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"In order that patients should derive the maximum benefit
from any physical treatment, it is highly desirable that their general
bodily health and resistance should be good. The presence of any
infections or toxic absorption puts a big strain on nature's resistance,
so that it is essential that the natural defensive mechanism be
adequately maintained.
"The tonics chiefly employed are pure cod liver oil (or oil
and malt), calcium, either as the gluconate or lacto-phosphate syrup.
These supply the essential vitamin content and maintain the
necessary correct metabolic balance.
"These tonics are supplied at cost price or less, according to
the Committee's scale of necessity. In some cases they may be
supplied free of charge.
"A considerable amount of these tonics has been given during
the year.
"Classification.—A special classification Table of Returns of
all cases attending the clinic during the year is appended.
"A word of explanation is necessary with reference to this
Table. We have thought it desirable to make a full detailed
classification of all cases, not only the total number ot main defects
treated and results, but any complications (one or more in any one
case), the nature of the treatments (single or combined) of the main
defect and its complications, any previous operations such as tonsils
and adenoids removal, mastoidectomy and operations performed or
advised as part of the clinic treatment, together with detailed
results in the various groups, without any overlapping of cases.
"The pre-school children, infants and school children are
classified separately."
The classification table shows:—
"A."—Acute and chronic ear defects in infants and pre-school
children, with their treatment and results.
"B."—Chronic ear conditions and their complications, with treatment
and results, in school children.
"C."—Nose and throat defects in pre-school and school children,
with treatment and results.
"D."—Miscellaneous cases.
1. The tables are comprehensive in their record of the various
types of cases and defects, their treatment and results.
2. They are easy to understand.
3. They form a simple, reliable system of making annual
returns, provided a systematic method of clinical record
of each case is kept at the clinic.
4. A general adoption of such a system of classification and
tabulation by various bodies dealing with large numbers of
children with similar ailments would be a great advantage
in a study of the relative incidence, treatment and result
of the conditions throughout the country.