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conservative methods of treatment of the tonsils themselves, as an
alternative to operation for removal; and (e) the reduction of the
number of cases referred for operation to the minimum.
Tn pursuance of this scheme the modern conservative method
of tonsil "Suction" devised by Peters, London, who speaks highly
of its results, was introduced at the Aural Clinic towards the end
of the year. There was some delay and difficulty in getting the
necessary suitable equipment, owing to its being, as yet, little
practised here, but we have now acquired the complete apparatus
and a small number of cases were treated towards the end of the
year with promising results; but the number was too small to
allow us to make a full, impartial report as to our experience of
its uses. This year we hope to treat a considerable number of
cases, and in a future report to give a full account of this method
and our experiences of its results.
The Local Authority's own Bacteriological Laboratory has
been made frequent use of in the examination and diagnosis of
"suspected" and septic conditions found in connection with aural,
Basal and throat affections. Specimens taken at the Clinic are
sent to the Laboratory immediately. A bacteriological report is
available with the least possible delay. It is hoped to make still
greater use of this important facility—in connection with the
new scheme for the investigation of deafness in its relation to nasal
infections amongst school children, and as a control of the
bacteriological factor in the conservative "Suction" treatment
of tonsils.
The Education Committee have made arrangements for the
supply of nutritional and tonic adjuvants to the physical treatment
carried out at the Clinics. This is a valuable addition. In order
to derive the best possible benefits from the physical treatments
it is desirable that the patient's general health and resistance should
be good. Any children whose general condition was considered
below par or in need of special tonics, vitamins, etc., were supplied
at cost price, or, when unable to afford it, free.
The chief "adjuvants" supplied were pure cod-liver oil;
calcium, either as the gluconate or Lactophosphate Syrup; or