54 Medical Topography of Malacca, 



with the results of the enquiry. Its immediate neighbourhood is 

 flat, excepting a small hillock, covered with jungle, which forms one 

 of its sides ; nor are there any traces of volcanic action present. 



Bathing in this water is much esteemed by the natives, especially 

 in cutaneous, rheumatic, syphilitic, epileptic, and a variety of other 

 diseases. I consider that it has frequently proved beneficial, this 

 doubtless in connection with the change of air offered by the neigh- 

 bourhood, quiet, and the impulse given to the mind. Thus it 

 proved of great service in one of two cases I had occasion to send 

 there from the Convict Hospital, viz. Marukary — case of chronic 

 syphilitic rheumatism, whom I found in the hospital, on assuming 

 charge in February, a bed-ridden cripple, and who after every treat- 

 ment, was sent there from the hospital in that state on the 12th of 

 April. He returned to Malacca on the 25th of May, perfectly 

 recovered in his limbs, having the free use of them, and able for 

 light work on the roads ; he is now engaged on the flag-staff duty. 

 The other was a case of phthisis pulmonalis in the last stage, was 

 sent there for a change as a " dernier resort," he returned three 

 months after, no better, and died subsequently in hospital. This 

 last of course affords no criterion of the waters. The average range 

 of the thermometer during the day, is said to be in the shade from 

 74° to 85°, and 108° in the open air at noon, is by the accompany- 

 ing Return taken for the last three years, shewn to have averaged a 

 mean daily variation of 8°. There is no opportunity (want of a self- 

 regulating thermometer) of ascertaining the lowest temperature dur- 

 ing the night, which it is very desirable to know. 



The barometrical variation is said to be very slight, ranging from 

 29.83 to 30.3. As, however, there is no barometer attached to the 

 station, there are no means at command at present for observing 

 these changes. Having indented for this, and the above-named 

 instrument, as well as for an hygrometer, I trust to be able in next 

 year's Report to afford some more correct information on this subject. 

 On reference to the accompanying Tables, it will be at once seen, that 

 rain fell during the last year on 111 days, amounting to inches 68 - : 

 in 1844 on 115 days, amounting to inches 84^ < and in 1843 on 122 

 days, amounting to inches 7 6^. That the greater portion of rain fell 

 during the past year from the beginning of April to the end of 



