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74
physician at the beginning of the century that "No consumptive
is in himself a danger; he is only dangerous by reason of faulty
habits."
In this connection, there has been considerable discussion in
the medical papers during the past year as to the value of contact
examination, and whether the labour involved in it is commensurate
with the results obtained. It is a well known fact, accepted by all
observers, that very few persons so examined present signs or
symptoms of active Tuberculosis, but there is another side to the
question, namely, whether any benefit is conferred on the large
numbers regarded as clinically free from the disease. In order
to collect some data on this and other points, I have analysed the
records of the first thousand contacts whom I examined after my
appointment here, the period covered dating from October, 1928 to
the early part of 1932, so that at least four years have passed since
each case was first seen. The following is a brief summary of the
facts which have emerged from this investigation:—
(1) The number of persons found to be suffering from Pulmonary
Tuberculosis was 18, and from Glandular Tuberculosis 2.
Of the remaining 980, four subsequently developed the
disease, the periods of time elapsing before the manifestations
of symptoms being respectively 2 years, 3 years,
4 years, and 5 years.
(2) This leaves a residue of 976 people and among these defects
were discovered in 158. The more numerous were bronchitis
—36; debility—29; rheumatic heart disease—26; fibrosis
of lung—18; septic tonsils—13; while a wide variety of
other lesions occurred which it is not necessary to specify
here. Treatment was arranged for 75 through private
practitioners, the School Medical Service, or voluntary
hospitals, and 37 more were sent to convalescent homes.
Some did not require any active treatment, but it was
sufficient, especially, for instance, in the group comprising
those with heart trouble, to give advice as to the future
ordering of their lives.