PROPHYLAXIS 



1205 



necessary, and enclosed in papers, with a vernacular label informing 

 the recipient that there is no charge, is also useful among the native 

 population, as is the distribution of guinine to children in the 

 schools by the teachers. The distribution must be carried out by 

 itinerary dispensers, for the native will not travel far to obtain 

 quinine. It is, however, necessary to see that the quinine is actually 

 taken, and the use of Tanret's reagent will be found useful in detect- 

 ing individuals who do not take quinine. Tanret's reagent is pre- 

 pared by dissolving 1-35 grammes of mercuric perchloride in 75 c.c. 

 of water, and 5 gram.mes of potassium iodide in 20 c.c. of water in a 

 100 c.c. measuring flask. The mercuric solution is poured into 

 the iodide solution under agitation and water added to the mark. 

 A few drops of this reagent are added to about 5 c.c. of urine. If no 

 distinct turbidity appears, it means, as a rule, that quinine has 

 not been taken. Turbidity indicates presence of quinine in the 

 urine, but may indi- 

 cate also presence of 

 various other sub- 

 stances. 



By this method Koch 

 freed Stephansort, in 

 New Guinea, from 

 malaria, but there is a 

 doubt as to whether 

 the disease will not 

 recur if this method 

 alone is used. It must 

 be remembered that 

 free quinine distribu- 

 tion on a large scale is 

 very costly. 



Bite Prevention. — • 

 The next method is to 

 prevent man from being bitten by anophelines. This may be 

 effected by the constant and intelligent use of the mosquito-curtain; 

 by rendering the dwelling, or certain portions of it, gnat-proof; or 

 by the application of chemicals which will keep the mosquit oes away. 

 It is also advised not to go out after sunset, and to protect the 

 whole body against bites. 



Firstly, with regard to the mosquito-curtain, the mesh must be 

 suitable — i.e., twenty to twenty-four meshes to the square inch. 

 The lower part of the net should be tightly tucked in under the 

 mattress: on no consideration whatever must it be allowed to hang 

 loosely or to fall on to the ground. It should be in position in the 

 early afternoon, and must be in good repair, for if it is torn it is 

 worse than useless, becoming a mosquito-trap. It must be kept 

 clean, especially at the top, which is apt to accumulate all sorts of 

 queer things from the roof. Never travel into a malarious region 

 without your own net, as the condition of those in rest-houses may 



Fig. ^627. — The Simpsonette designed to 

 protect the wearer from mosquito bites. 

 (From a photograph given us by Mrs. Mary 

 Simpson.) 



