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explanation of decreased mortality rather than to measures
devised directly against the infective agent itself.
There is, however, one aspect of the question on which
I have not touched, that is the importance, according to
present knowledge, of the safe-guarding of our milk supply, in
spite of the views enunciated by distinguished observers as to
the non-transmissibility of bovine tuberculosis to man. The
London County Council has made a partial application of
certain sections of the Public Health (London) Act with regard
to measles. There is no reason why a similar application of a
particular section should not be made for the purposes of
tuberculosis. I refer to that one which if applied would give
the Medical Officer of Health power to inspect the animals in
any dairy whence milk has been supplied to his district, which
milk is found to contain tubercle bacilli, on the ground that
this source of supply is likely to cause infectious disease, i.e.,
phthisis, to persons residing within its limits.
I think, in the future, those measures which will
render people less liable to the attack of the tubercle
bacillus, rather than those directed to the destruction of the
bacillus itself will prove of the greater benefit. Insanitary
conditions generally, in the widest application of the term,
have more to do with phthisis than with any other disease, and
it is to the increased attention paid to such matters that we
are largely indebted for the decreased mortality; and if we can
only get people to recognise the value of light, of fresh air
and dry houses, we shall advance a long stage towards its
diminution. The necessity too becomes more apparent for the
provision in the crowded centres of open spaces, for phthisis
has always been most prevalent in those districts where there
is the greatest aggregation of the population.
It will be remembered that in May last, Mr. Gower, the
Chief Clerk in the department, left the service of the Council,
and a re-arrangement took place in the office, Mr. Chadderton,
one of the Sanitary Inspectors, being appointed to the Chief
Clerkship, and a new Sanitary Inspector being appointed to
take his place, the change of duties taking effect in November
last. Up to that time, Messrs. Wright, Worsfold and Hurst
had performed the clerical duties for the six months, and I am
pleased to say that although no headway was made in bringing
up arrears there was no fresh accumulation of back work.