46

SKETCH OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.

POONA DIVISION.

Average strength present during the year 8,577
Average daily sick per cent. to the average strength 3.71
Ratio of mortality per cent. to the average strength 0.59

H. M.'S 1ST REGIMENT L.C.

POONA.—In Medical Charge of Assistant Surgeon J.MCALISTER; Strength 450.

       The medical history of the 1st Regiment Light Cavalry, for the year ending 31st Decem-
ber 1872, has nothing of a novel nature to present; indeed, in the medical arrangements of a
native regiment there must be a great deal of uniformity. But a reference to the annual
return will show, that the benefits to be derived from medical treatment are fully appreciated
by the sowars and regimental followers.

       The general sanitary condition of the regiment for the past year was of a favourable
character, the admissions from all causes being 648, less by 133 than that of the preceding year.

       The monthly reports of sick for the past year represent an annual average strength of 450.

       The total number of cases of all kinds taken on the sick list was 675, being at the rate
1,500 per 1,000 of strength.

       Of the whole number taken on sick report, 608 or 1,351 per 1,000 of strength were for
diseases alone, and 67 or 149 per 1,000 of strength were accidents and injuries.

       The average number constantly on sick report, during the year, was 20-2 or 44.9 per 1,000
of strength.

       The total number of deaths was 4. Of these only one died in hospital, one while on
escort duty at Mahableshwur, and two while on furlough.

       During the year one sowar was discharged with gratuity for syphilis secondary. 12 men
were pensioned: 2 for general debility, resulting from syphilis, 1 for malarial cachexia and enlarge-
ment of spleen, 1 for inability to ride through weakness, 1 for partial paralysis (analgesia of both
lower limbs), and 7 for debility and old age. Twenty-two recruits were enlisted.

       The following table shows the diseases by which the admissions and deaths were caused
during the year:—

Diseases. Admissions. Deaths. Rate per 1,000.
Admissions. Deaths.
General Diseases .  
A. 299 ... 664.45 ...
B. 45 ... 100.0 ...
Local Diseases .  
Nervous system 8 1 17.78 2.22
Eye 14 ... 31.11 ...
Ear 7 ... 15.56 ...
Nose 2 ... 4.44 ...
Absorbent system 1 ... 2.22 ...
Respiratory system 3 ... 6.67 ...
Digestive system 86 ... 191.11 ...
Urinary system 14 ... 31.11 ...
Organs of Locomotion 5 ... 11.11 ...
Cellular tissue 4 ... 8.87 ...
Cutaneous system 91 ... 202.22 ...
Condition not necessarily associated with local
   or general injuries
1 ... 2.22 ...
Injuries General 2 ... 4.44 ...
Local 64 ... 142.22 ...
Surgical operations 2 ... 4.44 ...
Total     648 1 1,440.0 2.22