THE BAHAMA ISLANDS 403 



type. In some cases where the ulceration is very extensive, Dr. Hitt ' recom- 

 mends a dusting powder, nosophen (tetraiodophenolphtalein). Unna recom- 

 mended applications of pyrogallol, chrysarobin, resorcin and ichthyol. It is 

 also an important fact that serum therapy has so far been unsuccessful. 



In view of the virtual incurability of leprosy and the detrimental effects 

 which its existence in the community causes, and in consideration of the good 

 results which have followed the adoption of legal measures of isolation in 

 Norway, the International Leprosy Convention which met at Berlin in 1897, 

 adopted the following resolutions. 10 



First. " In such countries where leprosy forms foci or has a great exten- 

 sion we have the best means of preventing the spread of the disease." 



Second. " The system of obligatory notification, observation and isola- 

 tion as carried out in Norway, is recommended to all nations with self-govern- 

 ment and a sufficient number of physicians." 



Third. " It should be left for the legal authorities after consultation 

 with the medical authorities to take such measures as are applicable to the 

 special social conditions of the districts." 



The above report of the Secretaries of the International Leprosy Confer- 

 ence unquestionably shows that in the opinion of the highest medical authorities 

 of the world leprosy is a contagious disease. 



Status of the Leper in the Bahamas. 



There is no question that leprosy is prevalent among the Bahama Islands. 

 I personally examined and studied a number of cases and heard of a still greater 

 number which lack of time and opportunity would not permit me to investi- 

 gate. The condition of many of these unfortunate people is wretched in the 

 extreme, and is in itself a matter which should demand prompt attention on 

 the part of the authorities. But what shall be said of the other aspects of the 

 question when I state that public opinion is so lax that not only is little done 

 to ameliorate the condition of the lepers, but they are actually allowed to run 

 at large through the communities in which they live and associate freely with 

 their fellows? 



We were much surprised at the indifference displayed toward this 

 disease, especially among the ignorant natives, for we often found a leper 

 living in the same house with apparently healthy individuals, without the least 

 concern being expressed or shown by the other members of the household. 



9 Loc. cit. 

 w Loc. cit., p. 43. 



