Venereal
diseases.
Deaths.
Epidemics.
Vaccination.
A new Tank.
Boots.
Medical
charge.
Location and
movements.
67
CENTRAL INDIA.
Venereal Diseases.—Venereal diseases as usual were almost unrepresented, there having
been one case of primary, one of secondary, and one of local syphilis ; also one case of
gonorrhœa. The reason of this immunity I have noted in the description of the Bheel race.
XVII. Principal Causes of Mortality.— There were two deaths from pneumonia
(lobular), and two from remittent fever. Pyæmia, hepatitis, and pericarditis contributed each
one to a total of seven deaths in hospital. Nothing took place calling for special remark.
XVIII. Epidemics.—None occurred. The whole district has been remarkably free from
disease.
Vaccination.— Almost every man in the corps has had small-pox previous to
enlistment. As far as I am aware, the men of the regiment have never allowed themselves to be
vaccinated, but for the foregoing reason it would prove useful but to very few. They are
however, largely availing themselves of this safeguard as regards their children, who are in
Kherwarrah itself now nearly all protected, both high and low caste, from Brahmin to Bheel.
Dr. Dickson under the head of "special observations" draws attention to
the beneficial influence of hydrocyanic acid in lung diseases, and urges a trial of
the remedy by other medical officers.
Remarks by Lieutenant. Colonel T. E. Gordon, Commanding Meywar Bheel
Corps.
1. The proposal for anew tank recommended in this report will be considered by Major
Gunning and myself in consultation with Dr. Dickson in March next, I hope.
2 . I fully agree with Dr. Dickson in his remarks about the boot at present in use, and
the advisability of trying the shoe worn by the men of the Deolee force. That I take to be
what is worn by the Highland kilted regiments of the British line. I shall send to Deolee for
a few pairs for practical trial in this regiment, with the wiew of adoption if successful.
3. Regarding the present severity of duty at head-quarters, I would observe that for
four months each year, viz., in the cold season, escorts and detachments are numerous, owing
to the annual tours of the commandant and 2nd in command on their political duties taking
place then ; and as is the case now, the settlement of boundary disputes, necessitating the
presence of considerable parties in camp to keep the peace and prevent disturbance, generally
being made at that time. For the remainder of the year the duty is remarkably light. I
am glad to see that Dr. Dickson remarks on no bad effects from the present heavy duty at
head-quarters. Every available means have been taken to reduce daily duty.
This corps was not inspected by the Deputy Surgeon-General in 1874.
Duty.
M a l w a B h e e l C o r p — S i r d a r p o r e .
YEAR,.
STATION.
PER CENT. OF STRENGTH
Admissions. Deaths.
Daily sick.
1869 . . .
Sirdarpore . . .
118.2
1.8
2.9
1870 . . .
Ditto . . .
93.1
2.2
2.2
1871 . . .
Ditto . . .
83.4
2.04
2.7
1872 . . .
Ditto . . .
117.3
1.02
3.8
1873 . . .
Ditto . . .
111.5
1.5
3.4
Average . . .
. . .
104.7
1.7
3.
1874 . . .
Sirdarpore . . .
91.2
. 6 7 3.15
V. Lines, barracks, or huts .—There has been no change throughout the year.
have been kept in good repair, and there has been no overcrowding.
Detachments.
Meteorology.
The lines Lines.
Surgeon-Major A. D. Campbell has been in medical charge throughout
the year, and furnishes the
annual sanitary report.
11. Location and Move-
ments.— The corps, a local one,
has its head-quarters always at
Sirdarpore.
The permanent detachments
have been the same as described
in last year's report ; the periods
of their reliefs and the arrange-
ments for the treatment of their
sick the same. Again, tempo-
-rary detachments on escort and
other duties have been numer-
ous ; one of those, 50 strong,
was despatched to Tundlah, in
the Thabboon territory, on the
12th March ; it was reduced to the strength of 20 about the end of May, and altogether recalled
early in October.
IV. Meteorology and Climate.—There was nothing unusual in the meteor-
ology of last year ; the rainfall, 29.84 inches, was below the average of the
six preceding years, which was 32.96 inches.
In other respects the sanitary circumstances of the regiment have remained
unaltered, except that, in August, shoes were issued to the men in place of half-
boots, and in July each man received a warm blanket.
Shoes.
Blankets.