Saturday press. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1880-1885, 1883-04-28
IN OUTSIDE MEDICAL OPINION.

An extract from the official report Of J. r.
Tyon, NJ. D., the United States Navy, upon
"Leprosy in the Hawaiian Islands," is pub
lished in the April number of the American
Journal Of Medical Sciences.
From this report we propose to make few
extracts, as showing the laxness which has
long prevailed here, in our treatment of so i'm
por,ant subject; as also the views Of highly
scientific man, who is able to speak from an
entirely independent point Of view. Doctor
Tyon, in speaking of our system of segrega.
ton, says: =" This system has done much, no
doubt. in preventing an increase of the disease
and some indications of progress in tha, direc-
ton would doubtless be observable before this,
if existing laws relating to their segregation
had been absolutely carried out" He goes on
to say, that "this has not been done" not
forgetting, however, to mention his pleasure
before leaving this place, at the fact "that the
Board Of Health had determined to make a
vigorous search in the districts Of Honolulu,
(he probably means the islands,) to ascertain
the exact number Of persons suffering from the
disease and to subject them to
proper treatment. He says, "that there is
not only larger proportion Of recognized
lepers in the Hawaiian Islands than in any
country in the world, but that the proportion,
from statistics and observation, is steadily
increasing;" and accounts for this prevalence
and increase, by the general belief, that the
disease is only slightly, or not at all con,a
gious," and the consequent free intercourse
between the leprous and healthy, and the
weak enforcement, Of laws for its suppress
sion."
He says; "The whole history Of leprosy
in the Islands points directly to its being
contagious in nature" He speaks in dis.
paragement Of the half measures adopted by
the government, as well in the matter Of segre-
CATION, as that Of the medical treatment Of
leprous patients, and suggests the organization
OF board OF commission Of medical " experts,
invited II necessary, from the United States
and Europe" to examine throughly into the
nature Of the disease, and the question Of its
amenabiliiy to, or cure, by treatment. The
fact is also mentioned that the government
offers no inducement to "the general practi.
TONERS, and others in Honolulu. to study it
properly and advise upon the subject"
Doctor Tyon says: Those treated in hospi.
tails under government control. receive fair
die, Of poi. salt FISH, meat, and vegetables, and
As much professional attention and nursing as
is possible, under the presen, ill.advised
system. The iodide Of potash and other
remedies seem to be freely used, with imper.
feet results, and no record. Il they have been
tried, Of the efficiency Of hoangnan and calcium
sulphide. This whole subject certainly de-
serves land We believe SO, tool not only the
attention Of medical men. but Of governments
and legislators. and no civilization can eapect
to prosper which allows its people to suffer
and remain in the condition they now are.
Without some speedy radical change, on the
part Of the government. BY special and wise
legislation. regardless Of cost. directed to the
proper Investigation and possible ex,ermina-
tion Of this disease. and to ameliosaie the con.
dii'on Of the people. one can bu, psedict 6os
the Hawaiian race, with the pssssa, npwbsf ol