compared with 16 per cent. and 1 per cent. last year. Most of the unsuitable speci-
mens were so on account of putrefactive changes having set in when the specimens
were prepared, but a certain number of peripheral blood films were sent for plague
examination. This latter futile practice dies hard.
Widal's test. —The value of this test would appear to be becoming better
recognised. Seven hundred and eighty-eight specimens were submitted for the
agglutination test as compared with 292 last year. In the great majority of these,
693, the test desired was for enteric fever. Five hundred and ten of these reacted
to the typhoid bacillus in some degree, but less than half of that number showed the
reaction at a dilution of 1-96. Almost all the specimens showing a reaction at 1-96
were derived from cases that turned out to be enteric fever. Reactions at a dilution
of 1-32 were still reported, but reactions at this dilution can only be regarded
as indicating an incipient typhoid process or the residual result of a past
illness. As in previous years the tests were conducted by the microscopic method.
As was the case last year a few specimens reacted positively to the Paratyphoid "B"
organism. No positive results were got with Paratyphoid "A". I am informed
that practically the opposite of this experience holds good in the north of India.
Half the specimens tested against the germ of Malta fever gave positive results,
but no positive results were got with Gärtner's Bacillus.
A much larger number of films were examined for the presence of Malarial
parasites but the proportion of positive results was smaller than ever, only 8 per cent.
A very considerable number of films were submitted for differential counts of the
white elements. It used to be stated that 12 per cent. of the large mononuclear
cells was pathognomonic of malaria, but judging from the experience gained in
these examinations, this percentage is too low. Probably 20 per cent. would be
nearer the mark.
Kala-Azar.—When an examination as to the presence of the Leishman-Donovan
body, (Herpetomonas donovani, Patton) is desired, at least a dozen films should be
sent. A negative result derived from the examination of a single film of peripheral
blood cannot be relied on. Since, in cases of Kala-Azar, a positive result can be got
from the examination of peripheral blood, if sufficient care and time be devoted to
the search, the practice of taking material for examination by spleen puncture, can
hardly be considered justifiable any longer.
Tubercle. —More specimens were submitted for report but the percentage of
positive finds fell to 12 as compared with 30 last year.
Gonococci. —These organisms were found in almost all the discharges sent for
examination. The percentage of positive results was much smaller last year.
Spirochœla pallida. —The two cases noted in the table refer to specimens of
discharges sent for report. In neither could the parasite be demonstrated. A special
investigation in connection with this organism is discussed elsewhere.
Piroplasmosis. —The hounds of the Madras Hunt were again attacked with piro
- p l a s m o s i s . T h e d i s e a s e w a s o f t h e s a m e t y p e a s l a s t y e a r , b u t f o r t u n a t e l y f e w e r o f
the animals were affected.
Anthrax.—Several positive cases of infection with this organism were diagnosed
from material sent for examination. An extremely typical case of malignant pustule
occurred in one of the menials of the institute. This case was successfully treated
at the General Hospital, Madras.
Diphtheria. —It is unusual for case of this disease to be reported from Madras
City, but the positive case reported on occurred there and a second case not bac-
teriologically examined at this institute was treated at the General Hospital lately.
At the instance of Lieut.-Col. Giffard, I.M.S., an investigation as to the presence
of the organism of syphilis in still-born foetuses of a particular type, which are
extruded in a macerated condition, was commenced. A considerable number of such
cases occur at the Government Maternity Hospital, Madras, and up to date 40
foetuses have been received. The results and notes of the cases are shown in
table II.
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