NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
ix
28. The regiments at Ahmedabad and Baroda are always liable to be at-
tacked by cholera, which appears to be endemic amongst
the civil population of those cities and of the surrounding
villages. The past year has been no exception. An account of the epidemic
in the 9th N.I.at Baroda in October will be found at pages 52 and 53 of this
report, and at page 55 is a note on the outbreak in the detachment of the 22nd
Regiment on its march from Ahmedabad to Sadra. Both cases, as well as that
of the lst Grenadiers at Ahmedabad, are instructive as manifestations of the
facility with which the disease may be carried about from infected centres.
Cholera had existed in Guzerat during the greater part of the year, but in October
many towns and villages were visited by a most severe epidemic, the infection
of which it is nearly certain was conveyed by the pilgrims from Dakor, a town
situated halfway between Baroda and Ahmedabad, where a large assemblage
had gathered after the rains were over, and amongst whom the disease existed.
The recruiting party and men on leave from the 9th N. I. mentioned by Surgeon
Roberts may possibly have brought the seeds of the disease with them from.
Dakor, but it seems more probable that it was communicated from Baroda itself.
At Ahmedabad cholera was already present in the city when the troops at that
station were attacked, and it is far from unlikely that the disease was, in some
eases at least, contracted in the city by one or more of the numerous jail and
treasury guards, and carried thence to the cantonment. It is always essential
to bear in mind the possibility of such a mode of introduction, as in the majority
of instances where regiments suffer from an outbreak of cholera it will be found
that the disease had previously made its appearance in the neighbouring town.
Such cases as this, and others of a similar nature, must, in spite of every care,
continue to occur from time to time; and that they do not occur oftener speaks
favourably for the precautionary measures adopted, more especially when we
consider the frequency with which cholera has of late years visited the
cities and towns of this Presidency. The fact that cholera, introduced from
without in various ways, has in no instance spread to any particular extent
is sufficient evidence that the general sanitary condition and conservancy of the
cantonments have been carefully attended to. It is impossible, however, that
those who are responsible for the duty can be too frequently reminded of the
absolute necessity which exists for invariably maintaining the cantonment and
its vicinity in a state of the utmost practicable cleanliness. They should ever
remember that epidemic cholera is liable at any moment to occur in localities
contiguous to, and in communication with, the cantonment, and that a constant
state of preparedness is the best security they possess against an invasion of this
terrible disease.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
W. G. HUNTER, M.D.,
Surgeon-General.
Epidemics.
c m
INDEX.
[The Regiments are placed as they stood in the Army List on the 1st July 1877.]
PRESIDENCY DIVISION, ADEN, AND BOMBAY MARINE.
PAGE
20th Regiment N. I., Bombay
... ... ...
...
...
. . .
. . .
...
1
21st do. do. or Marine Battalion, Bombay
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
...
3
Right Wing, 7th Regiment N. I., Tanna ...
...
...
...
. . .
...
...
5
17th Regiment N. I., Surat ...
...
...
...
. . .
. . .
...
. . .
...
7
6th do. do. Aden ...
... ... ...
. . .
...
. . .
. . .
...
9
Aden Troop, Khor Maksar ...
...
... ...
. . .
. . .
...
...
...
12
Outpost, Perim
...
... ... ... ...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
...
13
POONA DIVISION.
1st Regiment Light Cavalry, Poona...
...
...
...
. . .
...
. . .
. . .
15
5th do. N. I., Poona ...
...
...
...
...
. . .
. . .
...
. . .
17
8th do. do. do.
...
...
...
...
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
19
26th do. do. do.
...
...
...
...
...
. . .
...
...
...
22
Sappers and Miners, Kirkee
...
...
...
...
...
. . .
. . .
...
25
Poona Horse, Sirur ...
... ... ...
...
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
27
15th Regiment N. I., Ahmednagar ...
...
... ...
. . .
. . .
...
...
29
13th do. do. Malligaum ... ... ... ...
. . .
...
. . .
. . .
32
Detachment, 4th Rifles N. I., Asirgarh
...
...
...
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
34
14th Rifles N. I., Satara ... ... ... ... ...
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
37
2nd. (Prince of Wales' Own) Regiment N. I. (Grenadiers)
...
...
...
. . .
39
14th Regiment N. I., Belgaum
... ... ... ...
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
41
3rd do. do. Kolhapur
... ...
...
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
43
19th do. do. Sholapur
...
... ... ...
...
. . .
. . .
...
45
12th do. do. Dharwar
...
... ... ...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
46
NORTHERN DIVISION.
1st Regiment N. I. (Grenadiers), Ahmedabad
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
49
9th do. do. Baroda ...
... ...
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
51
22nd do. do. do. ...
...
... ...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
...
54
No. 1 Mountain Battery, Rajkot
...
...
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
56
7th Regiment N. I., Rajkot ...
... ... ...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
57
28th do. do. do. ...
...
... ...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
...
59
11th do. do. Bhuj
...
...
... ...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
...
61
2nd do. Light Cavalry, Deesa...
... ...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
...
63
18th do. N. I., Deesa ...
... ..
.
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
64
23rd do. do. Mhow ...
... ... ...
...
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
66
25th do. do. do.
...
...
...
...
. . .
...
...
. . .
...
68
24th do. do. Mehidpur
... ... ...
...
...
...
. . .
...
69
Left Wing, 24th Regiment N. I., Agar
... ...
. . .
...
. . .
...
. . .
71
3rd (Queen's Own) Regiment Light Cavalry, Neemuch ...
. . .
...
. . .
. . .
73
10th Regiment N. I., Neemuch
... ... ...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
75
16th do. do. Nusseerabad ...
... ...
. . .
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
77
SIND DIVISION.
29th Regiment N. I., Kurrachee
. . .
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
80
27th do. do. Hyderabad
. . .
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
82
1st Sind Horse, Jacobabad ...
. . .
...
. . .
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
84
2nd. do. do. do.
...
. . .
...
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
...
85
3rd do. do. do.
...
. . .
...
. . .
. . .
...
. . .
...
. . .
88
(
Xii
)
SIND DIVISION—continued.
30th Regiment N. I., Jacobabad...
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PAGE
89
No. 2 Mountain Battery do.
and Khelat
...
...
...
...
...
90
Left Wing, 1st Sind Horse, Khelat ...
...
...
... ...
...
...
...
91
STATISTICAL TABLES.
Statement showing the Sickness and Mortality
...
...
...
...
. . .
96
Summary of
do.
do.
...
...
...
...
...
... 100
APPENDICES.
Annual General Return exhibiting the Diseases treated ...
...
... 101
Return showing the Admissions, Deaths, &c.
...
...
...
...
...
... 102
Comparative Statement showing the Health of the Native Troops in the four Divisions
of the Bombay Presidency...
...
...
...
...
...
...
103
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT
OF THE
NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY
FOR THE
(The regiments are placed as they stood in the Army List on the 1st July 1877.)
PRESIDENCY DIVISION, ADEN, AND BOMBAY MARINE.
Average Strength Present during the year......................
3,196.4
Average Daily Sick per cent. to the Average Strength ......
3.2
Ratio of Mortality per cent. to the Average Strength .........
1.2
H. M.'s 20th Regiment N. I.
BOMBAY.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major J. G. ASHER, M.D.
Average Strength ........................
679.0
Deaths in Hospital .....................
5
Do.
P r e s e n t . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 9 6 . 4
Do. out of do. .....................
7
Admissions .............................
568
Invalided ...............................
44
Daily Sick ................................
23.5
Sick Leave...................................
32
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions.
Daily Sick.
Deaths in
Hospital.
1874 .......................
Bombay.......................
101.7
4.8
1.1
1875
.......................
Do. .......................
98.9
4.8
1.4
1876
.......................
Do. .......................
119.1
7.0
2.1
Average...
106.6
5.5
1.5
1877
.......................
Bombay.......................
95.3
3.8
0.8
The regiment was stationed in Bombay from the 1st January to the 30th November,
on which latter date it proceeded to Baroda, and was stationed
there for the remainder of the year.
Location and movements.
1 m
PRESIDENCY DIVISION, ADEN, AND BOMBAY MARINE.
5
1 0 . D u r i n g t h e y e a r u n d e r r e p o r t t h e r e h a v e b e e n e i g h t d e a t h s , f i v e m o r e t h a n l a s t y e a r .
Two deaths from remittent fever complicated with pneumonia,
one from cholera, one from acute rheumatism, one from dropsy
of the heart, one from bronchitis, one from double pneumonia, and one from hepatitis.
11. Although there have been many cases of cholera during the year in the Native
Town, only two sepoys were infected, but they were not seized
with the attack in the regimental lines. One case occurred in
June, and one in September. Both cases were fatal. Besides these there were three cases
among the families in June and July. There was one case of small-pox, in March. The
subject was a female who had no marks of previous vaccination, though stated to have been
vaccinated.
1 2 . 9 7 c h i l d r e n h a v e b e e n p r i m a r i l y v a c c i n a t e d . O f t h e s e 9 5 c a s e s w e r e s u c c e s s f u l a n d
2 unsuccessful. Of the latter one child was successfully re-
vaccinated.
13. Fifteen men were invalided by the Annual Invaliding Committee held in November
last. Of these twelve were recommended by the commanding
officer of the regiment as being old and worn-out men, unfit
for further service. The rest were presented by me. Two were invalided for paralysis, and
one for scorbutic affections. Of the two paralytic invalids one suffered from hemiplegia, and
the other from paraplegia.
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General MOORE.
I inspected the lines and hospital of the 21st Regiment on the 28th of December, and
when in Bombay have visited the hospital weekly, and the lines on various occasions. The
lines are now perhaps in as good order as the circumstances and the nature of the locality
admit. Some much-required improvement has been effected to the drainage. The latrines
used by the regiment are a long distance away, owing to the locality ; this is unavoidable.
Some complaints were made of an insufficient supply of Vehar water during the year. It may
be here noticed that since this water was first supplied, in 1865, until last year, no case of
cholera occured in these lines. There is no gymnasium, but the men sometimes practise
wrestling and club exercise. Wards for contagious diseases are a desideratum for the
regimental hospitals in Bombay, the present plan of using tents when epidemic disease occurs
being almost impracticable during the rainy season.
Right Wing, H. M. 's 7th Regiment N. I.
TANNA.—In medical charge of Surgeon W. A. BARREN.
Average Strength
341
Deaths in Hospital
5
Do.
Present
293
Do.out of do.
0
Admissions
218
Invalided
20
Daily Sick
6.3
Sick Leave
4
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions. Daily Sick.
Deaths in
H o s p i t a l .
1874
Tanna
91.8
2.5
0.7
1875
Do.
88.7
2.7
1.7
1876
Do.
61.9
1.5
0.7
Average
80.8
2.2
1.0
1877
Tanna
74.4
2.8
1.7
Mortality and its causes.
Epidemics.
Vaccination and re-vaccination.
Invaliding and its causes.
2 m
PRESIDENCY DIVISION, ADEN, AND BOMBAY MARINE.
7
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General MOORE.
The hospital and lines of the Right Wing, 7th Regiment N. I., were inspected by me on
the 25th of September. The lines were in a very cleanly condition, and their structure,
relative position, and appearance generally are satisfactory. The drainage also is good, both
naturally and by made drains. The regimental latrines were in good order. The hospital is
one of a range of buildings used as the regimental, police, and civil hospitals. The regimental
hospital is calculated to contain sixteen patients, and is in good repair. As mentioned
by the medical officer, the hospital is too closely surrounded and closed in by buildings,
which somewhat impede thorough perflation. The hospital assistant's quarters are also
unsatisfactory.
H. M.'s 17th Regiment N. I.
SURAT.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major G. F. H. BROWN.
Average Strength
702.1
Deaths in Hospital
6
Do.
Present
635.9
Do. out of do.
4
Admissions
1,501
Invalided
31
Daily Sick
29.8
Sick Leave
25
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions. Daily Sick.
Deat hs i n Hospi t al .
1874
Poona
8 7 . 3
3.2
0.8
1875
Poona
120.2
3.4
0 . 4
1876
Surat
1 8 9 . 0
5.6
2.4
Average
132.1
4.1
1.2
1877
Surat
2 1 0 . 9
4.2
0.8
Location and movements.
The regiment has been stationed at Surat throughout
the year.
2. The lines are built parallel with the left bank of the Taptee river, about a hundred
yards distant from it ; the ground is very slightly undulating,
but level with the river-bank ; there are no villages in the im-
mediate neighbourhood, but the highroad to Domus passes
immediately in front of the lines. They are not built on
plinths, but are slightly raised above the ground, varying from 1 foot to 2¼ feet in height ;
the lines are in good order and repair, and as regards accommodation afford the usual
average of native huts. As regards their hygienic condition, the immediate neighbourhood of
the river and their low site cannot conduce to the health of the inmates. The drainage is as
effectual as the situation will allow; the refuse water from the huts escapes through a hole in
the wall, and either percolates into the soil, or is carried off by the main covered drain that
runs into the Taptee.
3 . T h e r e a r e t h r e e l a t r i n e s
s i t u a t e d t o t h e s o u t h - e a s t o f t h e l i n e s , a b o u t 3 5 0y
a r d s a w a y .
The night-soil is removed in filth-carts every day, and deposit
- ed about 1½ miles distant. The lines and cantonment are
kept clean.
4. The supply of water is abundant, but it varies much in quality; all the wells in
camp are more or less brackish, but very fair drinking water
can be obtained close to the lines.
The Lines and surroundings
present condition, hygienic amd
otherwise.
Conservancy.
Water supply.
5. Food at Surat is generally abundant and cheap ; this year it has been dear, and
probably the dearness of grain has had some effect upon the
health of the men; for, although they get compensation, they
have most of them families or followers to feed, for whom no compensation is allowed.
Food.
12
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
on the side of the hill. Owing partly to leakage, partly to the carelessness of those resorting
thither, and partly to the slope of the floor from the interior not being sufficient, much water
lodges within and without these latrines. This defective condition was brought to the notice
of the Brigadier-General Commanding, and the remedial means indicated. The hospital is a
well-built, airy, spacious structure with broad verandahs and asphalte flooring. There is
space for 67 patients. There are all the necessary out-buildings, and the locality was clean,
and the conservancy satisfactory,—more than can be advanced on the latter head for the
conservancy of the adjoining town generally.
H. M.'s Aden Troop.
KHOR MAKSAR.—In medical charge of 1st Class Hospital Assistant J. F. FERNANDES.
Average Strength
100
Deaths in Hospital
0
Do.
Present
87.7
Do. out of do.
0
Admissions
.
159
Invalided
3
Daily Sick
4.3
Sick Leave
4
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
Khor Maksar
352.8
3
0.6
1875
Do.
207.3
6.1
......
1876
Do.
176.5
6.8
0.1
244.2
5.3
0.2
1877
Khor Maksar
159
4
......
The number of men treated in the Aden Troop during the year amounted to 162,
being two cases more than in the preceding year.
There were 73 admissions from fever, 5 from chronic rheumatism, 5 from scurvy, and 4
from lumbago. There were five cases of bronchitis, two of asthma, and one each of
pneumonia, catarrh, and hæmoptysis : all were of a simple nature except the case of
pneumonia ; the man was sent on sick certificate for seven months. Amongst diseases of
the digestive system there were eight cases of dysentery, four each of diarrhœa and colic, and
one from splenitis. Under the heading of local injuries 18 cases were admitted; one was a
sprain. and the rest were contusions of different parts of the body.
2. Eight children were vaccinated, and all the cases were successful. There was no
infectious disease during the year.
3 . A n
e x c e l l e n t h o s p i t a l w a s h a n d e d o v e r o n t h e 1 s t M a r c h 1 8 7 7 ; i t a c c o m m o d a t e s
twelve patients, and it gives a cubic space for each patient of
3,212 . 3 c. ft. The accommodation is sufficient, and the venti-
lation good.
4. A range of outhouses is required for the second class hospital servants.
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General MOORE.
The Aden troop hospital and lines were inspected on the 4th of December. The
ines consist of two well-built rows widely separated, so as to admit of a double line of horses
in the centre. The men's quarters have been recently improved by the addition of cook-
i n g - h o u s e s t o t h e r e a r o f e a c h l i n e . T h e m a r r i e d m e n ' s q u a r t e r s a r e g r a s s - w o r k o r m a t - w o r k
structures, and are dangerously liable to fire. The hospital is calculated to contain twelve
p a t i e n t s , a n d i s s u f f i c i e n t f o r t h e p u r p o s e . I t w a s c l e a n a n d i n g o o d o r d e r , w i t h t h e e x c e p t i o n
Details of treated.
Vaccination.
Hospital.
14
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
The number of admissions and daily attendance in November 1877 exceeded those of
corresponding months for some years past, and this increase was due to the change in the
climate, by the setting in of the south-easterly chilly and strong winds which prevail at this
part of the year, and the detachment then stationed here seemed to suffer more than any
other at that period. The average daily sick in hospital during the year (from 1st January
to 7th December 1877) have been 0.9, and the average daily attendance from colic,
diarrhœa, bronchitis, catarrh, rheumatism, febricula, constipation, and wounds have been 1.5.
All the injuries were accidental, and received from stones (black rocks) while employed in
fatigue work among them.
11. The hospital latrine, which is situated in an objectionable spot with reference to
the Commanding Officer's quarters, as pointed out to the Deputy
Surgeon-General at his inspection, needs another in its place,
in a more suitable and unobjectionable site. The sweeper attached to the hospital is in want
of proper quarters, being obliged to live in a low wretched hut outside the fort.
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General MOORE.
The Perim detachment hospital and barracks were inspected on the 7th of December.
Both barracks and hospital are situated within the limits of the fort,—the men's quarters on
one side, and the hospital on the other. The whole locality was clean, although in some
confusion, consequent on the relief of the detachment of the 6th Regiment N.I. by the
detachment 25th Regiment N.I., then in progress. Both barracks and hospital are sufficient
for the small number of men stationed at Perim. The physical condition of the men of the
detachment leaving the island was fairly good, and no evil result appears to arise from
residence at Perim, more than the general deterioration resulting from the Aden climate.
The latrine of the detachment, situated without the fort, was not so clean as it should
have been, owing partly to carelessness, and partly to leakage from the iron vessels. The
hospital latrine is very unfortunately situated, being very close to the officers' quarters, and
if much used would become an intolerable nuisance. New cooking houses are being con
-
structed outside the fort, and they will be an improvement on the places now used.
A great want at Perim is accommodation for the few menial servants employed by the
detachment. These people at present reside outside the fort, under miserable grass or mat
shelter, scarcely to be dignified even by the name of huts.
Recommendation.
POONA DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
15
POONA DIVISION.
Average Strength Present during the year...
...
...
... 7771.6
Average Daily Sick per cent. to the Average Strength ...
. . .
3.3
Ratio of Mortality per cent. to the Average Strength
...
. . .
0.9
H. M.'s 1st Regiment Light Cavalry.
POONA.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major C. K. COLSTON.
Average Strength
Do.
Present
492.4
432.7
Died in Hospital
Do. out of do.
2
1
Admissions
524
Invalided
19
Daily Sick
15
Sick Leave
15
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions.
Daily Sick.
Deaths in
Hospital.
1874
Poona
96.6
4.5
0.7
1875
Do.
118.1
3.4
.....
1876
Do.
111.7
3.9
0.7
Average...
108.8
3.9
0.5
1877
Poona
121.1
3.4
0.4
The head-quarters of the regiment was at Poona throughout the year ; one squadron, with
an average strength of 145.9, was on detachment duty at Baroda
up to 30th November 1877. Figures giving the details of
treated, &c., of this squadron are included in those of the head-quarters.
2. I can add little to previous reports regarding the lines. I quite agree in the opinion
expressed by the late Surgeon McAlister that the courtyards
connected with the huts, although they give greater privacy
to the occupants, from a sanitary point of view are objectionable,
as they affect ventilation and are a cloak for dirty habits.
Drainage is chiefly natural. Superficial drains have been cut through eight of the twelve
lines during the year and roughly paved with stone, the remaining four having been
unoccupied for eleven months. To the east and south cultivation is carried on throughout
the year up to within 150 or 200 yards of the lines. There has been, I am informed, a great
increase in the amount of irrigated laud since the introduction of the Kurruckwasla water.
The land, in my opinion, should not be irrigated nearer than 300 or 400 yards, and this
I have represented to the Officer Commanding, as probably the great increase in the number
of ague cases was due to this irrigation. On the highroad to the south-west of the lines,
mile distant, is the village of Ghorpoorie, the sanitary arrangements of which are very un-
satisfactory, as the inhabitants perform all the calls of nature on the land and in the nullahs
in the immediate neighbourhood, and the odours are very strong, especially in damp weather.
This has been brought to the notice of the authorities, and it is not quite as bad now as
formerly I am told; . still there is great room for improvement.
3 . T h e l i n e s h a v e b e e n k e p t c l e a n , a n d t h e l a t r i n e s r e g u l a r l y c l e a n e d o u t t w i c e d a i l y :
they are well situated to the east of the most northerly line of
tents, distant 140 yards; the excreta are removed daily by the
conservancy cart to the cantonment manure-ground.
Location and movements.
The Lines and their surround-
ings : present condition, hygienic
and otherwise.
Conservancy.