13
PRESIDENCY DIVISION, ADEN, AND BOMBAY MARINE.
of the earthen flooring, which was much cut up, rendering the place very dusty, thus tending
to the excitement or aggravation of ophthalmic maladies, already sufficiently common at Aden
from unavoidable causes. There are two latrines attached to the hospital, both unfortunately
placed,—one with reference to the prevailing winds, and the other next to a cookhouse.
The room intended for a dead-house is also close to the ward, and has therefore been uti
-
lized for stores. Hospital Assistant Fernandez, in charge, was not in good health, but had
hitherto performed his duties satisfactorily.
There is a large quantity of vegetable matter—bedding from the horse lines, &c.—
thrown not only on the roads, but on the whole surface of the ground around the lines and
hospital. This is done to secure more easy walking, and to prevent dust from the sandy
soil. I was assured on good practical authority that in the dry climate of Aden no evil
results from this practice. But as the grass dries it becomes powdered, and, although much
is blown away, much remains on the surface, or incorporated with the surface of the ground,
and this deposit is constantly being covered with fresh layers. Any extraordinary increase
of febrile affection in the detachment would therefore be regarded with suspicion, as possibly
due to contamination of the atmosphere by emanations from decaying vegetable matter. The
unlimited use of vegetable material in the manner above indicated is, on sanitary grounds,
not desirable.
Outpost Perim.
In medical charge of Assistant Apothecary GILLESPIE ; Strength 46.6.
A detachment of fifteen men furnished by the Native Infantry stationed at Aden is
located here for two months at a time.
2. The troops live in a series of long barracks (8½ feet wide, 10 feet high), situated in the
fort, which are in good habitable condition; there is sufficient
accommodation and free ventilation. The fort and its surround
-
ings are kept clean and in a good hygienic condition.
3 . T h e l a t r i n e s a r e c l e a n e d o u t t w i c e d a i l y , a n d t h e e x c r e t a c o n v e y e d i n c l o s e d r e c e p t a c l e s
to leeward of the fort and buried. All sanitary arrangements
are satisfactory.
4. The water for drinking purposes is condensed on the island, and the troops, &c.
receive a liberal supply. The brackish water used for washing
purposes is sometimes very good, and is brought in dhows from
the neighbouring coasts of Arabia and Africa.
5. The rations are of good quality, and the supply suffi
-
cient.
6 . B e s i d e s m o u n t i n g g u a r d t h e m e n h a v e o c c a s i o n a l p a r a d e s , a n d a r e e m p l o y e d i n
various fatigue works, such as making and repairing roads,
&c. All the amusements are indoor.
7. The hospital is a spacious room situated at the S.E. extremity of the fort, and
capable of holding eight to ten beds. Its surroundings are
always clean, ventilation free, having windows, loopholes, and
roof ventilators; and it is in a good hygienic condition.
8 . W i t h t h e e x c e p t i o n o f t h el
a r g e
n u m b e r o f a d m i s s i o n s i n t h e m o n t h o f N o v e m b e r
1877, the general health of the several detachments during the
year has been good.
9. The climate is very healthy, and the prevailing winds, S.E. and N.E. at the dif
-
ferent seasons of the year, render the atmosphere agreeably
cool and pleasant, except in the hot months, when it is some
-
times very close and oppressive.
10. The principal admissions during the year have been from febricula, ague, chronic
rheumatism, scurvy, muscular rheumatism, lumbago, bronchitis,
dyspepsia, dysentery, diarrhœa, colic, hepatitis, abscess (foot),
ulcer, tinea tonsurans, debility, sprain, contusion and wounds; and of the total number, 33,
two were re.admissions and five transferred.
Lines.
Conservancy.
Water.
Food.
Duties.
Hospital.
General health.
Climate.
Details of Treated.
4 m