Medical Topography of Malacca. 55 



September, comparatively little in August, and again much rain in 

 November and December. This last month shows the greatest 

 number of days upon which rain fell, though not the greatest fall 

 of water in the aggregate amount ; which took place in November. 



In 1844 rain fell from the beginning of April to end of September. 

 In December the Table also shows much rain to have fallen ; the 

 greatest number of days that rain fell being in the month of Decem- 

 ber ; but the greatest amount of water that fell, being in the months 

 of May and July ; the quantities being equal. 



In 1843, rain likewise fell from the beginning of April to end of 

 December. In this year no rain fell in February, though there was 

 much variable wind ; and in this month occurred too, the hottest day ; 

 and together with March, the mean hottest weather. The greatest 

 number of days upon which rain fell being in May; the greatest 

 aggregate amount of rain fallen, being in July. 



A want of an accurate knowledge of the climate and seasons met 

 with in the Straits, seems not unfrequently to exert a prejudicial 

 influence on the Medical authorities at the Indian Presidencies, when 

 recommending the climate of the Straits to invalids, proceeding for 

 change of air, after severe attacks of acute disease, either dysentery, 

 fever, &c, both in respect to the climate itself, and to the season 

 chosen for such change ; and which frequently occasions disappoint- 

 ment to all parties, to say the least. 



The variation of the thermometer in the day during the past year 

 never exceeded in the shade 16^°, viz. from 6 a. m. to 3 p. m. ; the 

 mean daily variation being 9°, and its mean range or variation at 

 3 p. m. throughout the year has not exceeded 6°. 



In 1 844 the variation never exceeded 1 5° ; the mean daily variation 

 being 9°, and the mean range at 3 p. m. throughout the year did not 

 exceed 5°. 



In 1 843 the variation never exceeded 1 7° ; the mean daily variation 

 being 8°, and the mean range at 3 p. m. throughout the year did not 

 exceed 5°. 



South-west winds are said to prevail from April to November ; and 

 the influence of the north-east monsoon to be felt during the other 

 months. 



The Tables for the last three years, show, that during the past 

 year this wind prevailed in November, and as a secondary wind, from 



