THE BAHAMA ISLANDS 391 



member of the Expedition, including the crew, was made and recorded, in order 

 that if any of the party showed physical weakness or poor health, proper precau- 

 tions could be immediately taken. 



In order to facilitate our work among the natives we adopted the follow- 

 ing method. As soon as we came to anchor at a settlement, the medical outfit 

 was carried on shore, and a temporary free dispensary was quickly established 

 in a convenient building (Plate LXVI, Fig. 2). At Spanish Wells the use of 

 an unoccupied house was accorded us, while at Gregory Town the authorities 

 dismissed the school and turned the building over to us. While a portion of 

 the medical staff was engaged in making preparations for a clinic, several men 

 were sent throughout the village spreading the tidings that the doctor had ar- 

 rived and was prepared to give free consultations and dispense medicines with- 

 out charge. It was our universal experience that for the first hour of our visit, 

 there was little response, but after a few of the more courageous people had 

 presented themselves for treatment, the more timid would come to us in crowds, 

 complaining of all sorts of troubles, and begging to be relieved. The longer 

 we worked in a settlement the more the natives seemed to throng about, until 

 finally, when the time came to leave and go aboard the ship, we were often 

 obliged to pack up our outfit with great difficulty, force our way through the 

 crowd, and literally tear ourselves from the settlement. Even then the more 

 determined individuals would jump into boats, follow us out to our vessel 

 (Plate LXXIII, Pig. 1), force their way on board, and beg to be treated. In 

 other places where a clinic on shore was not practicable, we would hold one on 

 board the ship, where the cabin and a large portion of the deck was roped off 

 to receive patients. It was, of course, impossible to treat all who applied, and 

 the more desperate and interesting cases were selected, although a large amount 

 of attention was given to patients suffering with ordinary diseases. Under such 

 conditions it would have been impossible to accomplish anything without 

 system. One of the assistants therefore selected from the crowd the most in- 

 teresting or desirable cases; another would note, on cards prepared for the 

 purpose, the family and personal history of the patient as well as the history 

 of the present illness. A third assistant took samples of the blood and pre- 

 pared slides for microscopic examination, while others were at hand to do any 

 special work necessary. Mr. Gillmore was present to take photographs of some 

 of the more interesting cases, in order to preserve records which could not 

 otherwise be obtained. As fast as the cases were prepared, I would examine 

 them and either operate or prescribe the treatment which seemed necessary. 



