Road, used for rice cultivation, was under
water for several months during the monsoon, and to this
cause a good deal of the malarious fevers which prevailed to-
wards the latter part of the year may be attributed.
3. The same as last year. The latrines are wanting in repairs. A requisition has been
made upon the Barrack Department, and it is believed that
they will be shortly repaired.
Location and movements.
The Lines and their surround-
ings: present condition, hygienic
and otherwise.
Conservancy.
Water supply.
4. Good; obtained from wells as described last year.
5. The men have suffered a good deal owing to the scarcity of grain which prevailed
throughout the year. Most of the grain was imported, and at
times it was impossible to get good wholesome grain in the
market, the good having been adulterated with damaged grain; but the supply has improved
since October.
6. The men have had regimental and garrison guard duties, escorting treasure to the
famine district, and escorting prisoners to various places; they
have had, on an average, 3½ nights in bed. Some of the men
have been employed during leisure hours in gardening, tile-making, pottery (some of which
carried off prizes at the Poona Exhibition), and at a printing-press, which was started about
ten months ago, and promises to succeed well. Several people, mostly young men, go to the
gymnasium; a few cases of accidental injuries sustained while in the pursuit of some athletic
games were treated in hospital, but none of them were of a serious nature. A cricket club
has also been started, and appears to be popular. With the exception of the cholera cases
brought in by escort parties, which will be detailed hereafter, the duties, exercises, and
amusements have not produced any prejudicial effect upon the men.
Food.
Duties, exercise, amusements:
their effect on health.
POONA DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
41
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General BEATTY.
The lines are in good condition. The latrines required repair, but a requisition had been
made on the Barrack Department to have them put in proper order.
At the time of inspection the hospital was found to be in excellent order, the beds clean.,
patients well attended to, and the books and records written up to date. Surgeon Peters par-
ticularly noticed the want of a filter, especially for dispensary purposes, and no doubt this
means of supplying pure drinking water should be provided for every hospital in the service.
M.'s 14th Regiment N. I.
BELGAUM.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major C. F. OGILVIE, M.D.
Average Strength
694.5
Deaths in Hospital
..
4
Do.
Present
598.1
Do. out of do.
9
Admissions
439
Invalided
17
Daily Sick
20.9
Sick Leave
14
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions. Daily Sick. Deaths i
n Hospital.
1874
Kolhapur
67.0
2.9
0.7
1875
Do
77.5
3.5
0.8
1876
Belgaum
82.6
3.5
3.1
Average
75.7
3.3
1.5
1877...
Belgaum
73.4
3.5
0.6
•
The head-quarters of the regiment have been stationed at Belgaum during the year.
Several detachments have been sent on escort duty in charge
of treasure and of convicts. A company proceeded to Ka-
l a d g i o n 2 3 r d N o v e m b e r t o r e l i e v e a c o m p a n y o f t h e 3 r d R e g i m e n t N . L . I .
2. The lines are kept in very good order. I think there are too many trees; and too much
vegetation is allowed to grow in front of the huts in the mon-
soon, preventing as free a current of air as is desirable. There
is a large nullah at the rear of the lines, which in the monsoon
conveys a large volume of water to rice fields which are in too close proximity, and are in
my opinion the cause of much of the fever which I have seen since I arrived at this station,
about eight months ago.
3. The latrines situated to the rear of the lines are well looked after; the night-soil is
carried away in an iron cart, but the present arrangement might
be improved for carrying off the ablution water, which at
present soaks into the surrounding soil. The dry-earth trench system should be introduced.
4. This is abundant, quality pure and palatable. It is derived from five wells which are
situated a considerable distance from any cesspools or grave-
yards. Being covered, they are not liable to become contam-
inated by any objectionable matter falling into them. Water is to be had also from a spring
called the Naggiri, and I believe this is used by some of the sepoys.
5. The food chiefly used by the sepoys has been very dear during the past year. Rs. 7-14-1
was paid by Government to the sepoys as compensation for
dearness of provisions in the month of August. Rs. 2-1-10
was paid to each man in the month of February. The former was the highest, the latter
the lowest amount paid during the year. A great quantity of very inferior grain which had
been buried for years was thrown into the market at a cheaper rate, to tempt, and too often
Location and movements.
The Lines and their surround-
ings.
Conservancy.
Water supply.
Food.
11 m
43
POONA DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General BEATTY.
The lines are kept in good order, but are unfavourably situated at the south-east end
of the cantonment. Conservancy and sanitary arrangements are attended to, and the latrines
kept clean. The dry-earth trench system might be introduced with benefit. The water supply
is abundant and pure. It is obtained from five wells which are covered, and are far removed
from cesspools or other sources of contamination. Although a better site not only for this
hospital, but also for that of H.M.' s 2nd Grenadier Regiment, might have been selected,
there is nothing objectionable in the building itself.
The medical officer strongly advises the introduction of good filters for purifying the
water used in dispensing medicines, in which suggestion I entirely concur.
H. M.'s 3rd Regiment N. I.
KOLAPUR.—In medical charge of Surgeon J. MACGREGOR, M.B.
Average Strength
695
Deaths in Hospital
4
Do.
Present
637.4
Do. out of do.
0
Admissions
713
Invalided
17
Daily Sick
19.1
Sick Leave
15
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions. Daily Sick.
D e a t h s i n H o s p i t a l .
1874
Ahmedabad
13.8
3.9
0.3
1875
Do.
175.0
4.6
2.1
1876
Kolhapur and Kaladgi......
95.3
2.7
0.3
Average......
94.7
3.7
0.9
1877
Kolhapur and Kaladgi......
111.8
2.9
0.6
On 14th November 1876 one company left head-quarters for Kaladgi to join another
detachment which had been at that station since 6th February
1876. Both these detachments have since rejoined head-
quarters. On the 8th November the left wing left for Sholapur, where, after a march of
fifteen days, they arrived on the 23rd of the same month.
2. The lines are placed on the summit of a low rocky eminence with a slight but
efficient declination on all directions, leading for the most part
into black cotton soil. The huts are built almost on the bare
rock, without any plinth. There is no system of ventilation,
and but for the loose workmanship of the doors, roofs, &c.
the atmosphere of these rooms would not be enviable when the doors are closed. These
huts have certainly outlived their day, and were last year reported on, and justly condemned,
by Surgeon-Major Johnson, then in medical charge of the regiment.
3. There are two latrines for each wing—one for males, the other for females. The
y are built of pucka masonry, and with the dry-earth system of
conservancy are quite sufficient for the wants of the regiment,
and in every way satisfactory.
4. The water, abundant and good, is drawn from four wells in the vicinity of the lines.
Last year two of these were deepened, which ensured a more
certain supply towards the end of last dry season. Notwith-
standing this, water was all but scarce just before the rains, and one or two of the wells
dried up; but then this year the rains, though finally more than usually abundant, were late
in coming, so that we may safely anticipate a sufficient water supply at this station, except
under very extraordinarily dry circumstances.
Location and movements.
Lines and their surroundings:
present condition, hygienic and
otherwise.
Conservancy.
Water supply.
48
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
15. I think it would be .a great improvement if the windows on the south-west side of
the hospital were fitted with shutters to keep out the glare of
the sun., One small room, which is used for ophthalmic cases,
especially requires them. To guard against the contamination
of the wells by surface water, &c., I have suggested that they should be covered, and the
ground drained and paved around them.
16. I have no special observations to make, with the exception that the jail authorities
have ordered a new burial-ground, about four hundred yards to
the south-east and in rear of the officers' quarters, and just
outside the cantonment limits. I look upon it as too close to the lines, especially as the east
wind blows at this season continually over the place in the direction of the cantonment.
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General BEATTY .
The site for the lines has been well chosen. There is excellent surface drainage, and
a free ventilation through the streets between the huts. The water supply, which is derived.
from three wells, is sufficient in quantity, and of good quality. The general health of the men
has been good. The present state of the hospital, which is a model of cleanliness, was found
to be highly satisfactory. It is well ventilated, and its conservancy arrangements carefully
attended to. A dead-house, situated about thirty yards to the north of the hospital, has been
added since last report. The medical officer brought to notice the inconvenience experienced
by the dust rising from the mud floors, and suggested its being replaced by either a stone
or wooden one.
Requirements and recommend
-ations.
Special observations.
POONA DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
49
NORTHERN DIVISION.
Average Strength Present during the year
8,601.3
Average Daily Sick per cent. to the Average Strength
3.4
Ratio of Mortality to the Average Strength
. . .
0.7
H. M.'s 1st Regiment N. I. (Grenadiers.)
AHMEDABAD.—In medical charge of Surgeon H. McCALMAN, M.D.
Average Strength
728
Deaths in Hospital
6
Do. Present
666.9
Do. out of do.
6
Admissions
629
Invalided
50
Daily Sick
22.1
Sick Leave
14
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions. Daily Sick.
Deaths in
H o s p i t a l .
1874
Poona.... .. ....
91.5
3.3
0.6
1875..
Do.
123.7
3.9
0.4
1876
Ahmedabad
124.1
4.2
1.5
Average
113.1
3.8
0.8
1877
Ahmedabad
94.3
3.3
0.8
Location and movements.
The regiment remained at Ahmedabad during the entire year. A detachment number-
ing 56 was stationed at Sadra for eight months.
The Lines and their surround-
ings : present condition, hygien-
ic and otherwise.
2. The lines have already been fully described. In the quarters of the married men,
one corner of the room is set aside for bathing purposes, but it
is not lined with impermeable material. Waste water is con-
veyed from those places by small underground channels into
shallow basins constructed round the roots of young trees recently planted in the streets.
The regimental bazaar is clean and well kept, and there is nothing about it or the other
surroundings of the lines likely to prejudice their hygienic condition.
Conservancy.
3. The latrines provided are four in number, placed to leeward of the camp, and at as
great a distance as is consistent with their easy access. They
are substantially built, and each is partitioned off into single
compartments. Iron receptacles are in use, and at regular and frequent intervals these
are withdrawn and replaced by others as required. Twice a day the mixed excreta are
removed to a distance of two miles and buried. Dry earth is employed as a deodorant.
The floor of the latrines is not paved, neither is the ground immediately in rear, so that the
surface is constantly wet from the water used in ablution, and the soil is saturated with the
worst impurities. It is not, therefore, to be wondered at that the atmosphere in the vici-
nity is generally intensely disagreeable, in spite of the precautions taken to prevent a
nuisance.
Water supply.
4.
There are four wells in the lines, and one just outside the hospital compound. The
supply drawn from those sources is ample and of good quality.
Food.
5.
The supply of food was good, in quantity and quality. Married men with families
were somewhat pinched on account of the dearness of provi-
sions. In their case grain compensation does not make up for
high prices. Fresh vegetables ought to be more plentiful than they are.
Duties, exercise, and amuse-
ments : their effects on health.
6.
The duties and exercises appear to be judiciously regulated to the strength and
vigour of the men, and are in no way excessive. Admissions
to hospital from over-fatigue or its consequences are very rare.
In the hot months the length of the march to the city jail, dis-
13 m