NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
45
places. Vaccination is regularly practised amongst those prisoners in the Jail who are
ascertained, on their admission, to be protected neither by a previous attack of Small-pox, nor
by vaccination. The percentage of success in these cases is much below that of the operations
conducted outside the Jail, many of those operated on having probably had Small-pox
previously, though exhibiting no marks of the disease. I have received every assistance
from the Civil authorities in extending the benefits of vaccination to the inhabitants of
Sholapore; and I am satisfied with the manner in which the Assistant Vaccinator has con-
ducted his duties.
DHOOLIA.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon.
Years.
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
912
633
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
....
....
Decrease.
12
279
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
758
601
Percentage
of Success.
83.1
94.9
REPORT FOR 1858.—By Assistant Surgeon R. W. JAMES, M.D.
DURING the past year 912 persons were vaccinated, viz. 488 males, and 424 females; but
of these the large number 154 is given as doubtful. This is owing to a great number of
people either leaving the station, or declining to show their children after the operation has
been performed; consequently, all such cases that are not seen after being vaccinated are
returned as doubtful. There is a decrease of twelve in the number vaccinated this year from
that of 1857; but this is mainly owing to the strong antipathy the Brahmins and high class
natives have to the prophylactic, and to the fact that, during the last year, the station has
been free from Small-pox.
REPORT FOR 1859.—By Assistant Surgeon R.W. JAMES, M.D.
DURING the year 633 persons have been vaccinated, viz. 308 males, and 325 females. Of
these, 32 or nearly 20 per cent, are returned as doubtful, owing to the parents, either
intentionally or unavoidably, removing the children after the operation, so as to prevent the
lymph being taken. Amongst Brahmins there is not only a great dislike to thin children
being vaccinated, but after the operation they object to the lymph being taken away, as an
opinion is very prevalent amongst them that the children are weakened thereby. An
epidemic of Small-pox broke out- during the months of June and July in Dhoolia and the
surrounding districts, more generally in the latter.
46
NASSICK.
One Vaccinator under the Sub-Assistant Surgeon.
Years.
1858.. ..
1859 ....
Total
Vaccinated.
1,100
1,110
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
....
10
Decrease.
332
....
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
826
870
Percentage
of Success.
75.1
78.3
No special Reports furnished.
AHMEDABAD.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon.
Years.
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
3,057
2,620
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
275
....
Decrease.
....
437
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
2,835
2,454
Percentage
of Success.
92.7
93.6
REPORT FOR 1858.—By Assistant Surgeon D. WYLLIE, M.D.
THE total number subjected to vaccination during the past year was 3,057, that for 1857
being 2,782. An increase of 275 is thus shown on the side of the year's operations; and
this satisfactory result is, perhaps, chiefly due to the circumstance of a few cases of
Small-pox appearing in the city—an occurrence that never fails to cause a demand for
protection. The lymph employed was of good quality throughout, and the resulting vesicles
have been well formed. A few cases of Small-pox appeared in the city during February and
the early part of March. The total number attacked, however, did not, perhaps, exceed fifty.
Inoculation does not appear to be practised—not a single instance having been reported for
years past. The present system seems to work well under the Native Vaccinator—a man
possessing great experience, and whose uniform attention, blended as it is with much kindness
of manner, well qualifies him for the duty. The assistance of Police Peons is always available,
but now less wanted than formerly, Hindoos of every caste and social condition voluntarily
submitting their children, and opposition appears now to be confined to that comparatively
small section of the Mussulman population constituting the Borah community.
47
REPORT FOR 1859.—By Assistant Surgeon D. WYLLIE, M.D.
THE total number vaccinated during the year was 2,620, being a decrease of 437 as com-
pared with the operations of the previous year. The circumstance of rubeola having prevailed
to some considerable extent during the early months of the season tended for a time to
retard the progress of vaccination, and to this contingency the decrease noticed may be partly
ascribed; while, on the other hand, the increased demand for vaccination, arising from the
presence of Small-pox, noticed in 1858, has had no parallel during the past year. The
lymph has continued good throughout the year, and the resulting vesicles have been well
formed and distinctive. On no occasion has the virus undergone deterioration in respect of
protective efficiency, such as has been remarked in the Deccan during the continuance of rain.
There has likewise been abundance available at all times to meet the wants of neighbouring
medical officers, and I have also been enabled to send supplies to Rajpootana. No case of
Small-pox, cither in the city or suburbs, has been reported within the year, nor has a
single instance of inoculation been brought to notice. There is no active opposition or
antagonism whatever to contend against. Some of the Mussulman population—such as the
Borahs, for the most part—simply refuse vaccination; others receive it with evident distrust,
and often only after much persuasion. The Hindoos are more accessible ; they seldom resist
solicitation, though many still feign excuses, especially on such occasions as season of the year
or condition of health ; but the large majority are absolutely indifferent and passive in the
matter. It will thus be understood that, unless under the stimulus of fear, such as the presence
of Small-pox ever awakens, few comparatively are voluntary applicants. That class at
present is represented chiefly by Bunjaras and other jungle races, and some of the
more enlightened of the Government employeés. But time, however, in its progress is,
no doubt, slowly and surely accomplishing the desired end, although the fact of wandering
tribes being still foremost to appreciate the boon be barely suggestive of such a
conclusion.
KAIRA.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon.
Years.
1858....
1859 ...
Total
Vaccinated.
1,236
1,129
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
....
....
Decrease.
212
107
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
1,167
1,052
Percentage
of Success.
94.4
93.1
REPORT FOR 1853.—By Assistant Surgeon C. K. COLSTON.
THE total number vaccinated during the year was 1,236 ; that for the year 1857 was 1,448,
showing a decrease of 212 on the whole. This decrease must not be attributed to any
relaxation of the duties of the Vaccinator, or to any increased opposition having been offered to
the practice by the people, but to a lack of subjects ; in very few cases indeed has there been
48
any objection offered. This total includes Kaira and the villages in the immediate neighbour-
hood. In the villages around there is less opposition offered than in the town ; but
instances do occur in every village where a few of the inhabitants have an objection to their
children being vaccinated. The vesicles and lymph have been for the most part healthy ;
the former occasionally have been small, and not well developed. In the town of Kaira four
cases of Small-pox were reported; the cases were children, averaging from three to five years
of age, and neither had been vaccinated; the cases were all fatal. One case in the Camp
Bazar was reported to me, in which the subject—a young man—had been vaccinated as a child;
this case was mild. Two fatal cases occurred in the villages, near of the ages of one and two
years; one had been vaccinated successfully, the other had not been vaccinated.
In the course of the year the Police Corps at Kaira was recruiting largely, and a correspondence
took place regarding the vaccination of Kolie recruits. The subject having been brought
before Government, the opinion of the Commandant and of the Police Commissioner being,
I believe, that, if any attempt were made to vaccinate Kolie recruits, they would desert,
especially if done in a body. Since that the Guzerat Provincial Battalion has been raised, the
Kolie recruits for which have been regularly and systematically vaccinated, sometimes singly
at others in batches of ten or twelve, as the case may be, no objection has been offered in any
single case, and no desertions have taken place in consequence. I therefore conclude that,
had I been allowed to follow the same practice in the case of the Police, the alarming results
anticipated would not have taken place.
REPORT FOR 1859.—By Assistant, Surgeon C. K. COLSTON.
THE total number vaccinated during the year was 1,129; that for the year 185S, 1,236—
a slight diminution in the past year on the preceding ; but the Assistant Vaccinator has been
active in performing his duty. As must be expected, there is some degree of opposition of a
passive nature to vaccination being fully carried out, owing to the prejudices, apathy, fears, &c.
in the native mind. The number of males vaccinated exceeds, by more than double, that of
females; and children are not brought forward as one would wish, so that it is necessary
thoroughly to hunt them out. The percentage of successful cases on total vaccinated has
been 93; but many of the vesicles produced during the last five months of the year were not
very fully marked or developed, though they could not even be considered as doubtful; but
their small size was owing, no doubt, to the season of the year, and Small-pox not being
prevalent.
RAJCOTE.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon.
Years.
1358....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
785
1,409
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
261
624
Decrease.
....
....
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
696
1,253
Percentage
of Success.
88.6
88.9
49
REPORT FOR 1858.—By Assistant Surgeon R. G. LORD, M.D.
VACCINATION in the town and cantonment of Rajcote and villages around has been assidu-
ously carried on by the Station Vaccinator throughout the past year, unless when incapacitated
by illness from the performance of this duty. 785 operations have been performed, being an
increase of 261 over the preceding year. Of the above the average percentage of successful
cases was 86.6, being somewhat higher than in the districts. The lymph, which I frequently
examine, is good, and there is, in general, little difficulty in keeping it fit by transmission
from child to child.
SURAT.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon.
Years.
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
1,543
1,298
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
....
....
Decrease.
351
245
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
1,292
1,084
Percentage
of Success.
837
83.5
REPORT FOR 1858.—By Surgeon R. DENT.
THE table shows, on comparison with that of last year, a decrease of 351, for which
no particular cause can be assigned. No marked difference in the relations of sex and age
has occurred this year to call for remark. A diminished success of 3 per cent, may possibly
be. ascribed to a further slight deterioration of the lymph—to renew it all attempts have failed,—
but which, with the vesicles, preserve the characteristic appearance, the satisfactory quality of
both being still preserved in European children. There was some Small-pox, as might be
expected, in this populous city, but not. in extent or virulence to constitute an epidemic. If
inoculation has been practised, the fact has been carefully concealed. There is no known
obstruction to vaccination beyond the prejudices of the people themselves.
REPORT FOR 1859.—By Assistant Surgeon W. C. BROWN, M.D.
FOR a decrease as compared with that of 1858 of 245, I am unable to assign any reason ;
but my experience is as yet very limited. During the past year there is a slight diminution in
the percentage of successful cases as compared with the year 1858. This may possibly arise
from the deterioration of the lymph, which has never been renewed. The attempt made
during the year failed. Some cases of Small-pox occurred in the city last March, but all
were of a mild character, the fatal cases being very few. I am given to understand that
inoculation has never been practised at Surat; and no obstruction to vaccination exists beyond
the prejudices of the people themselves.
G.
50
BROACH.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon.
Years.
1853....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
1,536
1,561
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
1
25
Decrease.
....
....
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
1,320
1,303
Percentage
of Success.
85.9
83.4
REPORT FOR 1858.—By Assistant Surgeon J. PINKERTON, M.D.
THE total number of persons vaccinated in Broach during the year 1858 is 1,536, which is
only one more than the previous year; 597 were females, and 939 males; 649 were under one
year old, and 887 above that age ; 1,320 were successful, which is 92.6 per cent., after
deducting from the total 111 doubtful cases ; that is, those who were never seen after
being operated on. Including these 111 doubtful cases, the known success is 85.9 per cent.
The unsuccessful amounted to 105, or 7.3 per cent. of the total, being 34.2 per cent. more
than last year. The cause of so many unsuccessful cases occurring last year is supposed to
have been the great increase of ague among children. Inoculation is not practised here. A
few cases of Small-pox occurred, but none were brought for treatment. Judging from the
prisoners here, Small-pox must have been very common in Broach zillah formerly, for nearly
every man and woman in the jail is marked with Small-pox. The lymph has remained good,
and the vesicles have also been good, although small.
REPORT FOR 1839.—By Assistant Surgeon J. GLEN.
THE present year shows a return somewhat greater than its predecessor, the total vaccinated
being 1,561, or an increase of 25 over last year. Of the total number, 925 were males, and 636
were females ; 807 of which were children under one year, and 754 children above that age;
1,303 were successful, 134 unsuccessful, and 124 doubtful. Of the various castes, the Hindoo
would appear to appreciate more fully the beneficial results of vaccination, and is, perhaps,
more manageable in our intercourse with him, and more acquiescent to our wishes than any of
the other castes. The Mussulman, although not unwilling to submit his offspring to the
vaccination virus, is too often afterwards apathetic as to the result, and too negligent and
indifferent to present the child during the process of maturation. The result is, that, if not
sought out or encouraged by some means or other to return, he absents himself altogether,
and the matter is consequently lost. In respect to the Parsees and Brahminical orders, an
ineradicable prejudice against the practice generally obtains. This contrasts oddly with their
51
otherwise intelligent character, and might be subjective of a doubt whether claims to psycholo-
gical superiority have been so unquestionably established. At any rate it discloses an unworthy
and baneful prejudice, demanding the severest reprobation, but which, in others less favoured,
might call forth either our pity and perhaps respect. Inoculation has not been practised in this
locality for several years, its professors for a long period previous to this having received little
or no patronage or encouragement. The lymph continues very good; and the zeal, assiduity,
and general conduct of the Assistant Vaccinator deserve commendation.
BELGAUM.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon.
Years.
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
643
478
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
116
....
Decrease.
....
165
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
599
435
Percentage
of Success.
93.1
91.0
REPORT FOR 1858.—By Surgeon T. WALLER.
DURING the year 1858, 643 persons have been vaccinated, being an increase of 116 as
compared with the number vaccinated during the previous year. Of these, 263 were children
under one year, and 380 above that age. The successful vaccinations have been 599, or 93.1
per cent. on the total number vaccinated. A good deal of apathy is shown by the
people; and, although every endeavour has been made to collect subjects for vaccination at
certain periods and at fixed stations, very great difficulty is experienced in carrying it out; and
great trouble, and indeed hardship, is entailed by the Assistant Vaccinator having to go from
house to house in search of subjects. Occasional aid is afforded by the bazar Peons; but
having other duties to perform, they are not always at disposal; and the want of a Peon
permanently attached to the Vaccinator has never ceased to be felt as a great drawback and
hindrance. The Small-pox epidemic of last year has protected a large number of children and
adults, who survived its ravages. These periodic visitations will, I fear, never altogether cease
in some civilised societies, where sanitary measures, though partially carried out, are frustrated,
to a very great extent, by " the dirty habits of the people, want of ventilation, and apathy and
indifference to vaccination."
REPORT FOR 1859.—By Surgeon T. WALLER.
THE total number vaccinated during the year is 478, showing a decrease of 165 as compared
with the previous year. This has-arisen from the fact of a separate Native Vaccinator having,
for six months, been employed in the Camp Bazar, from which the Civil Vaccinator, who had
52
always previously vaccinated in it, was for the time excluded. The great Small-pox epidemic
of 1857 secured a large number of children, and this also undoubtedly tended to reduce the
number of subjects available for vaccination.
DHARWAR.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon.
Years.
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
1,025
1,222
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
....
197
Decrease.
618
....
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
891
1,090
Percentage
of Success.
86.9
89.1
REPORT FOR 1858.—By Surgeon W. NEILSON.
THE total number vaccinated for the past year is 1,025, showing a decrease on the previous
one of 618. The decrease, I believe, is attributable in part to the entire absence of Small-pox
during the past year, as, when the disease prevails, the people bring their children much more
readily and willingly to have them vaccinated than when it docs not. There is another cause
which also helps to explain the decrease in the number vaccinated, viz. the Divisional
Vaccinator now vaccinates in the villages in the neighbourhood of Dharwar, which, up to
within the last year, were visited by the Station Vaccinator, but whose operations are now
confined to the town of Dharwar and a few small villages around. To these two causes
is to be attributed, I believe, the decrease in the number vaccinated for the past year.
REPORT FOR 1859.—By Surgeon W. NEILSON.
VACCINATION has progressed tolerably well during the past year. The number vaccinated
is 1,222, showing an increase of 197 over the number vaccinated during the preceding
year. Although the natives of this part of the country are not averse to vaccination,
they show no anxiety to have their children vaccinated by bringing them to any particular
place to have the operation performed, unless Small-pox is prevalent in the neigh-
bourhood. It is therefore compulsory upon the Vaccinator, if he wishes to carry on
his operation, to visit from house to house, especially of those who are somewhat well to do
in the world.
63
KOLAPORE.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon.
Years.
1858....
1859....
Total
Vaccinated.
2,954
2,036
Compared with the
preceding Year.
Increase.
....
....
Decrease.
243
913
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
2,639
1,864
Percentage
of Success.
89.3
91.5
REPORT FOR 1858.—By Assistant Surgeon E. H. LANGLEY, M.D.
A SLIGHT diminution in numbers has to be noted. This is more apparent than real, as
the numbers obtained by a Station Vaccinator are necessarily influenced by his working in the
Cantonment bazars, &c. one day in each week. The numbers there obtained being reported
by the medical officer of the camp are not repeated in my returns, or a fallacious result
would be the consequence. The people appear to receive vaccination with increased
willingness. The lymph has been good throughout the year.
REPORT FOR 1859.—By Assistant Surgeon C. G. WICHE, M.D.
DURING the past year, 2,036 vaccinations have been performed by the Station Vaccinator in
the city and neighbouring villages in the Punalla and Kolapore districts, in addition to those
operations performed by him in Camp and Cantonment bazars, which are not borne on any
returns. A decrease is, I regret to say, the unfavourable result of the operations of the
past year. This is, in a great measure, attributable to the fact that both Small-pox and
cholera combined, in an unusual degree, to impede the progress of these prophylactic opera-
tions—either directly by deaths among the infant population, or indirectly by creating distrust
in the minds of parents. It is gratifying, however, to note that, although the number of
vaccinations has fallen considerably short of those of the preceding year, yet that the ratio of
successful cases has been on the increase. 1,864 vaccinations were successful, and 171 doubt-
ful or unsuccessful, giving a ratio of 915 per cent.; whereas in 1858 the ratio was 89.3 per
cent. The children vaccinated above one year of age form about two-thirds of the whole,
leaving only one-third for infant vaccinations—a result far from satisfactory, as there can be no
doubt of the great importance of securing, at as early an age as practicable, the prophylactic
influence of vaccination. Another subject demanding attention is the proportion of the lowest
caste of Hindoos, who are brought within the protecting benefits of vaccination, comprising
Mangs, Mhars, Dhores, &c. These are filthy in their habits, ill fed, and almost unclothed,
presenting a fit pabuleuce for the ravages of disease. It should therefore be one of our chief
cares that these out-castes be protected, and that they be not left, as they too often are, a
focus for infection. Under the comprehensive term Hindoo are included, in the returns,
all castes from the Brahmin to the Mang. It is therefore not therein apparent to what
extent the different castes are protected. On reference to the registers it would appear that
199 children of the lowest—viz. Chambars, Mangs, Mhars, and Dhores—have been vaccinated,