1908] - [on The Present Phase of the Tuberculosis Problem. 297 



In reflecting upon these tables, it must be remembered that 

 the numbers are small, and hence, that inferences must be drawn 

 with caution ; but with this reservation the tables may be briefly 

 discussed. 



It will be noted, with reference to Table I. of the Durham figures, 

 in which all the cases, early and advanced, are considered together, 

 that of 36 cases discharged, 6, or 16-7 per cent, were at work some 

 seven years afterwards ; and that the percentage of workers rises as the 

 year of discharge becomes recent. When, however, the early cases are 

 considered separately, as is the case in Table II., it is seen that the 

 percentage of workers at the end of seven years is more than double 

 that yielded when all cases were considered together. Turning, how- 

 ever, to the advanced cases as set forth in Table III., it is seen that, 

 of 20 cases discharged, the complete story has been told at the end of 

 seven years, while of 25 cases discharged in 1901-2, only one worker 

 was left in April 1907. 



Unfortunately, it is difficult to gather from these tables whether the 

 class of cases admitted is becoming a better class — i.e. whether earlier 

 and more suitable cases are being secured each succeeding year. The 

 statistics of the German sanatoria bring out this point very clearly, 

 and they show that year by year, l)etter results are being obtained — 

 i.e. that the good effects of the treatment last, on an average, 

 longer and longer. 



The figures relative to the Kelling Sanatorium are self explana- 

 tory, and, as far as they go, can be compared with those of the 

 Durham Sanatorium.* 



The result in both those institutions may, I think, be regarded 

 as relatively encouraging, but those from another institution, now to 

 be noticed, cannot be quite viewed in that light. Apparently, the 

 methods of selection in this later case have not been so successful 

 as in the two former. It will be seen that of 183 cases discharged 

 between 1902 and 1905, only 23, or 12*6 per cent., had maintained 

 their improvement, while the remaining 160 were either "worse," 

 " dead," or " unaccounted for." 



* Since the date of the above lecture, Dr. Davies, the Medical Officer of 

 Health of Bristol, has been good enough to furnish me with the following 

 data relative to the Bristol cases treated in the Winsley Sanatorium : — 



