M(1)43-
Four cases of food poisoning occurred due to the presence of animal toxins (ptomains). In one case the organic base neurine (Trimethylvinylammonium hydrate) was separated from the contents of the stomach.
A number of samples of blood were received from the public mortuaries during the cold weather, taken from the bodies of children where the cause of death was diagnosed as capillary bronchitis and in a number of these the presence of carbon monoxide was definitely proved. The presence of carboxyhaemoglobin was shown by spectroscopic examination before and after reduction, using the Hilger wave-length spectroscope, by the sodium hydroxide, tannic acid, and lead acetate tests and by Buckmaster and Gardner's method (Proc. Roy. Soc. 1909. B. 81.575). The most probable source of the carbon monoxide is the common Chinese charcoal stove or chattie used in a small room or cubicle. Charcoal stoves have been the cause of many fatal cases of poisoning all over the world and there seems to be no reason to doubt that the use of such charcoal chatties in confined spaces does frequently lead to lung trouble and in the case of young children may lead to a fatal issue.
One fatal case of Chloral hydrate poisoning occurred during the year, the deceased having taken a sleeping mixture containing this substance. Investigation showed that a mixture was being sold freely in the Colony containing 25 grains of chloral hydrate per fluid ounce. It would seem that a greater check is required on such ready-made mixtures.
BIO-CHEMICAL WORK.
This work, which has become of great importance during recent years, was started during the year and the following tests, etc. can now be carried out here:
Urine. Qualitative and Quantitative tests for Urea, Ammonia, Uric acid, Total nitrogen, Non-protein nitrogen, Albumen, Phosphates, Acetone, Diastatic Index, Acid excretion tests for acidosis, Urea excretion test for renal efficiency, Hydrogen-ion concentration, Sugar estimations (both glucose and lactose), inorganic, ethereal and total sulphur, qualitative tests for blood, bile pigments, indican, etc. and microscopical examination of deposits.
Blood. Haemoglobin estimations, blood urea nitrogen, non-protein nitrogen, blood sugar, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methaemoglobin, plasma bicarbonate for alkali reserve, sugar tolerance tests, etc.
Cerebro-spinal fluid: Butyric acid test for excess globulin, Pandy's test, Lange's colloidal gold test, for meningitic, paretic, and syphilitic type fluids.