View report page

78
which have taken a foothold would probably not have
caused any untoward symptoms in a more robust
woman. Such germs exist normally in the air, the
respiratory tract or in the bowel and can never be
completely eliminated.
An important branch of Pathology which has been
introduced into the laboratory this year is that of
Histology or in other words the microscopic examination
of the cellular structure of tissues. This cellular
structure often undergoes a striking change when the
tissue becomes diseased and its study provides a valuable
aid to diagnosis. The tissues are most frequently
obtained from post mortem examinations and a large
proportion from surgical operations when unhealthy
material is removed ; abnormal placentas also provide
a source of investigation.
The preparation of tissues for such examination is a
highly specialised process and can only be perfected by
much experience.
Through the kind co-operation of the Council, Mr.
Brian was given special leave to attend the Royal Free
Hospital Histological Laboratory for a week to learn
some of the more important work in this connection.
The technician at that hospital, to whom many thanks
are due, has in addition given him much help on the
subject when difficulties have arisen.
Further acknowledgements are necessary to the
officials of the Pathology Department at Charing Cross
Hospital, where Mr. Brian has been given facilities for
attending post mortems, and also of the Histology
Section of the Biology Department at the Royal Veterinary
College.