44
A SKETCH OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
14. Of the 2 deaths which occurred in hospital 1 was due to chronic pneumonic.
phthisis, and 1 to quinsy. One of those occurring out of hospital
was also due to phthisis ; the other was, I believe, a case of sud
-den death, but from what cause I am unaware. The men who died in hospital were both Hin-
dus, one being a Punjabee and the other a Konkanee.
15. The regiment has been entirely free from epidemics during the year : cholera pre
-vailed in the town of Sholápur to a considerable extent in the
months of July and August, and many cases occurred even in the
sadder bazaar and in the Modekhana, both of which are in close proximity to the canton
-ment and regimental lines, but not a case occurred within cantonment limits. Stringent
precautionary measures were adopted. All communication was, as far as possible, prohibit
-ed between the lines and the town, the sepoys not being allowed to enter the latter. Scrupul-
ous cleanliness was enforced, and the men and their families were cautioned against the use
of unripe or over-ripe fruit and other unwholesome food, and warned to apply for medicine
without delay at the first appearance of any symptoms of looseness of bowels. The hospital
assistants were also directed to visit the lines frequently and inquire for cases of diarrhœa.
These measures were successful, and only 1 case of severe diarrhœa came under notice,
which yielded to treatment.
16. Vaccination has been carefully attended to during the year, The number of prima-
ry vaccinations performed was 73, of which 66 were successful. There were also 13 re-vac-
cinations, of which 3 were successful. At the close of the year, 26 remained unprotected, of
whom 6 were vaccinated on 1st January 1876, and the remainder are all under 3 months old.
17. The general health of the men has been very good, and they have, I think, improv-
ed in physique during the stay of the regiment at Sholápur.
There were only 12 men on the sick list at the close of the
year.
18. I have for some time past treated cases of intermittent fever with the sulphate of
cinchonidine in doses of from 3 to 5 grains, but my later experi
-ence of the remedy has led me to modify in great measure the
favourable opinion I had previously formed of its efficacy as an
antiperiodic. It is often sufficient to effect a cure in slight cases, and in first attacks in pre
- v i o u s l y h e a l t h y m e n , b u t i n m o r e s e v e r e c a s e s a n d i n s u b s e q u e n t a t t a c k s I h a v e f o u n d i t v e r y
far inferior to the sulphate of quinine, and have constantly had to substitute the latter for it
after several days' trial. I have found also relapses to be more frequent after its use. The
only other new remedy which I have been using during the year, is a solution of hydrate of
chloral, of a strength of 1 to 50 or 100 parts of water, as an injection in gonorrhœa, and as
an application to unhealthy sores, as recommended by some Continental practitioners, and
I have had reason to be very well satisfied with its effects.
19. The only special observation I would wish to make with regard to matters bearing
on the health and efficiency of the sepoy, is to express my opinion
that all recruits, on enlistment, should be granted a free kit,
instead of having to pay for it by heavy deduction from their monthly pay. The conse-
quence of the present system is, that the young soldier, just at the very time when he most
requires an abundant supply of good wholesome food to meet the demands of his growing
frame, and the new and unaccustomed work he has to perform, is actually obliged either to
half-starve himself for some months, or to run in debt to the regimental Bunnia, in which
latter case he is likely to have to continue the starving process for some years.
20. On consideration of the facts adduced in the foregoing sections of this report it
will be clearly seen that there has been a marked improvement
in the health of the corps when compared either with the year
1874, or the previous year, when it was stationed in Bombay, and I think that the general
physical condition of the men is good, and that they are fit for any duty. The requirements
alluded to by me in the corresponding section of last year's report are likely to be provided
or during the next official year, and a new well is already in course of construction, which
will be a great boon to the men. A bath-room attached to the hospital is still required.
21. There has been but one Native medical pupil attached to the hospital during the
year, who has received clinical and other instruction as opportunity offered.
22. I find that I have omitted to mention that a subedar was dismissed the service by
sentence of a court-martial for drunkenness and insubordination.
REMARKS BY DEPUTY SURGEON-GENERAL G. G. MAITLAND.
The general health of this corps during the year is satisfactory, and contrasts very
favourably with the previous one. The decrease in the admissions has taken place chiefly
in intermittent fever. In 1874, 597 cases were treated ; last year the number fell to 345.
Principal Causes of Mortality.
Epidemics.
General Health and Physique
of the Men.
Treatment of Disease when
special.
Special Observations.
Resumé.