SIND DISTRICT OF THE ARMY.

167

H. M.'S 1ST SIND HORSE.

     JACOBABAD.—In Medical Charge of Assistant Surgeon S. O. B. Banks; Strength 354.

     The returns for the past year show a slight increase in the number of admissions over
that of the previous year.

     Deaths for the year ending 31st December were 13, an excess of four over that of the
previous; all the deaths took place in hospital from the following diseases:—

     There is nothing particular to note in regard to the fatal cases of pneumonia, death occur-
ring from five clays to fifteen hours after the disease revealed itself.

     Of the other deaths I need only mention the one occurring from rupture of the spleen.
The patient, aged 18—a trumpeter—a delicate looking boy—pale and emaciated—was thrown
from his horse on parade; when on the ground his horse rolled over him: after a few minutes he
got up and complained of a pain in his stomach, but from the symptoms and appearance I had
no doubt the case was one of internal hæmorrhage. He died an hour after the receipt of the
injury, and on making a post mortem examination I found in the peritonial cavity about 80
ozs. of venous blood—liver, stomach, kidneys, heart, and lungs were sound. On removing the
spleen it was found large, very dark, and easily broken down, the structure being very soft.
An extensive triangular rupture was found occupying its whole length, and on weighing it as
it was, perfectly bloodless, it was found to be 2 lbs. 12 ozs. and half.

     The total number of admissions for the past year were 640: 394 of which were cases of
fever intermittent, the above numbers showing the men of the regiment to be in a more
unhealthy condition than they have been for years.

     The daily average of sick for the years ending 31st December 1871 and 1872:—

     Fever of an intermittent type was the prevailing disease throughout the year, next in
frequency boils and ulcers. No epidemic.

     The thermometer showed a maximum of 104° and minimum 38.°

     Rainfall during the year was 9 inches and 8 cents, the usual rainfall being about two
inches. It fell in January, February, March, April, July, August, and September: after the
rain in August and September the hospital became full with fever cases.

     Indus water got in here on the 19th of May, and the banks of the canals overflowed on
the 20th of July. The floods this year were higher than they have been known before, the
camp for a considerable time being in absolute danger of being washed away; and, as it was; a
considerable amount of injury was done to the Rifle family lines. The water was kept out of
camp with the greatest difficulty.