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the spread of the disease. Cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis
are usually infectious to a greater or less extent. But provided
the patient takes certain necessary precautions, the
risk of communicating the disease to other individuals is
minimised, although probably never absent. My experience
has been that most consumptives notified to me become
quickly educated to a sense of responsibility, and do their
best to prevent risk of infection. It is remarkable to what
extent the public mind has changed in its outlook towards the
infectious nature of Phthisis. Not only is the nature of the
disease, its curability and its infectious nature more clearly
grasped, but there is occasionally a tendency to even
exaggerate the danger of infection of a healthy person by a
consumptive. Nothing could be more unfortunate than this.
Provided a consumptive takes certain precautions, he is often
a harmless and indeed may be a most useful member of
society.
From February 1st, 1913, Tuberculosis not only of the
lungs but of every part of the body was made compulsorily
notifiable by the issue of the Public Health (Tuberculosis)
Regulations, 1912. The cases of Non-Pulmonary Tuberculosis
notified during the year are classified below. It must
be noted that many of these cases are of long standing, and
there is no means of ascertaining what proportion are fresh
cases arising during the year. For this reason, the number
of cases notified during the year is exceptionally heavy, and
will probably never be exceeded in subsequent years, when
fresh cases only will be notified.
The same inquiries are made in cases of Non-Pulmonary
Tuberculosis as are made in Pulmonary Tuberculosis, and
the sanitary condition of the house is carefully examined. It
may be remarked that many nuisances, some of a grave
nature, were brought to light during these visits. Dampness
is the most important nuisance found to require remedying,
and a distinct impression is left in my mind that dampness