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its mode of treatment, and the means to be adopted for its
elimination. The report also contained a summary of the
recommendations of the Royal Commission appointed in 1896
to enquire as to what administrative procedures were available
and would be desirable for controlling the danger to man
through the use, as food, of the meat and milk of tuberculous
animals; and what were the considerations which should govern
the action of responsible authorities in condemning for the
purpose of food supplies, animals, carcases, or meat exhibiting
any stage of tuberculosis. The advantages and difficulties of
compulsory notification were also discussed, and particulars
given as to the experience of local authorities who had taken
action in this matter. These included New York, where compulsory
notification had been made law on condition that an
inspector does not visit the house where the case is reported
by a private medical practitioner, unless requested to do so by
the practitioner ; Manchester, where pending the approval of the
Local Government Board to Phthisis being included amongst
the diseases notifiable under the Local Act, a voluntary system
of notification was in force, medical practitioners receiving the
same fees as for other cases ; Brighton, where a similar system
of voluntary notification was in force; and Blackburn, where an
unsuccessful application had been made to the Local Government
Board for their consent to an order relative to the compulsory
notification of Phthisis.
It would doubtless be desirable to give a condensed
summary of the action which has already been taken at
Battersea in the matter.
Early in the year 1899 a circular containing precautions
against Consumption was delivered to every house in the
district, endorsed by an urgent request that it might not be
destroyed, but placed in such a position as to be readily
referred to. The question of compulsory notification was in
the meanwhile considered, and on the 25th January, 1899, the