SYDNEY MEDICAL CONGRESS.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19719, 9 September 1929, Page 9

SYDNEY MEDICAL CONGRESS.

aftereffects of war. DOCTOR'S INVESTIGATIONS. (ITXITED PR IS 3 A9BOOIATIO3J —St ZLtCTKIC TILEORAPH-COPTMCHT.) SYDNEY, September 7. At the Medical Conference, which has concluded, a review of the results of war nephritis in the naval, military, and air section by Dr. Macdonald, of Brisbane, disclosed a grave position in regard to invalid soldiers. Dr. Macdonald described investigations into cases of 104 former soldiers who were affected with kidney disease. Of these 29 died. In addition to gas and shell-shock, kidney disease was commonly quoted during the few years after their return as a cause of illness justifying pensions. Probably all the Australian soldiers in France suffered from respiratory affections. It was probable that the pensioners examined represented a very high proportion of those who actually suffered from nephritis. Sir Kichard Stawcll described the position as seven times more serious in Australia than in England. Dr. Henry, before the neurology and psychiatry section, explained the treatment of general paralysis of the insane with malaria. The organism of malaria was introduced into the blood of the paralysed person, and the patient was allowed to have 12 acute attacks of fever, when the treatment was suspended by the administration of quinine. The patient suffered no illeffects. About 200 cases had been dealt with in New South Wales. Dr. Noble, speaking on mental hygiene, said that the movement had commenced recently in this State and New Zealand, and it was hoped to extend it. An organisation would be formed with the object of protecting the mental health of the general public, studying mental disorders, and the amelioration of mental disorders or deficiencies.—Australian Press Association.