Influence of Rainfall.
Epidemics.
36
A SKETCH OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
The number invalided during the year, as compared with 1874, is shown in the next
table:—
Hindus.
Mussulmans.
Others.
Average
Strength. Invalided.
Average
Strength. Invalided. Average
Strength. Invalided.
1874
334
5
62
...
...
...
1875
417
6
68
...
2
...
17. There was no special influence in the rainfall, which,
like last year, was considerably above the average, except per-
- h a p s i n a f e w c a s e s o f d y s e n t e r y , w h i c h w e r e n o t s e v e r e . T h e r e
was no epidemic, but there were a few cases of cholera.
18. Vaccination has been carried on as assiduously as possible, but there have been a
good many failures, partly from irregularity of the vaccinator
in attendance, and partly, I think, from the inferior lymph
he used. One child was vaccinated four times unsuccessfully, and finally had to go with its
Parents to Aden unprotected. Tim total number of cases vaccinated during the year were
87, out of which 81 were successful.
19. The general health of the men seems fairly good.
Their physique is fairly so, and seems to be good enough for the
work the men do.
20. There has been no special treatment of disease, except in the cholera cases, which
at first I treated by the hypodermic injection of chloral hydrate,
exactly as directed by Dr. Hall. From my experience of a few
cases I cannot help thinking that it is really more injurious
than anything else; so strong was this impression that I had to give up the use of it.
21. As special observations I can only reiterate my recommendations as to the im-
provement of my new hospital over the river; the necessity
for some strong protective covering for the men's feet and legs
while they are employed at works; and the adoption, for Natives, of the medical-history sheets,
which are of such excellent use with Europeans.
22. I take leave to add here a statement sent me by Captain Cruickshank, at present in
command, giving details as to the structure of the new huts for the men, and specially of
the system of tiling, which, I believe, is new in this Presidency though it is used in
Bengal:—"The roof may be described as a frame-work of sawn timber throughout, the
portion over each hut being carried by two principal rafters, which are strengthened by
stents abutting on corbel stones let into the centre longitudinal wall. Over the principal
rafters are 7 purlins, and over these again inch-battens are fixed at central intervals of
7 and 5 inches alternately to carry the tiles. Two kinds of tiles are used; first of all,
on the 7-inch intervals are laid the flat tiles which are 13 inches long, 12 inches wide at
one end, diminishing to 10 at the other end, and are ¾" thick with 1' flanges on the
longitudinal edges; also ¾" thick. Over the 5 intervals, and covering the flanges of the flat
tiles, are placed the half-round tiles, which are of the same length, and are ⅝" thick. This
method of construction is supposed to be preferable to the system of tiling usually adopted
in the neighbourhood, for the following reasons:—The large and heavy tiles used are less liable
to fracture or displacement, and by the arrangement of the battens transversely from ridge to
eaves, instead of fixing them parallel to the ridge and eaves, any water leaking from acci--
dental causes would probably travel down the batten to the cornice on the exterior wall
instead of dropping into the room below."
REMARKS BY DEPUTY SURGEON-GENERAL G. G. MAITLAND.
As regards the want of accommodation for Europeans, complained of in the report, Gov--
ernment, I think, have exercised a wise discretion in declining or rather ignoring Surgeon-
Major Straker ' s suggestion to combine a Native and a European hospital. When the 43rd
Company arrives, proper lines, including a hospital and apothecary's quarters, will, I have no
doubt, be erected; but the time of its arrival, I am given to understand, is yet remote.
Vaccination.
General Health.
Treatment of Disease when spe-
cial.
Special Observations.