Vaccination.
*Recommend-
ations.
Special
observations
and remarks.
Recruiting.
Advantages o
a " free kit."
The " Valise
equipment."
inspection.
88
Causation.
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BENGAL.
these seizures were the second and third on the 18th October, the fourth on the 19th, and the
fifth and sixth on the 21st.
In addition to the first alluded to, the third case proved fatal. Another admission and
death from cholera appears in the minor return for officers; but, although both events are
recorded as having taken place at Fatehghar, I think the following facts prove that the disease
must have been contracted in Agra. Captain B. P. Hodgson joined the head-quarters of the
regiment on the 14th October, on his return from six mouths' leave in Cashmir, and started
for Fatehgarh on the 27th. Eight hours after he had left Agra, he was seized with symptoms
of cholera while in a dâk gbarry, and died at the former station the following evening.
In all instances the inmates of the affected and adjacent buildings were at once removed,
the patients on the first four occasions to tents, and in the last two to temporary grass huts,
while the healthy men were sent to tents and empty barracks.
Surgeon Reid proceeds to discuss the leading theories of cholera causation
in the light of these facts; but as the considerations and arguments adduced
have been already published in the Indian Medical Gazette (January 1st, 1878 ),
it is not considered necessary to reproduce them here. The general conclusion
is that the “atmospheric theory” chimes most closely with the facts,
XIX. Vaccination.—The men are fairly protected from small-pox by vaccination, inocu-
lation, and previous attacks of the disease. All the recruits who do not present distinct marks
of having passed through the first of these conditions, are vaccinated during the cold season,
and a return showing the results of the operation is submitted on the 1st of April.
XX. Recommendations.—None were made beyond those connected with measures to be
adopted during outbreaks of small-pox and cholera and other matters of minor importance.
In all instances my suggestions were at once complied with by the commanding officer.
XXI. Special observations and remarks.— Forty-one recruits were added to the strength
of the regiment during the year. They were all inspected by the medical officer, and care
taken that none were entertained who did not come up to the physical standard laid down in
G. O. No. 270 of 24th September 1875. Now that Government has offered additional in-
ducements to young men entering the service, greater numbers come forward, and a more
exclusive selection can be employed.
When, therefore, the old and weakly men gradually become weeded out, there is every
prospect of the regiment obtaining a reputation for “ physique” higher even than that which
it has hitherto enjoyed. I would suggest the establishment of a regimental gymnasium as a
means of improving the muscular development and activity of the men.
The bestowal of a “free kit” to recruits has proved a great boon, and I am of opinion that the
expense to Government is amply repaid by the greater efficiency during the first year of service.
In former years young lads were so pinched for food and clothing at the beginning of their
career from the large deductions made from their pay to clear off the cost of their outfit,
that many broke down before they had mastered the elementary details of the profession, to
become discharged as unlikely to make efficient soldiers, and to return to their villages—a
warning to others not to follow their example in entering the service of Government.
The regiment has now been provided with the “ valise equipment,” and in future the men
are to wear “putties” in lieu of the gaiters to which they .have hitherto been accustomed.
Inspection.—Deputy Surgeon-General A. Christison, M. D., in his inspection
report, dated 11th March 1878, states that the sanitary condition of the lines
was satisfactory. He draws attention to the lodgment of water on the parade-
ground after rain, and doubts whether the well water is wholesome on account
of the large proportion of salts which it contains, The men were inspected and
found to be strong and healthy-looking, and the recruits had every appearance of
having been carefully selected. All the hospital arrangements were efficient.
Medical
Officers.
Location and
movements.
Detachments.
13th (The Shekhamattee) Regiment, native Infantry.—Agra.
I. Medical Officers.—The report of this regiment for the year 1877 is
written by Surgeon A. Scott
Reid, M.D., who held medical
charge of it in addition to
his own, in consequence of
Surgeon-Major A. M. Ver.
chere having proceeded on
furlough to Europe in Nov-
ember.
II. Location and movements.—
The head-quarters of the regiment
were stationed at Agra throughout
the year. On the 6th January a
detachment of. 52 men proceeded
to Alwar, and remained there until
the 31st of December.; and on the
YEAR.
STATION.
PER CENT. OF STRENGTH.
Admissions. Deaths. Daily sick.
1872
. Benares, Nov. 187
.
174.4
43
6.7
1873
.
Ditto
.
.
.
73.5
2.2
4.3
1874
.
Ditto
.
.
.
94.4
1.7
6.7
1875
.
Ditto
.
.
.
103.19
1.56
5.36
1876
. Agra, 21st Nov. 1876 .
98.42
1.14
3.34
Average
.
108.78
2.18
5.28
1877
. Agra .
.
.
.
57.77
1 . 0 0
2.25