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This article describes the human biological data that was collected from the participants of the Antarctic expeditions of the ‘heroic age’ (1897–1922). Routine body weights, waist circumference, spirometry and grip strength measurements were performed on a number of the expeditions for monitoring health and at least four expeditions measured the haemoglobin level and demonstrated that anaemia did not occur. The only true research was done by Dr A.L. McLean of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, who measured hair and nail growth and investigated immunity. By modern standards, the data collected is of little value but McLean's work laid the groundwork for modern research into the effects of Antarctic residence on the human organism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

During the heroic age of Antarctic exploration, nine expeditions are recorded as performing bacteriological research, but for only six were the results published and for one of these, the publication only relates to a single sample. Most of those doing the research were medically qualified though the majority of the research related to the bacteriology of snow, air, seawater and the contents of the alimentary tracts of Antarctic animals rather than clinical bacteriology. This paper discusses the research aims, the difficulties encountered and the broad results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

On the Belgica expedition (1897–1899), Dr F.A. Cook described a disease that he called ‘polar anaemia’ and on this expedition it affected most of the expedition members and caused one death. The symptoms were shortness of breath, abnormalities of the pulse and oedema (swelling of the legs) and the disease was clearly cardiac failure. During the heroic age of Antarctic exploration a similar disease affected at least eight other expeditions causing five other deaths. This disease was very similar (and probably identical) to a disease affecting (mostly) Scandinavian seamen and called ‘ship beri-beri’. Both diseases were almost certainly what is now called wet beri-beri due to thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency though most sufferers were probably also vitamin C deficient and some may have had both beri-beri and scurvy. It may have been exacerbated by invalid diets. This paper describes the disease and how it was considered and treated at the time. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Reports developments in health services in Great Britain. Guidelines for early management of myocardial infarction; Training in the basic life support for the families of patients with heart; Need for change in the management of myocardial infarction.

Focuses on the decision for general practice in Yorkshire Dales, England. Requirements for application on the job; Assessment on the income of general practitioner; Criteria for the practice.

Presents a feature called the lesson of the week. The use of drugs prehospital and how paramedics can now use morphine on incoming patients; Use of nalbuphine and its contraindications; Example of a 60-year-old woman who fell in her garden injuring her right leg; History of renal cell carcinoma with cerebral and bony metastases, the patient was taking slow release morphine daily for pain; The story of how the ambulance crew gave her nalbuphine and the result; How nalbuphine works in the body and can cause agitation in patients; How the drug caused an opiate withdrawal in the patient; Call for all emergency doctors to check for morphine use before prescribing the medication.