95
ADEN DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
The average strength during the year was 638 ; there were 846 admissions into hospital,
and in all 6 deaths. From the fact of there having been 952 admissions in the previous year,
it would appear that the health of the Regiment had improved during that under review ; but
if the admissions for guinea-worm, amounting to 183, are deducted, which may fairly be done,
as the men brought the complaint with them from Dharwar, and there was not a single case
taken into hospital during 1870, those for other diseases increased by 75.
The percentage of treated to strength was 130.3 ; of deaths to strength was 0.9 ; the
average number of daily sick was 32, and there were 37 men invalided.
Ague .—There were 105 cases of this disease ; a smaller number by 33 than in the previous
year, but this was to be expected as the complaint is not likely to be contracted at Aden.
Bowel Diseases.— There were 38 cases-22 of dysentery and 16 of diarrhœa. The ordinary
treatment for the dysentery was ipecacuanha in 5 grain doses, combined with small quantities
of opium, and as a rule the patients quickly recovered.
Rheumatism.—There were in all 186 cases ; 185 of chronic and 1 of acute. Many of the
chronic patients were men who, probably suffering somewhat, made the most of the pains with
a view of being recommended for pension. The treatment consisted in giving iodide of potas
-sium sudorifics with soothing or counter-irritant applications as seemed to suit.
Bronchitis.—There were 25 cases treated, and out of these one died ; some were very
severe and assumed a low type, in which broths, stimulants, and stimulating expectorants had
to be given from the very beginning.
Pneumonia .—There was only one case, and that fatal ; the man, a writer in the Adjutant's
Office, was admitted in an advanced stage of the disease, and sunk rapidly ; he was of very
intemperate habits.
Guinea-worm.—There was one case remaining on the 31st of December 1869 ; but since
then, this disease, from which the Regiment had suffered so much, has completely disappeared.
Ulcer .—There were 58 cases treated ; the ulcers were mostly on the legs and feet ; they were
very difficult to heal, no doubt from the men having a scorbutic taint.
Scurvy.—There were 96 cases of unmistakable scurvy admitted ; these with 8 which re-
mained from 1869 made a total of 104 treated. There was one death out of the number, that
of a Native Officer, a Jew, and in his case the disease was of the most virulent kind.
Numbers of men admitted for other ailments were tainted, as was clearly proved by the
rapidity of recovery when they had antiscorbutics given them. The treatment consisted in
giving arrack, lime-juice, and sugar, kokum, and any fresh vegetables procurable, particularly
potatoes.
Vaccination .—Vaccination was steadily carried on during the year.
Barracks, Hospital, &c .—The new Native Infantry lines are not as well situated as could
be wished ; they are shut out to a great extent from the prevailing wind in the cold season,
by the town which lies between them and the sea, and in the hot weather houses also obstruct
the breeze ; they were kept fairly clean during the year.
The accommodation is ample for the number of men left after the Perim detachment had
been furnished.
The latrines are in good order and as well situated as they could possibly be.
The hospital is an excellent building ; the only objection to it is, that it is rather too far
from the lines.
Diet at Aden .—The Jews and Mussulmans lived chiefly on rice, dal, flour, ghee, mutton,
and whatever fresh vegetables they could buy. The Mahrattas and Purwarries eat rice, dal,
flour, and ghee with salt-fish, occasionally taking meat and fresh vegetables. They say that
the reason they don't constantly eat vegetables is, that they tire of the same kind ; these men
suffered much from scurvy.