The Simla (India) Hydro-Baths by H. C. Menkel, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 14, 1916

The Simla (India) Hydro-Baths

By H. C. Menkel, M. D.

Our work in Simla opened this season with a very marked providence, in making available for our use what is perhaps the most desirable and best-adapted building for medical purposes in this station. This gave us courage to attempt greater things for God; and the results thus far obtained, after five months, indicate that our hopes were not misplaced.

The work is recognized as being on a medical missionary basis, and my patients know that I am also the pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist church. This opens the way to speak freely of religion and present truth.

The records of the past three months show that the institution is appreciated by those high in government circles. We have treated three generals, seven colonels, four majors, six captains, one lieutenant, one judge, two members of the viceroy’s council, two members of the legislative council, two consul generals, two government department heads, and other officials.

Many wounded officers from the Mesopotamian front have been sent to Simla for convalescence. Among those coming under our care have been several with badly wounded arms and legs. The consequent atrophy of muscles, neuritis, and ankylosis presented rather a discouraging outlook at first, but by persistent work we have been able to restore a marked degree of functionation, and some have been so far restored as to return to active service.

The Location

Simla is located in the Himalaya Mountains, at an altitude of seven thousand feet; the eternal snows are in full view the year round. This is the summer headquarters of the government of India and of the Punjab government, and therefore is a station of the first magnitude.

During the eight months of hot weather, thousands come to Simla to escape the heat of the plains, and some come to seek health. Among the latter the Simla Hydro-Baths is winning a reputation as an important means to the desired end.

The Institution

The building we occupy has two stories. The upper floor is used as resident quarters for the workers, and offers accommodation for several in-patients. The ground floor is equipped as treatment-rooms. We have as patients, Europeans, Indians, Christians, Mohammedans, and Hindus.

On the same floor a large room is appropriately fitted up for a chapel. Here our church services are held, and each Sabbath there may be seen at the service some who are attending the treatment-rooms as patients during the week.

Our landlord, who is a devout Mohammedan, when shown the chapel, expressed his appreciation thus: “Many persons have lived in this house, but none have ever set apart a room exclusively for God.”

Two weeks ago I baptized five persons as the result of this season’s effort, and indications give promise of others who are seriously considering this step.

Two years ago we organized a Good Health League, which now has a membership of one hundred and fifty, belonging to the various races and religions. The league has done a good work in popularizing modern ideas of health and temperance in the Indian community. The basis of membership is as follows:

Declaration of Membership

“I am a total abstainer from alcohol and tobacco, and desire to learn and to follow the perfect way of life in all that pertains to health and purity.”

H. C. Menkel, M. D.