486 _ ALASKA INDUSTRIES. 



jBepor* of the resident physician. 



St, Paul Island, June, 1, 1895. 



Dear Sir: The resident physician respectfully submits the following report on 

 the public health of St. Paul Island during the year ending June 1, 1895: 



Two epidemics have visited the island. The first in October, of influenza; the 

 other, varicella, occurred in March, 1895. An endemic, gastroenteric in type, broke 

 out in the latter part of February, immediately after the opening of the winter seal- 

 meat cache. This meat had been piled up on the ground before being thoroughly 

 cooled, and the layers lowest became tainted. 



There were 30 cases of influenza severe enough to make note of, 8 cases of pneu- 

 monia, 5 cases of pleurisy, and 3 cases of phthisis pulmonalis. 



Acute bronchitis has been very common. Hsemophthesis has, as in previous years, 

 been frequent. Of the eye, conjunctivitis and iritis have been most common ; of the 

 ear, otitis media of the throat, tonsilitis, and pharyngitis. One case of cellulitis 

 requiring surgical interference occurred in Sanko Melevedov from exposure on the 

 last killing field last year. Five severe cases of icterus occurred. 



In the surgical line there has been done the following : Operation on Axanosia 

 Popoft", for suppurative synovitis of the left knee, December 21, 1895 ; good recovery. 



Operation on Mrs. Elory Stepetin, for osteosarcoma of the antrum, December 29, 



1894. Incision made over the tumor and diseased bone, and neoplastic tissue removed 

 ■ to the posterior vault of the pharynx ; part of the floor of the orbit removed ; eye- 

 ball intact; good recovery; no return as yet. 



Fracture of the radius : Mrs. Nikoli Krukof. Circumcision for paraphimosis. Tw^o 

 cases requiring surgical aid. Dislocation of the lower jaw. 



A number of cases of minor surgery, scalp wounds, etc., occurred, but none severe 

 enough to require special mention. Sixty-seven teeth were extracted. 



Since November, 1894, there have been 993 prescriptions given out. This does not 

 include simple requests for salts, etc., but represents closely the number of cases of 

 sickness requiring examination and diagnosis which have occurred during that time. 



Two deaths have occurred. First. The daughter of Theo Sedic, age 11 months. 

 The child had an attack of influenza early in October, but made a good recovery. I 

 ■was notified of its last illness. It died, as far as I can learn, while undergoing the 

 native process of manipulation, by Ellen Voekof. Second. Mrs. Neon Mandregin, 

 cause, acute phthisis. 



The births were 6 in number: To Agrafia Merculif, a son, July 4, 1894; Alexandria 

 Melevedov, a son, August 11, 1894; Fatiana Koochooten, a son, November 4, 1894; 

 Mary Messekin, a daughter, February 10, 1895; Evdotia Popoff, a daughter, April 24, 



1895, and Claudia Vikoulof, a daughter. May 3, 1895. Increase in population, 4. 



At the bottom of by far the majority of troubles among the natives is that vague 

 constitutional condition known as the stromous diaothesis or scrofula. It shows 

 itself chiefly in a general lack of the phosphates and mineral salts in the native 

 physiological economy. 



Little can be accomplished in the way of remedying this condition by the various 

 medicinal sirups or emulsions until they can be induced to adopt a diet which will 

 furnish the regular daily demand of nature for those essential constituents of the 

 body. 



To this end I would suggest that the next year's food supply contain a larger per- 

 centage of those foods rich in phosphates and easily convertible hydrocarbons, as for 

 example, of fats, lard, buttermilk, sweet oil, and of foods containing phosphates and 

 earthy salts, oatmeal, graham flour, cracked wheat, graham crackers, etc. It would 

 also be advantageous if the Government agent would encourage the raising of such 

 vegetables as will grow here, such as turnips, radishes, lettuce, etc. 



One of the most serious obstacles in the way of attempts to improve the physical 

 condition of the people is the fact that most of them are such inferior cooks. 



Since March 7, 1895, the resident physician has taken the obstetrical work in his 

 own hands. On that day, Mrs. Julia Resef gave birth to a dead child under such 

 circumstances that he felt it a matter of necessity to put a stop if possible to the 

 further ministrations of the native midwife, Ellen Volkof. A communicatiou was 

 sent to the Government agent, who took immediate stops to that eff'ect. 



The village has been cleaned and disinfectant thrown in the garbage holes. 



In concluding, the resident physician would like to acknowledge the hearty sup- 

 port, both moral and material, given him by the United States Government agent, 

 Mr. Judge, in every attempt to better the public hygiene. 

 Very respectfully, 



Gardner Perry Pond, M. D 



Mr. J. Stanley-Brown, 



Superintendent North American Commercial Company. 



