NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
VACCINATION UNDER SUPERINTENDENTS.
PRESIDENCY DIVISION.
Local Superintendent.—Sub-Assistant
Surgeon ANUNTA CHUNDROBA.
Establishment.—Three Vaccinators and Seven Peons.
YEARS.
1860....
1861....
Total
Vaccinated.
8,027
8,861
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
28
834
Decrease.
....
....
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
6,760
7,185
Percentage
of Success.
84.2
81.0
Eight thousand eight hundred and sixty-one persons have been vaccinated, there being
thus an increase of 834 over the total vaccinated during the year 1860, and 1,128 over the
average of the five preceding years. Of these, 5,107 were males, and 3,754 females. As to
caste, 967 were Christians, of whom 472 were Europeans; 5,688 were Hindoos of all castes;
1,602 Mussulmans; 535 Parsees; and 69 of other castes, chiefly Jews. As to ages, 4,080 were
under, and 4,781 above, one year of age. Of the total vaccinated, 7,185, or a percentage of
81.08, were successful; 891 were failures; and 785 have been entered as doubtful, as the result
could not be ascertained.
2. During the first part of the year small-pox prevailed to a great extent, and the attendance
at the stations, both in the mornings and evenings, was very great; but towards the end of the
year small-pox having disappeared, the attendance fell correspondingly.
3. Want of sufficient supply of good lymph is being daily felt with increased severity, as
the reluctance on the part of parents to allow matter being taken continues unabated. During
the last three or four months it has frequently happened that many applicants for vaccination
have been obliged to return disappointed, and have had to attend for several consecutive days
before they could get their children vaccinated.
4. The authorities of the Fort Gratuitous Dispensary, with some of the Parsee Graduates,
have been unremitting in their exertions to induce the Parsees to have recourse to vaccination,
and to a certain extent they have been successful. There were 535 Parsee children vaccinated
at the stations, being 228 more than the number vaccinated in the previous year, and 131
more than in 1858, the number of which was the largest ever vaccinated in the course
of one year during the past nine years. Probably the increase may be owing, to a certain
extent, to the unusually severe epidemic of small-pox of the past year. There can, however,
be no doubt that comparatively large as the number is, it is nothing compared to what it ought
to be, or what it would have been, if the greater part of the Parsee community were to avail
themselves of the advantages of vaccination.
1 v
2
CENTRAL CIRCLE.
Superintendent.—Assistant
Surgeon F. H. PLUMPTRE.
Establishment.—Thirty
Vaccinators.
YEARS.
1860....
1861....
Total
Vaccinated.
44,782
42,518
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
4,935
....
Decrease.
....
2,264
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
42,733
39,799
Percentage
of Success.
95.4
93.6
The Annual Report of vaccination in the districts I have recently held charge of, requires
to be viewed in its two aspects—as the late North Deccan Division, and the Central Circle,
which latter comprehends, in addition to the three zillahs of Poona, Ahmednuggur, and
Khandeish, that of Tanna, which, until the 1st of July last, constituted one-half of the late
Concan Division.
2. No alteration has been made in the system of checking Returns, nor do I see how any
improvement can be made over the excellent and simple one introduced by Assistant Surgeon
Davey, the former Superintendent of the late Northern Deccan Division. The plan of
having registers of vaccination kept by the Koolkurnies of villages in which the vaccinators
have been engaged, has been continued, and I believe that at the present time there is hardly
a village throughout the Khandeish, Ahmednuggur, and Poona zillahs in which the registers
of the vaccinated are not kept, and, as far as I can judge by personal inspection, faithfully kept.
3. On the subject of prejudice I have little to add to my remarks of last year beyond that the
experience of the past twelve months confirms all I had previously said. It is in large towns,
among large communities, that prejudice or indifference to the operation appears to exist most,
and where the strongest objections prevail among parents to having lymph taken from their
children. For instance, in Parnier, lately inspected by me, I found fifty children had been
vaccinated, all from lymph in glasses brought from the surrounding villages, instead of direct
from the vesicles, thus materially retarding the vaccinator in his work, besides making the
success of the operation more questionable.
4. Inoculation still appears to be carried on to a limited extent in this Circle. In March last
I received information of a man going about inoculating children in the villages in the
Dhonga Petta near Poona. I communicated with Mr. Kemball, the Magistrate in charge, who
immediately took effectual means for its suppression. Among the village population there
does not appear to be any impression that inoculation is objected to by Government.
3
SOUTHERN CIRCLE.
Superintendent.—Assistant
Surgeon W. PEACH, M.D.
Establishment.—Twenty-four
Vaccinators (Government).
Eighteen Vaccinators (Native Chiefs).
One Vaccinator (Sawunt Waree State).
ESTABLISHMENT.
Government . . . . .
Native Chiefs . .
Sawunt Waree . .
Years.
1860....
1861....
1860....
1861....
1860....
1861....
Total
Vaccinated.
35,904
25,391
9,351
11,971
4,585
4,645
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
2,751
....
....
2,620
450
60
Decrease.
....
10,513
594
....
....
....
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
32,978
23,759
8,654
11,075
3,837
3,997
Percentage
of Success.
91.8
93.5
92.5
92.5
83.6
86.0
During the year 1861 (in July) the Southern Deccan Division became the Southern Circle
by the addition of the Rutnagherry Zillah and the Sawunt Waree State. Seven vaccinators
were added to the establishment at the same time from the late Concan Division.
2. At the close of the year 1861 I was at Ghutt. After inspecting the work of the vacci-
nator employed by the Chief of that Talooka, I proceeded to Teekoteh and examined the
operations of the vaccinator entertained by the Koorundwar Chiefs. I found it unsatisfactory,
and the man has since been transferred to another portion of the Jagheer.
3. Afterwards proceeding to Beejapoor, I thoroughly inspected the work of the Government
vaccinator stationed there (General No. 133), and found it tolerably satisfactory. Here I
made an attempt to introduce lymph obtained from Bombay, but it proved unsuccessful.
From Beejapoor I went to Indee, a considerable town in the Sholapore Zillah, and found the
apprentice stationed there (General No. 168) doing well. His lymph was excellent, and his
operations generally successful.
4. I then visited Akulcote, and inspected the work of Vinkutash Durmajee, the vaccinator
employed by the Chief. He was suffering from sickness, but his lymph was good and active.
From thence proceeding northwards I reached Markeb, and inspected the work of Assistant
Vaccinator Mahadeo Ramchunder (General No. 81), and found it tolerably satisfactory.
5. Thence, in a westerly direction, I visited Punderpoor in the Sattara Collectorate, where
Trimbuck Annunt (General No. 84) is working. After a thorough inspection I went, viâ
Sholapore and Indee (again inspecting the operations of the vaccinator at the last-mentioned
place), in a southerly direction to Moodebhal, where I found the work of Assistant Vaccinator
Shreeneewas Ramchunder (General No. 87) very unsatisfactory. His returns for some time
have been very small, but his health has not been good.
6. From Moodebhall I went to Bagulcote in the Belgaum Zillah, and after inspecting the
work of Jaeram Kristna (General No. 88), I proceeded to Belgaum, where I arrived on the 2nd
June and closed my tour for the season.
4
NORTHERN CIRCLE.
Superintendent.—Assistant
Surgeon RUSTOMJEE BYRAMJEE.
Establishment.—Thirty-two
Vaccinators (Government).
Twenty -three Vaccinators (Native Chiefs).
ESTABLISHMENT.
Government . . . . .
Native Chiefs . .
Years.
1860....
1861....
1860....
1861....
Total
Vaccinated.
42,594
41,349
22,886
24,216
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
....
....
3,603
1,328
Decrease.
79
1,245
....
....
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
37,547
36,948
19,288
20,829
Percentage
of Success.
88.1
89.3
84.2
86.0
In the month of July 1861 the Eastern and Western Vaccination Divisions of Guzerat were
amalgamated and formed into the present Northern Circle. This being the first Report since
the formation of this Circle, I propose to give a general outline of its extent, population, &c.
It extends from 20° 15' to 24° 20 North latitude, and 71° 40' to 74° 20' East longitude, or is
about 280 miles long by from 10 to 200 miles broad. It includes the British territories under
the collectorates of Surat, Broach, Kaira, and Ahmedabad, also the Punch Mahals and the
territories of the Native States—Rajpeepla, Rewa Kanta, Mahee Kanta, Pahlenpoor, and Edur.
2. The following table shows the area and total population per square mile:—
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Ahmedabad .. .. .. ..
Kaira
..
..
..
..
Broach .. .. .. ..
Surat
..
..
..
..
..
Punch Mahals .. .. .. .. ..
Total....
6.
7.
8.
Mahee Kanta .. .. .. .. ..
Pahlenpoor .. .. .. .. ..
Rewa Kanta and Rajpeepla .. ..
Total Native Chiefs ....
Grand Total....
Area in Square
Miles.
4,437
1,375
1,325
1,540
1,400
10,077
4,000
4,041
4,868
12,909
22,986
Population.
561,560
580,631
259,284
407,239
143,595
1,952,309
311,046
365,362
325,156
1,001,564
2,953,873
Population
per Square
Mile.
126.5
422.2
195.6
264.4
102.5
193.7
77.7
90.4
66.7
77.5
125.1
5
3. Patels give or withhold their aid to the vaccinator according to their bias for or against
vaccination. The most zealous supporter of vaccination I met with was a poor Patel whose
face was disfigured from small-pox, and whose girl had lost an eye from the same disease.
Hindoos taken as a whole are most favourable to vaccination, and the Parsees the least.
But among the Hindoos the Nagger Brahmins are the most averse, with the exception of the
wild fishermen. This is a very unfortunate circumstance, as these Brahmins are the most
influential natives of this province, from their intelligence and their position, not only religious,
but public, holding Government situations, as they do, from Mamlutdarships downwards to
village Tallateenship. Here I must close these brief remarks for want of time, being about to
be relieved from the work of this office this day.
4. The table shows a decrease, amounting to 1,245, in the number vaccinated by the Govern-
ment establishment during the year, as compared with the work accomplished during the
corresponding months of 1860.
5. It is due to the Vaccinators to say, that as a body I believe they have worked steadily
and well throughout, while the conduct of several has given me every satisfaction. In one or
two instances it will be observed that the number falls short of the minimum fixed by the late
Superintendent of 120 operations per month. Various causes have contributed to this, and
some, such as temporary sickness, travelling or working in a thinly-inhabited district, are
admissible enough. But others were open to question and productive of vexation, particu-
larly the frequent complaint of the assistance of peons not being forthcoming—a matter no
doubt sometimes unavoidable, considering the claims of other duties, and the late reductions
of establishment. But even with these abatements the general results may be regarded as
satisfactory, giving as they do 129 vaccinations as the average monthly work of each Vacci-
nator. For the rest I have only to observe that the accuracy of their Returns has invariably
been tested by the check and scrutiny of the village authorities, through the agency of the
police, and on no occasion has any single instance of discrepancy as respects the figures been
disclosed.
6. The lymph continued good throughout, and the resulting vesicles were reported as well-
formed and distinctive. In no instance was any deterioration of the virus observed, nor was
there on any occasion interruption from its loss, whether by sickness or neglect, as occurred in
the previous year.
7. Small-pox was reported in the Mandal and Veerungaum districts, as well as at Deesa,
in April and May, and a few cases also were brought to notice by the vaccinator employed in
the Duskroie. No instance of inoculation was heard of; and as regards the great bulk of the
people, there does not appear to be any more serious obstacles to the spread of vaccination
than apathy and indifference.
6
SIND DIVISION.
Superintendent.—Assistant
Surgeon T. E. P. MARTIN.
Establishment.—Fifteen
Vaccinators.
YEARS.
1860....
1861....
Total
Vaccinated.
59,568
49,161
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
10,043
....
Decrease.
....
10,407
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
58,939
48,602
Percentage
of Success.
98.9
98.8
A falling off occurs in the number of operations this year as compared with 1860 to the
extent of 18,407.
2. In explanation of the deficiency, it may be said that the year has been unusually sickly ;
that two or three of the Vaccinators had to work during continued ill-health; and that there
have been changes in the establishment which have had an influence in lessening the number
of operations. Taking these circumstances into account, it may be considered that the actual
work done fairly represents the ordinary working powers of the establishment.
3. During the year, 28,034 males and 21,127 females have been vaccinated. Under one year
of age there were 13,977, and above that age 35,184 operations. The number of successful
cases (48,602) compared with the total number vaccinated (49,161) gives 98.8 as the percentage
of success in the operations of the year. The percentage of success is always high, and it is
necessary to repeat the qualification mentioned in previous reports—that this success is the
result of the re-vaccination of cases which were not considered satisfactory after the first
operation. As far as my own personal examinations have gone, it may be said that so quali-
fied, vaccination is nearly a certain operation when the lymph is taken from the vesicle on the
eighth day. The imperfect cicatrices which are noticed occasionally in every Vaccinator's
work are not the result of imperfect lymph, or of a careless operation, but of the inattention
generally of parents to preserve vesicles from being rubbed by tight-fitting sleeves or by the
hands. From these two causes I think it probable that numbers of operations reported as
successful are really doubtful.
4. The vaccine lymph continues in good condition; it does not appear to have suffered
any deterioration. This may be considered to afford satisfactory proof of the general care
of vaccinators to use good lymph. No ill-effects have been known to result from its use.
5. Epidemic small-pox has been very prevalent during the year—in the early part of it in
the Halla districts, and towards its close in the Nowsherah, Larkanna, and Khoree districts.
6. It would seem that an average of about 50,000 operations in the year represents the
work that the establishment can accomplish after very hard and continuous exertion, and
with considerable amount of valuable assistance from the Civil authorities.
7. It is considered that this represents about a fourth part of what could be effected with
a sufficient number of Vaccinators.
8. During the year the Commissioner in Sind was pleased to open up the subject of
vaccination in the territory of His Highness Meer Alli Morad. The results are very promising,
His Highness having actually consented to entertain two Vaccinators, wishing to have them
instructed.
7
KATTYWAR CIRCLE.
Superintendent.—Assistant
Surgeon R. G. LORD.
Establishment.—Eight
Vaccinators (Government).
Twenty-one Vaccinators (Native Chiefs).
ESTABLISHMENT.
Government . .
Native Chiefs . .
Years.
1860....
1861....
1860....
1861....
Total
Vaccinated.
4,257
6,100
13,234
16,122
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
....
1,843
....
2,888
Decrease.
487
....
125
....
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
3,976
5,677
11,897
14,648
Percentage
of Success.
93.4
93.0
89.8
90.8
There is abundance of good lymph in Kattywar, and when carefully selected where the
vesicles have not been interfered with and at the proper time, and transferred, as it usually is,
fresh from one child to others, perfectly satisfactory vaccination is generally the result. In
some cases, particularly about the commencement of the rains, when a tendency to become
purulent is observed in the lymph earlier than at other seasons of the year, I have generally
found it advisable for a few weeks, until this evidence of a tendency to degenerate has quite
disappeared, to select the clearest and most pure vesicles, and vaccinate from them on the
seventh day (i. e. 24 hours earlier than usual). A few repetitions of this has invariably suc-
ceeded in restoring completely its former characteristics to the vaccine. The transmission of
infection to a distance is a subject of much interest, and the possibility of doing so by sending
lymph in a liquid state by Dr. Husband's plan must be acknowledged one of the greatest aids
towards the propagation of good vaccination that modern discovery has afforded, and when
practicable it will, I presume, be resorted to in preference to all other means; but there may
be cases in which it cannot be practised, and where, as hitherto, infection must be sent in a
dried state. In such a case the principle to be observed is to exclude moisture, which, with
moderate heat, far sooner decomposes the lymph than a much higher temperature if it be dry.
This is practically illustrated in Dr. Davey's remarks as to the means so successfully employed
by him in transmitting lymph, by enclosing some coarsely-powdered quicklime in the packets
as suggested by Dr. Maxwell, of the Madras Army, the good effect of the lime being doubtless
due to its great affinity for water, the particles of which were thus absorbed before reaching
the other contents of the packet. I may observe that a similar result seems to have been
attained by the late Dr. Carrie, of Agra, who preserved his lymph or crusts (much as I have
been in the habit of doing) in layers of cotton wrapped in varnished calico or oiled silk.
2. There is no inoculation practised in Kattywar so far as I have ever been able to learn, and
no obstacles to vaccination but the prejudices and apathy of the people, added perhaps to a
want of faith in its efficacy, and the usual dislike to having infection taken from their children
for transfer to others.
3. Vaccination may be said in most cases in Kattywar to exist by sufferance—it was under-
taken by the Chiefs to please the Government; it is carried on with the same view. Its spread
depends therefore much on the notice taken of it by the Government Agents, and their coun-
8
tenance especially should be requested for it, and its progress be inquired after by them
earnestly, and as if with interest, while they travel through their districts. The Superintendent
has of himself no political or magisterial power, so carries but little weight, and can only
influence the Chiefs through the Political Agent or Assistants. To the latter then must
Government look in a great degree if it be their desire effectually to spread the benefits of
vaccination through this large and, in this respect, insufficiently-provided-for province.*
KUTCH.
YEARS.
1860....
1861....
Total
Vaccinated.
104
26
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
....
....
Decrease.
57
78
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
98
21
Percentage
of Success.
94.2
80.7
REPORT BY SURGEON M. STYLE, IN CHARGE OF BHOOJ DISPENSARY.
The Vaccinators usually go to perform their duties in the interior of Kutch in the beginning
of November and return at the close of June. But owing to the total failure of the monsoon
in 1860, His Highness, with the concurrence of the Political Agent, did not detach them into
the districts. It was only in November last that they have been sent on their tour, and since
that up to the 31 st of December they have only vaccinated twenty-six persons. It seems from
the reports of the Vaccinators that they get even this small number after visiting several
villages. It is evident that their business is not carried on well, and under these circumstances
there is every possibility of lymph being spoiled.
PEINT (NASSICK).
YEARS.
1860....
1861....
Total
Vaccinated.
590
122
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
162
....
Decrease.
....
472
Success-
fully-
Vaccinated.
453
68
Percentage
of Success.
76.7
55.7
To stimulate individual exertions among the Vaccinators, I had in comtemplation to offer annually prizes of 50, 30,
and 20 Rupees each to the three most deserving men on the establishment, whether in Government or Native Chiefs'
employ, the expenditure of which small amount (Rs. 100 per annum) I hoped to have been able to get sanctioned from
one of the local funds (the infanticide one probably). The qualifications for prizes I would say should be—1st, Industry
(value 1,000), for highest number vaccinated; 2nd, Capability (value 500), as evidenced by success of operation
performed, distinctness of scars in old cases, and good quality of lymph in new; 3rd, Attentiveness (value 500), as
shown by regularity in conducting business, correctness of Returns, and punctuality in forwarding them ; 4th, Fitness
(value 500), as shown by absence of complaints and favourable reception of the Vaccinator by villages and authorities
under whom employed. The prizes to be awarded by Superintendent and Vaccination Committee. Names of successful
candidates to be noted in the Political Agent's annual Report of Province ; and if a little credit were given by Government
to the Chiefs in whose employ successful candidates were, it would, I am sure, give encouragement and create an interest
in the subject not now felt.
9
VACCINATION UNDER CIVIL SURGEONS.
TANNA.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon, Assistant Surgeon J. KEARNEY (Acting).
YEARS.
1860....
1861....
Total
Vaccinated.
221
256
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
....
35
Decrease.
14
....
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
207
221
Percentage
of Success.
93.6
86.3
The Annual Vaccine Return is more favourable than that of the preceding year, there being
an addition of thirty-five vaccinations, though the Return includes a period of nine months only.
POONA.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon, Assistant Surgeon J. G. FRASER, M.D.
YEARS.
1860....
1861....
Total
Vaccinated.
1,889
1,753
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
429
....
Decrease.
....
136
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
1,540
1,487
Percentage
of Success.
81.5
84.8
During the year 1861 there have been 1,055 males and 698 females vaccinated, which, as
compared with the total vaccinations for the previous year 1860, shows a decrease of 157 males,
and an increase of 21 females, the total number of vaccinations for the year 1861 being 136
less than for the preceding year 1860. The lymph has been very good throughout the whole
year, and in the majority of cases has produced a full, healthy-looking vesicle. In those cases in
which the lymph has been sent to a distance on glasses, it has, so far as I am aware, proved
equally successful. The Assistant Vaccinator states the greatest number of failures to have
occurred during the wet, rainy season of the monsoon.
2. The Assistant Vaccinator is a very steady and attentive man, and visits the different parts
of the city on different days of the week. He is always accompanied by a police peon as a
protection and guide, and since this practice has been adopted he has seldom met with any
obstruction or opposition in the performance of his duty.
2v