8
REPORT ON VACCINATION IN BURMA FOR THE YEAR 1891-92.
The longest time he was able to preserve lymph for was nine days, and he
is of opinion that the only method of utilizing calf lymph effectively is either
to vaccinate direct from the calf on the fourth or the fifth day, or else to store
the lymph in tubes for not longer than 24 hours, and that only young calves
should be used.
51. At Mandalay at headquarters animal lymph was used throughout
the year and human lymph was collected for despatch to out-stations. Four
hundred and seventy tubes of fresh human lymph and 165 grains of lanoline paste
prepared by Dr. King's method were sent to outstations. In the majority of
cases the results reported of both preparations were satisfactory.
The Civil Surgeon states that the results obtained from lanoline paste have
been somewhat variable, and thinks this may have been due to some defect in
the method of preparation; but he remarks that greater success has attended
the use of the lanoline paste than of any other form of preserved lymph known
to him.
52. These reports are so conflicting that at present no definite conclusions
can be drawn as to the relative merits of the various preparations. Not only do
the" opinions of the Medical Officers differ widely regarding the best method of
cultivation and storage of animal lymph, but the results obtained by individual
officers at different times with the same preparation have been very variable.
53. As regards experiments with lanoline vaccine there can, I think, be
little doubt that want of success has been in some measure due to the fact that
the correct method of preparation has not been strictly pursued. This is ad-
mitted at all events by Surgeon-Major Dantra, who had opportunities of seeing
the process carried out by Surgeon-Major King. The latter officer, in a very
able and interesting note attached to the Annual Vaccination Report for Man-
dalay, points out at some length the numerous causes which may lead to failure
in the cultivation of animal lymph by this method, and concludes by saying
that if it is determined to use animal lymph in this country, it is not advisable
to trust to its production in small scattered depôts. He recommends that a
single, well-organized vaccine institute be formed, the functions of which would
be the supply of lymph sufficient for ordinary demands and for epidemics.
54. It must be admitted by all who have had practical experience in the
matter that considerable care, skill, and experience are required for the success-
ful cultivation and preservation of animal lymph, and that the necessary pro-
cesses can only be carried out to perfection in a central depôt suitably provided
with a resident professional and working staff. At the same time it is a fact
that in this province calf vaccination has proved very fairly successful in the
hands of those Medical Officers who have resorted to it, and even when con-
ducted intermittently it has been found to be of the greatest service in the way
of securing and maintaining a pure lymph supply. If further experience, how-
ever, should bear out Surgeon-Major King's contention that lymph properly
preserved in lanoline will retain its full activity for several months, there should,
in my opinion, be no hesitation in establishing a large central vaccine depôt here,
which would supply all the requirements of the province.
55. My thanks are due to Dr. Sutherland, Health Officer, Rangoon Muni-
cipality, for his willing help in the cultivation and distribution of bovine lymph
and paste.
P. W. DALZELL, M.B., SURGEON-MAJOR,
RANGOON :
Offg. Sanitary Commissioner. Burma.
The 6th June 1892.