(5)
The lower extremeties, viz., the back of the thighs and legs (except the lower 4th
of the latter and the feet) recovered somewhat their sensitiveness. The ulcer on
the left hip remained unhealed, but the one on the knee disappeared. Two
plates, one of zinc and the other of copper, 61/2 inches, were then applied to the
left fore-arm, and united by a strip of copper, so that a bandage could be passed
under the upper hand. The plates were bandaged close to the arm, and then
covered with about one inch thickness of cotton also bandaged over arm and
plates. These plates were kept for about five days, during which time gurjun
oil was being constantly administered. Under this treatment the only portion of
the left fore-arm that remained insensitive was the back of the hand from the
wrist to the metacarpus and a strip about an inch in width from the elbow to the
wrist. The arm was somewhat painful and sore, but not to any extent. The ulcer
on the hip was a little improved. No other change. The plates were then
applied in a similar manner to the other fore-arm. The effect on this arm was
more severe, and the plates had to be removed after about three days owing to
the patient's complaining of pain. The arm was then found to be a good deal
swollen and painful, but sensation, though not quite perfect, existed all over the
arm. The patient then refused to allow the plates to be put on again and was
discharged at his own request. The improvement that had been obtained remained
up to the date of his discharge. The medical officer concludes by expressing his
opinion that a galvanic bath may prove of benefit in cases of ansthetic leprosy
not too far advanced.
The second patient was treated with chalmogra oil, which produced a very
slight improvement in some of the ulcers. The patient, however, left the hospital
declining to be treated any further.
BROACH.
History furnished of 6 cases of leprosy who were neither in nor out-patients
at the Broach Civil Hospital-
1st Case.-Hindu, caste Bhungi, occupation sweeper, age 45, residence
Broach. The disease is attributed to contagion, as one of the neighbours of
the sufferer and of the same caste laboured under it. The leper says he was quite
free from leprosy until he associated with this man and took dinner, &c., with him.
Leprous before marriage. No other leprous case in the family. The living of
the caste generally bad, as they use all sorts of flesh of animals and fowls which
have died from natural causes. Married when 20 years old. Had one son who
died at 5 years of age from cholera. Ansthetic leprosy of 15 years' standing.
States he had first gonorrha, then syphillis, and lastly leprosy. Has lost 1st and
2nd phalanges of all his fingers; toes of the right foot atrophied, those of the
left commencing to be so.
2nd Case.-A Hindu, resident of Broach, aged 40, disease hereditary, as both
his father and his eldest brother, now dead, were lepers. Ansthetic leprosy. Has
lost the great toe of the left foot and the second toe of the right one. Has a
large ulcer on the sole of the left foot and has lost two phalanges of the little finger
of the left hand.
3rd Case.-A coolie, Bhil, aged 35, inhabitant of village Manmar, 12 miles
distant from Broach. Ansthetic leprosy. Has lost fingers and toes and has caries
of nasal bones. The bridge of nose has flattened. Has been suffering from leprosy
8 years. Mother a leper. Has been married 10 years, but no disease transmitted
to his wife or children.
4th Case.-Also a Bhil, aged 14, first cousin of the 3rd case. Leprosy ans-
thetic and incipient, just commencing in fingers of both hands and also in his toes.
His father perfectly free from leprosy. His father's sister is, however, a leper.
5th Case.-A Bhil cultivator, aged 35, now a beggar, inhabitant of village
Madode. Ansthetic leprosy. Has lost fingers and toes. Has been affected 6
years; was well when he married. Had two children who died, but cannot say from
what causes. Mother a leper. Wife not a leper, nor any other member of the
family. Wife left him on discovery of her husband's disease.
6th Case.-A Mussalman labourer, aged 25, and an inhabitant of Broach
Town. Ansthetic leprosy. Joints of fingers of both hands deformed. Depres-
sion of the nose and shining tubercular appearance of the fore-fingers and toes.
Duration of suffering 12 years. General health good. Married. Has no issue.
Father not a leper, but grandfather was.