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It is gratifying to note that the "conscientiousobjections" have
fallen from 90 in 1898 to 66 in 1899, and the proportion of cases
" not fully accounted for " from 15.2 per cent, in 1898 to 10 per
cent, in 1899.
DISINFECTION.
Infected articles were disinfected as heretofore by the contractor,
Mr. Lacy, St. John's Wharf, by whom they were also
collected. The weight of the articles disinfected was 2.009 cwt.,
and the amount paid to Mr. Lacy, £1256.
During the last three years, the cost of disinfection has
averaged £1,247 a year. The disinfecting station which has been
erected at a cost of £4,330, in Townmead Road, is now in use.
This is most complete in every respect, and comprises two
Equifex Disinfecting Stoves, the largest being 9 feet long by
6 feet diameter, and a well equipped laundry for washing and
cleansing articles when necessary.
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS.
In 1897, the Vestry made arrangements with the Jenner
Institute of Preventive Medicine for the bacteriological examination
of suspected material, and increasing use is being made by
medical practitioners of the facilities afforded them of availing
themselves of this important aid to diagnosis, 102 specimens
being examined in 1898, 164 in 1899, and 289 in 1900.
Diphtheria.—Material from 247 cases was examined, and the
Klebs-Löffler, or true Diphtheria bacillus was isolated in 90, and
the pseudo-diphtheritic, or Hoffman's bacillus, in 44.
Enteric Fever. —Blood from 23 cases was examined, and the
Widal, or Typhoid reaction, was obtained in 8.
Tuberculosis.—Sputum from 19 cases was examined, and the
bacillus of Tubercle was found in 7.