Sessional_Paper_1906 — Page 268

169.

Observations on Monkeys.

A.-NATURAL INFECTION.

This series of experiments was undertaken in order to confirm, if possible, the recent observations of HAMILTON WRIGHT on Beri-beri in Monkeys. [Vide "Brain," Winter 1903].

Description of Experiment. The rooms of the Po Leung Kuk in which the majority of the cases of Beri-beri had occurred (in the outbreak in that Institution) were reserved for this test. The rooms were left in exactly the same condition as when they were used by the inmates of the Po Leung Kuk,

Two monkeys were placed in each room, and in order to facilitate the onset of the disease, the windows of the roonis were kept shut, and the light excluded as far as possible.

Previous to the commencement of the experiments, the monkeys were kept under observation for several days, and their blood microscopically examined.

The following is a resumé of the experiments:-

Experiment No. 1.

Animals-Two monkeys.

Nature of Experiment :—

The monkeys were incarcerated in a presumably infected room in the Po Leung Kuk. The shutters were closed and the room darkened. The animals were allowed their full freedom in the room. Their diet consisted of bananas, sugar cane, peanuts and boiled rice bought in one of the local markets, and was strictly the same as that of the other nonkeys under observation.

They were placed in the room on September 26th, 1904, and kept prisoners in the room without a break until the end of January, 1905, i.e., for over four months. The condition of the animals was note: daily. They lost weight slightly but were able to climb and seramble over the furniture and walls like normal. monkeys. They eagerly devoured their food; there was no diarrhea, and their temperature never varied beyond normal limits.

At the end of their incarceration, the monkeys, except for a slight loss in weight, were healthy and their movements and reflexes were normal.

Subsequently the monkeys were kept in cages under continued observation for a further period of four months, at the end of which the animals shewed no sign of disease, and could eat, walk and climb as well as many other monkeys. At the present time-the middle of October, 1905, ¿e., over twelve months since they were first placed in the infected room-these two animals are in sound health.

During the period of their incarceration the blood of the animals was examined microscopically on several occasions. Its contents was without excep- tion normal.

Experiment No. II. Animals-Two monkeys.

Nature of Experiment: -Identical with No. I.

The animals were incarcerated over five months. They were subsequently under close observation up to the date of writing. namely, the 19th October, 1905, that is, over one year. Both animals are alive and healthy at the present time.

Experiment No. III.

Animals. Two monkeys.

Nature of Experiment:-The same as that described under Experiment No. I. Period of incarceration-5 months.