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112
and upon a thoroughly scientific and comprehensive scale will
achieve success, then the project which has been launched in
Deptford should at least come very near attaining its object,
which is the extinction of Consumption within the next
generation.
Before describing the dispensary itself it will be well to
review some of its more important functions according to the
latest scientific and medical methods.
THE RELATION OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH
TO THE DISPENSARY.
In Deptford, as it should be elsewhere, it is recognised
that in forming a complete scheme for the eradication of
Tuberculosis, the Medical Officer of Health must play an
important part, not only in formulating the scheme itself, but
also in taking an active part in the administrative working of
the institution and supervising all measures to combat the scourge
within the district. For instance, the Medical Officer of Health
is the first to receive notifications of persons suffering from
Phthisis and other forms of Tuberculosis, who are or who have
recently been resident in his district. It is he who has to deal
with all sanitary measures generally, and to keep an eye open
for any so-called tuberculosis " nests." In fact, it would be
well nigh impossible to work any scheme for the stamping out
of this disease without the close co-operation and supervision of
the Medical Officer of Health.
THE RELATION OF THE TUBERCULOSIS OFFICER TO THE
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
There can be no doubt that in view of the present day
position for the prevention and treatment of diseases due to the
tubercular parasite, the Tuberculosis Officer should possess
some knowledge of bacteriology and public health work, and
should be attached to the staff of the Medical Officer of Health.
By this means he is placed in direct touch with all the activities