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but the habit is an objectionable one and has nothing to commend
it. It is not tolerated in public vehicles and should not
be allowed anywhere, either in public or private. All dispensary
patients are carefully instructed as to the dangers of spitting,
and supplied with sputum mugs for use at home and pocket
flasks for carrying about with them . Antiseptic solution is also
supplied for use with the flasks and mugs, and most of our
patients readily see the use of these precautions and faithfully
carry them out.
Tuberculous Milk. — This is derived from cows suffering from
tuberculosis, and the milk from a cow with a tuberculosis udder
is exceedingly dangerous. Tuberculous milk is responsible for a
large amount of the tuberculosis of bones, joints and glands seen
in children, i.e., the so-called "surgical tuberculosis." There
were 86 cases of this kind notified in Bermondsey during the
year. The remedy is in the hands of the public—a pure milk
supply should be demanded. In this Borough two other factors
operate on the prevalence of the disease: (1) bad housing conditions.
This leads to the close contact between healthy persons
and tuberculous persons, and sooner or later the healthy person
becomes infected. It may be pointed out that, of a total number
of 461 persons notified as suffering from tuberculosis during the
year, only 20 persons are known to have a sleeping-room to themselves,
i.e., 4.3 per cent. (2) Low family income. In almost
all cases, unemployment has much to do with the low family
income. The provision of extra nourishment for tuberculous
persons has been of very great value. The amount of money
available for this purpose is, however, very small and could with
benefit be increased. Unemployment, in connection with tuberculosis,
provides an instance of a vicious circle.
The circle has to be broken somewhere and the provision of
more extra nourishment, a purer milk supply and better home
conditions would go a long way towards breaking the circle,