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that there is still much to be done in education on matters of diet and
hygiene. We also note the number of neurotics, mostly food-refusers
and screamers. This class of case takes a bigger and bigger preponderance
nowadays. But I have dealt with this matter in a previous report.
On the other hand not so many babies are artificially fed by hopelessly
wrong and mistaken methods as formerly; nor are severe disturbances
due to bad methods (or no methods) of bottle-feeding as common as
they were. It should be stated, too, that though rickets still occurs
fairly frequently it is of much less degree than it used to be. Really
gross rickets (florid rickets as it is called) is becoming a rarity.
We have to chronicle with regret the departure of Sister Boone,
who during her years as Sister in the Observation Wards won such golden
opinions from staff and parents alike. We extend a cordial welcome
to Sister Walker in her place.
Out-patients.
Total Attendance at Out-patients 329
Number of New Patients 167
Nature of New Cases seen:—
Difficulty in Breast Feeding 74
Difficulty in Bottle Feeding 9
Cases for Admission 52
Various Consultations 32
Remarks.—The different classes of case sent for consultation are too
numerous to describe in detail, but they make a varied and interesting
part of the work. Assistance in breast-feeding is regarded as one of
our most important activities. There were 369 attendances for testfeeding
and re-establishment. I append the results obtained:—
On the Breast only 36
Partly breast-fed and partly artificially-fed 28
Artificially-fed only 2
Failed to complete attendances 8
Failure to breast-feed is still far too common. It is an open question
whether more babies would not be breast-fed if other foods were not so
"puffed." In this respect, however, the mothers of Poplar show a
far better record than would be obtained from those who, having more
means and time, ought to set a good example in this and signally fail
to do so.
H. ST. H. VERTUE, M.D.