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Three boys included in the rehumatism group improved—
"rheumatism is unknown as an endemic condition in hot sunny
countries, whilst the value of the sun as a curative agent in rheumatic
states is undoubted" (Pearson and Wyllie). To quote again from
Pearson and Wyllie, "Though nothing accurate is yet known about
the storing of the sun's energy in the body, there is little doubt that
it occurs. The' conditions under which the Esquimaux live suggest
this. These people enjoy six months of good sunshine, but during
the remainder of the year live in darkness and yet keep very healthy.
In this climate, owing to the uncertain amount of sunshine in the
summer, it would appear that insufficient rays are stored to last
over the winter months. The languid feelings, ill-health and
liability to infection that are so common in the early months of the
year may be due to this cause, for, when sunshine reappears, general
health improves."
Finally, although natural sunlight must always be preferable,
the place of artificial light for treating sun-starved children is
assured.
PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY DEFECTIVE CHILDREN.
Mentally Defective Children :
Statutory Medical Examinations.
During the year, some 88 children were referred for statutory
medical examination.