Principal
causes of
mortality.
Epidemics.
Vaccination.
58
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BENGAL.
been remarkably healthy during the year. Out of 142 admissions, 38 were the result
of falls, kicks, &c., only two of which are reported as severe. Of the 30 cases of ague,
and 12 of dysentery, none were made the subject of remark, and there was probably no
reason for suspecting any other cause than cold and damp.
XVII. Principal causes of mortality.—A long-continued and severe attack of inter
- m i t t e n t f e v e r i s r e p o r t e d a s t h e c a u s e o f d e a t h o f a s o w a r , 4 8 y e a r s o l d , w h o d i e d o n t h e
march from Goona. Nothing is known as the cause of the death of a sowar who died
suddenly while returning from furlough.
XVIII. Epidemics.—There have been none at Agar during 1876. In the latter part of
November, a few cases of small-pox were reported in the city, but the disease did not appear
to spread.
XIX. Vaccination.—Four men only were vaccinated in the regiment. The regiment was
inspected soon after its arrival from Goona, and these four recruits were the only ones un--
protected either by previous small-pox or by vaccination. An inspection was also taken of
all other men and of all the women and children in cantonment, and all the unprotected
(106 children) were vaccinated. With two exceptions, the results were perfect. Vaccination
in the city is carried on as much as possible, but the authorities (Scindia's) give little assist--
ance. A few people, however, appear to come forward of their own accord to have their
children vaccinated. During the months of November and December, 77 children from the
city were vaccinated.
Special observ-
ations.
Inspection.
XXI. Special observations. —There is nothing to remark on under this heading with the ex-
ception, perhaps, of the use of boracic acid as a substitute for carbolic acid in dressing wounds. It
is said to be cheaper ; its antiseptic properties appear to be quite as great, and it is less irritating.
In the dispensary, several large operation wounds have been treated in this way, many of them
healing by direct union. One case especially noticeable, a very large wound, resulting from
the incision of a fibro-plastic tumour of the breast, weighing 6 lbs. 14 oz., healed completely
in little more than a fortnight.
Inspection.—The regiment was inspected by Dr. Thorpe, Deputy Surgeon
-General of the Agra Circle, on the 27th November 1876. The general sanitary
condition of the lines remains unchanged, and was much the same as reported
on in 1875. New permanent latrines have been built, and are within a con
-venient distance of the lines. The Deputy Surgeon-General reports that these
latrines are built of pucka masonry, and the excreta fall into iron pans, which
are emptied into receptacles ; and the night-soil is removed morning and
evening, and is buried in trenches. The dry-earth system is in use in the
latrines, which are said to be clean and free from smell. The hospital is in
the same condition as when last reported on, and affords comfortable accom
-modation for the sick ; while all the medical arrangements in it for their
proper treatment were complete and well attended to.
2nd Central India Horse—Goona.
Medical
Officers.
I. Medical Officers.—Surgeon R. Caldecott, of the 1st Regiment Central
India Horse, held officiat -
ing medical charge of the
regiment during the absence
on furlough of Surgeon
D. F. Keegan, M.D., from
the commencement of the
year up to the 6th Novem -
ber, when Surgeon A.
Barclay, officiating in medi -
cal charge of the 1st Cen -
tral India Horse, relieved
him. Surgeon D. F. Keegan,
returning from furlough,
resumed charge on the 11th
November, but left the head-quarters of his regiment again on the 16th
to proceed to the Imperial Assemblage at Delhi in medical charge of the
Agent, Governor-General's escort, Surgeon A. Barclay remaining in charge
of head-quarters. The detachment stationed at Indore from 1st January to
24th October was under the care of Surgeon-Major Beaumont, Presidency
YEAR.
STATION.
PER CENT OF STRENGTH.
Admissions. Deaths. Daily sick.
1871 . . . Goonah . . .
85.1
.61
3.61
1872 . . .
Do . . .
57.9
.40
2.3
1873 . . .
40.3
1.22
2.1
Agar, Oct. 1873 . . .
1874 . . .
2.66
Ditto . . . .
58.9
.40
1875 . . .
40.93
1.21
1.93
Ditto .
. . .
Average . . .
56.62
.76
2.52
1876 . . . Goona, Nov. 1876 . . . .
37.94 .81
1.69