Page:The Indian Journal of Medical Research, 1920.djvu/36

 breaking, — also lymph despatched by this method would have to be sent in bulk to a distributing centre, — an unworkable arrangement. I have to thank Dr. Blaxall, Director of the Lymph Establishment at Hendon, for very kindly suggesting the method which was adopted and proved very satisfactory. This method consists of packing the wooden cases, containing the lymph vials, in small cane baskets. The wooden cases are surrounded by cotton wool, which has been saturated with water, and packed in the cane baskets. The lids are fitted and the whole securely tied with strong twine. A cardboard label is sewn on to the lid to receive the address and stamps. These baskets are made for me in the Ahmedabad Jail. They measure 5" square, fitted with a lid. They are made of stout cane work and permit of evaporation of the moisture from the wet wool. It was found, by experiment, that a mass of wool of this size retained its moisture for about nine days in the hot weather, and during that time the contained lymph vial is kept quite cool by evaporation of the moisture. The hotter and drier the air, the cooler the packet becomes.

The improvement in the results from the Sind districts, when this method was introduced, was marked. Instead of an insertion and case success of 86"89 and 95- 63, respectively, the results went up to 97 and 98.

In the case of despatch to Sind, it was found, further, that a certain small proportion of lymphs, which were classed as fair or good and which would return good results in the nearer districts, proved weak when exposed to the long journey to Sind. A system of trial was then introduced, as pointed out earlier in this paper. In addition, the Superintendent of Vaccination at Karachi came to Belgaum and studied, thoroughly, the methods of handling preserved lymph and was instructed in the precauticjns which are essential to success in carrying out vaccination. He, on his return, held a class for vaccinators of Sind, and with the co-operation of the Deputy Sanitary Commissioner, the vaccinating staff was well trained in modern methods. Much credit is due to the then Deputy Sanitary Commissioner, Major W. O'S. Murphy, i.m.s., for the way he persevered with the introduction of Belgaum lymph into Sind, and the results obtained to-day are largely due to his efforts. The insertion and case success, returned from Sind for the year 1918-19, were 97 and 98, respectively, and vaccination was carried on right through the hot season. It is claimed that the problem of carrying out successful vaccination with preserved lymph in the very hottest tropical climate, has been solved.