INTRODUCTION 13 



either on a barge towed by a launch, or on a small steamer would be an excellent way of 

 meeting the problem. If Sleeping Sickness spreads from the Congo it would enable good 

 work to be done on the Jur river and in other parts. Captain Greig agreed that it would be 

 the proper way to conduct the study of trypanosomiasis and malaria in this country. 



Further, it would enable economic inspections to be readily made. The sites of salt 

 and lime deposits, the fields ravaged by insects, and certain of the gum districts could be 

 readily visited and much of the necessary work done on the spot. The same is true if 

 epidemics scourged the river banks. It is very difficult to transport pathological material 

 in the Sudan. Given a floating laboratory and this would be obviated in large measure 

 save as regai'ds museum specimens. If such a barge or steamer can be obtained Mr. Wellcome 

 has signified his willingness to fit it out as a laboratory.* 



There are various lines along which it is intended to pursue investigations given time Future 

 and opportunity. The bacteria and protozoa of Nile water should be studied. The origin ""'^^'2^'°"^ 

 of that common and crippling disease, Mycetoma, badly wants elucidation. So does the 

 action of bacteria in the formation of gum, a line of work begun in Australia by Dr. Greig 

 Smith. Guinea-worm infection is not fully understood. Trypanosomiasis is yet veiled in 

 clouds of ignorance, especially as I'egards remedial measures. What should prove an 

 interesting and valuable step has been taken at the instigation of Mr. Currie. The Trustees 

 of the Carnegie Research Fund have been approached and they have agreed to recognise 

 these laboratories as a working place for their Research Fellows. It is hoped that, before 

 the end of 1906, two such Fellows will have been appointed to conduct investigations in the 

 Sudan, the one working on chemical, the other on bacteriological or pathological lines. 



It will be seen there is much to be done, and it must be confessed the Sudan has its Adverse 

 disadvantages as regards scientific work. Heat, wind and dust are our chief adversaries. '^'"^J'"'^ 

 The accompanying remarkable photograph of a haboub, or dust storm (sec Fig. % page 8), 

 sweeping over Khartoum North, in June 1905, and taken by Dr. Beam, gives some idea of 

 the climatic troubles which at times have to be faced during the trying summer. Hence 

 progress must be slow, and improvements are required, such as double windows, electric 

 fans and electric light, dust-proof rooms, efficient ventilation, &c., but no doubt these will 

 come in time, and things are very far from being unsatisfactory. Above all, the siipport 

 and help rendered one by many officials lightens the difficulties and encourages the worker. 

 As before, I have to thank the Director of Education and his staff for much kind aid, while 

 various scientific departments in other countries, such as France, the United States, South Foreign aid 

 Africa and Australia, have helped us with literature and advice. My hearty thanks are 

 also due to the laboratories' staff for their co-operation and support, and to all those 

 who have favoured us with specimens and information. 



* It gives me much pleasure to state that this request has also been favourably considered and that ere long 

 a floating laboratory will be at our disposal. 



