I'lfi SCARI I I 1 i.M l; 49 



might beli- ; certainly hesitate before 



obeying the suggestion. The doctor, turning to 

 me, said \\Y ; . vc in your facts. We cannot 

 do otherwise ; but we hesitate to plunge into the 

 practice you recommend lest we should be 

 as it is so contrary to all our methods and 

 teaching." 



One interesting point I should like to empha- 

 sise is the great advantage a scat r patient bom tratt- 



enjoys by being treated at home instead of in m-Bl 

 the hospital. This may seem curious, Uit it is 

 well established. In the hospital case much time 

 is lost before the treatment is commenced. There 

 is first of all the sending for the medical practi 

 tioncr, probably waiting for a confirmed diagnosis ; 

 the certificate for removal has to be obtained ; and 

 finally comes the ambulance with all its risks of 

 chill and other dangers. Moreover, if the case 

 develops at the end of the week, there is apt to 

 be a delay for Sunday. It is found that the 

 numbers admitted to fever hospitals on Monday 

 are much grea m those on any other day. 



For instance, on Sunday, May 2, 1909, at 

 10 A.M., I sent a special message with a notifi- 

 on of A diphtheria case, and requested early 

 removal. The reply came back that he could 

 not be removed " until ten o'clock to-morrow 





morning. 



>n the contrary, the patient remains at home, 



D 



