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QUININE PROPHYLAXIS.
A considerable proportion of the gardens have made large pur-
chases of quinine in tabloid form for the purpose of instituting quinine-
prophylaxis among their coolies. But the measures that have been
usually adopted have generally lacked system and method, and success
or failure in producing an appreciable effect upon the incidence of
malaria has been proportionate to the care employed in quinine
distribution; for quinine prophylaxis on the scale required even on
a small garden necessitates much care, thought and organization.
At present we know of no garden in which quinine prophylaxis
has been carried out in such a manner as to reach the portion of the
population whom it is most desirable to reach, and among whom its
effects are likely to produce the greatest benefit. In general where
quinine prophylaxis has been attempted the administration of the
drug has been almost entirely confined to coolies actually turning out to
work, the weakly, the sick and the young children receiving little or no
attention. Under such a system the result, if apparent:can only be
partial and very disproportionate to the expenditure involved. And
though it is a promising sign that some attempt to combat malaria
should have been made there is a general want of appreciation as to-
(a) The scale upon which action must be undertaken.
(b) The necessity for an efficient organisation and proper
supervision.
(c) The importance of reaching the classes of the population
who suffer most frequently and become the most dangerous
disseminators.
(d) The value of a properly directed system as calculated
to give both the best results and to enable the actual im-
provement to be demonstrated and recorded.
In the majority of instances which have come under our notice the
duty of quinine administration has been handed over to a babu possess-
ed of little knowledge and no idea as to how to perform the work; and
as a result of casual and inconsequent methods of distribution great
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