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ties, and it has been shown that a very large proportion of
milking cows do suffer from tuberculosis, and that this shows
itself in the milk and is in all likelihood conveyed to the child.
A toxin has been found which is able to test the cow as to
whether it is free from the disease or no. It is only from cows
proved healthy by this test that the milk is considered fit
for human consumption. In the absence of this test it is, of
course, of the utmost importance " that all milk should be boiled."
As regards other means at our command in the treatment of
consumption, it is, of course, of the utmost importance that all
discharges should be as soon as possible destroyed, small pieces
of rag being used for the purpose, such rags being conveyed to a
bag after use. The habit of spitting should be absolutely disallowed,
especially about a house, as, on drying, the particles
permit of a ready means of conveying the disease. All spittle in
spittoons should be thoroughly disinfected. Attention to cleanliness
in every way is of the utmost importance, as also is the
prevention of overcrowding. The confinement of consumptive
patients in close stuffy rooms is most detrimental, and the
enormous amount of benefit gained by the administration of plenty
of fresh air cannot be over-estimated.
In Hendon, during the year, thirty-three persons have died by
this disease. Of this number it is only fair to state 18 were
persons in the Infirmary, leaving 15 to be accounted for in
Hendon proper. Of this number Child's Hill, a very overcrowded
part, heads the list with 5, West Hendon 4, Central
Hendon 2, Cricklewood 1, Mill Hill 2, and Burnt Oak 1. It
would, I think, be of great benefit to have this disease compulsorily
notified, as all cases could be then visited and instructions
given as to the means they should pursue, and periodical visits
could be paid to see they were carried out.
typhoid fever.
Nine cases of this disease were notified, as against 15 in the