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The behaviour of these diseases in this connection will be more readily seen by reference to
diagram XXIII., which is based upon the foregoing tables.
Bacteriology as an Aid to Diagnosis.
The employment of bacteriological methods for the purpose of diagnosis is increasing in
London, and it is probable these methods will, in the future, be more largely resorted to when
doubt may exist as to the precise nature of a malady.
The following references are made by medical officers of health to the use of bacteriology as
an aid to diagnosis of infectious disease—
Fulham—During the year material from 102 cases was examined, and in 71 the bacillus of
diphtheria was found.
St. George, Hanover-square—The medical officer of health recommended the vestry to
authorise him to arrange with the Jenner Institute to examine and report to him on material from
suspected cases of enteric fever and diphtheria. He estimated that the total cost of such arrangement
would not exceed £10 in the first year, and would be less in subsequent years. He recommended
this arrangement in preference to the provision of a laboratory by the London County
Council.
Westminster—The Vestry provided at the Town Hall an incubator, sterilizer, and microscope
for the use of medical practitioners.
St. Pancras—Material from 78 suspected cases of diphtheria was examined and the bacillus
found in 32 cases. Examination of material from 51 suspected cases of enteric fever gave positive
results in 24 cases, doubtful in 3 cases, and negative results in 24 cases.
Islington—The Vestry, on the recommendation of the medical officer of health, arranged
with the Jenner Institute for the examination of material from suspected cases of enteric fever,
diphtheria, and phthisis. During the part of the year in which this arrangement was in existence
47 suspected cases of enteric fever and 31 suspected cases of diphtheria were examined, at a cost
of £9 15s.
Stoke Neicington—At the instance of the Yestry material from 2 suspected cases of enteric
fever and 11 suspected cases of diphtheria were examined at University College. Of the former
the results were positive in one case, and of the latter positive in five cases.
St. Giles—On receipt of the letter of the London County Council the District Board
arranged with the Conjoint Board of the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons for the
examination of material from suspected cases of infectious disease.
Strand—Mr. Cribb, the bacteriologist appointed by the Board, reported that in 1898 he
examined material from 168 suspected cases of diphtheria. In 67 instances he found the diphtheria
bacillus to be present, in 9 the result was doubtful, and in 92 the organism was not found.
Holborn—Examination was made at the Jenner Institute for the District Board of material
from 104 suspected cases of diphtheria, and the bacillus was found in 49 cases. " The majority of
the cases were patients at the London Homoeopathic Hospital. This does not include the examination
of the doubtful cases that attend the Children's Hospital, which is carried out by their own
staff."
Clerkenwell—" The action of the Yestry in providing for a bacteriological examination,
leading to more rapid and reliable diagnosis, has been of great advantage to medical practitioners
in cases of doubtful diphtheria."
Bethnal-green—Arrangements were made with the Clinical Research Association for a
bacteriological examination in doubtful cases of diphtheria.
Poplar (Poplar and Bromley)—The medical officer of health reports—" While writing this
report the Board has, after considering a report upon the subject, authorised a supply of diagnosis
boxes containing sterilized outfits to medical practitioners for use in doubtful cases of diphtheria
and typhoid fever."
St. George-the-Martyr—The medical officer of health recommends the Yestry to make
arrangements for the examination of material from suspected cases of diphtheria and enteric fever.
St. Olave—"Permission for a bacteriological examination in doubtful cases 'of enteric
fever was granted."