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117
Children suffering from malnutrition following acute illness have
shown marked improvement, and so have all cases of anaemia. But
the results are variable where malnutrition is due to chronic indigestion,
and loss of appetite. In some of these, improvement has been really
wonderful, but credit must be shared by the ultra-violet rays with the
greatly improved diet the child has received, in accordance with
reiterated advice patiently and persistently given, during the frequent
attendances at the centre.
Where a child's condition has been the result of faulty hygiene in
the home, and improper and irregular feeding, it is hardly to be expected
that sunlight treatment alone will effect a cure. It is to this cause that
we attribute failure in several instances.
Particulars re Plant, Cost, Etc.
Until the Deptford Health Centre is built in Harton Street, a
basement room is being used at the Town Hall. The installation
consists of two "Sunray" Flaming Carbon Arc Lamps, wired to run
in parallel, taking 15 to 30 amperes each. These lamps have been
designed to incorporate the results of research in ultra-violet radiation
by the National Institute for Medical Research. The lamps burn a
pair of carbon electrodes which are specially impregnated, the larger or
positive carbon always being above. The lamp is of the open pattern.
The carbon holders are of new design, the carbons being held by a
brass bush split into four, held by a coned cast iron ring. The guides
to the carbon holders are provided with rollers, and in the case of the
bottom carbon holder the rollers bear additional guide rods, thus preventing
any " sticking up."
The cast iron double insulated economiser is provided with protective
pieces to obviate damage to the main guide rods from the long flame
arc which occurs when using new carbons. The maximum separation
of the carbons is at present 4½ inches.
Each lamp is controlled by a double pole main switch and fuses
and a special regulation resistance. The lamps are suspended on
suitable pulleys with ⅜ inch steel cord and steel counterweights.
A strong galvanised iron guard (wire) 4 feet high by 3 feet diameter
is provided round each lamp, and a sheet of asbestos board is fitted
under each lamp. The arc lamps run on 110 volts direct current supply
as generated on the premises. The charge for the supply of current