ANKYLOSTOMIASIS IN GRENADA. 
By R. P. COCKIN, M.A., M.B., B.C. 
{Thesis for M.D. Degree in the University of Cambridge.) 
When, in June 1911, I took over the charge of the Colony and 
Yaws Hospitals at St George’s, Grenada, I learned from the Medical 
Reports that ankylostomiasis was existent in the Colony—a dozen 
cases having been treated in the Colony Hospital for this disease 
during the previous year, and one case having been met and treated in 
one of the out-districts. 
Upon enquiry I learned that some twelve years previously a Dutch 
Naval Surgeon, whilst visiting the island, had proved the existence of 
the disease ; and at the same time had shown that the greater propor¬ 
tion of the cases then under treatment for malarial cachexia were in 
reality suffering from anaemia, the result of ankylostome infection. 
Dr Boyd, who was at that time in charge of the Colony Hospital, 
took advantage of the information given and proceeded to treat all 
cases sent in to him as “ anaemia ” or “ malarial cachexia ” with 
vermifuges ; and with good results. This treatment was carried out 
empirically, no microscopical examination of the blood or stools being 
done. One of Dr Boyd’s successors also carried out the same treatment 
after the examination of the suspected specimens had been made; but 
it was generally held that the radical treatment adopted by Dr Boyd 
had practically succeeded in stamping the disease out of the Colony, 
and very little importance was attached to such few cases as from time 
to time presented themselves for treatment either at the Hospital or in 
the out-districts. 
In consequence of the information which I received from the Reports, 
and from the other medical men whom I met, I took over the charge 
of the Hospitals with the belief that ankylostomiasis, although present 
in the island, was present to only a limited extent and that although 
