NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
54
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
damp and in a foul condition—so much so that the commanding officer desired to move the
men into tents. Much improvement has, however, recently been effected in the way of
drainage, and a recurrence of the condition prevailing in the autumn can scarcely take place.
The medical officer notices that the latrines are too few, and this is undoubtedly correct.
In the morning, both from the regimental latrines and from the neighbouring conservancy
work, the characteristic fœtal odour is often strongly apparent. The men's houses are, how-
ever, tolerably good; they have a sufficient supply of Vehar water from tanks raised on a
stone plinth, conveniently situated ; and the neighbouring Crawford Market affords ample
opportunity of procuring cheap, wholesome, and varied food.
The hospital is situated too far from the lines, and its vicinity to Sonapore and to the
Scotch burial-ground is unfortunate. It has, however, a sea front, and although some of the
out-buildings are badly placed, resulting from confined space, it has been healthy, the
number of sick being ordinarily few. The hospital and its stores and medicines are in good
order, and the establishment is reported upon satisfactorily.
The health of the regiment, which suffered from an epidemic of cholera previous to
removal from Baroda, appears to have improved since arrival in Bombay.
H. M.'s 22nd Regiment N. I.
BARODA.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major H. A. LEWIS.
Average Strength
712.8
Deaths in Hospital
15
Do.
Present
645.6
Do.
out of do.
. . .
Admissions
794
Invalided
58
Daily Sick
36.3
Sick Leave
28
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength.
Present of
Admissions.
Daily Sick.
Deaths in
H o s p i t a l
1874.
Baroda
181.2
5.2
0.8
1875
Do.
117.6
4.0
1.3
1876
Do.
97.9
3.4
......
Average...
132.9
4.2
0.7
1877
Baroda
122.9
5.6
2.3
Location and movements.
The regiment was located in Baroda until the 19th September, when the right half-
battalion moved by rail to Ahmedabad, and were joined on the
14th December by the left half-battalion.
Lines end their surroundings:
present condition. hygienic and
otherwise:
2 . T h e s i t u a t i o n o f t h e l i n e s * h a s a l r e a d y b e e n d e s c r i b e d . T h e m u d f l o o r o f t h e h u t s i s
on a lower level than the ground; all the huts are white-washed
inside and mud-washed outside. The bathing-place in each
family-quarter is in one corner of the verandah, with an open
drain which conveys the refuse water to a nullah about ten
feet in front of each hut. The streets are kept clean and in good order, and the whole lines
are well shaded by large trees.
Conservancy.
3. The conservancy of the lines is carried out by the regimental sweepers. There are
two pucka-built latrines for the use of the men and women,
but these are used only during the monsoon months. At
present the trench system is followed.
* The description of the lines and hospital refers to those now occupied by the regiment at Ahmedabad.
NORTHERN DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
57
Details of treated.
9. The chief causes of admission into hospital were ague, chronic rheumatism, diseases
of the respiratory system, and affections of the liver.
Mortality and its causes.
10. One death occurred in hospital from remittent fever,
in August.
Vaccination and re-vaccination.
11. Twenty-five children were vaccinated (primary) ; sixteen of the operations were suc-
cessful. Twenty-nine re-vaccinations took place, twenty-one
being successful.
12. One gunner and one trumpeter passed the annual Invaliding Committee at Ah-
medabad for chronic rheumatism with sciatica, and general
debility, respectively.
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General WYLLIE.
Inspected 19th February : health good throughout, and only one casualty in past year.
Lines on standard plan, clean, properly ventilated, and roomy, with adequate arrangements for
the disposal of sewage. The sick have suitable and sufficient room in the hospital wing 7th
Regiment, the least satisfactory feature of which is the floor (here of earth, as at Deesa and
Bhuj), involving much trouble to keep it tidy. Asphalt should be substituted, for reasons of
cleanliness, comfort, and economy.
H. M.'s 7th Regiment N. I.
RAJKOT.—In medical charge of Surgeon R. H. BATTY.
Average Strength
354
Deaths in Hospital
2
Do.
Present
306
Do out of do.
5
Admissions
' 212
Invalided
15
Daily Sick
8.9
Sick Leave
7
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions. Daily Sick.
Deaths in
Hospital.
1874
Rajkot
128.7
3.1
10.6
1875
Do.
121.7
2.9
1.2
1876
Do.
183.2
5.7
0.5
Average
144.5
3.9
4.1
1877
Rajkot
69.2
2.9
0.6
L o c a t i o n a n d m o v e m e n t s .
The head-quarter wing H. M.'s 7th Regiment N. I. has been. at Rajkot for the past
five years.
The Lines and their surround-
ings : present condition, hygienic
and otherwise.
2. The permanent condition of the lines has been fully detailed in former reports. The
huts are smaller than those laid down in the standard plan, and
in number sufficient to accommodate only two companies.
The wing, not counting the men on furlough, recruiting duty,
or in hospital, may be said to consist of three and a half companies. One complete company
is located in the 28th Regimental lines, while the remaining two and a half occupy their own
lines, thus exceeding the complement for which they were built by half a company, or forty
men. The excess occupy bachelors' quarters, each hut containing two instead of one. The
huts are in good repair, and the ground around them is kept clean and in excellent order.
Location and movements.
The Lines and their surround-
ings : present condition, hygienic
and otherwise.
C o n s e r v a n c y .
3. There are two latrines, 563 yards to the left front of the lines—one for males,
and the other for women. Each seat is furnished with an
oblong iron pan, which is emptied thrice a day, after having
15m
31
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General WYLLIE.
Inspected February 20th. The sanitary state of this corps has undergone great
improvement since the date of last report, the ratio of treated to strength having declined
from 103.74 in 1876 to 56.26 in the past year. Health was thus particularly good, and
only surpassed in the wing of the 24th Regiment at Agar; while mortality was also exception-
ally low. This favourable change has been in progress since the withdrawal of the detach-
ment, in November 1876, from the sickly outpost at Burda Chowkey, and is chiefly shown
under the heads of ague, scurvy, rheumatism, and bowel complaints, due notably to the
gradual disappearance of the scorbutic taint with which much of the previous excess of such
cases was connected.
Hospital suitable, with ample room, but deficient in out-offices : arrangements all
properly ordered, and duties carefully conducted. Lines excellent, huts roomy and well
ventilated, and conservancy efficient, trench latrines being in use during the fair season.
H. M.'S 11th Regiment N. I.
BHUJ.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major P. W. COCKELL.
Average Strength
750.1
Deaths in Hospital
5
Do.
Present
684.1
Do out of do.
4
Admissions
738
Invalided
25
Daily Sick
29.7
Sick Leave
11
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions.
Daily Sick.
Deaths in
Hospital.
1874
Bhuj
55.1
2.1
0.7
1875
Do.
46.8
2.4
0.5
1876
Do.
71.5
2.8
0.2
A v e r a g e
57.8
2.4
0.5
1877
.. Bhuj
108.0
4.3
0.7
Location and movements.
The regiment has been stationed at Bhuj since 1874. No movement has taken place
of either the regiment or detachments.
The Lines and their surround-
ings : present condition, hygienic
and otherwise.
2. The lines are very old, the houses very low, and the
cubic space somewhat deficient.
Conservancy.
3. The conservancy is on the trench system; the trenches are filled in every evening
with earth. The men very much object to the use of these, and
often go to other places, to avoid them. Pucka latrines are
built but not used, as there are not sufficient conservancy carts to carry away their contents,
there being only one cart allowed for the whole cantonment.
Water supply.
4 . T h e r e a r e t h r e e o r f o u r s w e e t w a t e r w e l l s w h i c h s u p p l y t h e r e g i m e n t , a n d f i v e o r s i x
with brackish water. The sweet water is of good quality, and
the wells hardly ever dry.
Food.
5. Bhuj is very badly off for vegetables, there being little cultivated land in the
immediate neighbourhood; consequently the sepoys seldom get
more than a little bajee or Indian spinage now and then in the
bazaar. Nohl-kohl and cabbages thrive in well watered gardens, but they are not obtainable
b y t h e s e p o y s , b e i n g t o o c o s t l y .
16 m
NORTHERN DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
63
till towards the close of the year, and at this date malarious fevers have declined to the normal
level. Hospital accommodation adequate and excellent, and all its arrangements well-
ordered. Lines clean, and in fair repair, but old; huts wanting, beyond all, in cubage—a
defect, however, counterbalanced by the width of the streets, which is greater here than
elsewhere. Trench latrines in use throughout, and all conservancy details efficient.
H. M.'s 2nd Regiment Light Cavalry.
DEESA.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major A. BARRY, M.D.
Average Strength
.
496
Deaths in Hospital
3
Do.
Present
459
Do. out of do.
1
Admissions
301
Invalided
19
Daily Sick
11.9
Sick Leave
3
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions
Daily Sick
D e a t h s i n
Hospital
1874
Deesa and Rajkote
11.2
3.7
1.0
1875
Do.
do.
83.2
3.1
0.4
1876
Do.
do.
74.8
2.4
0.4
Average...
86.4
3.1
0.6
1877
Deesa and Rajkote
65.6
2.6
0.6
Location and movements.
The regiment has been at Deesa throughout 1877. One squadron was stationed at
Rajkote. A party of fifteen sabres were, as usual, on outpost
duty with the Political Agent at Palanpur. They were
relieved monthly.
Lines and their surroundings :
present condition, hygienic and
otherwise.
2. The lines are low-lying, too near the Sadar bazaar ; accommodation insufficient, and
the ventilation defective. Sanitation is well attended to, and
the state of repair is, on the whole, satisfactory. As there are
no plinths in the huts and the cubage is ample, I have recom-
mended that the floors should be raised one foot, and, if not
too expensive, composed of chunam.
Conservancy.
3. The Cantonment Committee having appointed a Conservancy Sergeant and two
native inspectors, the streets and houses are kept clean, all de-
composing matter being carefully removed. The latrines are
kept very clean, and are in a good state of repair. During 1876 sullage from family quar-
ters was collected in chatties outside the huts, and removed daily; but in March 1877, in
compliance with an order from the Quarter Master General's Department, all bathing and
house refuse water and urine have been conveyed out of the enclosures into a plot of ground
Planted with young trees, in front of the men's houses.
Water supply.
4. Supply ample, quality excellent.
Food and clothing.
5. The great diminution of rainfall has caused considerable distress among the
inhabitants of Deesa. Cereals have for the past two months
been double the usual price. The only alteration in the clothing
since last year is the discarding of the old forage cap for a conical red one, around which is
wound a very long blue pugree edged with gray, leaving only the point of the cap visible.
This is a great improvement, being an excellent protection against sword-cuts, cold, and the
sun's rays.
Duties, exercise, and amuse-
ments : their effects on health.
6. Duties light, but the men have considerable work in cleaning horses and accoutre
-ments. Their chief exercises and amusements are tent-pegging,
tilting at the ring, tug of war, single-stick, and wrestling, all
having a beneficial effect.
64
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
Hospital and its immediate
surroundings : present condition,
hygienic and otherwise.
7. Hospital excellent in every way. Surroundings very
favourable, and its present condition leaves nothing to be
desired.
General health and physique.
8. General health has been very good. Physique rather above the average. Great
attention is paid to selecting able-bodied recruits with good
chest capacity, no man being passed who is less than 32 inches
chest circumference over the nipple line at rest.
Influence of climate or local
circumstances on health.
9. Although the rainfall was less than half the average,
malarial disease gave six more admissions than in 1876.
Details of treated.
10. Including the figures of the squadron at Rajkote, the chief causes of inefficiency
were, as usual, contusions and ague, the former amounting to
70, the latter to 69 cases. There was only one case of remit-
tent fever. The following are the remaining cases, in the order of frequency, viz., rheuma-
tism 24, colic 14, conjunctivitis 12, dysentery 14 (all mild), bronchitis 7, and sprains 5.
Mortality and its causes.
11. Only one death occurred at head-quarters, from diarrhœa, and two at Rajkote, from
dysentery and enlargement of liver respectively.
Epidemics.
12. None in camp, but there were about twenty cases of
cholera in the Guicowar lines, two miles from Deesa.
Vaccination and re-vaccination.
13. There were 41 cases of primary vaccination, all
successful ; no re-vaccination.
Invaliding and its causes.
14. There were nineteen men invalided, eighteen receiving pension, and one discharged
the service with gratuity. The causes of disability were general
debility, chronic rheumatism, chronic conjunctivitis, night-
blindness, gunshot wound of hand, and varicose veins.
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General WYLLIE.
Health up to date of inspection (November 15th) very good. Hospital adequate in every
respect, with suitable supplemental buildings—unless that there are no separate contagious
wards. But, as those of the infantry hospital are conveniently near, this want is not felt.
Lines in fair order; the huts, having a larger cubage than any elsewhere, would allow
the floors to be raised, and add to their comfort. The removal of sullage by puckalies from
family quarters has been discontinued, and trees planted to absorb it.
H. M.'s 18th Regiment N. I.
DEESA.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major A. N. E. RIDDELL.
Average Strength
672.6
Deaths in Hospital
0
Do.
Present
611.1
Do out of do....
3
Admissions
389
Invalided
23
Daily Sick
..
11.8
Sick Leave
3
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions. Daily Sick.
Deaths i n H o s p i t a l .
1874
Deesa
165.8
4.5
0.6
1875
Do.
...
123.5
3.6
. . . . . .
1876
Do.
81.1
2.5
0.4
A v e r a g e . . .
123.5
3.5
0.3
1877
Deesa
63.6
1.9 ......
66
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
Vaccination and re-vaccination.
12. Carefully and uniformly carried out according to existing
regulations.
Invaliding and its causes.
13. Twenty-three men were invalided-2 by a special Invaliding Committee at head-
quarters, on account of failing eye-sight, and 21 by the General
Invaliding Committee at Ahmedabad, viz., old and worn out
14, for ophthalmic disease 5, and one each for rheumatism, pulmonic disease, leprosy, and
varicocele .
Requirements and recommen-
dations.
14. As recommended last year, a small latrine is required for the regimental solitary
cells. Prisoners confined there have to march under a guard to
the hospital latrine, at a very inconvenient distance.
Special observations, new ex-
periences in treatment, sanitation,
&c.
15. There can be no doubt that much more is now required from the native soldier
than was formerly the case. The new systems of drill, &c.,
and especially of musketry, give a man more work than
formerly : consequently he is sooner worn out. I think the
majority of men are now-a-days pretty well worn out after
twenty years' active service. As regards new experiences in treatment, &c., I have but little
to record, but wish to remark that I have found cinchonidine a useful febrifuge when given
in five-grain doses three times daily ; also that where this treatment fails quinine then seems
to act with greater rapidity. Rest and extra diet arc often more useful than medicine in the
treatment of many diseases.
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General WYLLIE.
Inspected 14th November. Health very favourable, no mortality, and no instance of
epidemic disease throughout. Hospital accommodation ample and excellent, subsidiary
buildings complete, and all in good order. Establishment commended for attention and
assiduity.
Nothing has been determined as regards the lines, the unsatisfactory state of which has
been often noticed; although dampness was less complained of than usual, from short rainfall.
The only want brought to my notice was that of a small latrine for the regimental cells,
the existing arrangement being most inconvenient.
H . M ' s 2 3 r d R e g i m e n t N . I .
M H O W . — I n m e d i c a l c h a r g e o f S e o n J . S I M P S O N .
Average Strength
702.5
Deaths in Hospital
4
Do.
Present
651.4
Do. out of do.
2
Admissions
804
Invalided
2 3
Daily Sick
.
23.1
Sick Leave
12
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions. Daily Sick.
Deaths in
Hospital.
1874
Nusseerabad
130.5
3.7
1.0
1875
Do.
105.7
2.8
0.1
1876
Mhow and Indore. ..
140.4
5.6
0.6
Average...
125.5
3.9
0.6
1877
Mhow and Indore
123.4
3.5
0.6
68
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General WYLLIE.
Health has been tolerably good throughout, showing improvement on previous year. Hos-
pital has ample and excellent accommodation, and is complete in subsidiary offices. My in-
spection, 25th December, was fully satisfactory, unless as respects the lines, the defects of
which remain as formerly reported ; and the rocky nature of the ground offers an obstacle
to tree-planting, in improvement of sullage drainage, as involving much labour. The trench
latrines have been brought more conveniently near since last visit ; the distant permanent
ones are only used in the rains.
H. M.'s 25th Regiment N. I.
MHOW.—In medical charge of Surgeon D. N. PARAKH.*
Average Strength
685.6
Deaths in Hospital
2
Do.
Present
633.5
Do. out of do
1
Admissions
844
Invalided
10
Daily Sick
24.5
Sick Leave
9
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
Mhow and Indore
181.8
5.6
0.8
1875 .....
Do.
do.
138.1
4.0
0.3
1876
Do. do.
130.4
5.1
0 . 1
Average
150.1
4.9
0.4
1877
Mhow and Indore
133.2
3.8
0.3
Location and movements.
The regiment was stationed at Mhow from the beginning of the year till the 20th of
November, when the first detachment with head-quarters left
Mhow, and arrived in Aden on the 6th of December. The se-
cond detachment left Mhow on the 14th of December for Aden, where the third and fourth
detachments are expected to arrive shortly. A. detachment of 50 men was sent to garrison
the island of Perim on the 6th of December last. It is arranged that the reliefs are to take
place every two months. The left wing was stationed at Indore from June to October.
General health and physique.
2. The general health of the troops, on the whole, is good. They are well made, and
are, in my opinion, capable of bearing much hardship.
Details of treated.
3. Including the figures of the wing at Indore, there were 844 admissions during the
year. Although this seems a very large number, still the
diseases were chiefly of a slight nature. There were two deaths
during the year. One European officer also died at Mhow. Nine men were sent away on
sick certificate, and ten men were invalided. The daily average number of sick in hospital
was 24.5. The principal cause of sickness was ague, of which 389 cases were treated ;
small-pox gave 9 admissions, rheumatic affections 32, syphilis 11, diseases of the respiratory
system 55, stomach and bowel diseases 98, and injuries 104.
Mortality and its causes.
4. During the year there were 2 deaths among the troops
from small-pox
.
Epidemics.
5. Of epidemic diseases among the troops there were 9
cases of small-pox, and 2 cases of chicken-pox.
* Surgeon D. N. Parakh continued in medical charge till the head-quarters left for Aden. Since that time,
however, Surgeon B. L. Dutt has been officiating, as a temporary arrangement. The annual report has been
compiled by the latter officer.
NORTHERN DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
69
Vaccination and re-vaccination.
6. There were 74 vaccinations during the year; of these 42 were males, and 32 females ;
18 were over, and 56 under 1 year; 70 cases were successful,
and 4 unsuccessful. There were also 18 re-vaccinations
during the year; of these 11 were successful, and 7 unsuccessful.
Invaliding and its causes.
7. There were 10 men invalided during the year. The chief causes of invaliding were
the effects of repeated attacks of ague, ending in debility and
blood deterioration, long-continued bronchitis, and chronic
rheumatism. One man was invalided for extreme debility caused by a combination of con-
ditions all due to syphilis.
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon-General WYLLIE.
Inspected 25th December. This charge is at present a weak wing under orders for
Aden, and separated from head-quarters only since the 21st ultimo. There has been no
sickness worth mentioning in the interval. The hospital is excellent, with complete out-
buildings, and the arrangements are satisfactory. Lines adjoin and are similar to those of
the 23rd, but lying lower they are even more defective.
H. M's 24th Regiment N. I.
MEHIDPUR.—In medical charge of Surgeon J. A. HOWELL.
Average Strength
436.3
Deaths in Hospital
8
Do.
Present
404.5
Do. out of do.
6
Admissions
613
Invalided
19
Daily Sick
13.7
Sick Leave
3
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
Admissions.
Daily Sick.
Deaths in
H o s p i t a l .
1874
Neemuch
208.3
6.3
0.9
1875
Do
166.4
3.6
1.1
1876
• Mehidpur
.
120.7
2.8
1.0
Average...
165.1
4.3
1.0
1877
Mehidpur
151.5
3.4
1.9
Location and movements.
The regiment was at the Imperial Assemblage at Delhi at the beginning of the year.
It left Delhi en route for Agar and Mehidpur on the 11th
January. The regiment remained at Agar till the 7th March,
when the wings separated, the head-quarters and right wing arriving here on the 10th
March.
The Lines and their surround-
ings : present condition, hygienic
;and otherwise.
2. The lines are about 150 yards from the river, in eight rows, and are laid out from
north to south; they are in very fair order, and built on plinths.
Ventilation is defective, however, and drainage bad. The ac-
commodation is enough for one wing.
Conservancy.
3. The trench system is in use during the fair season,
and in the rains covered latrines.
Water supply.
4. This is from the river Sipra, and from three wells in camp; a new well has lately been
sunk near the bank of the river. The water is both scarce and
very defective in quality. Well-water (especially that from
the well in the mess compound) is better than the river water. Deficient and bad water
supply is one of the chief objections to this station.
18 m