CHRISTMAS AT THE HOSPITALS.

CHRISTMAS AT THE HOSPITALS.

124 to believe that the information thus afforded has been of! considerable assistance to those who have to work with . anti-diphtheritic serum and h...

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124 to believe that the information thus afforded has been of! considerable assistance to those who have to work with .

anti-diphtheritic serum and has

contributed in

some measure

ii the fact that in

Europeans,

who in the first instance

were

not affected, are now attacked in considerable numbers. n M Metschnikoff’s experiments on cholera and on the exaltation o of the virulence of the organism, the difference between

to the improvement of the serum treatment in this country and to putting the dosage on a rational and intelligible infection by the blood and infection by the alimentary cana), his observations on the toxins produced by cholera. basis. Before leaving the serum question it must be pointedIand a out that anti-streptococcic serum and anti-tetanic serum have organisms are of very great interest ; whilst the observations o both been successfully prepared at the laboratories of the made n by numerous other observers on the production of British Institute of Preventive Medicine, but as yet the casess cholera c and typhoid toxins and antitoxins continue to add to treated with them are not sufficiently numerous to afford any the sum of our knowledge on these subjects. t .

very satisfactory statistics. Quite recently Dr. WashbournIThe filtration of water, especially in relation to the has announced that he has been able to produce a serumelimination of bacteria, during the year occupied cone which exerts a distinct protective action against the strepto- siderable s attention ; whilst, as was pointed out in the Report coccus of pneumonia. In connexion with this work, too, he: of our Special Commissioner on the Utilisation of Microc has been able to produce what must be looked upon as at organisms c in the Purification of Sewage,l certain advances 1 been made as regards the conversion of sewage saprophytic or non-malignant form of the pneumococcus and1 have from old cultures an extremely resistant and persistent formi materials r into inert substances by the action of bacteria, of the same. 1 This question, started on a practical scale by Mr. Scott One of the great questions of the year has been the value Moncrieff, I had been suggested as a possible method by of the various modifications of Pfeiffer’s reaction in regard to cchemists some fifteen years ago. Mr. Dibdin of the London the diagnosis of various diseases. The reaction first indi- (County Council has proved that the chemically treated cated by Bordet and worked out by Durham has, in the3 sewage s may be further enormously improved by passing hands of Widal, Grunbaum, Wyatt-Johnston, Del6pine, andi it i through coke breeze filters in which numerous organisms 1 been allowed to grow ; whilst Mr. Cameron, borough others, given most accurate results in the case of typhoid1 have fever, and there is every prospect that this method will, , surveyor of Exeter, has carried out a long series of experibefore long, come into very general use and give as in which he has been able to confirm the results e ments z results as have been obtained in diphtheria by .1 ’ (obtained by other workers, starting, as Mr. Scott Moncrieil and cultural examinations. Durham observed that the with the crude sewage. In all these cases the puridoes, of dilute serums of highly immunised animals on susceptiblee ’ jfiloation, as indicated by the amount of oxygen absorbed, microbes was to cause them to become aggregated into oamounts a to something like 75 per cent., and the whole of clumps even in vitro and observable with the naked eye, 1this is put down to the action of bacteria. the clumps falling to the bottom of the tube and leaving a During the year the Royal College of Physicians of Edinclear supernatant fluid. Using this method for diagnostic 1 c burgh opened its magnificent new laboratories for the purposes in the case of typhoid fever the reaction can bee carrying on of pathological, bacteriological. and genera) observed under the microscope and also in vitro. All the e experimental research. A well-equipped pathological and observers who have done work on this point have come to o bacteriological institute was, under the direction of Professor the conclusion that the antitoxic property of typhoid serum n Joseph Coats, added to the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, is developed at a comparatively early stage of the disease, !, in connexion with the teaching of these subjects in the and that once developed it enables the diagnosis to be made e Glasgow University. Among the more important books with a comparative degree of certainty. :issued during the year may be mentioned Pearman and l2oor’s The outbreaks of typhoid fever that have been supposed dApplied Bacteriology " ; the fourth edition of Crookshank’s to be associated with infection through the ingestion of )f " Text-book of Bacteriology " ; Clifford Allbutt’s "System of " 1- Medicine," by various authors, in volume 1 of which is an oysters from beds or layings"contaminated with typhoidladen sewage have led to the appearance of two important it admirable account of infectious diseases, immunity, &c. ; and reports on this question of infection through oysters.s. finally Sternberg’s 11 Text-book of Bacteriology," which const tains, revised and brought up to date, that portion of his Dr. Cartwright Wood in his report brings forward most important evidence as to the possibility of infection Manual of Bacteriology," published in 1892, relating to by oysters contaminated with typhoid sewage. He pathogenic bacteria, omitting the detailed descriptions of non:d pathogenic forms and the extensive bibliography included in shows that cholera organisms may be demonstrated within the for )r as the larger work. The bacteriological work of the year together oyster experimentally continuing rs forms a solid and permanent contribution to scientific and eighteen days, whilst in infected water in which oysters were placed they could be found for as long a period as two medicine and surgery and it certainly offers a most lS months, whilst typhoid organisms under similar conditions powerful argument to those who wish to see the subject of se remained for three months. Dr. Klein says that these bacteriology made part of the curriculum of every medical re student. organisms may persist in sea-water tanks for two or more weeks, the typhoid bacillus retaining its characteristics unimpaired. In one case Dr. Klein found Eberth’s typhoid bacillus actually within the oyster. All this evidence goes to CHRISTMAS AT THE HOSPITALS. prove that disease germs are much more persistent in seawater than has been generally imagined, and although it may SPECIAL efforts are made at Christmastide on the part of be, as Dr. Thorne Thorr.e insists, that it is only under special the medical and nursing staffs to brighten the lives of the conditions that we find typhoid fever and cholera ensuing as The wards are gaily the result of consuming oysters laid in pollnted waters, such inmates of our various hospitals. decorated with evergreens and flowers, gifts are presented, cases as are traced to this source necessarily form a very small percentage of the cases actually so infected, whilst these, entertainments are provided, and as far as practicable the again, bear a very small proportion to the cases that are dietary scale is added to and made to resemble somewhat infected by them. The whole bearing of these reports on the festive fare enjoyed by those in health at this period of the question of infection is extremely important, and the the year. bacteriological investigations published during this year King’s College Hospital.-In the early morning of Christwill have a wider bearing on the subject of the contamination mas Day a suitable gift was placed by the bedside of every of water, whether fresh or salt, than has any work that has in the hospital. These gifts were provided by many patient been done for a considerable period. kind friends and consisted to a considerable extent of The outbreak of bubonic plague in India affords a most articles of warm clothing and many toys for the children. striking object lesson or demonstration of the modification For dinner there were turkeys, plum pudding, &c., for all of a pathogenic organism, as evidenced by the virulence of the patients who were well enough to enjoy such fare. the disease set up by it at different periods of an epidemic. the afternoon the patients received their friends. During When first it was announced that the plague had broken After tea there was a special musical service with carol out in Bombay the percentage of deaths was exceedingly in the chapel, which was decorated with excellent singing low, and for some time a large proportion of the cases taste. On Boxing Day in the wards, which were also attacked were comparatively mild. Recent reports, how- i, decorated admirably and illuminated with hundreds of ever, indicate that not only has the number of cases candles and fairy lights, there was festival tea for all the increased at an alarming rate, but the percentage deathat half-past four o’clock and an entertainment patients rate has gone up in a corresponding fashion, whilst we have 1 THE LANCET, Dec. 5th, 1896, further evidence of the increased virulence of the organism p. 1631. -

-

accurate microscopical !

action )

applied

125 in each ward. The entertainments were given by the he this the large cracker twelve feet long, filled with toys, was ed "pulled" and the toys were distributed amongst the resident medical officer, students, and nursing staff, assisted th children. The number of patients then in the wards was 37. by friends. All passed off most successfully, and both h- The parents took tea with the children on Christmas on Christmas Day and Boxing Day the spirit through)d Day. out the whole institution was that of happiness, good id Royal 07thopadie Hospital.-As usual at this season, temper, and enjoyment. The resident medical officers and nursing staff were untiring in their efforts to give pleasure to the various wards were decorated for Christmas, the material for which had been kindly supplied by a member of the otbers. St. George’s ITospital.-On Christmas Day, the wards being ig medical staff. On Tuesday evening, Dec. 22nd, an entertain10 ment was given to the patients and nurses by the Tudor very prettily decorated by the nursing staff, the patients who ’.h Black and White Minstrels, under the direction of Mr. W. H. were able to partake of such "good cheer" were provided with jh Harris, consisting of choruses, songs, banjo solos, &c. The roast beef and plum pudding. On the evening of Dec. 28th ir programme concluded with a Christmas carol, rendered a "Christmas Tea took place for all the patients in their ir in good style by the whole troupe. On Christmas Day each several wards, presided over by the lady visitors and their ts i patient received a present through the kindness of a member friends, and on Jan. 2nd an entertainment for the patients was given in the Board-room, consisting of "animated ’d of the committee and the usual Christmas fare was provided. Entertainments for the nursing photographs," music, &c. g In the evening the patients met together in the Victoria staff have been arranged for Jan. 7th and 8th (to-day, r, ward and had "high tea." National Hospital for Diseases of the Heart, Soho-square.Friday), comprising a dramatic performance given by oneIe of the visiting surgeons and his friends; and on Jan. 14th h On Christmas Eve an entertainment for the patients was and 15th entertainments will be provided by the resident tt given in the women’s ward. Tea was given in the day medical staff. ward. The room was decorated with holJy, mistletoe, and lictoria Hospital for Children., CJtelseu.-fihe usual achrysanthemums. At one end a small stage was placed on Christmas tree was given to the children on Christmas Day.r. which Beauty and the Beast, the merchant, the wicked The annual treat will be given in the second week in n sisters, and the Fairy Silver-star duly appeared. This was January. The wards were prettily decorated for Christmas,s preceded by songs, recitations, and dances. Christmas carols Day, and the usual dinner of game, turkeys, and plumn were admirably sung by the St. Anne’s choristers. Proceedings were for a short time interrupted by the arrival of Father pudding was partaken of by the patients. Flospatal for Sick Children, Great Ormond-street.-No0Christmas. efforts were spared at this institution to make Christmastidee London jB
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126

SIR JOSEPH LISTER:

THE

FIRST MEDICAL

WE have

pleasure in to our readers

dishis magnificent scientific coveries in medicine, and in 1883 he was created a baronet. In 1897 he becomes the first medical peer, the honour now done him by Her Majesty being received with

presenting a portrait of Sir Joseph Lister, the first medical peer. Sir Joseph Lister, Bart., President of the

Royal Society, was born in 1827, and educated at the University of London, where he took the degree of B.A. in

unanimous applause by the whole country. In the spring of 1896 we wrote as follows upon

1847 and M.B. in 1852, in which year he also became F.R.C.S. Eng. He

appointed Regius Professor of Surgery in the University of Glasgow and later Professor of Clinical Surgery in the University of Edinburgh, taking the degrees of F.R.C.S. Ed. was

in 1855 and F.F.P.S. Glasg. in 1860. Since these dates the following honours have been awarded him : - F.R.S. Lond. and Edin., LL.D. Edin., M.D. (lwn. caus.) Dub., LL.D. Glasg., D.C.L. Oxon., LL.D. Cantab., M.D.

this point:—’’It would have afforded us the greatest satisfaction and pleasure...... if the recent list of peers among the Birthday Honours had included the name of one whose services to the nation and to humanity in the introduction of antiseptic surgery have received universal recognition. Such services are indeed beyond reward,. but the admission of the President of the Royal would add Society lustre to the peerage. It is from such men that the second estate of the realm should be reo inforced if, as it should, it is to contain the real nobility of our land." Sir Joseph Lister married a daughter of James Syme, the celebrated Edinburgh surgeon, but has no issue. Lady Lister died in 1893. ......

(hon. oa1ls.) Wiirzburg, and M.D, (hon. caus))

Bologna. In 1880 Sir Joseph Lister received the Royal Society’s medal in recognition of

PEER.

SIR JOSEPH LISTER’:

THE

FIRST MEDICAL PEER.

methods of examination, in which we have played rather a SPECIAL ADDRESS OF THE COMMITTEE passive than an active part; but others influencing our OF THE ASSOCIATION OF FELLOWS collegiate vitality and activity have arisen within the College and are distinctly due to our exercise of our electoral func. OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF tions and to the more or less consistent selection of members SURGEONS OF ENGLAND: of Council pledged to promote those advances. Other factors INVITATION TO FELLOWS OF THE COLLEGE TO JOIN THE than the desire to attain these objects often interfere, such as the elements of personal and hospital influence, and to ASSOCIATION AND TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN

that extent our course has been wavering and inconstant. Among the advances may be mentioned the institution of the annual general meeting of Fellows and Members and o! WE have been desired by the Committee of the Association the annual report of the Council submitted to that meeting; provisioa made for extraordinary general meetings; the of Fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons of England to use of voting papers at the annual election of members of publish the following address to the Fellows of the Council, and, more recently, the simplification of the rules College: originally framed by the Council for their distribution and On the Fellows of the College at present devolves the return; and the institution of separate half-yearly meetings election of the governing body and consequently the control of the Fellows for consultative purposes, by all of which of the policy and work of the institution. Since this control,advances the Council is brought into touch with its conlimited as it is, was conferred in 1843, when the order of stituency, free discussion of interesting topics is elicited, Fellows was instituted, it can be claimed with satisfaction and moral support afforded in matters of doubt and difficulty, that in important particulars the Fellows have widened the such as the admission of women to its diplomas. A degree policy, improved the work, increased the utility, and of vitality and of communion of thought and interest has thus advanced the development of the College. imparted to the whole collegiate body corporate which During the first thirty years of this control none of these before was entirely wanting. results became apparent, but during that time the recogniThe policy which has effected these improvements and tion of existing abuses and imperfections was forming and found its expression and the force of systematic in the formation of the Fellows’ Association in 1884, growing-the necessary preliminary of all improvement. During the last twenty years several distinct advances and since its organisation the association has systematically and definite improvements have been effected, some of which and undeviatingly promoted such improvements with no measure of success, and has resolutely supported the have come from without, the result of concomitant advances in professional and public requirements-as, for instance, maintenance of concessions from the Council to the Fellows Members whenever such concessions appeared as the gradual improvement in our system of education and FORWARDING ITS OBJECTS.

the

been advances action

slight and