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At the same time 269 specimens were chemically examined at
the Dispensary as to the presence of albumin, by way of assisting
diagnosis. The following results were obtained:—
Group 1. Tubercle Bacilli present and Albumin present 76
„ II. „ „ „ „ absent 16
„ III. „ „ absent „ present 65
„ IV. „ „ „ „ absent 122
In Group II. nine specimens negative on first examination gave
a positive result to albumin on re-examination.
With reference to Group III., albumin is present in several
diseases of the lung besides Tuberculosis, but it is interesting to
note that 19 of the 55 cases comprising this group were found
by other methods to be tuberculous.
In Group IV. none of the cases have so far been found
tuberculous.
The great value of the test is a negative one. If albumin is
absent from the sputum on several examinations the case is almost
certainly not tuberculous.
The Interim Tuberculosis Care Committee continues its
good work under not very encouraging circumstances. Full reference
to this was made last year. I am indebted to Miss Johnston,
the Hon. Secretary, for the following Report:—
"At the first meeting it was suggested that, as there was no
prospect of the Borough Council parrying out the scheme for providing
accommodation for advanced cases of Tuberculosis, that if
a Voluntary Committee could rent the three houses next to the
Tuberculosis Dispensary, and raise sufficient money for alterations
and furniture, the home could be carried on through payments
received for patients from the London County Council.
"The Borough Council were approached, and at a special meeting
of the Interim Tuberculosis Care Committee a Home of Rest
Committee was formed of members of the Interim, Tuberculosis Care
Committee.
"This Committee met four times, but it was found advisable
to drop the scheme for a time, the Borough Council having decided
to sell the houses suggested for the Home.
"The continued shortage of houses prevents improvement in
the condition of the homes, which are overcrowded and often badly
in need of repairs. In one case only a couple were, with help
from the Soldiers' and Sailors' Help Society, enabled to move from