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49
tion of residence in the sanatorium was eleven weeks, but, again,
it is regretted that too many patients discharge themselves against
advice. Feeling better, and anxious to get home, they imagine
themselves well, and insist on taking their discharge, only later on
to regret their haste.
Of those sent to sanatoria, only 7 were discharged fit for
"ordinary pcoupation," the remainder as unfit or only fit for such
light work as is at present unobtainable.
Of those referred to the Infirmary, the majority (15) being
advanced cases died in the Institution.
Dental Treatment.—Increasing attention is being paid to
the state of the teeth of tuberculous patients, and during the yeai1
93 patients were referred to the dentist for special treatment. All
patients, however, were advised to see to the proper and regular
cleaning of the teeth as part of their routine treatment. Impairment
of the digestive function js an all-important symptom of
tuberculosis, and without good teeth there cannot be good digestion.

Gas was administered by the Tuberculosis Officer on twelve
occasions, the number of patients being 33. The number of dentures
supplied was 4, total cost amounting to £17 10s., of which
£5 was subscribed by patients. A number of patients (3) preferred
treatment by their own dentist.
The same arrangements exist between the Council and the
British Dentists' Hospital as mentioned last vear.
X-Ray Examination.—Increasing use is being made of this
method of examination in assisting the diagnosis of Pulmonary
Tuberculosis, especially in children, in whom the ordinary methods
of examination not infrequently give no decided results. During
the year 139 patients were so examined, 75 of whom were children.
Of the 139 examinations, 132 were examinations of the chest and 7
of other parts.
The method is somewhat expensive, but more than worth the
money spent on it.
Sputum Examinations.—During the year' 374 specimens of
sputum were sent for examination to the Bacteriological Laboratory
of the Seamen's Hospital, with the following results:—Positive, 98;
Negative, 276.