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Most of the research work that had been done could nothave been carried out without the help of a big State Depart-ment behind it. Where there had been failure in researchit had almost always been through incomplete knowledge,and further and complete research was therefore necessary.The methods of the past were too wasteful and too slow.Team work was necessary. The power and means must beobtained of enlisting the best brains in any branch of sciencewhich may touch on any problem. It was very improbablethat any one department of the State could provide all thatwould be required in the way of material, personnel, organisa-tion, and it would be necessary to collaborate with indi-viduals or bodies outside the department. The war hadfurnished us with many examples of what might be doneby organised efforts along these lines, for though medicalproblems were always arising and the workers scatteredabout in different parts, the War Office had only to ask forhelp in any branch of science in order to receive it. No

body had done more in this direction than the MedicalResearch Committee, and they were much indebted to SirWalter Fletcher, its energetic and able secretary. This

help had been due largely to the fact that it was a

State Department and in a position of relative inde-pendence, able to offer its assistance to each departmentof the State and to claim assistance from each one ofthem.

Lessons forced upon us by war were often rapidlyforgotten, but this lesson must not be forgotten. Theunsolved problems of disease were no less urgent andimportant than those dealt with during the war. No singledepartment of the State could afford to work alone, and themedical department of the Army was not only most anxiousto continue to profit in this way, but most ready to offer itshelp. The Army served all over the world and came intocontact with diseases of men and animals rarely seen inthis country, but any of which might throw light on somegrave problems which had to be dealt with at home. TheMedical Department of the Army, too, had the advantage ofbeing able to observe for long periods bodies of men under-varying conditions of climate and under conditions rare incivil life. There was urgent need for medical research inconnexion with our great tropical dependencies. In ourAfrican dependencies the needs were acute and were recog-nised by the Colonial Office, but not easily recognised bypublic opinion. Not only was it necessary to preserve thelives of natives, but on medical research depended the openingup of great tracks of fertile country at present closed to thewhite man. If medical research was to progress and yieldgreat results the State itself must be prepared to support iton a generous scale and lend its authority to an effectivecoordination of work.

National Health Insurance.

Mr. J. H. THOMAS, M.P., spoke at the afternoon sessionon "The Urgent Necessity for an Increase in NationalHealth Insurance Benefits." The 10s. originally grantedwas now equal to only 4s. 6d. There was a far greateralteration than mere cost of living. The whole outlook ofthe people upon the standard of living was altered. Thecase for the alteration in the benefits was unanswerable.The workers ought to be in a position to pay for their ownbenefits rather than to receive them as a dole from the State,which had the result of keeping down wages.

Mr. JOHN HODGE, M.P., said both the State and theemployer would gain by increasing the benefits and securinga healthier race. Children especially were the greatest assetsof the.nation, and the country should look after the children.By permitting slum areas and unhealthy factories to remainthe Government incurred great responsibility.. Mr. RocELiFF said that the question had been investi-gated on a basis of an increase of a penny in the contribu-tion, while the State would bear two-ninths of the cost. Onescheme was prepared giving to men 15s. for 13 weeks, 10s.for a second 13 weeks, and 5s. disablement benefit afterthat; and to women 12s. 6d., 7s. 6d. and 5s. for the sameperiods. A second scheme would give to men 15s. for 26weeks, 7s. 6d. for 26 weeks, and 3s. 9d. disablement benefit,and to women in proportion.A discussion on ’’ The Relation of Women to Health

Matters," which was opened by Mr. Handel Booth, empha-sised the need for the proper representation of women onbodies which concerned their work and interests.

SCOTLAND.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.)

Demobilisation {If Doctors, ,

WITH reference to the announcement in the Scottish presson March 26th to the effect that the Ministry of NationalService as from March 31st ceases its functions in connexionwith the demobilisation of all medical officers serving withHis Majesty’s Forces, it is announced that the advisoryrelations which existed between the War Office, theAdmiralty, and the Scottish Medical Service EmergencyCommittee prior to the establishment of the Ministry ofNational Service will be resumed as from that date. All

applications for the release of Scottish doctors should, asformerly, be made to the secretary of the committee, RoyalCollege of Physicians, 9, Queen-street, Edinburgh.

Scottish Universities Entranoe Board.The Entrance Board intimates that it proposes to issue

for the consideration of the Universities, under Section VII.of General Ordinance No. 3 (Regulations as to admission tothe Scottish Universities for purposes of graduation), aGeneral Regulation providing that the standard of pre-liminary education required for admission to the Faculty ofMedicine shall be assimilated to that for admission to theFaculties of Arts or Science.

The Retirement of Sir Thomas Fraser.Sir Thomas Fraser has occupied the chair of materia

medica in the University of Edinburgh for 41 years, and hiscolleagues and the students who have been under him havecontinuously acknowledged, with grateful appreciation, theinspiration of his teaching. He has taken a leading part inthe development of the medical school and the University,and his original investigations constitute important land-marks in the progress of medical science and have con-tributed much towards the relief of human suffering. Ithas been proposed to take the occasion of Sir ThomasFraser’s retirement to present him with his portrait. Aninvitation to join in this expression of common regard hasbeen issued by Professor J. A. Ewing, principal of the

University ; Sir Robert Philip, president of the Royal Collegeof Physicians of Edinburgh ; and Mr. R. M’Kenzie Johnston,president of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.Professor Harvey Littlejohn has undertaken to act as

honorary treasurer, and contributions may be addressed tohim at the University of Edinburgh.April 7th.

IRELAND.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.)

Ireland and the Ministry of Health Bill.THE members of the medical profession in various areas

are now meeting to appoint and to instruct delegates to agreat meeting of the doctors of Ireland which is to be heldat an early date in Dublin at the Royal College of Surgeons.The following propositions form the provisional agenda forsubmission to the delegates :- .

That the needs of the country demand a legislativemeasure including-

(a) A Ministry of Health consisting of a Minister respon-sible to Parliament and a council with full powers tocontrol policy. The council should consist of three groups :(1) Representatives of the county councils elected by thosebodies, say one from each province-4 ; (2) medical membersto be elected by the medical profession of the country-4 ;(3) four members to be appointed by the Government, one ofwhom shall be a medical practitioner and one a dentist. Thiscouncil should meet regularly for a fixed number of sessionsper month, and the members should be paid a fee (say £5 5s.)per day while sitting, with travelling expenses.

(b) The establishment of a National Medical Service, onthe principle of the decision of the referendum of the pro-fession taken in 1911. For the members of such service thereshould be adequate remuneration, provision for promotion,regular holidays, study leave, and pension rights. Thereshould be provision for the family of any medical officer whodies from the result of his service. The members of suchservice, who are engaged in curative duties, should not bedebarred from private practice.

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(c) Arrangements for medical attendance on the insuredclasses on a contributory basis.

(d) The establishment of a complete sanitary system withcounty medical officers of health, provided with such skilledassistance as may be necessary in different areas. Suchofficers should be whole-time officers not engaged in privatepractice, and to have the assistance of the district medicalofficers of health in their several areas.

(e) The dissociation of medical attendance, whether onpoor persons or on the working classes, from the administra-tion of the Poor-laws.

(f) The erection of workhouse hospitals into districthospitals, dissociated from the management of the work-house, and with the county infirmaries, constituting a

system of local hospitals to which all local doctors wouldhave access for the treatment of private patients.

(g) Adequate provision for the treatment and prevention oftuberculosis and venereal diseases,, and (h) for the care ofexpectant and nursing mothers.(i) Adequate endowment of medical research, and pro-

vision of laboratory facilities in the several parts of thecountry. ,

Other questions to be considered at the meeting of ’Idelegates will concern remuneration with respect to :-

(1) Medical attendance on the R.I.C., postmen, coastguards,and others.

(2) Under the Insurance Act-(a) the inadequacy of theremuneration for medical certification; (b) appointment ofmedical referees, and the treatment of tuberculosis.

(3) Fees for the registration of births, deaths, marriages,and travelling expenses in connexion with same.The Chief Secretary for Ireland has promised that the

Health Council under the Ministry of Health Bill would beonly temporary, and the medical profession hold stronglythat an advisory council is useless which has no representa-tives elected by them, and cannot express their opinions.If, however, all members of the medical profession inIreland-whether adherents of the " Irish Medical Com-mittee " or of the "Irish Medical Association" "-cansink their differences and come to an agreement at this

delegates’ meeting the Chief Secretary will be obliged-ifhe is to have the help of the medical profession-to followmainly their views.April 7th.

__________________

The War and After.THE CASUALTY LIST.

THE name of the following medical officer appears amongthe casualties announced since our last issue :—

Died.Major E. N. Cunliffe, R.A.M.C., was a student at Owens

College, Manchester, and qualified in 1901. He heldappointments at the Manchester Consumption Hospitaland at the Royal Infirmary in that city, and was atone time consulting tuberculosis officer to the ManchesterCorporation. He was well known as a practitioner inSouth Lancashire, and died from illness contracted onactive service in France. For some time he was incommand of the 2nd Western General Hospital.

THE HONOURS LIST.THE following awards to medical officers are announced :—

K.C.M.G.Surg.-Capt. Robert Hill, R.N., C.B., C.V.O., Principal Medical

Officer, Grand Fleet. K.C.B.E.K.C.B.E.

Surgeon Rear-Admiral George Robertson Turner, C.B., for valuableservices as Consultant Surgeon, Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth.

O.B.E.

Surgeon Commander Charles Kendal Bushe, R.N., for valuableservices as Officer in Charge of His Majesty’s W./T. Station, Bathurst,Gambia. Hon. Surgeon-Lieut. J. Donald Pollock, R.N.V.R., for valu-able services at H.M. Naval Base, Granton. Surgeon-Lieut. EvelynDennis Scott, R.N., for valuable services at Queen ,Mary’s R.N.Auxiliary Hospital, Southend-on-Sea.The deeds for the following awards to medical officers

(all of the R.A.M.C. except where otherwise stated) will bepublished later :-

Distin,guislaed Service Order.Capt. (acting Maj.) W. B. Allen, V.C., M.C.; Maj. A. C. Amy; Maj.

J. E. Blair, Can. A.M.C. ; Temp Capt. (acting Maj.) R. C. Cooke,M.C. ; Maj. B. E. Kelly, Can. A.M.C. Temp. Capt. J. H. Moir, M.C. ;Maj. G. W. Treleaven, M.C., Can. A.M C.

Second Bar to Military Cross.Capt. R. B. Stewart, M.C.

Bar to Military Cross.Capt. (acting Maj.) J. H. Bavley, M.C.; Temp. Capt. E. Biddle,

M.C. ; Capt. (acting Maj.) T. W. Clarke, M.C.; Capt. (acting Maj.)H. N. Goode, M.C. ; Temp. Capt. (acting Maj.) C. H. Haddow, M.C.;Oapt. (acting Maj.) 0. Nicholson, M.C. ; Temp. Lt. T. G. Playford,M.C. ; Temp. Capt. (acting Maj.) A. Richmond, M.C. ; Capt. (actingMaj.) A. L. Shearwood, M.C.; Capt. (acting Maj.) H. Shield, M.C. ; Capt.G. A. Smith, M.C., Can. A.M.C. ; Capt. (acting Maj.) R. A. Stark,M.C. ; Capt. R. C. Weldon, M.C., Can. A.M.C. ; Temp. Capt. (actingMaj.) 1. S. Wilson, M.C.- The Military Cross.Capt. (acting Maj.) G. F. Allison Temp. Capt. (acting Ma,j.) L.

Anderson, D.S.O. ; Lt. E. R. Batho; Oapt. J. P. Bonfield, Can. A.M.C.;Temp. Lt. S. F. Boyle ; Temp. Lt. A. F. Calwell ; Temp. Hon. Capt.D. E. Carter ; Capt. R. J. Chapman ; Capt. D. G. Cheyne ; Temp.Capt. H. M. Cockcroft; Temp. Capt. A. F. R. Conder ; Capt. W. M.Cox; Capt. J. A. Dougan, Can. A.M.C.; Capt. J. J. B. Edmond;Temp. Capt. D. Ferguson; Capt. (acting Maj.) T. 0. Graham;Temp. Capt. H. A. Grierson; Temp. Hon. Capt. E. Harding ;Capt. J. G. Hill; Temp. Capt. T. Howell ; Capt. G. G. Jack;Temp. Capt. R. W. P. Jackson; Temp. Capt. A. C. Laing; Temp. Capt.F. W. K. Lawrie ; Temp. Capt. P. G. Leeman; Capt. (acting Ma,j.)H. W. Maltby; Capt. H. Mendelsohn, Austr. A.M.C. ; Capt. W. C.Morgan, Can. A.M.C.; Temp. Capt. D. L. Morrison : Capt. J. A"Pare, Can. A.M.O.; Lt. M. C. Paterson; Lt. A. V. Pegge; Capt.(acting Maj.) A. Picken; Capt. (acting Maj.) R. P. Pollard; Capt.(acting Maj.) H. B. Pope; Capt. W. B. Rennie; Capt. S. Robertson;Capt.:(acting Maj.) W. A. Robertson; Capt. (acting Maj.) H. J.D.Smythe ; Temp. Capt. T. Stordy.

FOREIGN DECORATIONS.Italian.

Order oj the Crown of Italy: Commander.-Col. (temp. Maj.-Gen.)G. B. Stanistreet, C.B., C.M.G. ’

Belgian.Croix de Guerre.-Maj. J. V. H. Guest, Austr. A.M.C. ; Lt.-Col. A. F.

Jolley, Austr. A.M.C. -

BROUGHT TO NOTICE.The names of the following medical officers are brought

to notice for gallant and distinguished service in connexionwith operations at Aden :—R.A.M.C.-Lt.-Col. E. P. Connolly; Capt. D. T. Richardson.I.M.S.-Lt.-Col. T. H. Foulkes; kai. (temp. Lt.-Col.) 1. M. Macrae;

Temp. Capt. M. K. Pillal. -’-

THE Metropolitan Asylums Board has madearrangements to acquire from the War Office the militaryhospital at Trouville. This hospital, which has been offeredto the M.A.B. for £5000, cost the War Office £150,000. Thecost of removing the hospital to England and equipping it asa sanatorium is to be borne by the M.A.B. Before the warthe M.A.B. acquired sites for sanatoriums at East Grinstead,Basingstoke, and near Godalming, and the pre-war estimatesfor erecting sanatoriums on these sites ranged from £30,000to £40,000 each.

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AUXILIARY ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS FUNDS.-The usual quarterly committee meeting was held onApril 4th, at 11, Chandos-street, Cavendish-square, W. Threegrants were made to cases in the Benevolent Branch forOfficers, and two grants to cases in the Relief Branch for theRank and File. These Funds are for the relief of widowsand orphans of commissioned officers and N.C.O.’s and menof the rank and file of the R.A.M.C., Special Reserve,Territorial Force and New Armies, and also for the relief ofthe children of those who have been so severely damaged inthe present war that they need help for the education ofchildren. Requests for relief should be addressed to thehonorary secretary, Sir William Hale White, at the offices ofthe Funds, at 11, Chandos-street, Cavendish-square, W. 1.

ROYAL PORTSMOUTH HOSPITAL.-At the annualmeeting of the Royal Portsmouth Hospital held onMarch 28th it was reported that the civilian in-patients.numbered 1953 and the military 1105, making a total of3058. The daily average number of beds occupied was 173;the average cost per bed occupied was X78 19s. 10d., theheaviest recorded. In the venereal department 627 newpatients attended during the year, making a total of 1186since the department was opened in February, 1917. Thenumber of attendances was 11,144, compared with 8636 in1917. The expenditure, £15,489, was also a record andexceeded the ordinary income by JE2431. At the request ofthe Ministry of Pensions a temporary arrangement hadbeen made by which discharged and disabled sailors andsoldiers may be admitted as in-patients up to 25 innumber, provided there is accommodation, the WarPensions Committee undertaking responsibility for them.