View report page

41
25
The following observations exemplify the difference of medical
opinion as the cause of symptoms in the living. They are taken
from the local dispensary, and compare the results of two examinations
by different officers made independently at a short interval
of time. They refer to 64 cases taken at random. There was disagreement
in 42 cases, and assuming that either might have been
right, this would give a total error of 21 per cent., or 10 per cent.
in excess and 10 per cent. in defect. If early cases only were
considered, then the disagreement amounts to 73 per cent., or a
probable absolute error of 36 per cent., that is, 18 per cent. in
excess of defect. It is an ominous side light on treatment if
we admit a 13 per cent, error of excess, for obviously if in this
proportion the discomfort of which complaint is made is not dependent
on Pulmonary Tuberculosis, then a reasonable probability
of permanent cure exists. These observations may be crude and
fallacious in inference, but they are suggestive.
We can at least conclude that notification measures the discomfort
that the population is suffering from on account of this
parasite, and for comparative purposes it is of use. It does not and
cannot measure the potentially infected individuals.
No comprehensive attempt has been made in this area to
test a large section of the apparently healthy population with
tuberculin and to ascertain in what proportion an intolerance has
been created by previous infection. From the number of instances
where the product has been used for diagnostic purposes, the
area does not appear to vary materially from others, where this
test has been more systematically applied. It would seem as if
the statement previously made, that all have been infected by the
14 years and have re-acted in some way, is not far ftom the truth.
I f such is the case, then little change can take place in prevalence
in spite of the variations in the number complaining of discomfort
of dying. Turning now to the actual figures:—