4
strict obedience and attention to the most minute details was requisite for success,
demanded both time, patience, and the experience acquired by mishaps. Holding
this in mind, it is conceded that during the first few months the vaccine issued
although of good virulence was not diffused in the lanoline medium employed with
that skill which was requisite, and this was largely due to trusting to machinery
which was ultimately abandoned. Further, certain floors of the buildings for
accommodation of calves were found to be of undesirable material, and temporary
makeshifts, and many contingencies arising therefrom, causing great anxiety and
trouble in the process of cultiyation, had to be encountered. It is needless for me
to enlarge on such matters; but I ask it to be remembered that in the management
of so large a concern both the financial and professional responsibility is heavy,
and that the tax upon the attention of the Superintendent who has to attend to
details both in the Bacteriological and Vaccine Sections is constant. I foresaw this
in my forecast of the staff, and particularly urged that as a Commissioned Medical
Officer could not be afforded, the Deputy Superintendent should be of the class of an
Uncovenanted Medical Officer who had undergone a European training. I remain of
the opinion then expressed, after seeing the work attempted by an Assistant Surgeon
from the Civil as well as from the Military Branch of the Subordinate Medical
Department. What is required is the class of men with sufficient independence and
initiative to be trusted with the administration of a large lunatic asylum or jail,
together with a keen appreciation of the endless matters of professional interest
that are encountered in the careful cultivation and preservation of vaccine.
5. If, however, difficulties were at first encountered they were ultimately
overcome by Lieutenant Christophers' keen appreciation of details and determi-
nation, so that it may be safely said that of nine months out of the twelve vaccine
excellent in virulence, in bacterial purity, and in preservation was issued to
vaccinators. But, in this Presidency, the task of successful vaccination by no
means ends with the issue of good vaccine. As stated above, various methods had
been formerly employed so that many of the vaccinators had never in their lives
seen preserved vaccine, whilst others had never had experience of material of the
consistency of lanoline-vaccine. Thus, during my tours, I have found not only
vaccinators but at least one Deputy Inspector of Vaccination employing grossly
incorrect methods for its utilization. In spite of the most explicit instructions
that the vaccine should be carried solely in a specially constructed vac cine-carrier,
vaccinators have repeatedy personally exhibited to me the vaccine carried in the
postal despatch box in their pockets—so exposed to sun that the whole tube was
hot when touched. To get over such difficulties. I have recently asked permission of
Government to depute a trained Deputy Inspector of Vaccination for instruction of
the less intelligent vaccinators. Nor do possible flaws end here. For the purpose
of checking the character of the vaccine issued, I requested that each vaccinator
should send to the Institute every fortnight results of the special issue of vaccine
received. The purpose thus served is referred to by the Superintendent in para-
graph 5 of his Report. But as time passed, it became evident that I had touched
a tender spot in the conduct of vaccination in this Presidency. The average vacci-
nator did not appreciate being compelled to show what work he did within the
fortnight. It is true he was supposed hitherto to furnish weekly Returns to the
Deputy Inspectors of Vaccination; but the week often extended to months. He
would have infinitely preferred to have received his second supply of vaccine and
finish the minimum cases required before the end of the month. Indeed, this
fortnightly return seems to me to have struck at the possibility of fraud being
committed in a manner that is much disliked by the vaccinators, because they know
results are regularly registered and checked in the Institute, and the notice of Deputy
Inspectors of Vaccination is required to defects. It took me sometime to realize why
these returns were not received regularly, but I have lately appealed to Presidents
of District Boards for aid in this matter, and I am glad to say that I have been well
supported by them, and that I look forward to much improved punctuality.
6. But if ignorant and careless vaccinators have had to be dealt with, what
proof is there that good vaccine was issued to them ? Of this, I think ample proof
is brought forward by the Superintendent of the Institute in the Tables furnished