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82
RINGWORM.—1 'he number of specimens examined for the
presence of this parasite amounted to 122, of this number 9 were from
patients in the Hospital. Of the total examinations 56 showed the
presence of ringworm spores or mycelium and the majority were of the
small spore variety.
MISCELLANEOUS EXAMINATIONS.-Various other bacteriological
and microscopical examinations were made during the year.
These included the examination of a large number of specimens of
urine ; of faucial exudation for leptothrix ; of brain tissue for meningococcus
; of sputum for pneumo-coccus ; of bovine spleen for anthrax ;
and of various other specimens of blood and morbid fluids.
PREPARATION OF MATERIAL. —In addition to the actual
examinations of specimens much time has been occupied in the
preparation of material needed for bacteriological work. Thus suitable
"outfits" for the transmission of specimens to the laboratory in
accordance with the requirements of the Postmaster General required
careful preparation. 3,273 of these " outhts " were supplied during the
year for use by the Public Health staff and the medical men of the
borough.
The making of serum culture media commenced in 1906 for use
in the laboratory has been continued this year. The blood is obtained
from the Public Slaughter House and prepared for use by the laboratory
attendant (E. Hasler) under the direction of the medical officers.
The material prepared in this way during 1908 if reckoned at the
commercial price, viz., 3s. 6d. per dozen tubes, would have
cost £120 4s 6d. In this way a great saving is made in the working
expenses of the laboratory.
In conclusion I again draw attention to the increasing demands
that are made on the resources of the laboratory. In my opinion we
have about reached the limit of work that can be undertaken with the
present staff and laboratory accommodation.