qüinine experiment the value of the observations appear to have been materi
ally reduced owing to the fact that an effort was made to carry out two experi-
ments at the same time.
But it is not to be anticipated that scientific result of value will be achiev
ed by the deputation of young Assistant Surgeons without special training and
qualifications for such duties. ' The quinine experiment', therefore, which had
been temporarily stopped early in October has not been recommenced.
Malaria classes for Assistant Surgeons and Sub-Assistant Surgeons were-
lield three times during the year—in January, April and August. Each class
lasted six weeks, and altogether 12 Assistant Surgeons and 7 Sub-Assistant
Burgeons were trained" in the diagnosis of mosquitoes and in the method of
conducting malaria surveys.
The staff of the department consisted of two Assistant Surgeons (one
of whom was on quinine duty for 9 months) two Sub-Assistant Surgeons and-
two Corapounders.
A third Assistant Surgeon has been entertained since October 4th.
Whilst therefore the staff is sufficient to meet present requirements it ia
important that only young and active men should be posted to the department
and, that, in view of the special nature of their duties, those who exhibit an
aptitude for the work should not be subject to transfer.
VI.—Anti-malarial measures.
But this brief summary of the work of the department would be income.
plete without reference to the efforts that are being made to develope the poten-
tialities of the provincial organization for the study of malaria. The para-
mount importance of malaria in the Punjab will probably be conceded by all,
but there is reason to believe that the same unanimity does not exist in regard
to the practicability of reducing materially its prevalence within a reasonable
period oí time. The area involved seems so large, the disease so widespread
and abovo all the local conditions often so difficult that many believe that its
total eradiction can never be anything more than a pious hope.
But a frank recognition of the gravity of the problem and of the
diffi
step forward. Moreover, a study of epidemic malaria in the Punjab supporta
the conclusion not only that no grounds for undue pessimism exists, but, on the
contrary, that practical results of considerable magnitude may be attained
within a comparatively short time.
It is, however, necessary to realise clearly that although great progress
has been made, more especially in the last decade, in our knowledge of the con-
ditions favouring the incidence of malaria, finality on this subject has not yet
been achieved. Indeed almost every malaria survey that is made emphasises
the need for the further study of the disease under different local conditions.
In the Punjab, for example, epidemic or fulminant malaria is the outstand-
ing feature requiring investigation. In these circumstances undue haste
in regard to the attainment of "practical results " is to be deprecated, and
more especially is this the case since practical anti-malarial measures on a large
scale must still be considered to be in an experimental stage in India.
It is therefore on many grounds expedient that attention should be
directed towards the elucidation of those portions of the malaria problem which
are at present little understood, but which may have an important bearing
on the anti-malarial measures it will ultimately be necessary to adopt. It is
not intended to imply that no preventive measures can at present be recom
mended, but it is merely desired, to emphasise the point that our knowledge
of malaria has not yet reached the stage when malaria surveys can be drawn
up with the precision and ease with which an engineer prepares plans and
mates for a bridge.