NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
30
VACCINATION IN THE NATIVE STATES.
SOUTHERN DECCAN DIVISION.
Sixteen Vaccinators—under the Superintendent—stationed in the Kolapore terri-
tories, and in the Collectorates of Sattara, Belgaum, and Sholapore.
Years.
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
10,275
9,900
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
1,552
. . . .
Decrease.
. . . .
375
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
9,662
9,121
Percentage
of Success.
94.0
92.1
REPORT FOR 1858.
THE total number vaccinated in 1858 is 10,275 against 8,723 in 1857, showing an
increase of 1,552, or 17 per cent. This is entirely due to the improvement in four of the
Belgaum Jagheers, viz. Sanglee, Meeruz, Kajwar, and Moodhole. The unsettled state of affairs
in the Jumkhundee Jagheer, has prevented a similar improvement from taking place there.
The proportion of males to females is 47.5 per cent. against 47.0 per cent. in 1857. There
would seem to have been a prejudice at first against allowing female children to be vaccinated,
which is now overcome, as, from 1853 to the present time, the proportion of females has con-
stantly increased. The number " under one year" gives a proportion of 27.7 per cent. against
24.4 in 1857. The proportion of successful operations has again increased, being 94 per cent.
against 93.1 in 1857. The condition of the lymph and vesicles has been good throughout the
year, and no inoculation has been reported. Small-pox has prevailed throughout all the Jag¬
heers more or less. According to the report of the Vaccinators, it was epidemic in Akulkote—
Sholapore—in April and May, and in Moodhole—Belgaum—in April. In the Kolapore States
it was very prevalent in the months of January, February, and March, but not in so severe a
form as is indicated by the returns from the Collectorates; 3,331 cases are recorded, and 410
deaths, or about 12 per cent.
Regarding the extension of vaccination, I have little to suggest further than the necessity
of constantly urging on the Chiefs, and those in authority under them, to give all the assistance
in their power, by making their people acquainted with the objects and advantages of vaccina-
tion, and by seeing that the village authorities do their duty in helping the Vaccinators to
procure children, and duly confirming their reports. I am fully convinced that frequent visits
to the Native States' Vaccinators by the Superintendent, are quite as beneficial as to Govern-
ment Vaccinators. Such visits have the effect of showing practically to the people that the
Government has no hidden object in promoting vaccination, and, for a time at least, a
healthy stimulus is given to the work. The present feeling among the Chiefs seems to be
favourable, and I have no reason to think that any impediment has been caused by the decision
come to by the Government in 1857, of leaving the direct communication with the Vaccinators
in the hands of the Chiefs themselves, rather than with the Superintendent.
31
REPORT FOR 1859.
SIXTEEN Vaccinators have been employed, distributed as follows :—4 in Sattara, 5
in Kolapore, 6 in Belgaum, and 1 in Sholapore.
There has been a slight decrease in the number vaccinated during the year, the number
being 9,900 in 1859 against 10,275 in 1858, showing a decrease of 375 ; the principal cause
has been cholera in some of the districts.
The average number vaccinated by each Vaccinator is 619 in 1859 against 642 in 1858.
In the Kolapore States alone does vaccination make any satisfactory progress. In the Sattara
and Belgaum Jagheers, it is neither received by the people willingly, nor do the Chiefs
take any interest in its diffusion. In the Sattara Jagheers, the Vaccinators themselves are
careless to a great degree ; and the Chiefs and their Karbaries, though promising all assistance
when I am present, do so without any intention of performing their promises. The same may
be said of the Belgaum Jagheers, the state of things in Jumkundee, Koorundwar, and
Moodhole being particularly unsatisfactory.
There is hardly any change in the proportion of females to males, being 47.3 in 1859
against 47.5 in 1858. In respect to age, the proportion " under one year" is very nearly the
same as in 1858, viz. 27.5 in 1859 against 27.7 in 1858. The percentage of success is less
than in 1858, being 92.1; but this, I think, arises from the gradual giving up of the practice
entertained by some Vaccinators of recording only successful cases.
In the number of " other castes vaccinated," there is a very decided improvement, being
480 in 1859 against 315 in 1858, and 155 the average of the six previous years. The condi-
tion of the lymph and vesicles is good. Lymph has been occasionally lost through careless-
ness and other causes, but has at once been replaced. Small-pox prevailed more or less
in Jagheers in the months of March, April, May, and June; but I have not the means of ascer-
taining to what degree, as it is only from the Kolapore States that quarterly Returns are sent.
An experience of two-and-a-half years has satisfied me that very little progress must
be looked for, as long as the control of the Vaccinators is in the hands of the Chiefs
themselves. There is hardly one of them who takes the slightest interest in the extension
of vaccination. They entertain Vaccinators, because it is the desire of Government that they
should do so; but there it would seem they consider their duty in the matter to stop. All
attempts to induce them to carry out my arrangements, either by personal interviews or
through the medium of the Political Agents, have failed. Everything is promised, but
nothing is performed. In the Kolapore States alone, as before stated, does vaccination make
anything like satisfactory progress.
EASTERN GUZERAT.
REWA KANTA AND RAJPEEPLA.
Under the Superintendent Eastern Division.
Years.
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
5,846
4,774
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
....
....
Decrease.
1,910
1,072
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
4,548
3,672
Percentage
of Success.
77.7
76.9
32
REPORT FOR 1858.
THE total number vaccinated amounted to 5,846, being a decrease of 1,910 from the former
year. The decrease is due to the causes explained by the Superintendent in his Report of
Guzerat, see page 21 ante. There were 2,882 males, and 2,964 females vaccinated. Under
one year of age 1,256, and above 4,590. The percentage of sucess was 77.7.
REPORT FOR 1859.
THE total number vaccinated was 4,774, being a considerable falling off even from last
year, but which is not explained by the Superintendent.
WESTERN GUZERAT.
MYHEE KANTA AND PALHUNPORE.
Under the Superintendent North-Western Division.
Years.
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
13,693
14,511
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
....
818
Decrease.
1,596
....
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
11,544
12,520
Percentage
of Success.
84.3
86.2
REPORT FOR 1858.
THE total number vaccinated during the year has been 13,693. In the year 1857, 15,289
were vaccinated, so that the decrease amounts to 1,596. This is to be accounted for by the
disturbed state of the country, and the unsettled disposition of the people. The average
number vaccinated by each Vaccinator is about 1,369. Only about 52 per cent. are under
one year of age, owing to the unfrequency of the Vaccinators' visits in the large districts
allowed to each Vaccinator. The proportion of females to males is 93.5 per cent., and the
percentage of success about 84.3 per cent. This large percentage of unsuccessful cases is
owing to the Vaccinators' districts being separated by the intervention of other States, so that
one part of the charge is eight or ten koss from the other. The Vaccinator leaves one
part of the charge without ascertaining the result of his last operations, but enters them in
the Register as " doubtful."
REPORT FOR 1859.
THE total number vaccinated during the year has been 14,511, against 13,693 in 1858, or
about 818 more, which, I hope, is but the beginning of a steady increase. The percentage
of those under and over one year of age is nearly equal—about 50 per cent.
NOTE.—The remaining remarks by the Superintendent will be found embodied in the Report of
Western Guzerat at page 25 ante.
33
KATTYWAR CIRCLE.
Superintendent.—Assistant
Surgeon R. G. Lord, M.D.
Establishment.—Eight
Vaccinators (Government).
Nineteen Vaccinators (Native Chiefs).
[Whilst vaccination was an experimental measure in Kattywar, the Superintendent furnished
a Report each half-year to Government as well as the Departmental Annual Report, and
from both these sources the following Reports have been derived.]
Establishment.
Government ....
Native Chiefs...
Years.
1858....
1859....
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
4,289
4,744
9,572
13,359
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
1,716
455
3,734
3,787
Decrease.
....
....
....
....
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
3,674
4,287
8,392
11,992
Percentage
of Success
85.6
90.3
87.6
89.7
REPORT FOR 1858.
A REFERENCE to the records in the Civil Hospital at Rajcote shows that ten years ago, and
for some time anterior, the only means for diffusing vaccination in the districts of Kattywar,
under control of the Political Agent—comprising an area of 20,000 square miles, with a popu-
lation of about a million and a-half,—consisted of two Second Assistant Vaccinators under the
Civil Surgeon of the Agency. This state of things appears to have continued so late as till
September 1853, when, in consequence of the indifferent character of the Vaccinators, repeatedly
reported by the Civil Surgeon, and the unsatisfactory state of vaccination generally throughout
the province, it was resolved to discharge the two Assistants, appoint a Station Vaccinator for
local duty under the Civil Surgeon, and transfer the district charge to the Superintendent of
Vaccination in the Western Division of Guzerat, augmenting his Establishment so as to admit
of his detaching a portion of it to Kattywar. The principal Native Chiefs were, at the same
time, invited to keep up Vaccinators, trained by the Superintendent, for their own districts; and
a few of them agreed to do so. The scheme, however, did not seem to succeed. Some of the
Vaccinators were discharged; others, though continued,were not trusted or encouraged; and at the
close of 1856 the strength of the Native Chiefs Establishment was actually lower than in the earlier
periods of the experiment. The strength of the Government Establishment was at the same time
six; but these men were generally employed in large towns, the Chiefs of which could afford to
keep up Vaccinators for their own people. The amount of work thus placed within reach of
the Government Vaccinators was considerable ; but their number was quite inadequate to the
extent of country for which provision had to be made. No more hope seemed forthcoming
from the Chiefs, and the Political Agent did not hold out much hope of any increase. The
demands for the Superintendent's presence in other portions of his too extensive Division,
which put it beyond his power to devote as much personal attention to Kattywar as its extent,
perhaps, demanded; and from his residing generally at Ahmedabad, and his subordinates being
R
38
SAWUNT WARREE.
Years.
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
5,426
4,135
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
....
....
Decrease.
676
1,291
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
4,257
3,194
Percentage
of Success.
78.4
77.2
REPORT FOR 1858.
By Assistant Surgeon J. KEARNEY, in Medical charge.
THE number vaccinated during the year has been 5,426, being 676 less than in the
previous year. The district is said to have an area of about 1,000 square miles; a population
of 162,000 souls; and the number of houses about 28,000, which will give 162 inhabitants
to the square mile, and between five and six residents to each house. From the first
establishment of vaccination—on 13th May 1844—to 31st December 1858, 73,672 souls
have been vaccinated. Calculating in round numbers, this will give a proportion to the
population of upwards of 45 per cent. If the percentage of success be taken at eighty, the
proportion of successful vaccination to the population will be upwards of thirty-six; that
is to say—from the Returns of the past fifteen years,—it may be considered that, at least,
thirty out of every hundred persons of the population of this district have been success-
fully vaccinated. Last month I examined carefully 824 men and boys entered on the
strength of the local Corps. I found that 88 had been protected by Small-pox, and 319 by
inoculation, making a total of 407 out of 824, sanctioning the statement that every other
person was protected otherwise than by vaccination. All the rest had been vaccinated. On
examining these people, to ascertain the time when they suffered disease or were operated
upon, I found that all those inoculated had been so when children or infants, so that I think
we may be justified in considering that at this day a great part of the Warree population is
protected. Moreover, when it is shown that thirty out of every hundred have been vaccinated;
that out of a body of men not chosen with any reference to protection from Small-pox, every
other man was protected, and that chiefly by inoculation, it may be granted that sixty out
of every hundred persons in this State are protected from Small-pox. However, in the absence
of any distinct census referring to the matter, it must be considered that continued and
unwearied industry and perseverance are yet necessary, especially when it is found that Small-
pox, in its visit to this locality, can still find its victims; for last year forty-five instances
occurred in the Warree and Koodal divisions of the districts, of which seven died.
REPORT FOR 1859.
By Sub-Assistant Surgeon BURJORJEE FRAMJEE.
THE number vaccinated during the past year has been 4,135, which is less than that of the
preceding by 1,291. The diminution is supposed to be owing to the comparatively little scope
39
which there is for work now than previously, when vaccination was established. The condition
of the lymph throughout the year has been said to be uniformly good. During the past two
months of the year, I have myself noticed the practice of vaccination in the Warree town, and
watched its results, and from personal observation, I can assert that the vesicles have been
pretty good, though I must confess not so good and well-formed as might be wished,—pro-
bably because the children vaccinated are from two to ten years of age, and prone to scratch
the vesicles, as well as being not unfrequently covered with itch.
BHOOJ.
Years.
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
677
161
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
....
....
Decrease.
527
516
Success-
fully.
Vaccinated.
656
138
Percentage
of Success.
96.8
85.7
REPORT FOR 1858.—By Mr. SUDASEW HEMRAJ.
IN the last year there have been 677 persons vaccinated throughout the whole province
of Kutch. The number is 527 less than the previous year, showing that vaccination is
decreasing in Kutch year by year, and this cannot be ascribed to anything but prejudice and
apathy on the part of the people. There is a belief prevalent in Kutch, that allowing their
children to be vaccinated would provoke the Goddess which is supposed to preside over
Small-pox.
REPORT FOR 1859.
IN the last year there have been 161 persons vaccinated throughout the whole province of
Kutch and city of Bhooj. This number, compared with that of the preceding year, shows a
decrease of 516. From this it will appear that vaccination is not going on in Kutch. The
Vaccinators report it is after visiting several villages that they find a few subjects for
vaccination, not, however, without great difficulty and persuasion. They say that they do not
receive a cordial reception in any of the villages, and they are looked upon rather with con-
tempt than otherwise. The cause was explained in the last year's report. It is to vaccination
that these people attribute the severe epidemic of Small-pox that broke out in this country
in 1857. I think vaccination cannot be practised in Kutch with success, unless it is made
lawful and compulsory on the people.
40
VACCINATION UNDER CIVIL SURGEONS.
PEINT (NASSICK.)
Years.
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
330
428
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
25
98
Decrease.
....
....
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
230
313
Percentage
of Success.
69.6
73.1
REPORT FOR 1858.—By Sub-Assistant Surgeon R. SPENCER.
THE Native Vaccinator is diligent in using his best endeavours to procure children for
vaccination ; and the Mamlutdar has aided, as far as possible, the efforts of the Vaccinator
in overcoming the prejudices of the people.
TANNA.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon.
Years.
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
336
235
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
82
....
Decrease.
....
101
Success¬
fully
Vaccinated.
319
204
Percentage
of Success.
94.7
86.8
REPORT FOR 1858.—By Assistant Surgeon A. V. WARD.
THE number of persons vaccinated during the year was 336, being 82 in excess of the
preceding year, viz. 254 ; 94 per cent. of the cases have been successful. The lymph in use
has been of very good quality. The Assistant Vaccinator's conduct has been satisfactory. The
prejudices against vaccination among the bulk of the Tanna population continues in full force.
REPORT FOR 1859.
No Report was forwarded, owing to the illness and absence of the Civil Surgeon.
41
POONA.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon.
Years.
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
1,236
1,460
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
....
224
Decrease.
456
....
Success¬
fully
Vaccinated.
970
1,228
Percentage
of Success.
78.4
84.1
RETORT FOR 1858.—By Assistant Surgeon J. KEITH, M.D.
BOTH lymph and vesicles were good and successful till the middle of July, when the
lymph became inert, and continued so till the end of October, when it was renewed. Since
then the lymph and vesicles have resumed their former condition, and have been very
successful. Small-pox prevailed in the city, in an epidemical form, from February to
July with considerable mortality. After the first heavy fall of rain the epidemic began to
decline, and in July and August it entirely disappeared.
REPORT FOR 1859.—By Surgeon G. G. W. MAITLAND.
A GOOD supply of excellent lymph has been successfully kept up throughout the year, and
on every occasion that I have had an opportunity of examining the vesicles, they have been
found of the true vaccine-pox. The city and suburbs have been remarkably free from
Small-pox during the period under report. A few isolated cases, of course, may have
occurred, but the disease has not shown itself in an epidemic form.
AHMEDNUGGUR.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon.
Years.
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
1,349
986
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
237
....
Decrease.
....
363
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
1,249
855
Percentage
of Success.
92.5
86.7
F
42
REPORT FOR 1858.—By Assistant Surgeon J. G. FRASER, M.D.
THE lymph has always been good, and when the operation is properly performed, it seldom
fails to produce a large, well-formed vesicle. The Vaccinator has frequently made the
remark that the lymph does not act so readily or effectually in cloudy or damp weather; the
hot weather he considers more favourable than any other season. No case of Small-pox has
come under observation during the past year. The practice of inoculation does not appear to
prevail at Ahmednuggur. No case has come under notice; but several instances in which
the Vaccinator was obstructed in the performance of his duty have been brought to the notice
of the local authorities.
REPORT FOR 1859.—By Assistant Surgeon A. M. ROGERS, M.D.
I HAVE carefully examined those vaccinated at the Civil Hospital, and discarded as
unsuccessful every case which did not present a thoroughly well-developed vesicle upon a
well-defined inflamed base—" the pearl upon the rose,"—numbers of which, I feel convinced,
would have been placed amongst the " Successful" by an uncontrolled Native Vaccinator. It
can be seen how very satisfactory even the percentage obtained is. The lymph has always
been good, because invariably taken from a well-developed vesicle. I have myself frequently
used it in vaccinating the children of Europeans, and it has never once failed.
The decrease shown in the Return for the year 1859 may, in a great measure, be accounted
for by the fact that cholera prevailed in the city to an alarming extent for several months in
the year—a visitation from which it was spared in 1853. The inhabitants were greatly alarmed
by the presence of the epidemic; many children were carried off by it; and the whole of the
native population were so influenced by their superstitious notions, that it was next to impos-
sible, without resorting to most unjustifiable force, to find subjects upon whom to operate.
The difficulties which, under ordinary circumstances, the Vaccinator has to contend against,
are very great and most trying; in fact, a more disagreeable duty a man could scarcely be
engaged in. It is only after the utmost trouble parents can be induced to bring their children
to undergo the operation ; but after it has proved successful, it is next to impossible to get
the children so as to examine the vesicles, and remove from them some good lymph for
extending the prophylactic.
SATTARA.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon.
Years.
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
2,116
2,016
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
883
....
Decrease.
....
100
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
1,818
1,725
Percentage
of Success.
85.9
85.5
43
REPORT FOR 1858.—By Assistant Surgeon M. MACKENZIE.
DURING the past year (1S58), the Assistant Vaccinator has carried on operations in the town
and in nine of the neighbouring villages, the aggregate population of which amounts to thirty-
three thousand of all ages. The lymph has been good; the vesicles healthy, but small. The
periodical introduction of fresh virus seems to me very desirable towards the end of the cold
season. Small-pox has not existed in the town or neighbourhood. I am not aware of any
obstructions which have tended to impede the progress of vaccination, nor do I believe that
inoculation exists within the range of my operations.
REPORT FOR 1859.—By Assistant Surgeon M. MACKENZIE.
THE vaccination in Sattara and the neighbouring villages, during the past year, numbered
2,016, which, although it shows a decrease of 100 from that of last year, is nevertheless wonder-
fully large, considering the great prevalence of cholera in and about Sattara in the months of
May, June, July, and August. When such diseases as cholera break out, a sudden panic seems
to strike the natives, and it is with great disrelish they allow vaccination to be carried on.
There have been no cases of Small-pox in Sattara or the neighbouring villages; and every
aid has been afforded to the Vaccinator in the performance of his duties; nor do I hear of any
cases of inoculation being practised.
SHOLAPORE.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon.
Years.
1858....
1359....
Total
Vaccinated.
1,355
1,405
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
....
50
Decrease.
233
....
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
1,207
1,190
Percentage
of Success.
89.0
84.6
REPORT FOR 1858.—By Assistant Surgeon C. J. SYLVESTER, M.D.
DURING the past year, the number vaccinated in the town of Sholapore has amounted to
1,355, being 267 in excess of the average number vaccinated during the previons five years,
but 233 less than 1857. This decrease, however, is only apparent, as the residents in the
Sudder Bazar, who were vaccinated in the latter year by the Assistant Vaccinator, were
included in my Return; whereas, in the past year, vaccinations in the Bazar have been
performed by the Native Vaccinator, under the superintendence of the Staff Surgeon,
and are consequently omitted in the accompanying Returns; they amount to 343. Of
the total number vaccinated during 1858, 1,019 were males, and 336 females. This great
disparity, which has been frequently observed in this locality, is difficult to account for.
I am not aware that any prejudice exists in regard to the vaccination of females, although