Cholera in Indian Cantonments, and how to deal with it

Abstract

THE knowledge of the cholera microbe, gained during the past few years, is applied in this little volume in, formulating directions for the prevention of the disease. The author has had exceptional opportunities of studying cholera outbreaks in India; and his experience in investigating sources of infection, renders the practical precautions he describes as necessary to prevent the spread of the disease in Cantonments, of great value to Cantonment magistrates, medical officers, and others interested in the question. Before dealing with the practical hints for the prevention of cholera, Mr. Hankin gives a brief account of the properties of the cholera microbe, which may be summarised as follows: (1) The cholera microbe when outside the human body, so far as is known, only lives and reproduces in water; (2) it is so small that it cannot be removed by filtration, through ordinary domestic filters; (3) it is easily and. rapidly destroyed by boiling; (4) it is rapidly destroyed by drying; (5) it is readily killed by acids; (6) it varies in virulence; (7) laboratory experiments show that its growth is favoured by the presence of traces of common salt and of nitrates in its culture fluids.

Cholera in Indian Cantonments, and how to deal with it.

By E. H. Hankin Pp. iv + 103. (Allahabad: Pioneer Press. Cambridge: Deighton, Bell, and Co., 1895.)