23
POONA DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
chloride of sodium in drachm doses given every hour during the period of intermission, and
from the way it broke up the attack in these cases it would seem to be a very reliable anti
-periodic. A case assumed the congestive remittent type, and the hypodermic use of quinine
was of no avail; the patient improved from the moment quinine to the amount of 20 grains
was given per rectum in beef tea. All these cases eventually did well. Cholera has not
been met with, although it was prevalent in the surrounding villages during the hot-weather
months. Cholera infantum is common here during the hot
season, and is often of a severe type. Bromide of potassium
seems to be the best remedy for this disease. There was 1 case of scurvy in the
month of May. The majority of cases of bronchitis occurred on the line of march to and
from Bombay. Bowel-affections have been moderate in number and character. The
most prevalent diseases next to fever were those of the cellular and cutaneous system,
including boils, ulcers, contusions, and skin diseases. There were 2 cases of fracture
of the tibia and fibula—one simple, the other compound; the progress of both was
favourable. In the case of the compound fracture, suppuration was entirely prevented
by Lister's antiseptic treatment. At this time both men are doing their duty without
any feeling of pain or tenderness at the seat of fracture.
Cholera
Principal Causes of Sickness.
13. The most prevalent cause was malaria. No deaths in
hospital. 1 sowar, a Hindu, died while on furlough.
14. Vaccination and re-vaccination were successfully maintained throughout the year.
15. The general health and physique of the men is very good.
REMARKS BY DEPUTY SURGEON-GENERAL G. G. MAITLAND.
To the succession of the wet weather which occurred in August last, and the want of
proper drainage in the lines of this regiment, is ascribed the prevalence of fever, both among
the officers and men, during the latter part of the year. Immediately the subject was
brought to my notice I inspected the lines, and forwarded a report to the General Officer
Commanding, who promptly ordered the suggestion I offered for the proper drainage of the
camp to be carried out, with the exception of the horse lines. These required masonry
drains running down between each row of huts to carry off the surface-water which
lodges about the ground on which they are built, rendering them in the monsoon damp and
unwholesome. The subject of the insanitary condition of the quarters in which the syces
are locted, is again brought to notice by Surgeon McAlister. This matter was reported
to the military authorities by me two years ago, but nothing has been done.
H. M.'s 1st Grenadier Regiment N. I.
POONA.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major C. J. SYLVESTER; Strength, 629.5.
1. The regiment was stationed at Poona until December, when it left by detach
-
ments for Ahmedabad, proceeding by railway to Bombay and
Surat, and thence by regulated marches. A detachment was sent
to Supa in May for the purpose of suppressing a riot, and was absent for a period of 12 days,
during which the men bivouacked in the open air under a thick tope of mango trees without
the occurrence of any sickness.
2. Many of the huts have fallen into disrepair owing to defective roofing, the sum of
money originally expended upon the lines on the arrival of the
regiment at Poona being only sufficient to keep them in good
order for the space of three years, and no further grant was made for the additional year
during which the regiment was in residence. No change has been made in the conservancy
arrangements.
Location and Movement of Corps.
Lines.
3. The proposition which has been made to bring the Kharakwásla water into the
regimental lines has not been carried out, and the nearest point
from which it can be obtained is in the immediate vicinity of the
Water and Food.