496 ^^6 Philippine Journal of Science 'his 



ALBINISM IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.' 



At the instance of Dr. H. Fraser of the Institute for Medical Research, 

 Kaula Lumper [Kuala Lumpur], Federated Malay States, Dr. C. H. Usher, 

 of Aberdeen, Scotland, and Prof. Frederick Starr, of Chicago University, 

 this office issued on April 28, 1908, the following circular, addressed to the 

 medical inspectors and district health officers of this Bureau: 



In view of the general interest in the question of albinism, information 

 is respectfully requested as to whether albinos have come under your ob- 

 servation, and if so, you are respectfully requested to furnish this office 

 without delay answers to the following questions: 



1. The pedigrees of families in which one or more cases of albinism 

 have occurred. The more extensive such pedigrees are the better. 



2. All information is desired bearing on whether albinism is or is not the 

 expression of a prevalence of scanty pigmentation in a particular stock. 

 Hence particulars are desired as to color of hair and eyes, fecundity, general 

 physical and mental vigor, and the occurrence in albinotic families of any 

 other defects than albinism. 



3. The influence of cousin marriages is of great importance to be care- 

 fully followed up. 



4. Incomplete family records and particulars of single cases of albinism 

 will also be useful and welcome. 



6. Photographs of albinos will be valued, especially albinos of dark races. 



6. Incomplete or partial albinism; instances of pied albinism are desired. 



The investigators venture to ask whether you will kindly aid the research 

 by sending particulars of any cases. Whilst the information itself will be 

 treated as confidential, full acknowledgment of its source will be made when 

 the subject comes to publication. 



Incomplete notes often contain useful information and \vill be welcome 

 when full records can not be obtained. 



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With the [above] circular there was sent a leaflet prepared by Dr. C. H. 

 Usher, containing information as to the prevalence of albinism and a form 

 for making reports, as follows: 



ALBINISM. 



Albinism occurs among all races, even the darkest. It appears to be 

 frequent among Malayan peoples. I desire to secure specific information 

 regarding all possible cases. The follovdng will help to render observation 

 definite. When impossible to make a full report, give what you can. The 

 first three items are indispensable. 



Report on case of albinism. 

 Name of subject. 

 Residence. 

 Race or tribe. 



Hair; color; quality; secure a sample if possible. 

 Skin; color; quality; blushing? sunburn? 

 Eyes; color; movement; squinting? myopic? 

 Carefully draw the iris and color to show pigment distribution, etc. 



'Annual Rep. P. I. Bur. Hltli. (1909), 51-53. 



