With a few of the physicians pulling one way and a few another, the local authorities did not know what to do. After visiting the pest houses and examining all the patients there, and also visiting and examining all of the patients in houses under quarantine, I met with the public health committee of the council. The conclusions. of the conference were that the conference would meet and commence a vigorous campaign against the disease. They promised to purchase fresh vaccine and offer free vaccination and to rigidly enforce quarantine measures. I took occasion to visit the new school building which is being erected and which is the result of condemnation by this Board of three old dilapidated structures. The new building will be completed by the last of January and the plan. showed that every required sanitary feature will be incorporated.

Mexico City-The thirty-fourth annual meeting of the A. P. H. A. was held in the City of Mexico, December 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th. One hundred and sixty-eight members were present from the United States and a slightly larger number from the Republic of Mexico. The first meeting was promptly called to order at 10 a. m. December 3d, and the scientific section took charge. In this section, everything pertaining to bacteriology, pathology, and everything that is extremely technical, is considered. It is not necessary to give the program here. One of the remarkable papers was delivered by Dr. Kohnke, late health officer of New Orleans. His subject "The Yellow Fever Epidemic in New Orleans in 1905."

was:

In this paper Dr. Kohnke reviewed the causes leading up to the yellow fever epidemic in his city and presented lantern views of many situations and told of the many difficulties to be overcome in fighting the disease. Mosquito life was illustrated in all its stages from the actual eggs of the insect through larva, pupa, and finally the developed insect. The most interesting picture was that of the larva, showing how they were killed by oiling the surfaces of the water. The larva were shown in a cell placed in the lantern. At first, they were very active, but after the operator had placed a few drops of kerosene oil upon the surface of the water in a tank, the larva were quickly smothered to death. Dr. Kohnke stated that his picture and demonstrations of the life of the mosquito had been shown in numerous places in New Orleans in the campaign of education which was carried on against yellow fever.

The Mexicans led in the number of papers presented, covering many phases of sanitation. However, as the program shows, not `a few papers were read by Canadian and American members. The

[2—17549]

social features of the meeting were very delightful. Opportunity was given us to visit the new water works and sewage disposal plants in the city. We also visited the great National Hospital, which has just been completed at the expense of three million dol-. lars, and which is a model in every respect. Not a single sanitary feature has been left out of this hospital. The drainage, ventilation and dietary are perfect. There are baths and a gymnasium, with every appliance which has been invented to aid in the recovery and preservation of health.

The Association visited Vera Cruz and there inspected the new and model quarantine station. Vera Cruz was the former home of yellow fever, but only two cases originated there during the last summer, so rigid and effective has been the fight against the malady. Other cities no longer quarantine against Vera Cruz. It seems unnecessary here to describe the sanitary defenses of this city, for it would take considerable space and they are fully described and illustrated i. sanitary magazines. President Diaz graciously received the Association and made a speech of encouragement, saying that this work was one of the noblest that men could engage in.

Shelbyville December 19th I visited Shelbyville and with the health officer, Dr. Keeney, visited two slaughter-houses and several butcher shops. We inspected the sanitary features of the same. A full report of these inspections was written out by Dr. Keeney and I accompanied him when they were presented to the authorities of the city. Several recommendations were made which the authorities immediately adopted and said they would enforce them. In the afternoon I delivered a lecture upon "School Hygiene" before the Shelby County Farmers' Institute and distributed two hundred of our "Envelope Packages" containing circulars upon the prevention of various diseases. The Institute passed a vote of thanks and confidence in and encouragement for the work of the State Board of Health. In the evening. I delivered a lecture upon "The Prevention and Cure of Tuberculosis," before a popular audience, and same was illustrated by a projecting lantern. The audience filled. the court-room and many were turned away. It is believed that much good was accomplished by this public lecture. The usual resolutions and thanks were passed.

Martinsville I visited Martinsville, December 31st, and with Dr. Tilford, secretary of the local Board of Health, visited two school buildings; also made inspection of White river in regard to pollution from Indianapolis. We also inspected several alleys, and with

the city engineer examined and studied the sewer plans of the city. Recommendations were made in connection with every point visited, and same were kindly received, with promises to make changes at the earliest date possible.

The public health for the quarter was not quite as good as in the corresponding period last year. We have to record an increase in smallpox over said period, and also an increase in typhoid fever. The tables here given show the exact status of the report.

There were diphtheria epidemics in sixteen counties and scarlet fever epidemics in twelve. With both these diseases, the cases were mostly mild, yet the deaths were in excess of the corresponding month last year. Consumption still goes on its horrid way, slaying as usual. There is not the slightest abatement in it, as appears by the comparisons.

Dr. J. B. Rucker, Jr., promptly took charge of the bacteriological laboratory December 1st, succeeding Dr. Keene, who resigned. The work of that department has gone forward as if no change had been made, and is satisfactory in every way. The report of the first month under Dr. Rucker is herewith attached:

REPORT FROM THE DIVISION OF BACTERIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY OF THE INDIANA STATE LABORATORY OF HYGIENE,

To the Board of Health of the State of Indiana :

Sirs I have the honor to make my report for the month ending December 31, 1906, as follows:

Upon assuming charge as chief of the division of bacteriology and pathology, I found a laboratory well equipped, and having the appearance of order and cleanliness which is essential to good work in all laboratories of bacteriology and pathology.

In reviewing the reports of the examinations made during the month just past, I find that 178 physicians from sixty counties in the state made use of the laboratory during December. We hope to be able in our next report to show an increase over this in the number of physicians making use of our facilities for scientific examinations.

The list of diseases, suspected specimens of which were submitted for examination, included diphtheria, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, cerebrospinal meningitis, hydrophobia, gonorrhoea, malaria, carcinoma, sarcoma and adeno-sarcoma. One bacteriologic examination of drinking water was made and two specimens of urine were examined for the presence of B. tuberculosis.

The following is a detailed account of examinations of specimens submitted, showing positive or negative findings and those of a doubtful or unsatisfactory character, arranged according to the counties from which the specimens were sent :