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for the purpose of ascertaining whether a sore
throat is, or is not, of a diphtheric character, and
also in cases where it is established that the disease
exists, to the great advantage that seems likely to
be obtained by the subcutaneous injection of serum
obtained from immune animals.
These investigations, as well as the preparation
of the serum, require the highest skill in
bacteriology, and as the number of skilled bacteriologists
is very limited, I am desired to draw your
attention to the facilities that are offered—if you
wish to avail yourself of them—for the examination
of specimens and the obtaining of serum.
I beg to point out with regard to the diagnosis
of diphtheria, that Dr. Roux has shown in
Paris, that 20 percent, of the cases in the diphtheric
ward of the Children's Hospital were not suffering
from diphtheria at all, and this experience has been
confirmed in a London Hospital.
Owing to the modern means of investigation
it is now possible to say, within a few hours,
whether or not a child is suffering from diphtheria ;
this being so, it is evident that had accurate
diagnosis been made in good time, most of the
children in these hospitals might have been sent
home within two or three days of admission, or even
earlier.
The District Council, through their Medical
Officer of Health, have made special arrangements
with the British Institute of Preventive Medicine
to make the requisite bacteriological
examination of suspected cases of diphtheria
and to supply sufficient reliable anti-toxin
for the treatment of one average case
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