ON MEDICAL EVIDENCE

Abstract

range of buildings, ued as an rmo. a aitary point of view, this high wall and circular building ae de. trimental; but the building itself being very high, and aU the wards up stairs at a considerable elevation, the ill effects of this arrangement are not so objectionable. It is, in fact, an imposing old building, and in summer makes an excellent hospital. The supply of water is pretty good, but the quality of it is not what it should be. ation and Diet. These are good. The former are duly inspected by the officers; the men mess together; have three meals; and recruits soon become stout and robust. The hospital diets, under the control of the medical officer, are good, and varied as required. The meat is of good quality, and, for hospital diets, a little higher price is allowed to be given for it. The effect of the men's messing together is very beneficial, and teaches them orderly habits. Duty and Eqnyloyment. The duty is moderate and very regular, and by no means so severe as to prove prejudicial to the health of the men. Inter,na Economy. No canteen exists; hence intemperance is checked, but by no means prevented, as one-half the regiment is billeted out, and consequently, in a large seaport town like Hull, the men are much exposed to temptation. Crimes and Punishment. Crimes and punishment, for the number of men, are below the average; and, on the whole, their conduct has been exemplary, and the men are popular with the residents. Desertions were not frequent, and generally amongst the recruits who were attested, but did not join when the regiment was embodied. Three or four were branded with letter D. The propriety of this may be fairly questioned in a militia regiment. Exercise, etc. The barrack-yard and ramparts afford space for exercise and amusement. Cricket, football, quoits, racket, and other games, are encouraged, in which the officers join (the "doctor " not the least active of the party). Means of Ablution. Supply of water good, but very hard. The lavatory is tolerable, but the floor is stone instead of wood, and not sufficiently large for the number of men stationed here (about 700). In the summer, bathing is allowed in the river, under superintendence. I may add here, that one of the great advantages of the public service is the acquiring of habits of cleanliness,and appreciating the comfort ofpersonal ablution, which so many of the working clases are in the habit of neglecting. Ignorance about the imAportance and luxury of personal cleanliness is much to be regretted. By weekly inspection of all the men by the surgeon, cleanliness of the skin is insisted upon, and diseae early detected. Public lavatories in large towns might be established, I think, with great. advantage, as well as cheap coffee-houses or restaurants, for the workpeople to dine together with something like comfort. Vaccination. The state of vaccination is satisfactory, and no case of small-por has occurred since embodiment. Note. One case of small-pox was admitted after this report was written, at the end of the military medical year, kach 31st, and just before the regiment returned to Leas for disembodiment. Ocular Diseases. Ocular diseases have been below the average. We have had a few cases of gonorrhoal ophtbalmia and syphilitic iritis. Gen7eral Treattient. Syphilis and gonorrhoea have prevailed, especially on first coming to this station; but they grdually diminished. Mercury is never given m large quantities, or for any length of time. Mild salivation hs been required in a few inveterate cases of syphilis. A large quantity of copaiba has been consumed; about thirty pounds during the year. A few cases of gouorrha rheumatism have proved very tedious Poo# Motm As we have only hAd eadeth in the regimen%tt these inspeotions haveapily not ba frIequet In the solitary fatal case, disease of the heart and calca. reous degenertion of the aortic semilunar valves were found. The preparation was sent to the museum of the Leeds School of Medicine, to which I am attached as one of the anatomical teachers. Phthit's. No cases, except a Royal Artilleryman found in hospital on joining the station; and he was invalided, and sent to Woolwich. A few cases of incipient pulmonary disease have been discharged the service. I have made this abstract because it was a novelty to me to draw up a regimental sick report, having never seen one in print or elsewhere, though thousands must be deposited in the archives of the Medical Department; and it will serve to elucidate the nature of the medical duties of the service. The reports published by inspecting medical officers, such as the very interesting and valuable oneb by Dr. flall from the recent seat of war, must be founded on the respective regimental medical reports. In writing this paper, I do not presume to address experienced line surgeons, but my brother civil practitioners. I have next to venture upon a few remarks on the hoe pital regulations of the service.