28
A SKETCH OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
the construction of a contagious ward; after some deliberation an eligible one was at
length fixed on with the sanction of the Major-General commanding the station, and the
construction of a building was actually commenced; but after a short time the work
was suddenly stopped, and has not since been resumed. No change has been made since
last year in the position or number of the latrines. I adverted last year to the want
of a tiled gutter to carry off the liquid portion of the nightsoil; this want has not yet
been supplied. The additional filth-cart I also recommended, has been given, and there
are now two calls made regularly every day. Kharakwásla water is now supplied to the
hospital; it is chiefly obtained from a stand-pipe recently erected close by for the accommo-
dation of the European community living in the neighbourhood. Occasionally the hospital
bheesties fetch water from the tanks in the lines, or from the staff hospital situated close
at hand, where pipe-water is laid on; but in every case the water, however obtained, is
supplied from the same source, and no other is ever used.
10. The total number of cases of disease treated in hospital was 1,410, of which 1,381
were admitted during the year. The total number discharged
was 1,382, viz. 1,366 to duty and 16 otherwise; and the total
number of deaths, 2. Sixteen convalescents were sent to their
homes for change of air. These figures show a considerable increase of sickness as compared
with the return for 1874. During the latter year the total number of admissions into hos
- p i t a l w e r e 6 1 9 , o r 9 7 0 · 2 2 p e r 1 , 0 0 0 ; w h e r e a s i n t h e y e a r n o w u n d e r r e v i e w t h e a d m i s s i o n s
stand at 1,381, or 2,001·44 per 1,000 of strength. Notwithstanding the great increase in
sickness last year, and that the number of admissions into hospital increased to more than
double that of 1874, it is a noteworthy fact that the number of deaths—2—was exactly the
same in each year: thus, while the mortality per 1,000 of treated was 3·23 in 1874, it fell to
1·44 in 1875—a rate of mortality exceptionally low. The following statement shows the ad
- m i s s i o n s , d e a t h s , a n d r a t e s o f m o r t a l i t y f o r t h e l a s t t h r e e y e a r s : —
1873.
1874.
1875.
Average strength of regiment
650
561
690
Number of admissions into hospital
853
619
1,381
Number of deaths
1
2
2
Ratio of mortality at per thousand of strength
1·54
3·56
2·89
Ratio of mortality at per thousand of treated
1·13
3·23
1·44
Only 2 deaths took place in hospital—one the result of long-standing heart-disease, the othe
from malignant cholera. 1 death by suicide occurred in the lines. 32 men were invalided
11. Of the total number of cases, ague gives 503 admissions. The cases were most
numerous in the hot months, 64 having been in April; and
the causes of this increase I ascribe not only to the high
temperature prevailing during the hot months of 1875, but also to exposure and want of
rest. Some relief was afforded by a reduction in the amount of night duty; but I think
something more might be done in this way, for it is evident that men who work hard for
eight or nine hours every day ought not to be called upon to take their regular turn of
night duty. Of acute rheumatism only 3 cases were admitted. Chronic rheumatism was
a more frequent form of illness; but as this and lumbago are the pet diseases of malingerers and
pension-seekers it would not be profitable to draw any inferences from the returns on this
point. Only 5 cases of primary syphilis came under observation during the year; this I
attribute partly to the little leisure enjoyed by the men, and undoubtedly credit must also
be given to increased efficiency in carrying out the provisions of the Contagious Diseases
Act. Syphilis in its secondary form was the cause of 39 admissions. Of eye-diseases there
were 26 cases of conjunctivitis; 1 of iritis; and 3 of pterygium, which essentially consists of
a peculiar alteration of the conjunctiva, and seems to have some affinity to the so-called cheloid
tumour of the skin. Diseases of the respiratory system are always most frequent during the
cold weather and in the rains. Of these there were 116 cases of common catarrh. Of bronchitis
alone there were 20 cases; 10 of asthma, several being cases of re-admission; 4 of pneu-
monia; and 10 of pleurisy. Of diseases connected with the digestive function, there were
22 cases of dyspepsia, generally the result of over-eating and of intestinal disorders; 13
Sickness, Mortality, and In
-validing.
Chief Diseases treated.