MEDICAL NOTES.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17544, 28 August 1922, Page 8

MEDICAL NOTES.

BIRTH CONTROL. EATS AND CANCER. (M.OU OUB OWW OOBMSPOKDINT.) LONDON, Julr 21. In an address to the Incorporated Vermin Repression Society, Mr A. E. Moore (hon. director) said that pestology was drawing to itself disciples, who saw in vermin research the key to many puzzling problems. "Take cancer for instance," he said, "all kinds of theories, such as tea drinkin<» and tarrc-d' roads, aro among the serious reasons adduced by men of undoubted eminence in the medical world. Such being the ease, 1, as a layman, can only say that as a result of patient observation and reading I luive come to the conclusion that cancer is the direct outcome of sonio part of us being annoyed. Studying a cancer charted map of England, I noted that the districts most affected were rutinfested areas. 1 shall feel that I have not failed if, as a result of my life's work, I have made peoplo ii.quisitive to know the part played by vermin in shortening our lives. Then we shall not have to tell the public that flies are costing each individual on an average Is per day for medical aid, and that rats are costing the nation £42 per minute to keep, that lice, fleas, \md bugs are making life a hell for thousands of helpless babies and domestic animals, and that cockroaches are fouling our hotels and bakehouses." Lord Denbigh (wh«. was in the> chair) remarked that when he was on active service in the campaign of 1882 the troops would halt in the desert where there was not a fly to be seen. Within a few days the whole area would be black with flies. He went to the same spot during the lato war, and could not help noticing the improvement in tlui sanitary arrangements. 'NYhare flies formerly swarmed there was hardiy a fly to be seen. Propaganda Campaign. Dr. J. J. Mostajo, who has been delegated by the Peruvian Government to study anti-cancer organisation in this country, states in ; a letter that during the two years of the United States's participation in the war 50,000 of her soldiers perished. During the same period 180,000 persons died in that country from cancer. Hence, the intensive there against cancer, "rfow the constitution of the Anti-Cancer League," writes Dr. Mostajo, "is based upon the assumption that, although the cause of cancer is unknown, its effects can be combated, the struggle and resultant cure depending upon the two postulates, early diagnosis and early treatment. But in order that these two postulates may be put into action the conscience of the Ole must be awakened. In the ed States this result has been achieved by such propagandißm as the following: "Question: Which is the best way to cure cancer P * "Answer: To consult a doctor when the patient finds any symptom of tumour or abscess, especially on the breast; any loss of blood with or any abnormal discharge appearing in the excretions; any laceration or sore that will not heal, especially in the mouth, lips or tongue; any indigestion or dyspeptio disorders, accompanied by any loss of weight. "Question Which i& the wrong way to treat cancer? "Answer: To procrastinate, hoping that the disease will cure itself, or to use empirical remedies, or to consult quacks or other pretending specialists." This campaign is of vital importance as it induces the patient not to delay in consulting a professional man. When such an early diagnosis is made, and surgical- treatment, assisted by radium or the X-raye, follows, cancer is curable. Although no vigorous campaign against cancer has yet been initiated in this country, such a campaign is already foreshadowed, and I should like to be permitted to suggest that the Press arouse the people to a full consciousness of the only way in which to fight this scourge of mankind." Influenza Theories. Two fresh reports on influenza hare just been published. One of these is by Dr. J. Mcintosh, and is issued by the Medical Research Council. The other is an article in the current issue of the "Journal" of the Royal Army Medical Corps, and is bjr Dr. Gordon, who is already distinguished in the study of this disease. "The reports flatly contradict one another," writes the medical correspondent «f "The Times." "For while Dr. Gordon believes that influenza is caused by an organism, which is of so small a size as to pass through the pores of a filter, Dr. Mcintosh appears as the champion of Pfeiffer's bacillus, which has for long been suspected in this/connexion. Both writers marshal important evidence, and it cannot yet be stated which or the two is correct. A careful study of the available evidence, however, seems —it is no more than a personal opinion —to lead one to the view of Dr. Gordon. It is qpite possible, however, to reconcile belief in the filter-passing organism with belief in Pfeiffer's bacillus—indeed, it may be that Dr. Brownlee's work supplies the missing, link between them. He says that influenza epidemics do not materialise at all seasons, yet recur every thirty-three weeks. We are left with the obvious possibility that it is only in winter and early spring that Pfeiffer's bacillus is able to take advantage of the lowered resistance! offered to it by the activities qf the filter-passer—the real influenza germ. "In other words, influenza may not be influenza What we now call by that name is a feverish, bronchial condition with nfuscular pains at its onset. If Dr. Gordon is correct this is. probably a mixture of two diseases, the one true influenza and tho other a catarrh caused by Pfeiffer's bacillus. On this catarrh a third disease, pneumonia, may then impose itself- Thus an' influenza-pneumonia would represent a kind of palimpsest of disease, first, influenza; then, on top of that,

the feverish catarrh caused bj Tfiifj bacillus; linally, on top of ttrtS pneumonia duo to' streptococci. In the summer \»2 other hand, these winter Kjrna m? a bio to operate, and so in sunua»i fluenza may be seen perhapsioiUn£ form —as we are, seeing it not, V presont complaint is characterised*? ly by muscular rheumatism, ju Riddiness, neuralgia, and » SMsnlft i«K of unfitness. It is obriotia taj this view i s correct we have oltai quite a now insight into the prod*3 of winter ailments. We hM9.il speak, found the disease behind | diseases, the enemy which, by ntiS our powers of resistance to attack by the hosts of d#kae&.} would also raiso the question WSttt recurrence every 3S weeks? Ig j|, ens© of 'onco influenza, always ab onzn,' or are there fresh short, do the <erms in our srttsani through a 33-week cycle or do ft 4 tain fresh supplies of the enetayfHß is the vital question." Ethics of Oontracepttv* In connexion with the fifth'Hi nntional Neo-Malthusian and' fi| Control Conference a private NH confined to members of the medus!)* fession was held to consider tion of contraceptive devices : for S control. The meeting was stiaty T>y 154 members of the profane,! eluding lo medical officers of lwiL several of whom were officially safe ed by their municipalities. its# lowing resolution was adopted, only tliree dissentients: —'That || meeting of medical members orfc Fifth International Neo-Msltboißiit| Birth Control Conference rahr,li point out that birth control to bjpi contraceptive devices is aWotwjfc tinct from abortion in its pfyjoltpj legal, and moral aspect*. It tm| records its opinion that there is Mii dence that the best costnoaftfi methods are injurious to health ffdk ducive to sterihty." Asansuttcft meeting a Medical Society for tbMl of Birth Control was formed.

Population for the Empfca.- :_ As a counterblast to the Birth Ol trol Conference, Dr. J. B. Hsra M.D., D.Sc. F.R.S.E.. writes a M to the "Daily Telegraph," in,fluty points out a very importMt'pjltj the subject which seems to nan ■ overlooked—the need for fiUiiiO Empire with our own people.' "W is no greater evil that can bewi race," he writes, "than the curtsM) of its population, which is oertnl commence with those who H* i*| upper class. ■ France cenmrittedj error, and since the first Napwi time there have been one or wo* dren per family there. Fortunatffll France, the late war'iai tangiyO lesson, and she Btrives to incre*|l population, having learned thejß that one Frenchman is not worn* Germans. The Jews havener ttrtg part large families, bound py'tbsJPj ligious belief; there art Jen «| where nowadays. But far «»S1 would long ago have been In the same way. if we want UM pire we must fill it with our Ofßl Canada, Australia, the Cape, m new adjuncts require robust citizens. Australia, for W* has a population less than w J of London; men there are MjJ many, but too few. It «>«•« duty of every capable citiwMUj duce his or her full share of \W$ will be the children of Jm m Make no mistake, it is nettbatWl lie school nor the university tMSJ* gentlemen of us. It is thel hnwW ing. Our children shouldbelsiff the idea that they . im.,tm The distance is nothingnofi^Jfe

ishes his masters. tlie senior claMe*.