Many of the figures given above have been verified, and in several instances they were carefully revised. Where the records were found incomplete the statistics presented have been closely estimated. The results have been generally satisfactory, and it is believed that the figures which now appear in the above tables represent very nearly the exact work accomplished by the dispensaries. It should also be observed that in the large tables, figures appear opposite the name of every institution except in the case of dispensaries which were not in operation. Thus the work has been made more valuable because

it is complete.

On the whole, experience has shown that the figures given by the larger dispensaries are the most reliable, while at the small dispensaries, where only one or two doctors serve, the figures are less trustworthy. Almost without exception medical men seem to detest figures, and accurate records at the smaller dispensaries are the exception rather than the rule. There is still a lack of uniformity at the various dispensaries concerning statistical records which efforts should be made to improve.

COMPLIANCE WITH THE BOARD'S RULES.

In conclusion, it may be said that after the dispensary rules have been in operation two years and upwards it is found that they are being generally observed except in certain particulars indicated below. Perhaps the most important provision of the rules, and that which is yet not strictly complied with in many instances, is rule III., section c, which reads as follows:

"Every applicant, either personally or by the parent or guardian of such applicant, in regard to whose ability to pay for medical or surgical relief, advice or treatment, medicine or apparatus, or either, in whole or in part, the registrar is in doubt, shall be admitted to a first treatment on signing a card containing the 'representation' or statement of the applicant, but the registrar shall forthwith cause an investigation of his or her ability to pay either personally or by parent or guardian; the results of such investigation shall be filed among the per

manent records of the dispensary. Any such applicant who declines to sign the required representation' or statement shall be refused admission."

It will be observed that the above regulation calls for both an investigation of doubtful applicants and also requires that the results of such investigation shall be kept on file. In a majority of instances the investigation has consisted of simply questioning the applicant. Something more than this, however, is clearly contemplated by the rule. In certain parts of the State private organizations, such as the Charity Organization Societies in New York city and Buffalo and the Bureau of Charities in Brooklyn, have indicated a willingness to co-operate with the dispensaries by investigating doubtful cases referred to them. These offers have not, however, been taken advantage of by the managers of dispensaries as extensively as might have been the case.

A more general and frequent use of the representation cards with which the dispensaries have provided themselves is urged, together with a subsequent investigation relative to the ability to pay of all doubtful applicants who are admitted to a first treatment under the rule.

Rule VIII. requires that

"The managers of dispensaries shall comply with the ordinances and orders of the local board of health, and shall annually make a minute showing compliance therewith upon their official records on or before September 30th in each and every year."

This rule has evidently not been clearly understood by certain of the institutions concerned. Its intention and purpose is that the managers of dispensaries shall at least once a year indicate upon their official records that there are no ordinances and orders of the local board of health uncomplied with.

The following is a form of minute approved by the Board:

MINUTE OF COMPLIANCE.

The following minute is made in compliance with rule VIII. of the rules and regulations governing licensed dispensaries in the State of New York, made pursuant to chapter 368, Laws of 1899, which rules were amended October 10, 1900: