( 5 )
The remaining 822 lepers are distributed over the other sixteen registering
stations, consisting of 5,241 villages, and containing 74.9,729 souls, so that it will
be seen that every eleven villages contain a leper, and that every 1,833 persons
have a leper in their midst, being equal to '5e per 1,000 of the whole population
of the district.
The disproportions of lepers is so marked in the three registering stations
of Rughonathpur, Purulia and Neenha—especially in the first and last, being large
and small respectively—that I was induced to apply to the Deputy Commissioner
for the names of villages containing an unusual number of lepers, and their numbers
in each village ; but that officer now informs me that such information cannot be
furnished under another month. Rather than keep back this report any longer, I
prefer submitting it at the present time. I thought that the vernacular examina-
tion papers used for compiling the census of 1872 might have been available at
once, but it seems otherwise.
Question, IL—" If localized, the locality in which it is chiefly found ?"
Answer II. (A.)—As I have nearly completed my ninth year of service in
Manbhum, and as I travel over a great part of it every winter verifying the vaccine
operations of ex-inoculators, I can confidently affirm that there is no such place as a
leper village anywhere. The lepers are scattered in twos and threes in different
villages, though I think larger numbers are to be found in or near good-sized
villages, because the chances of obtaining alms are better, just as we have eight or
nine resident lepers in our house of refuge at the sadr station. These people enjoy
the benefit of medical treatment, obtain a greater share of public charity, and are
sheltered—three great advantages it must be confessed.
(B.)— The localization of leprosy is unknown for reasons stated above.
Question III.—'' The special peculiarities of this locality, if there are any,
and the special conditions in other respects under which the people live in this
locality ?"
Answer III.—The foregoing question is answered by a statement of the fact
that the disease is not confined to any particular class or place in Manbhum.
Question IF.—In regard to individual cases and the " circumstances under
which they seem to have arisen, whether by contagion or hereditary taint, or any
other cause ?"
Answer IF.—From enquiries made of some well-informed people and of lepers,
I have ascertained that though there is a very general impression as regards the
contagiousness of leprosy, nobody can give me any positive assurance of his having
taken the disease by personal contact with a leper. The latter is avoided here, as
elsewhere, on account of his repulsiveness and the dread of being touched by him
or receiving anything from his hands. That leprosy is transmitted from parent to
child is unquestionable; and I am assured by a leper, who served many years in a
leprous family, that the grandfather, son and grandson were all more or less afflicted
with the disease. I am also assured by an intelligent man that he saw a child born
with the characteristic marks of leprosy, and that death took place seven years
afterwards.
As "long reports are not required", and as "concise summaries will suffice·'·',
I have answered the four leading questions in the manner suggested, with a few
additional particulars only.
Dated Hazaribagh, the 10th July 1875.
From—E. A. BIRCH, Esq., M. D., Civil Surgeon.
To—The Deputy Surgeon General, Dinapore Circle.
IN compliance with your circular memorandum No. 11 of 21st April, I have
the honour to submit the following report regarding leprosy :
Leprosy is certainly a rare affection in this district ; the census returns only
shew eleven cases, and they are not localized in any particular part of the district.
I daresay the census returns are in this particular under the mark ; but speaking
from general observation and enquiry, there is no doubt that Hazaribagh is
comparatively free from the pest. So far as the district is concerned, I regret that I