NORTHERN DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
145
Dry-earth is used in the hospital latrines; but the urine and water used by the men
was carried to rear of the building in chunam gutters, and there allowed to evaporate or sink
into the ground until the past year. On the matter being reported, as prejudicial to the health
of the cantonment, iron pans were fitted in the rear for the reception of all fluids which flow
from the building, and it is now in good order.
The Rainfall and Temperature.—The rainfall during the year was abundant, amounting
to 55 inches and 13 cents. The average fall for the last four years has been 39 inches and
67 cents.
The climate of Mehidpoor is, with the exception of the hot months, very pleasant, but
owing to considerable fluctuations of temperature which occur, is rather unhealthy for the badly
-clothed native. The mean of maximum thermometer inside was 81.8º, the mean of minimum
72.33º, and the mean of the year 76.70º in the hospital verandah, mean of maximum thermo
-meter 89º, the mean of minimum 66º, and the mean of the year 77.5º.
Water-supply.—The water-supply is drawn from two wells and from the river. The men
were prohibited from drinking the river water during the rains and while cholera prevailed.
The quality of the supply is tolerably good.
Prevailing diseases— Troop and vicinity. Malarial fevers, bowel complaints, and chest
affections. A. Recommendations made and results. There were no changes of importance, and
the erection of permanent latrines was suggested, but not carried out.
DETACHMENT H. M.'s 3RD, 10TH, AND 16TH REGIMENT N.I.
INDORE.—In Medical Charge of Assistant Surgeon F. JONES, M.B.
The following detachment of native troops were stationed at Indore during the year 1872:—
Detachment H. M.'s 3rd Regiment N.L.I., January 1st to 22nd.
" 1 0 t h
"
" 23rd to 5th March.
" 16th "
N.I., March 6th to 13th September.
" 1 0 t h "
N.L.I., September 14th to 31st December.
The average strength of the troops was 233.
The general health of the troops was very good. The prevailing diseases were
Ague
.
.
.
176 admissions.
Dysentery . . .
31
do.
Diarrhœa . . .
12
do.
Bronchitis . . .
12
do.
There was one case of acute mania. No hereditary history of mania could be elicited. One
case of ague was of a very severe nature. The patient subsequently died. in hospital at Mhow
from the ensuing debility. The other cases were of a mild character and do not require any
special remark.
Vaccination has been regularly carried on in accordance with Government regulations. I
regret that, owing to the very great difficulty in procuring lymph, I have been unable to per
-form the experiment of re-vaccination, as requested in Inspector General of Hospital's circular
No. 3215 of 1872.
The present hospital for the sick of the native detachment is a ward of the Malwa Chari
-table Hospital. It is capable of accommodating six (6) patients. The medicines have to be
compounded and dispensed in the ward, and the medicines are also stored in it. A hospital,
which will contain eight (8) beds, for the accommodation of the sick of the native detachment,
is in course of erection.
The sanitary condition of the lines is good.
No deaths occurred in hospital. There was one case of suicide in the lines. No reason
for the deed could be discovered by the court of inquiry. Death, which was immediate, was
caused by a gunshot wound. The ball entered midway between the umbilicus and ensi
form cartilage, half an inch to the right of the median line, and passed out at the internal
border of the right scapula, about midway between its superior and inferior angles. No
post mortem was held.
SANITARY REPORT BY THE MEDICAL OFFICER IN CHARGE FOR THE YEAR 1872.
Indore is situated in Maiwa on the Grand Trunk road between Bombay and Agra, at an
elevation of 1,998 feet above the level of the sea. It is fifteen miles' distance from Mhow, a
large military station and the head-quarters of the Division.
37 s