41
PRESIDENCY DIVISION, ADEN, AND BOMBAY MARINE.
increase. The exceptions, as regards the thoroughly improved character of the year's healthi
-
ness was in intermitent fever in the Aden troop, in the 1st Company Native Artillery, and in
the Perim detachment.
This disease in the Aden troop, which gave 72 cases more than in the previous year, may
be attributed to the patrolling duty in a presumed malarious tract of country, during the early
part of the year.
Intermittent fever in the Native Artillery .—Into the hospital of this company there
were admitted in the year 1869, while stationed at Malligam, 77 cases of fever, and in 1870,
97 cases. The strength then being 123 and 128 respectively. In the year under report 1872
with a strength of 86, there were 34 admissions. The percentages to strength would, therefore,
stand as follows:—
1869.
1870.
1871.
1872.
Strength . . .
1 2 2
128
. . .
8 6
Admissions . . .
97
77
not shown
34
Percentage . . .
78.86
60.15
"
34.53
pointing out really, that the change to Aden had been, as regards the disease in the com
-
pany, beneficial. At Perim, the number of cases admitted was 14 in a strength of 52, and
out of 72 cases of disease in 1871, there were only 5 cases, Whilst in 1870 in the detachment
of the 12th Regiment N. I., there there 15 cases out of a total treated of 108.
This outpost I was unable to visit, and the inspection report of the Civil Surgeon, who
being senior medical officer at Aden, was deputed to visit Perim for me, does not enter into
the subject. Certain sanitary points brought forward by this officer, have been communicated
to the Brigadier General Commanding, and Resident at Aden.
The Superintendent Medical Department at Aden, an appointment now abolished, did not
consider that that fever was endemic in Aden, but that "it was traceable to India:'' this my
experience does not enable me yet to speak on; but it appears that as the sepoys are better fed
at this place, they may be considered better able to withstand any influence of the kind that
may exist; and, in examining into the amount of fever prevailing in regiments in the years 1870
and 1871, it does seem that the troops there appear as a rule, less under the influence of fever
than in most stations of Western India.
The 5th Regiment N.L.I., was to return to Belgaum, the station which it left for Aden,
soon after my inspection took place. From the excellent report of the medical officer in
charge, Assistant Surgeon Welsh, M.D., it will be observed that in the past year there was a
decrease in the number of sick, of 423 due to the subsidence of dengue and the decrease in
fever cases. Altogether the two years' residence at Aden, has by no means injuriously affected
the health of this regiment.
Some of the sanitary defective characters of the lines, e.g., drainage and urinals, have been
brought to the notice of the Brigadier-General Commanding.
The medical history of the Sappers and Miners 2nd company, shows that the health of
the men has been very good during the year. The decrease in sick from the previous year
was due to less fever, and only two cases of dengue against 70. There is no hospital for the
sick of this company, but they are well attended to in the excellent hospital of the native
regiment.
The general latrine of this company on the "Turkish system" attracted my attention.
On two visits made to it I did not detect the slightest foul smell. It would appear that as long
as the central pit lasts, from the centre of which a long shaft extends high into the air, the
plan must be successful.
Removal of the contents must, however, become necessary; and, if this can be effected
without nuisance, the "Turkish system" must be considered as a very excellent one for a
limited number of persons.
The Aden troop, with the exception of fever, in January, February, and March, was healthy,
and the men, when I visited Khora Muxee, appeared to enjoy good health. The Commanding
Officer was invalided to England in consequence of fever contracted while on patrol duty.
There is no hospital to this troop. The sick are treated in their houses, or, when
requiring more particular care, are sent to the regimental hospital—a very considerable dis
-
tance off.
The system of sick soldiers occupying their own huts while sick, is, it is almost needless
to remark, very objectionable. Harry Bawoo general No. 32, hospital assistant, has charge of
the troops, and sees out-patients, and prepares medicines in the store-room of the troop, which
is lent by the officer commanding for a dispensary.
11s