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A SKETCH OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
REPORT ON SIND SORE FOR THE YEAR 1875.
The Sind ulcer may have either an idiopathic or traumatic origin: in the first instance
as a small vesicle or papule, which suppurates and gives rise to an unhealthy, purulent dis
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charge, and gradually extending by undermining the tissues in the immediate neighbour
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hood, and forming sinuses under the integument. The ulcer having a traumatic origin
generally supervenes upon ordinary injuries, whether it be a simple contusion resulting from
the kick of a horse or the apparently trivial abrasion of the skin which follows the scratching
of a mosquito sting. The ulcer which results (generally situated in one of the extremities),
is characterized in both instances by defective action and low vitality of the part affected, and
exhibits the extreme feebleness of the vis medicatrix naturœ of the whole system. In some
instances the ulcer is filled up with hard, warty granulations which appear above the surface
of the sore, and which bleed profusely on section. Pain is not a prominent symptom. The
ulcer takes a long time in healing, and when it does so it leaves a well-marked cicatrix,
highly pigmented and suspiciously resembling the scar which results from a syphilitic ulcer.
I have not succeeded in obtaining any particular results by microscopical examination of
the diseased structure, but the blood of the patient contained an excess of colourless corpus
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cles. With reference to the etiology of the disease, I am inclined to the opinion that the
ulcer is merely a visible indication of the peculiar endemic constitution of the residents of
Upper Sind, who are exposed to the depressing effects of a high temperature and the
peculiar cachexy induced by malaria. This form of ulcer would be better designated the
malarious cachectic ulcer rather than the local name it now possesses, and which attributes
to it no pathological signification.
REMARKS BY DEPUTY SURGEON-GENERAL J. R. MILLER, M.D.
The lines lately built are good and substantial. Accommodation provides 873 cubic feet,
and a superficial space of 68.4 feet per room for every 2 men. The ventilation is similar
to that in the 1st Sind Horse lines, and would be greatly improved if the recommendation
suggested were adopted in both. Separate space is also required for saddles and horse
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trappings. The open latrines, objectionable as regards construction and position, should be
abolished, and a couple of new ones on the standard plan should be substituted, one on
each flank of the regiment. Surgeon Bartholomeusz in charge has made an analysis of the
potable waters in camp; he found them all more or less impure owing to excess of oxidisable
organic matter. The well supplying this regiment is the best in camp, and contains a
smaller proportion of chloride of sodium and earthy salts. Sewage contamination is not
apparent in it. Head-quarters—strength 202—marched to Kashmor and back. The weather
was cold, but the health of the men was excellent during the whole time, showing the advisabi
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lity of marching regiments about every cold season for a limited period. The faulty position of
this hospital has been every year reported on; also the inadequate accommodation. In fact,
it is only half a hospital; the remaining portion being allotted to the 3rd Regiment. This,
however, is about to be remedied, as a new hospital has been sanctioned for the latter regi
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ment. A dead-house and cook-room should be provided. Latrine has been improved as
regards ventilation and conservancy, but it is still too small. The number of cases of vene
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real affords no help in estimating the increase or otherwise of this disease, as it is seldom,
except when men are disabled from this cause, that they acknowledge their complaint, or
apply at the hospital for relief. Vaccination is a blank. Some 4 or 5 infants are unpro
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tected; all others, including women and children, are said to be protected either by small
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pox or vaccination: such is the result of the system of non-interference. Surgeon Bartholo
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meusz remarks, regarding the type of recruits sent up from the Deccan, that they are very
inferior, narrow-chested, ill-fed lads, entirely unfit for this climate; they spend a large
portion of their time in hospital. From my observations I am quite prepared to endorse this.
In his resumé of the history of this regiment Surgeon Bartholomeusz enumerates the special
points for the improvement of the men's health, and which I have in previous reports so
frequently recommended.
H. M.'s 3rd Regiment Sind Horse.
JACOBABAD.—In medical charge of Surgeon C. W. MACRURY ; Strength, 356.
Location and Movement of
Corps.
1. The head-quarters of the regiment remained at Jacoba
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bad during the year. Detachments have been on duty at the
different out-post stations.