to be kept of all the most important bacteria, as well as of all those of a more purely scientific interest. Vital staining is a subject which is coming into prominence in this country. Some most brilliant work has recently been done and is being done by Dr. Evans of the Johns Hopkins Medical School. The possibilities of the additional information which this will give have not yet been estimated, but the results achieved are such that we can hope for a great deal. Dr. H. R. Mills has expressed his desire to undertake investigations of rattlesnake venom. In view of these things it becomes more and more important that an addition should be made to the personnel of the laboratory force. The addition referred to is that of a competent technician. A laboratory of this size and with the scope of work which it has, cannot succeed without such help. The Library: During the year some additions have been made to the library in the line of journals and books. These have proven of great assistance as reference material. It is desired, however, that further additions be made during the year. More text books on chemistry are needed, also other reference books on pathology, especially such texts as have a liberal number of good clear cuts of the various pathological processes. It would be an advantage to the laboratory force and to all of those concerned, if we might have a journal rack where each journal could be made accessible and placed in the assembly room in the new building. During the year several volumes of old journals have been completed and bound. Before closing the report I wish to state that each member of the laboratory force deserves special mention for the faithful and conscientious manner in which they have carried out their respective parts in the year's work. Each one has taken a personal interest in keeping the work up to the highest standard and in making sure that all reports, whether they be of small or great importance, were accurately made and recorded. My obligation is, therefore, especially to Dr. H. R. Mills and to Dr. I. C. Youmans who are the chief members of the diagnostic force, and to Mr. H. P. Brown for assisting both in the diagnostic work and in the keeping of records and supervising the shipping department. The stenographer, Miss Dixon, has also added to the general efficiency and reliability of the work since her connection with the laboratory. My thanks are especially due to the State Health Officer, whose confidence and co-operation has been so manifest through the year. Very respectfully submitted, HENRY HANSON, Senior Bacteriologist. REPORT OF DR. G. H. SIMON, BACTERIOLOGIST TAMPA, FLORIDA, January 1, 1912. Tampa Laboratory Dr. Joseph Y. Porter, State Health Officer, Jacksonville, Florida., Dear Doctor:-I take pleasure in submitting to you my annual report for the year 1911. I have attempted to arrange the figures of the report in such a manner that the nature, numbers and results of examinations can be seen at a glance. The physicians of Tampa and the adjoining territory have availed themselves of the privilege granted them by the State Board of Health of having specimens of communicable diseases examined, in even larger numbers than during the year 1910. It will be seen by comparing the report from this laboratory for 1910 with that of the year just past, that the number of specimens examined has been more than doubled. The total number of examinations for 1911 has been 7,869, while the number examined in 1910 was 3,386. I wish to state, without any desire to complain or seek praise, that this large volume of work has only been accomplished by considerable overtime having been put in by Dr. Benson and myself. A laboratory examination to be of greatest value to the physician submitting the specimen, should be done promptly. This during the past year has not always been possible, on account of the large number frequently received at one time. As a rule the physicians have been patient and considerate, but I believe that it will be appreciated by them if delays can be reduced to a minimum. Considerable of our time is consumed in doing clerical work, recording specimens received, mailing reports, correspondence, etc. This time could be devoted to greater advantage in strictly laboratory work, if someone was appointed to relieve us of these clerical duties. I believe it is the plan of the State Health Officer to have the offices of the local Agent of the State Board of Health for Hillsboro County, located in the laboratory building. It is my opinion that one secretary or stenographer could satisfactorily do the work of both Dr. Bartlett and the laboratory. In the interest of the work here in Tampa, and with the idea of making this laboratory more efficient in the future, I would respectfully recommend that such a secretary or stenographer be authorized, whose duty it would be to take care of the correspondence and keep the records for both the local Agent and the laboratory. Yours respectfully, G. H. SIMON, M. D., Bacteriologist. |