Water-supply
Diet.
Dieting.
130
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF MADRAS.
27th Regiment Aatibe Infantry.
Climate.
This corps arrived in Moulmein from Bangalore in March 1872. Assistant
Surgeon P.R. Martin, M.D., who was in medical charge during the year reports
as follows:—
Climate.—The amount of rainfall was considerably less last year than that of the
preceding year, but this circumstance did not seem to affect the usual salubrity of the
climate in any perceptible way. The seasons were regular and natural, and no unusual
sickness (except dengue) prevailed at any season.
Medical topo--
graphy and
diseases of
the district.
Medical topography and diseases of the district.— I n r e g a r d t o t h e e x i s t e n c e o f m a l a r i a l
miasmata several of the factors which operate in producing it are present, such as a low,
moist ground with rank vegetation, with heavy evaporation and a sultry sun, yet the cases
of ague are at all seasons mild and are never followed (from what I have seen) by any
structural derangement of the organs. The country is however open, with all parts freely
exposed to the sun and wind, so that proper ventilation takes place. Stagnation of water
is also prevented by the natural drainage carried on through means of the rivers in the
vicinity. The nature of the soil also may be accountable for the salubrity of the climate.
The bazaars are intersected in various parts by ditches, into which the tidal water runs and
thus remove much of the filth and debris there may be. Leprosy is rather common in
this place.
On the March.
Ventilation
and drainage.
On
the march. —On t h e 1 9 t h F e b r u a r y t h e h e a d - q u a r t e r s a n d l e f t wi n g l e f t Ba n g a l o r e
(the right wing gone to Akyab the previous year), proceeded to Madras by train, where they
embarked on board the Arcot for Port Blair, the Nicobars, and Moulmein. The head--
quarters, with a detachment, arrived here on the 5th of March. The cleanliness, accommoda--
tion, and ventilation of the ship were satisfactory, and the men enjoyed good health. The
barracks are situated in the north-western aspect of a ridge of hill. On the north the
ground is open towards the Salween river, and on the north-west is bounded by a part of
the town. The situation is on a level with the ground towards the north and west; it is
opened to the sea breeze, and the vicinity is generally clean and free from any sources of
disease. The position is healthy.
Ventilation and drainage .—The ventilation and drainage of the barracks and guard
-
r ooms ar e sat i sf act or y.
Nuisance.
Liquors.
Clothing.
Nuisance.—None, excepting, after the arrival of the regiment, I recommended a
general cleansing of the grounds about the barracks, which was promptly attended to. The
general latrine, which was objectionable, has been condemned, and a new latrine on the dry
system has been constructed, but is not yet fit for use.
Water-supply.—The water is obtained from seven covered wells in the lines; its quality
is very good, and it has been sufficient in quantity. I have made no recommendations
regarding it.
Diet.—The troops receive rations and field batta. There was no important variation
from preceding years in the quantity and price of provisions.
Dieting.—The rations the men receive consists of rice 2, lb. dholl 4, oz.ghee 2,oz.
turmeric 1, oz. and salt 2. drs. Some of them at least vary these by using mutton, fowl,
fish, and vegetables purchased from their pay. Without the latter addition I should not
consider the diet sufficiently varied. The men on the whole seem well nourished.
Liquors.—The men use country arrack and toddy.
Clothing.—The men wear white clothing in the warm season and the regimental
uniform in the cold season. The clothing is always changed to suit the season of the year
and the state of the weather.
Foot-soreness
Foot-soreness.— Cases of foot-soreness are rare.
Duty.
Drill.
Sanitary con
-dition of lock
- u p r o o m s .
Vaccination,
Diseases.
Duty.—This detachment supplies the barrack and mess-house guards. The duties are
not considered severe and do not operate unfavorably upon the health of the men. The
average number of nights in bed per week three.
Drill.—The men have drill two days in the week; in the mornings only from 6 to
7 A.M. in the warm weather, and from 6½ to 7½ in the cold season. The recruits have drill
four days in the week morning and evening. In the morning at the same hour as the men,
and in the evening between 5 and 6 P.M. No unfavorable influence seems to have been
exercised on their health.
Sanitary condition of lock-up rooms.— The solitary cells are not properly ventilated.
They consist of seven rooms and one sleeping-room for the guard. There is no means of
ventilation when the door of a room is shut excepting by a few small openings in the wall
and a small space above the door. The compartments are sufficiently enough. I have
mentioned this defect in the quarterly sanitary reports for the last year.
Vaccination— All the men of the detachment either have been vaccinated or have had
small-pox. There is but one child amongst the drummers' families to be vaccinated, which
is to be done in the present cold season. There has been no case of small-pox during the
year. There was no occasion to re-vaccinate.
Diseases.—Dengue has been the only epidemic disease from which the men suffered
during the year. The first case occurred on the 21st June. It prevailed among the civil.