INTRODUCTION 13

indeed anything having a bearing on tropical medicine in the Sudan. Such

work, properly conducted, might be invaluable and lead to many interesting discoveries. Although a museum memorandum has been freely circulated throughout the Sudan, it has met with little response, save from Suakin, which, thanks to Major Borton, has responded nobly. For all that, if officials were made to lealise the value of such a collection there is reason to believe they would be able and willing to aid in the scheme. It is, perhaps, too much to expect that a collector will be found, but it is well to draw attention to the gieat sei vices such a member of the staff might perform, and how he might aid in the pursuit of knowledge.1

The laboratories are in communication with the London and Liverpool Schools of Tropical Medicine, and one of their functions should be, as far as possible, to piovide these great centres with material for teaching purposes. They have also been asked to aid the Cancer Research Fund in its enquiries, and have already done so to the best of their ability. The United States Department of Agriculture has been approached and has most kindly consented to send its valuable publications for the use of the library, a gift of great importance considering the prevalence of fungus diseases and insect pests in the Sudan, and the vast experience that Department has in combating such conditions. The library itself is well stocked and is supplied with a selection of necessary scientific journals and periodicals. The authorities of the Natural History Department of the British Museum have been good enough to present it with several of their valuable publications.

To Mr. James Currie, Director of Education and Principal of the College, and to the members of his staff, I would express my indebtedness for much kind aid, advice and encouragement, freely rendered me on all occasions.

Thanks to Mr. Wellcome s munificence the laboratories are admirably equipped. That they filled a want has, I think, been demonstrated by what they have been called upon to do in the past year, and there is every reason to expect that their sphere of usefulness will steadily increase. That they may be fully equipped to undertake all that is demanded of them, and at the same time endeavour to justify their title, must be the aim and object of those responsible for the work.

Value of a collector

Corres¬ pondence

Foreign aid

Library

1 Mr. Wellcome has recently intimated his willingness to provide a collector.