Duties, &c.
Lock-up Room and Cells.
30
A SKETCH OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
manual labour, night guards, &c., were placed exactly in the same position as that of the
8th Regiment ; yet the general health of these corps remained very good throughout. This
leads me to believe that climate has had a great deal to do with the sickness at Poona.
Even the Sappers stationed at Kirkee—a corps trained to hard manual labour, such as
throwing up field-works, &c.—appear not to have maintained that standard of health which
they have done since the completion of their lines in May last. Apart from this, I concur in
thinking that all regiments when employed in building lines should receive extra pay, in order
that the men might be able to procure a larger and better supply of food, and they should
be exempt from night guards.
Surgeon-Major Sexton strongly insists on the necessity of a ward for contagious
diseases. A temporary building should have been built for this hospital, but the same and
even greater difficulties occurred in selecting a proper site as was experienced in finding
ground on which to pitch tents. A site in the staff hospital compound was selected by the
committee, but strongly objected to by the General Commanding, who eventually chose a
spot on the regimental parade-ground, and gave orders to have a building erected ; but the
work was stopped, as it turned out the site fixed on had already been taken up for the
Adjutant General's new office.
To every hospital should be attached a separate ward. for ophthalmic and other cases
requiring segregation; but I consider substantial grass-huts erected on permanent stone
plinths the best kind of hospital in which to treat cholera and small-pox patients.
H. M.'s 17th Regiment No. I.
POONA.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major G. BROWN; Strength, 658.5.
1. The regiment has been located at Poona during the year; in course of relief it
proceeded by rail to Surat on the 22nd of December 1875, ar -
riving on the 23rd. My report will, therefore, have reference
to Poona only. Detachments have been provided for the
following places, viz., Bassein, Karkála, Murbád, Kalyán, Karjat, Sháhápur, and Bhiwandi.
2. The topography and physical geography of Poona combine to render the climate
superior to most stations in India; it is a climate, however, that
requires care for those liable to hepatic or dysenteric disorders.
Location and Movement of
Troops.
Effects on Climate.
Water-supply.
3. The water-supply of Poona obtained from the Kharak
-wásla Canal is most excellent, and it is hoped the canal may be
kept free from pollution.
4. The Poona market is well supplied, and food of an average price. I would re
-
commend, in addition to the present uniform, a light, scarlet
serge, loose-fitting tunic for hot weather, with trowsers of cor
-
responding light material. The boots to be of stout canvas
bound and strapped with leather; these could be blacked and polished like leather, and
would look and wear well. The sepoy wears no socks, and hence I believe the canvas boot
would be cool, and give readily to the shape of his foot: thus blisters and abrasions would be
avoided.
Food and Clothing.
5. The duties at Poona are heavy. The average number
of consecutive nights in bed was 3. There is nothing organized.
in the way of amusement.
6. Appear suitable and well ventilated.
7. On occasion of large field-parades the troops frequently march out some distance;
there have been many such during the present year.
8 . T h e l a t r i n e s o f t h e h o s p i t a l a r e b a d ; t h e f l o o r s a r e m u d — v e r y u n e v e n , w a t e r i s a p t t o
lodge, and great care is required to keep them clean. Water
is now conveyed into the hospital compound from the canal.
Hospital.
Sickness, Mortality, and Inva--
liding.
9. The average strength of the regiment has been 658.5.