DISEASES. 137 



appears to be on the increase. There are two forms of that 

 cruel and loathsome malady — the anaesthetic, or dry form, and 

 the tubercular. 



The primary apparent symptom of anesthetic leprosy is a 

 weakness of the extensor muscles of both the upper and lower 

 extremities; as a consequence, a feebleness in walking" is or- 

 dinarily experienced in one foot ; sometimes in both. The 

 fingers gradually curve in the palms of the hands. Any indi- 

 vidual exhibiting these symptoms may be said to be doomed. 



The first symptom of the tubercular form is a discoloration 

 of the skin, together with the appearance on the loins and 

 posterior part of the thighs of blotches ; these are soon followed 

 by the swelling of the fingers and the development of tubercles 

 on the face and other parts. 



Both forms of leprosy are, in my opinion, but a peculiar 

 modality of scrofulose. Not only is leprosy hereditary, but, like 

 consumption, it may be said to be incurable. The remark has 

 also been made that seldom are there not instances of consump- 

 tion in those families in which cases of leprosy have occurred. 

 It is a popular opinion that venereal affections may have an 

 influence in developing leprosy; and let me say that such 

 opinion is rational, since those affections are well known to have 

 a marked action on the glandular, osseous, and cutaneous 

 systems. 



It is much to be apprehended that the malady will continue 

 to spread, and thereby entail an increasing amount of misery. 

 Parents should, therefore, be awakened to the necessity of 

 checking all predispositions to the lymphatic temperament by 

 strict attention to food, habitation, cleanliness, and exercise in 

 the open air. 



An asylum was established under the government of Sir 

 Henry McLeod, and is still maintained at the public expense, 

 for the reception of lepers who are not in a position to support 

 themselves. But as it is left to their option to enter the asylum 

 or not, those only who make application are admitted, and of 

 course lepers who prefer a mendicant life are seen going their 

 rounds and begging, not only on the highways, but in the very 

 streets of Port-of-Spain. Surely this ought not to be tolerated. 



I say that lepers should not be allowed to be at large, at 

 least such as are not in a position to maintain themselves. 



