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SKETCH OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
Filarial Medinensis.—Seven cases of guinea-worm have been admitted during the year, but
if it be true that the filaria medinensis takes nearly a year to reach maturity and make itself
felt, the water of Kolhápur cannot be blamed for its occurrence, as the last case was admitted
in September. Most of the worms were single, but one unfortunate man had four extracted—
two from each leg.
Deaths.—In September, an Afreedi, aged 21, died of remittent fever, complicated with
bronchitis and enlarged spleen. Previous to his fatal illness, the poor man had suffered fre-
quently and severely from ague. In October a Goojur, aged 20, died of pneumonia, after five days'
illness. These were the only two deaths that occurred in hospital. The most interesting
death out of hospital was that of a bheestie who died suddenly in his house. On the court of
inquest it was ascertained that he went to bed in his usual health about 9 P.M., awoke about
midnight, and complained of nausea ; in a short time dyspnœa with tearing pain in the
prœcordium supervened, and death ensued. On post mortem examination, the pericordium
was found distended with blood which had issued from a rupture in the wall of the right
venticle.
Eighteen men proceeded on sick certificate during the year. Only 3 were natives of the
Bombay Presidency, the remaining 15 were Hindoostanees, 6 Afreedies, 2 Punjabees, 4 Dogras,
and 1 Rajpoot.
These foreigners after a severe illness, will not get well without leave to their native
country; when weak from illness, home sickness causes them to pine and lower their vital powers
as well as their spirits.
SANITARY REPORT BY THE MEDICAL OFFICER IN CHARGE.
The lines are built on rock, thinly overlaid by red soil, with a good natural drainage fall
on all sides. The houses have been repaired during the year, and are now in good condition.
Water is got from 12 wells. It is clear, sparkling, and free from smell. No diseases
attributable to the use of bad drinking-water have occurred.
The hospital is a well-constructed stone building, raised on a stone plinth. It is situated
on the Belgaum road. The ventilation is on the whole good, but during the prevalence of the
east winds the building is draughty, which renders the treatment of bronchitic and rheumatic
cases in it difficult. The latrine accommodation is ample.
The latrines (like those of the hospital on the Dry system) are good, sufficient, and well
looked after.
The lines and bazar are always kept clean.
H. M.'s DETACHMENT POONA HORSE.
KALA'DGI.—In Medical Charge of Assistant Surgeon J. R. LOWRY, M.D.; Strength 77.
During the year 1872 there was an increase of 63 cases treated over that of the previous
year. There were 68 cases of intermittent fever treated during the year, being an increase of
21 on the year before. Acute rheumatism also furnished an increase of 8 cases. Chronic
rheumatism 4, diarrhœa 10, colic 8 more than the year 1871. The chief number of intermit-
tent fever cases occurred in the first seven months of the year, June and July showing the
largest number of cases, viz., 12, 10 and 14. The cases of acute rheumatism occurred during
the latter half of the year, but those of chronic rheumatism in the former half. The cases of
diarrhœa and colic occurred generally throughout the 12 months. The only important disease
that shows a decrease, compared with the year 1871, is dysentery—two cases less occurring last
year. The above large increase of diseases treated over the previous years, is somewhat
lessened, when I state that the annual report of 1871 was commenced from the 6th of
February 1871, the date the Detachment Poona Horse arrived here ; so that 1872 has one
month and six days during which cases were treated, while 1871 had not. The other cause for
the increased sickness, especially fever, rheumatism, and diarrhœa, was, I think, due a good
deal to the cold winds which prevailed during the month of May, June, and July, and also to
the increased quantity of rain which fell last year. These are the only reasons I can give, as
the lines seem as healthy, and the water used is the same as last year, with the exception of
one, and that is the lazy and inert life the men of the detachment seem to lead. And as a
continuance of inactivity increases always the sick list among men, I think that shows nearly
the chief reason why the men of the detachment present a far greater sick list than in the year
1871, when they were fresh from head-quarters. There is no European officer with the detach-
ment.
No deaths occurred during the year. Five men were invalided from a period of one to
four months, chiefly for debility after fever.