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63
This is a serious matter, as is the general state of things as regards
advanced cases. I am myself coming to regard an advanced case in a
working-class house spreading a mass of infection at close contact, as a
very serious matter for those in the home ; and when we consider the
number of definite cases that arise from this contact, and further the
number of cases that one regards with grave suspicion but who appear
to have sufficient resistance to conquer the infection, it is possible that
the number of the family infected by such a state of things is larger
than the ordinary figures would show.
I believe the only means of in any way combating this condition is
in local hospital beds for advanced cases, where the relatives have easy
access ; which is not considered as a home for the dying; as the
advanced case of tuberculosis is usually far more optimistic than their
condition warrants, and where the suggestion of infirmary, carrying as
it seems to the stigma of poor-law relief to the poorer classes, does not
enter, even in this case the difficulties would be great as it is usually the
wish of patients to end their days at home.
In conclusion I have to thank the Medical Officer of Health, Dr.
Scrase, for his help and consideration on all occasions.
A. J. Scott Pinchin,
M.D. (Lond.), M.R.C.P.