934
THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16TH JUNE, 1905.
The ravages of tuberculosis in its various manifestations. still accounts for the lives of a very large number of Chinese of all ages. The Chinese appear to be extremely susceptible to tuberculosis. The following dictum, quoted by CLEMOW, is very true: -In China, tubercle may be regarded as the principal Scourge of the rich class of nobles, while syphilis is the commonest disease among the middle classes, and leprosy among the outcasts,
Koch's theory of distinct species of tubercle still holds sway and is becom- ing supported by a considerable amount of favourable evidence.
In continuation of my researches into the subject, my observations lead to the conclusion. That pathologically there is little evidence of tubercular infection through the alimentary tract. If tubercle bacilli enter the system through this channel, they never leave evidence of having done so, in the intestine. My results bear this out thoroughly.
Quite recently, BEHRING has come forward with a most important announce- ment. It is almost as startling as that made by Koсn in 1901.
He concludes that tuberculosis is acquired in infancy when the intestinal mucous membrane is in a state of considerable permeability. The disease remains potential, mutil the environment or circumstances of the individual, enable the tubercle bacillus to grow and set up the active disease in its typical form. He quotes in support of his contention, the now well known post-mortem results of NAEGELI, wh› showed that evidence of active or latent tubercle could be demons- tratel in the bodies of all persons over 30 years of age. Again 68% of the men of an Austrian regiment reacted to tuberculin. Again, it is known that acute generalised tuberculosis, tubercular meningitis, etc, ar: most frequently found in infants and children. Phthisis occurs most frequently during the working period of life. Intestinal tuberculosis is rare at any age.
Further, nente tuberculosis is usually a widespread bloo infection. Phthisis is a direct infection through the respiratory passages, and is a more or less local disease of the lungs.
With the theories of Koen and BRIBING before us, therefore, we have a
1. Bovine tuberculosis communicated by food to infints and children. It may remain latent, or cause widespread tubercular infection of their bodies.
2. Human tuberculosis communicate from one adult to another by
contact. It sets up localis, d tuberculosis, ég, phthisis,
Several interesting cases of poisoning cam: before my notics during the year. One or two deaths from opium pois ning occur regularly every year. Th number of these cases would appear to be gradually diminishing,
A case of sulphuric acid poisoning in a Frenchman is specially dealt with in the Report
Three cases of poisoning, by what appeared to be daturn, were found. In one only, could an alkaloid--similar to byoseine-be isolated by the Government Analyst. Mercurie sulphide to the extent of 1-22 grains was also present. The vermilion, however, is a very insoluble substance, and being present in so small a quantity could not have caused death. I have no knowledge of the existence in the Colony of preparations containing vermilion and a mydriatie alkaloid.
Two cases of what I have termed intra h patic obstructive, jaundice, were. found. In each case the sub-tance of the liver was beset with soft cholesterin bile pigment calculi.
These varied much in size. The largest stones were as big as a plum. They were situated in the biliary canals or in diverticula of the samé.
rare tumour of the supra-renal
A special report has been given upon a capsule.
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