PHYSICIAN'S REPORT.

To the Inspectors of the Michigan State Prison:

GENTLEMEN-In presenting my report, of course I can only give you a detailed account of the transactions of the hospital department for the half year ending at this time. On my assuming the duties here as Physician it became necessary to commence anew in almost everything appertaining to the hos pital; there not being an article of any account of the usual supplies on hand. The hospital stewart being inexperienced in this capacity, a far greater amount of labor than usual devolved on me to perform; the sick list numbering thirty patients, two of which were sick beyond hope of recovery, and soon after died. By the efficient and willing cooperation of the officers of the Prison these obstacles were soon overcome, and the hospital placed in proper order-it being repainted, whitewashed, and furnished abundantly with supplies, together with new beds and bedding throughout; and with a thorough cleansing out from top to bottom, it was made to assume an air of cleanliness and comfort rarely attained in Prison hospitals. This was really economy, as well as being truly philanthropic, because whatever promotes comfort hastens convalescence and prevents disease. Placing patients in the best possible position to get well, is a desideratum in practical medicine; and this has been the great object sought to be accomplished here. How much has been attained in this direction can readily be determined by contrasting the number of patients prescribed for with the number of days of labor lost, (for this please refer to the annexed table.) To oppose the beginning of disease is an axiom of preeminent importance and should never be lost

sight of, especially in an institution of this character, which is supposed to be nearly or quite self sustaining; and it is no less true that whatever prevents disease confers a far greater benefit than that which cures. Now there can be more done to prevent disease. For instance, many of the convicts labor in close, warm shops, and in going out into the yard to their meals and cells they experience an intense difference in the temperature, and become too rapidly cooled, hence we meet with numerous cases of rheumatism and other inflammatory diseases. These pernicious consequences may be avoided by furnishing the convicts with cotton or woolen underclothes during the cold season. Again, there are more cases of dysentery, diarrhea and other affections of the alimentary canal than can really depend upon any climatic influences, and I apprehend that the number of these cases can be much diminished by using wheat bread during the summer and autumn months, and allowing other condiments than common salt or pepper or pepper-sauce with the daily food.

It will be observed that the period for which this report is made includes the sickly season of the year, during which time the most of our diseases and fatality occurs throughout the State, and the Prison has had no great immunity from the usual invasions of disease and mortality.

There have been six deaths by disease, as follows:

No. 1. Anasarca.

"2. Cerebro spinal meningitis.

"3. Fever, bilious.

" 4. Self-abuse.

" 5. Phthisis.

"6. Cerebro spinal meningitis.

Numerous accidents have occurred in the use of machinery. Some of them were of a serious character; one was attended with the loss of an arm, and another with the loss of a part of the hand, and several injuries of minor importance. Also, one attempt at suicide, the subject making a long and deep incision across the throat, and inflicting severe, ugly, penetrating

wounds into the right and left lower portion of the abdomen, and then recklessly plunged into a reservoir containing fifteen feet in depth of water; but he was soon rescued from his perilous condition, his wounds dressed, and he is now in a fair way of recovery.

In the surgical operations, chloroform has been freely exhibited, with the most happy and gratifying effect; in fact no one of this class of cases has been attended with any untoward occurrence whatever; but, on the contrary, I am happy to report all of the operations have been a perfect success. The uumber of accidental injuries is much larger than for several years past, and has materially added to the number of days of labor lost to the State. I shall in my next report exhibit the precise number of days lost from this cause alone.

In conclusion, I wish to add that upon all occasions, and in all my relations here, I have had extended to me the courteous consideration and efficient coöperation of the officers of the Prison, for which they have my kind regards.

G. W. CARHARTT,

Attending Physician.

Jackson, Dec. 1, 1863.

Transactions of the Hospital Department from December 1st, 1862, to May 19th, 1863.

E. T. Mil er died of concussion of the brain, caused by injuries received in jumping off

the railroad cars while on his way to the Prison, February 27th, 1863.

William Fulton died of consumption, at 5o'clock A. M., April 22d, 18€3.