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Paper m.-Fooo Supplies, their Contamination axi. Ai.iltkratio.v - C. McLellan, M.D, Paper IV.— Dangers in Dirt. • ■ - . J. H. Kellogg, M.A., M.D. President's Annual Address, Dr. J. Coventry. Paper V.— Brain Stuffing and Forcing, ..... Dr. Daniel Clark. Papers VI. and VIL -Ventilation of Schools, and a New Method of fsti mating the Proportion of Carbon Dioxide in Air, :"'^"°''°* '•'^^i- J. J. Cassidy, M.D. Rev. Prof. N. Wolverton, M.A. Annual Meeting op the Association of Executive Health Officers, ^"""^" o^HeaTh SeTcS""' "'. ^•'''°!^""^^?'' ^'■"J''' ^'■\' Compensation P. Palmer Burrows, M.D. W. Burt, M.D. Paper X.-Notikication, Isolation and Disinfection in Contagious Diseases, J. Coventry-, M.D. 11 23 28 41 45 59 m 84 \ ■• rb:e»ort OK THK WOODSTOCK SAMTAIIV CO.WKNTlo.V AND ANNCAL MKETIX(i (W TFJE ASSOCIATION ( .p EXEcrTIVK HEALTH OFKICEIJS ( »F oNTAKIn HELD AT WOODSTOCK, MAY 17th AND 18th, 1887. Through the active exertions of the members of the Local Board of Health of Woodstock, al.ly seconded by the citizens represented in a large committee, arrangements were made for holding a Convention in May. As the general desire was expressed that the Convention sliould he given a broad, provincial chanicter, the Association of Exocutive Health OtHceis of Ontario was invited to hold the sessions of its next meeting at the same time and place. The proposition being agreeable to the Executive of this Association, the invitation was accepted, and thus a conjoint Conference of health officers and the public was decided upon. The programme was arranged, by which it wr« hoped that the interests both of the citizens of Woodstock, represented .. their Local Board, and of the Association of Health Officers would be ad\anced. The following programme, with two or three exceptions, was carried out. The papers in most instances are given verbatim, while the discussions thereon contain the principal points in the remarks of the various speakers :— pro<;ramme. May 17tii.— First Session— 2 p.m. Dr. H. M. MacKay, Chairman Local Committee, presidino- 1. Opemng Prayer ; 2. Mayor's Address of Welcome / 3. Chairman's Address— Dr. H. M. MacKay. 4. Water Su/jplies of Towns.— Imparities, Methods of Purification, l-^ost : Dr. H. P. Yeomans. Mount Forest ■ Dr. J P Ru<^»i«-ford Chat ham ; Dr. L. H. Swan, Woodstock ; J. J. Hall, Esq., Woodstock. ' 6 A. Food Supf'lfii.—HourcciH, Contaminations and Adultorations, Cook- ing : Dr. C. McLolIun, Tn-nton ; Kov. VVm. Outlibertson, Woodstock. 6. Dane/era in Dirt.— Dr. J. U. K«.'llog>^, Battle Creek, Michigan. Mav 17th.— Skcond Skhhion— 8 p.m. Dr. J. Coventry, First Vice-PreHident of Association, presiding. 1. Opening I'rnijer ; 2. Prenident'H Am.ual Ai/'/rean : .'{. H ra i n-forcimj of School Children.— \)r. D. Cliirk, Toronto; Rev. Prof. Rand. Woodstock ; Rev. W. T. McMullen, Woodstock. 4. Impurilifia of llnnac Air and Ventilntion of Schools, etc. — Dr. J. J. Cassidy, Toronto ; Rev. Prof. Wolverton, Woodstock ; T. J. Lennox, B. A., Woodstock. May 18th. — Third Se.s8ion — 9 a.m. Dr. .T. Coventry, First Vice-President of the Association, presidinf^. 1. Opening Prayer ; 2. Election of Officers of Aaaociation and Recep- tion of lieporta ; 3. Method of Appuintment, Duties and Compensation of Health Officers.— Dr. P. P. Burrows, Lindsay ; Dr. Wm. Burt, Paris. 4. Notification, Isolation, and Diaivfection of Contagions Dixeasea. — Dr. J. Coventry, Windsor. 5. Dry-Earth Disposal and Sewerage.— Dr. E. Griffin, Brantford : Dr. 0. S. Elliott, Orillia; Dr. J. H. Thrall, Woodstock. Through the courtesy of the citizens of Woodstock the Local Committee arranged for the entertainment of the visitors to the Convention at a lunch, immediately after the concluding session. John White, Esq., Presi- dent Board of Trade, and G. R. PattuUo, Esq. , Registrar of Oxford, presided. The objects of the Convention, while partaking of a character especi- ally intended to promote sanitary progress in Woodstock, were those peculiar to the newly-organized Association of Executive Health Officers of Ontario. By the constitution of this Association, the basis of membership is such as to include all present or past members of Local Boards of Health and their officers throughout the Province. The first session opened in the Town Hall on the afternoon of May 1 7th. Dr. H. M. McKay, Chairman of the Local Committee, presiding. Among the delegates present were several members of the Provincial Board of Health and a very considerable number of medical men, Medical Health Officers, Sanitary Inspectors, and members of Local Boards of Health from different parts of the Province. After an opening service of prayer, conducted by Rev. W. H. Laird, Central Methodist Church, Mayor Francis txtended a hearty welcome to the delegates present. He said that this was the second Convention of the kind held in Woodstock, hut he was sorry to si'e that tho moi'tings wore not «H well attend.-d as tl.oy should bo. " Our town has l>oon so h.^althy that w... have not had n.u.h need for such things in tho past, hut now the town is becoming of sufticient size to make sanitation soniething that must he attended to." Dr. H. M. MacKay, Chairinan, thereafter read the opening addroas. ADDRESS OF THE OHAIRMAN. By Dr. H. M. Mackay, Wooustock. Lu'liea and (t'enflejuhn : I consider it an honour to presid.- at this meeting. I am not, however, insensible to the difficulties and responsibilities attached to the task of delivering " the Chairman's address," which should be pitched in a key of no uncertain sound ; and I only wish I could command words befitting the occasion, that I might introduce and press home with the emphasis i" deserves the imi)ortance of the subjects about to he discussed. We may well congratulate ourselves upon the excellent programme that has been provided, and we cannot but feel pleased to know that so many men of ability, specialists in their respective departments, could spare- the time to leave their homes, no doubt at considerable inconvenience and sacrifice, to come here to assist in promoting sanitary science. The names on the programme, many of whom have a wider than provincial reputation, give sufficient guarantee that the readings and discussions will be of a high order of merit. And we are all grateful for the kindness and courtesy that delegated to our convention a distinguished sanitarian from Michigan, a state where sanitary science has made and is making rapid progress. Seeing that there is a large amount of work to be gone over, I will take the liberty of repeating a suggestion made by Dr. Bryce, the Secre- tary of the Association of Executive Health Officers, during the prelim- inary arrangements for this conference. And we all know that the doctor means business when he takes anything in hand. It was this: "We must try and eliminate all discursiveness from the discussions." The advice is good. We are told that " one fact is worth a shipload of theory." There is no desire, however, on the part of anyone to interfere with a free and full discussion of the different subjects as they are presented ; but rather that every one present be afforded an opportunity of contributing to tho general fund of information. 8 fV With the Secretary's advice present to my mind, and knowing that there is much to be gone over, perhaps the best thing I could do at this point would be to Soop and call for the next item on the programme. But feeling as I do the vast importance of the subjects pertaining to public health, and believing that they require to be again and again brought to the notice of the public before much progress is made in securing any degree of co-operation in regard to sanitary measures, I v»ould like to occupy a few minutes to say why the people of AVoodstock should show their appreciation of the efforts being put forth and endeavor to secure a large attendance at th'> meeting about to be held. The healtlifulness of a place concerns either directly or indirectly every individual in it. It is of paramount interest co each householder in Woodstocl- that his neighbours should become well acquainted with the best ideas on how to regulate their sanitary surroundings, and moreover, that they be fully convinced of the necessity of having them put into effect. We are promised some excellent information touching upon health in the schools, when such (jues- tions as the difference between educating and examining the jirinciples that should control and direct the lighting and ventilating the school rooms, etc., will be explained. This cannot but be of special interest to teachers and parents, for we are assured that untold mischief to children often results from ignorance or indifference in respect to these matters. Moreover, we have on the programme such important subjects as water supplies, impurities of the atmosphere, whether generated in ill-ventilated rooms, from decaying animal or vegetable matter or from damp and foul soil, also alimentation, adulteration of food, and quality, quantity and proper cooking. In this enlightened nineteenth century, in an especial manner noted for scientific advancement, it would seem at first glance as if all the sub- jects on the programme were commonplace matters that science had long ago, and finally, disposed of. That surely there should be no necessity for discussing them before an intelligent audience at this late age. But alas ! facts are against the thought. Although knowledge has undoul)tedly increased, it is in many respects more apparent than real and we some- times mistake shunting for progress. This is particularly true in reference to matters pertaining to health. The present is pre-eminently a mechanical age, boasts of being practical, yet in many respects is most inipractical. We go in pursuit of phantoms! 9 any disregarding the realities inseparable from ourselves and designed to be evolved and developed by the dynamic forces within ourselves, and upon which devolves not only our own wholeness and happiness but also, so far as our individual influence goes, the future destiny of the race. The tendency of to-day seems to be to estimate the value of everything on a cash, profit and loss basis,_the question being " Is it convertible ?» How soon and for how much can it be converted ? Even our health, nay our very lives, we barter for the benefit of posterity. A man insures his life or enslaves himself to business in order that someone may live in luxury and idleness for a little while after he is dead and gone. How often a child is sent to school, not to be educated, but to cram a sufficient number of facts into the memory to enable him or her to sqnee/e through some examination, at the earliest possib) oint in order to be able the sooner to convert that knowledge, such as it is, into money or position. Teachers are not to blame for this, as they are the creatures of circumstances and must supply what the times demand. The ancients were much wiser in these respects, judging from their records, than we are, and were far-seeing enough to recognize the truth that national prosperity is inseparable from national health and individual wholeness. According to the Darwinian theory of development, of survival of the httest cherished by the nurturing and fostering care of .science, the human race should by this time have attained to the status of perfect giants, physically and mentally, as compared with the ancients. But it is very doubtful if the individual type has advanced either physically or men- tally since the days of Solomon, nor yet since the still more remote days of Rameses. It is, I believe, an indisputable fact that the sanitary regu- ations of the Jews h.ve not been surpassed in any age of the world's history. If the Jews did not know categorically the different germs of disease as IS claimed by some knowing ones at the, present day, their methods cer- tainly implied an acquaintance with some disease generating influence in the atmosphere. For were not their frequent purifications and precau- tions against defilement, more especially during the puerperal period, of the same nature as our own antiseptics. When founding new cities the ancients considered choice of location as of primary importance ..nd resorted to the following practical test as to the comparative healthfulness of different sites. Animals were killed ; their bodies and entrails cut up 10 hi- 'I . and left exposed on the surface of the ground to see how long it took putre- faction to set in. This surely implied germs as a factor in disease. The ancients also attached very great importance to an abundant supply of wholesome water. Some years ago the world went into ecstacy over the achievements of science in supplying cities with water from a distance, as the Oroton works of New York, supplying Glasgow fiom Loch Katrine, etc., etc. But these works sink into insignificance in com- parison with the aqueducts of Rome, supplying at the rate of 312 imperial gallons daily to each inhabitant. The importance attached by the Greeks and Romans to bathing is sufficiently attested by the remains of magnifi- cent structures which still excite the admiration of the beholder. It is computed that in the baths of Caracalla as many as 3,000 people could bathe at the same time. The people of "Woodstock may well regard it a privilege to have this conference held here. And I am sure I am safe in saying that the selec- tion has not been made on the principle of " bearding the lion in his den," for Woodstock in respect of location, soil, healthf ulness and general pros- perity compares favorably with the best towns in the Province. Yet there may be other respects in which the discussions about to take place may have a pertinent reference to ourselves. I said that the Romans ages ago, at an enormous expense, supplied the citizens of Rome with fresh water at the rate of 312 gallons per individual, daily. New York at present is supplied at the rate of 76 gallons per individual, daily. We, in Wood- stock, are still tru:;ting to well-water with all that it implies. I am happy, however, to be able to state that the prospects of early improvements in this respect are encouraging, as we have magnificent fresh water springs within easy reach of our town that can be utilized at, comparatively speak- ing, small expense, and the authorities are making enquiries into the details with the view of taking special action. I might go on to enumerate some other directions in which there is roo'n for improvement, but lest I might be accused of being too particular I will desist, in the hope, however, that our people will keep their eyes and ears open and become possessed of the best information that is known in these respects, and that as soon as these good friends are gone we will proceed at once to carry out their suggestions. This concluded the interesting and instructive address of the Chairman ; and after the audience had appropriately expressed its appreciation of the Chairman's introductory remarks, the regular papers of the programme were proceeded with. 11 PAPER I.— WATER SUPPLIES OF SMALL TOWxVS. By. H. p. Yeomans, B.A., M.D., Mount Forest, Member of the Provincial Board op Health. Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen : There are two methods of water supply suitable for small towns, which may be considered : — 1, A system of public water works. 2. Wells or borings. A comprehensive system of water works is generally considered to be too expensive for very small towns, and consequently the only method supposed to be practicable has been a supply by wells. With commendable energy and enterprise, however, some smaU towns m Ontario have solved the problem and secured a water supply by a system of water works. Brampton, the county town of Peel, having a population estimated at about 3,500, some few years ago adopted a scheme whereby water is brought from a lake four and a-half miles distant, and distributed to all parts of the town for domestic and fire purposes. The lake, which is the source of supply, is fed by natural springs, and IS situated at an elevation of 130 feet above the town, giving a pressure of forty-seven to fifty-five pounds to the inch. The supp\>- of pure, wholesome water is inexhaustible, and the system works satisfactorily. The total cost up to the present is estimated to be about $62,000. Having adopted the system of supply by gravitation the annual running expenses are very small. Sixty-two thousand dollars may at first seem to be a large expenditure for a population of 3,500, but from a sanitary point of view the cost wUl be returned tenfold in the saving of the lives and health of the inhabitants. >hen we reflect on the days and weeks spent in sickness, on the lives destroyed, and on the unhealthiness of many or most of our small towns in Ontario, an expenditure of f 60,000 or |70,000 for 12 the removal of one of the greatest causes of sickness, (viz., impure well water), does not appear to be an extravagant sum. Besides this, a water supply for tire purposes, by the reduction of in- surance, saves annually a large sum to business men, leaving the actual cost for a supply of pure water for domestic purposes only a small amount. There are also the advantages of water for various mechanical purposes, lawns and all household purposes, which contribute to make a town desir- able for residence. In no other way could money be s[)ent in a small town witli better present and future 'esults. We may also mention the town of Owen Sound as an instance of a small town having a population of about 5,500, and possessing a good and efficient system of water supply. We refer to this town for the reason that the system is somewhat peculiar, as the accompanying roughly sketched diagram will serve to illustrate. During a visit there for the space of a week last September, I was informed by the inhabitants that the system of water supply gave the greatest satisfaction to water takers in every respect. From information obtained through the kindness of the proprietors, one of whom is Mr. S. J. Parker, County Treasurer of Grey, I am able to give a description of this system. The method is by gravitation. The source is distant from the town about two and a-half miles. Its height above market square is 177 feet, and the water is conveyed in iron pipes (six, eight and ten-inch) to a reservoir inside the town, the height of which above the market square is 165 feet, giving a pressure on hydrai ts of from seventy to seventy-three pounds to the square inch, according to location of hydrants. The water supply at its source passes through limestone on a bed of blue clay. It is tapped as it flows from the rock, and is not exposed to daylight until it issues from the tap for domestic purposes. The surplus passes on to the reservoir there to remain stored for fire purposes. In cases of heavy drain from hydrants for lire or other purposes, the fresh water from the spring mixes with the reservoir water. But as soon as the hydrants close, the water proceeding directly from the spring fills the pipes, pushes back the reservoir water and the circulation goes on as before. • The cost — Families of 4 and under, 4 rooms and under, " 5 " 6 " ^6.00 per annum. 7.00 a 00 13 The total cost of the works was about 840,000. The revenue at first was poor, but has gradually been improving as the water takers incn-aseJ It yields now about eight per cent on the investment. lleHervoir for fire purpijgea, •Source, springs. We might now cite another example. We will take that of a town of 12,000 inhabitants, having a water supply with the power derived from an engine, which method is considered to be the most expensive. In 1882, I accompanied Dr. Covernton in making an investigation as to the cause of typhoid fever in Sarnia. It was necessary to visit the Town of Port Huron, in Michigan, where Dr. Stockwell, with very great kindness, invited us to visit and inspect their system of waterworks. We found everything in first-class order and working satisfactorily. The water supply was derived from the River St. Clair, where the stream passes rapidly the American shore. At that time Port Huron was entirely free from the scourge of typhoid fever, which infested Sarnia, for the reason that they had an abundant supply of pure, wholesome water. Since that time, I am glad to say, Sarnia has, by the expenditure of a sufficient sum of money, relieved itself of the cause of typhoid fever, which existed at that time. Dr. Stockwell informs me] in a letter received a few days ago, that the cost of construction was $209,324 ; revenue last year, $18,621 ; population, about 12,000; annualexpenses,' $8,406; cost per individual or family, $3.90. There are 2,1.54 takers. The cost per individual is the result of dividing the annual operating expenses, $8,406, by the number of takers. This does not include interest expenses. The system is eminently satisfactory. The number of takers is always increasing. Amount of water pumped last year, was 505,606,400 gallons ; daily consumption, 1,385,2.33 gallons ; revenue, $lS,62i '■ annual expenses, $8,406=$10,215 for interest, repairs, etc. ■nrsssr" 1 1 14 \V(> hrtvc Hrlootcd tlir.M> oxamplt'H of towiiH ono liiivinR ii populntion c>r al)out:»,500, a.iotlu-r of \m), and otio of 12,000 - two ol' thorn, Laving thn BystPin of gravitation. Wo may «lraw your attontion to tlio followinK inforouroH, which naturally hu^hosI thoiuHolvoH from tho ,>xamj>li>H just m.>ntion.ul : — 1. It is posHil.lo. undor favourablo iMn-umHtancoH. for a town having a population of a.riOO, to smu-.mHfnlly proouro a p«»)lio wator supply. •j, That tho invostmont may l.o a good ono, tinancially, «won wh.M> tho souroo iH l,\ miloH distant, uh in tho caso of Urampton. X That a supply tlowing from natural springs directly Into th(, housoH, as iii th(. case of Owtni Sound, is most liki^y to Ih> froo from contan.ina- tion. I. That wh. of Port Huron, tho agitation and leration of the water as it tlows ov.r a rough river bod. tends towards its purilic^ation hy favouring oxidation of the organic impurities especially when those nre not derived from sewage. With regard to impurities in water and their removal, it appears to be the opinion of all experienced sanitarians that there is a groat dillerence between those of vegetable origin and those derived from animal organic matter or 8«nvage. The Rivers'-poUution Commissioners in their sixth report, presented in 1874, aftirm:— "That the oxidation of organic matter in sewage proceeds with extreme slowness, and that it is impossible to say how far wator must flow before the sewage matter becomes thoroughly oxidized. That when sewage is mixed with twenty times its volume of water, scarcely two- thirds of it would be oxydized in a How of 168 miles, at the rate of one mile an hour, after the lapse of a week." Numerous instances of the disregard of this principle have occurred ia Ontario. In these cases sewage poured into a bay or other source of water supply,- has been the direct cause of typhoid fever epidemics. Filters have been used for the removal of organic impurities, and various kinds have been constructed of more or less utility. There may be, and no doubt are, inst^ancea where towns find it difficult or impossible to adopt any other method for procuring a supply of potable water. if) This ,„o.,ho,l l„ .„„.,. (o ohj..otionH, a.„o..« wl.i.h ,uny I. slut..l tl.„ I'l'""' ""*'*' '" I" ' "■ "'" »"■■' ' nit™«i. «.« .imi t, „f '""',;;"'""; ' 7"-^ '"'• ""• p™p™ •■i'»".-in« ..f ,m , 'J, On tin- ,,„i„t Dr. It. A. HmitI, i,»ii,i„| ,,„f„„, n,„ ,( „, , Koiif ™ of wi.tor .upply „f |,„,„1„„ ;. _ ' ''"'""""• ••Tlmt no „„„ |,«. „„„el„,i,„|y ,|,„„„ that it i. „,.f,. i„ „„,t ^ ..l„t,„„ .tora„., titration, „,- p„rio.l. „, t , f„, th„ c„,„pU„ .ZZ '""",;"""■ "' '•'» M.ro.lu.:i„g ol,„„o„t-, wha,„v„r tl,„. n,„y 1„. " l.ty o. 1„ onto, an, to ,„,„„ „,t„„t „,„„„„j .„ „,„ ^^ ^ by M.,»™ .,. MoAI|„- ,„i Kiva. Tally, ,,.ivil E„gi„,„„. 't,,,,,':^' to 1,0 .o„v„. fro,,, .,al. UMgo lakoa and tl,o „>„ .,„„ .„, 7„„„ Tho plan co„.„„p,at.. .I,„ „„„oval „, „„ o,,i.„ti„„. , ,ZZ o «,w,„g v,,g„t.,„„ „„, ,,„„ .,„ ^„„ „, ^^^ ,_^^^^ ^ 'm of hfu»„ f, twenty fort, a,„l that tho .nrfco .h„„|<, ,„ <,„.„^ J* coar.,, «r»v„l. T,n,y „„o prop„„, that tl,e „at„r ,,„ convoy.,! i„ .„ "t c lannol for a con,i,lo™bl,. ,li,ta„c„ i„ „„,,. to e,p„„. H to tho p„ f^^" ettects ot the atmospliero. pur^ymg We have another illustration oi' the san.e principle in connection with ).e water supply of the city of Boston. The in.purity of the w LLd The Hoard of Aldern,«n appointed OommisHioners who eni^a^ed th serv.es of Prof. Ke.nsen, of the Johns Hopkins Univ^rs ty;^!!^ eitiot^iraTf"' "' '-«-ntinued search, ho lound that the decon.po- e.tu>n of afresh water sponge (Spongilla fluviatilis) caused U.e i,„purity and m presenting his report he recommended various plans Tth^: removal and prevention of this cause of in.purity Tr.//,._Contamination of well-water by sewaue in small town« in this Provn.e.acommonandconstantcauseofdisease: Impe.iect sewe::,! t 16 drainage, the accumulation of refuse and filth of all kinds on the surface of the ground in the vicinity of wells, have all contributed to render well water unlit for domestic use. Nothwithstanding the efforts of Medical Health Officers, Local Boards of Health and others interested in promoting public health, great carelessness still exists in many localities regarding the con- dition of well water. However, at the present time mote than ever, people generally seem to realise the necessity of having well water frequently tested, and the surroundings of wells examined in order to prevent contamination. There is a great change for the better in public sentiment withm the past few years in all portions of Ontario, and we may confidently hope for greater advance in the future. It is a noted fact that typhoid fever and diphtheria have destroyed more lives in small towns and rural districts than in cities, according to our provincial registration returns ; a circum- stance attributable, no doubt, to impurity of water-supply from wells. There are instances even yet where individuals resist the orders given by local health authorities to close wells situated within fifteen or twenty feet of cess-pools, actuated by the erroneous notion that tnere can be no dan-er Old prejudices are hard to eradicate, and frequently nothing but the "occurrence of death in a neighbourhood will serve to awaken the suspicion of individuals who refuse to admit the truths of sanitary science. ' It has been frequently proved by actual experience that a well drains an extent of ground nearly the shape of an inverted cone, and that, as a rule the area drained is about four times the depth of the well. The extent depends on the nature of the soil, the length of time during which the well has been in the locality, and other circumstances or conditions of the soil surrounding the well. Shallow wells are those from four to thirty feet deep. The question sometimes arises whether deep wells are not more likely than shalloAv wells to contain pure water. While it is true that deep wells reaching below the rock or thick clay beds are, under 8ome circumstances, less liable to contamination from surface soakage of impurities, it may be possible to have pure water in shallow wells, even where the source is near the surface. When the ground surrounding the well is cultivated as, for instance, in a clean, carefully tilled garden, the plant growth destroys all decaying organic matter, and purifies the soil. In such a case the clean earth acts as a filter, and the water may be pure. I have known instances where a shallow well under these circumstances contained water which by ordinary chemical tests proved itselt to be fi. 17 for use. Shallow wells may be more easily cleaned out. When the supply is abundant, and issues from a spring in the well, and the water is being constantly pumped out, agitation and aeration tend to purify the water. The aituation and aurroundi/ujH of a well should be carefully con- sidered, and this is of more importance than the depth. In pronouncing on the purity or impurity of well water it is necessary to consider, not only the results of chemical analysis, but also the conditions of soil and sources of impurity surrounding the well. It is possible for sewage to be present in water, and still to escape detection by chemical tests. If, how- ever, by ordinary chemical tests we find in well water a considerable quantity of solid matter, together with an abnormal quantity of chlorine nitrates, nitrites and nitrogenous organic matter, the presence of sewage is suspected. If, in additioit to this, the surroundings are such that sewage might find its way into the well, the water should be condemned at once. Under ordinary circumstances, where only a qualitative test is made, a fairly correct conclusion may be arrived at by carefully considering the surroundings of the well, and the results of the testing. On the other hand, again, water may be clear, sparkling, and devoid of any bad taste, and still be contaminated with disease germs. In towns, where well water is used, great care should be exercised by local health authorities to prevent the contamination of the soil by accumulations of filth, and by the careless disposal of slops or house refuse. The drainage, also, of the surface should be attended to, and all possibilities of contamination, from sewage finding its way into wells, removed. In the report of the Connecticut State Board of Health lately issued, there may be found the r^ult of the analysis of the water from 110 wells, situated in New Haven. This report shows the importance of preventing the con- tamination of the soil surrounding wells. This investigation was suggested owing to the high rate of infant mortality in certain parts of the city. The conclusions arrived at were, «' That the great majority of deaths occurred in unsewered districts, not densely populated, but where the soil was polluted with filth and the inhabitants lived in the midst of it." In these districts more than 30 per cent, of the infant deaths occurred. On the other hand, in the well-drained and sewered districts, where the city was more densely populated, only 2.5 per cent, of deaths were reported. In the " plague district," as it was significantly named, the well water 2 18 contained the usual eviclenceB of organic impuritiea, viz. : — ammonia^ albuminoid ammonia, nitrates and nitrites. Lest I may continue beyond my allotted time, I shall conclude with & few suggestions regarding precautions for preventing contamination of well water. 1. Care in the construction of wells, in order to prevent as far aa possible the soakage into the well of surface impurities. 2. Preserving cleanliness of earth around in the vicinity of wells. 3. Adopting proper methods for the disposal of kitchen slops and house refuse, so as not to pollute the surface soil of yards or grounds in vicinity of wells. 4. Care in locating wells in relation to houses, wood-sheds, cesspools^ drains, or other sources of contamination. 5. Proper drainage of small towns by public drains or sewers, having a free main outlet capable of carrying away all surface water — not from lot to lot, or cellar to cellar, as frequently done in towns. 6. Frequent examinations and cleaning of wells. i 7. Admission of air to wells by an air pipe beside the ^rap ; platform of well to be made tight, 8. Wells used constantly are more apt to contain pure water from fre- quent pum]>ing. 9. Adoption of the dry-earth system in towns where a proper system of sewerage cannot be established. 10. Drains or sewers constructed at first for the purpose of surface drainage should not afterwards be used to carry off the water from cellars^ water-closets and dwellings, as has been done in some places with unfortu- nate results. 11. Enforcing the Public Health Act and the Local Health By-law regarding the closing and filling up of all wells containing impure water, when the source of pollution cannot be removed. Local health authorities have supreme authority to prevent the using or keeping on any premises wells containing impure water ; and therefore, w^ nver, in the opinion of the authorities, any such case of sickness exists they can, in the exercise of their own judgment, condemn the well and order the owner or tenant to close it up immediately, li) Th« Public Health Act in this way grants to local health authorities absolute and unlimited power in removing anything which in their opinion is prejudicial to the health of the people. The removal of causes of sick- ness and disease rests with the local health authorities and the people who invested them with powers to legally enforce health legislation. PAPER TI.— By Mr. J. J. Hall, Woodstock, CiiAmMAN Local Board OF Health. Mr. Chairman, Members of the Association of Executive Health Officers of Ontario, Ladies and Gentlemen : While assuming that the majority of papers read at this Convention would be, as heretofore, the thoughts of scientists and doctors, couched in what to them is the most appropriate and concise language— the nomen- clature of science, I am pleased to see that, in compiling your programme from the number of practical subjects set forth, you have not been unmindful of the fact that a very large proportion who will attend these discussions, and for whose benefit especially these conventions are held, have not had the advantages of a technical education that familiarizes them with such scientific terms as infusoria, bacilli, bacteria, spores, etc., etc. Believing that for this purpose, or as a compliment to our Local Board of Health, through me, its Chairman, you have invited me to give a short paper upon the practical side of the water supply of towns, I am the more persuaded that a few comprehensive practical suggestions upon these abstract subjects do the most good. From my experience of a year ago, when, in conjunction with Dr. Bryce, we prepared a number of samples of drinking water from various sources about our town, submitted them to the physiological and qualitative test, the result, with the samples of water, was submitted to you in an admirable address by Dr. Bryce ; but the discu-ssion and practical results, I fear, were largely confined to the professional members of the convention. I regret to say that the circumstances, as they at present exist in our larger towns— the only source being such as we ourselves have, the old well-hole— preclude me from oflPering a comparison between ourselves and thp vastly improved sanitary conditions that must prevail in similar towns, ^ 2t where a bountiful mp^ of wholoHomo water in oLtainahlo hy „ .y-,.,.. of wat«T-workB. TI.0 first practinftl *wm of my text 8u«g(,Ht8 t. my ,„i„d that a town occupi.^H, ,n regard to wat«,r ,„pp)y, a ponition mid-way and mor-. dangerous than either a village or city Uca -ho. in the lirat instance, th> ratio of population per acre is so low that a very considerate amount of objection- able matter of various kinds n,ay bo deposited in and upon the soil without any contamination of the water supply ; in fact, in such places the all but umvoi-sal mode of disposing of all kinds of filth is to du.np it into a hole m the ground without any absorbent or disinfectant whatever, as being the least troublesome and expensive. As it is a worse practice than even the uncivilized barbarian is guilty of, it is astonishing to what extent this abuse of nature can be resorted to with impunity. I venture to say that, of all the hirjh./nlutm' named disinfectuats of the present day, none are so efficacious aa an absorbent and deodorizer as dry earth, and if those people who hve outside the pale of the Jurisdiction of some Board of Health would 1 ient'- spado up the ground where their slops are thrown so ilmt the sun and dv could freely circulate through it and oxidize it, and throw a plentifu ' .upply of dry earth in their closets, they would be amply repaid for the trouble ; and in cities a proper system of domestic water supply is almost universal. J?ut to return to my text-the water supply of towns. I believe that should It bo our privilege to have Woodstock chosen as your place of meeting next year, we will be able, perhaps, to point to one practical result that your meeting last year and this has helped to bring into prominence^the supply of pure spring water to our town through an efficient system of water work. We believe we Lave at our doors the best and purest water to be found, at comparatively little cost. At present we are in that transition state verging on a city. Like a A^uth in adolescence, whom it behooves to guard well all his avenues of health so that he may enter the lists in the life-struggle upon even terms with his competitors, so with us, the foundation we now lay will be the measure of prosperity and health of the cifcy As members of Boards of Health what we have to struggle with '-.icidental to a new country the population of which is largely com;o. . .:.-„„. u* ..iginal settlers and their progeny, or else accessions from tl,. ri. ,1 ,a.t8 of onv own or foreign countries, who do not realize the utiMt) w. mr proclami.v.on.H and Govcfn 21 •m of mont Ir^^iglation, who havo had accesH to pum and wholfisoimj .spring water l.iihhliiig from every hillside in all its (-ryatal purity. These nutiiral sources of water supply are rapidly diHappe.iriiig, owing to the clearing of our forests and other cauH(»8 that follow in the wake of civili/ation. We now have to dig helow the .surface for these natural currents of water, which in this country are by nature so abundantly provide.!. How essential is it, then, that every nrocaution is used to see to it that the filter niedium —the earth- ihrouyh wuioh this water is carried into the pockets and underground nservr irs is kept as free from objectionable matter as science and coii.iuon sense can make it. In such cases as ours the tin»e has ainvod when a halt must bo called to th« indiscriminate use of the soil a.s a deodorizer and absorbent for all the rapidly accumulating debria of a thickly settled town. The almost universal system in vogue here and elsewhere to get a sujjply of water for domestic use is the well- hole, in depth varying from ten to forty feet and some five feet in diameter, encased with brick and pumped through wooden logs. This plan it, perhaps, the most objectionable that could be devised, for the reason that the hole is carried down until a current of water is reached, which if, as is generally the case, the reservoir supplying the water is at a greater elevation, forcing the water in the well to the same height where it remains, the excavation or hollow above acting as a suction for a large surrounding territory to drain its surface water into until the hole is full of the most objectionable juices and organic matter extracted from a great radius of ground around the vacuum ; and as the warm weather in sum- mer evaporates the water the organic and other impurities remain to increase the gravity of the water, and cause it to descend to the bottom and be pumped up through slimy pump logs to do duty as tea and coffee. I have frequently known real fine—" the best well in town "—to be dried up coffvlP'^'^ly l>y a good surface drain or sewer passing somewhere in the neighborhood, proving conclusively from what source that well drained its supply. As a matter of economy, there is now no longer any excuse for digging these old-fashioned wells. Good drive wells can now be had at as little cost. These consist of a perforated point attached to a hollow iron pipe driven into the ground until a spring is reached, when a pump is attached, and no toads or tilth of any kind can enter. Or else, if those that have already one of the " best wells in town," if it wasn't for the toads and fish-worms, would have a very large sewer pipe I, 22 or^d„m„hapecl inverted reservoir „( briC,, with hole, i„ it to allow the water to enter, bu.lt down in the well where the spring enters, and con- or gravel and mtroduoe an iron p„„,p, which co„ld he withdrawn to repair .f anything went wrong. This I believe to be entirely praeticable and wo 7n:r'th ' '" T "' "° "''i'"'""' "■«' ">' »"' ^'*. » -"•--* wonld e than pay for the sewer pipe; the great objection to the c,d at welcome, w.th the hope and expectation that the advent into our the acquired knowledge from years of practical experience that you have ^.ed „,„ develop an int.r«t and study of hygiene among our peo^ that the importance of the subject demands. Discussion. co„ldlomrb":f'^°°'w*f ",*""""' °'*'™''''"P"'-'-^>**»' Tnow bf ' °°"'^'' '""'"""^- "' *" I"-*" o' -ter supply ao. beneath Woodstock, and showed that in Woodstock, because of the nature of some of the substrata, cesspools, etc., are apt to bJme unusually deadly. Our wells, which are generally shallow, do n H" oannot be made pure and healthful, so we will Ln hav to s«ure a upply from the springs that are found in abundance in the vieini y of h w„. An alternative plan to this would be to sink artesian wells dow, ff .r, ™T ""^ "'"'' """ "•"" "«"> "™-- »»•*""«. »"d at a depth ever smce. Other such wells are found in the county, and no doubt a sufficient supply could be similarly obtained. 23 PAPER III.— FOOD SUPPLIES, THEIR CONTAMINATION AND ADULTERATION. By Dr. C. McLellan, Trenton, Medical Health Officer. Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen : In our favoured land the subject of our food supply may be approached without the startling idea that a scarcity is to be feared, or that the sources are threatened with exhaustion. The blessing of abundance ia enjoyed in the great majority of our homes, and the thought of pinching want, much less of actual starvation, with its terrible suffering, is not often contemplated by our well-fed population. The almost unlimited supply of raw material for food should lead neither to temptation nor leave any excuse for adulteration in its manufacture ; while only criminal negligence of filthiness can account for its contamination. Our existence depends on a supply of wholesome food sufficient for the nourishment of our bodies. The material is drawn largely from the organic world, with salines and water from the inorganic kingdom. The essential constituents are nitrogenous matter, fat, carbohydrates, and mineral matter. It has been proved by many experiments that no one of these principles alone suffices for the proper sustenance of our physical organization. A combination of nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous principles seems essential to our health and life. The nitrogenous matter is derived mainly from animal food, such as flesh, milk and eggs, and is applied to the nutrition of our tissues, while the non-nitrogenous matter is derived from fat, and vegetables which contain the starch, sugar, gum, utilized in the production of heat, and transmuted into force or energy. Inorganic matter, in theform of water and saline matters, constitutes an indispensable part of every living being; the water supplies a necessary condition for the play of chemical changes essential to the production of mobility, while the saline matter assists in the formation of the secretions. The proper amount of food depends on the circumstances of tempera- ture, exercise and habit, or other individual peculiarity. Nitrogenous matter should form, according to authorities, about one-fifth of the water- free ibod, or between four and five ounces daily. This applies to a person in good health with active habits. One part of animal with three parts of I B ■» I v<'K«<(ivJt|,. foodsud ill 84 "''<'H((» iniiiiituiii (lic( <'oftrl.oinni,liii(r,)^on,lrtilv..| "< «a(,.r (o ,<,.n,p,.nRHf,, f,„. m •T iiiv n..|mrf.,l to nmriifai,, Mi li«NyH(,.|ii. Twrlvotolin IllUHt 1>(> (nk.Mi, viz. f to nhoiH ( '•"•II <'igh(y 10 \vn,s(o l.y (1,0 sk|„, I npii lO HIVIOliDlif,, Sulli miKH lui.l ludiu'yH '«»»« IIS Mio \\,a «oii '" "•"' ''""Pf'lv nms( Im. tv^ar,!,.,! „n I iivv, iH hcM' fi'din nox HH I'oin tho HV8(..in, In onoountoivd in Mi 'OUOlioilll l,y l\HHiH(inir J loiiM |)io|K)>(linjij. To t\ i« oouiitry from ovoi- fr,.ll,lftll of ( '"vllod iniprovniiiciilH in M ooNH i,s oliargi'nhlo. 101-0 iH no doulit (|,„(, ,|„, fti"o nnii'li ,i{n'a((«r Mum o ,>\ 10 art of foolung Hlwoiloo of food d lino lilo and Mio nioiRt poritxl IO(>8 not oxoo.mI ten or ol '"'ly I'o nmintainod in Mio oomni ploto nro o\;>ivi.so m\ i roUi iiiporiatit induoiioo moist uro and . 'n o,M»mnot,ion wHMi Ntarvati ov,.|i ,|ayN, (hough ((Mupomtino n Hhortoning or proluii|urii,g wiuinth favor a long,.r |if„ ion, «ocoloi'a(,(>H doath •^ nioal is ordinarily ditf(.H(,Hl -- «,, „ .,„. i, H . I J '"'" 'T: '"■ '■""" ' '"'"■"« J.L i»-l;;t ;:::::;;r:::;:r ^^ '• '- • - - - * «.<..,«,, „.,,,™ :;::„, . ,:,;;,;■::»■ ■- "'"^^ '- '»- « «. ■»«»tly ■„ cattle, ,iv„ ri„. ,„ w , """"'"' '""• <'»'"* meat l,.« !«.„ aZllZ ZvT ' ""'"" '" ""• P"''*'"'"" "'« wCT-u morougniy cooked in everv navf Ti,« * pig's flesli is the taenia ..>/,•„.. „,a .- T f, ''-' '"P''"'"''"' ^'•«'" 2rt AiKitlun |iftmHi(f', fonixl pritMipully in pi>{'H (lH, ( !|i i'ii>{<», MH! Niiid to liiivii provfrl Uk nxlHtcnon of Ini'.liino in oiHt on(, of (ifl.y of tlio Iio^h inHpo.trd, and (liat, Uio aninialH aro nearly alwayn out of Imaltli. A report to tlin Privy Oouiidl, in |H(i;{, |,y |'i,,f. (;,ii Dr. I'uvy totln> ofle-ct tliat " ono fifth of i\ d«'riv()(I from animaln iti a htat<( of diHOHHi^ n).;o((, iH (|Uot«'d l>y 10 common OK^at of Knj^Iand wuh It. in (ilIirrn»M| that thu l!«!Hh of oattio Ih r(Mid<«r<-d poiHononH l.y tho food timy coriHum.', without tho animalM (hi'mwIvrH lioinx W'riouHly adiM-tcd ; and Homo of tim plu'aKantH ai >d pari , ■ i«cH of onr own country aro known to \h> poiHonouH during winter and spring whil<^ fcodiiiK on tho ImkIh of curtain tn^cH, hkcIi m calmm lidi/h/in. 'I'hiH in »H|ually truo of Honm nholl (IhIi, hucjIi aH muHmdH. rt would Hcnm that fmrHonH aoquiro a cortain immunity from tho cuHtom of oating putrid or poimmouH food, judKing from tho Htato in which meat \h vnUm in Homo oountrinH ; hut tho ordinary pcrHon will find it unHafc and unluialthy to partake of tainted moat. (Jur Hupply of (iHh food iH of national importancn, and it ih pleasing to roMect that with wise regulatioiiH, looking to th«) careful huHhanding of our rcHourooH, an ample Hupply lor our own and future generatiorm iriay \m maintained. Tho Hame evilH attul)lin I'.ay haddock from this cauHo in world wide. Fish in not ho Htimulating an article of diet an the (lesh of fowJH or r|uadrupedH, hut in yet nuflioiently ho to maintain vigorouH health. Dr. I'avy Hays, tho rohuMt health of th«» dwollerH in finhing districtH i.s nimarkahie. A writer on the; Huhject Hayn, that in no other cIush do w« see larger, handHomer women or more rol»u8t and active men. Milk may he taken as tho typical food. Tt containfl all the elcmontn of the body. Its usual adult'"^""^ poisoning fr„,n .he hef,,ag' Tr„ 'it """' °" """ ""'^ '°"""- -«.r attack. pe,..ona who nse the n. a A Z' T' "T """' ""'"' hood attribnte, the illnesa „f ,1.7 , °''' "'"" "' ""^ "«''sl*or- contention of th, fa e thL ""t"":"""" "'™' »"■•• ""'- «>e the cattle n.„st, it Tprl Ij h' "f ," ""^ ''""■™ "^ "■■»"''• '« — ot, ot-en.se pn..' 4^ :1 ::,::r ',;';-'■ --^. Mi,h. unwholesome shops, kitchens or livini „„,n fJT'""' r """ '""' Mss to noxious influences it i- TT', ' Pe^liai- sensitive- -" - a pabulum frtldev?"' "' '" '"■«""'" --«"■""«= Soms, Greater safety nnintr^""?.' "" "■""'P'-'-" of disease attained by boiling " '"''^' " "' "■" «" "^ -«■". ''« pJot:f:;t't::o:''i:„r.~'"r'''-' *' "'-«»«- -atter i»»>jures it. Zo r Ad te t" "' ""'^ '''™"""« '°"8- "-P' though it is easvIfTd.,,, ! '' ""' "'""' ''"'°«^'<' i" *is country, k "- IS easy ol adulteration w th animal f«t« t. • . ' prepa«tions from ordinary animal fats IT /"» o°»terfeited by garine. This is „r..tw , T ? ' °°"'" "^ butterine and oleomar- if p-parea 'f:^:~rLth;: '"^ ,''""^' ''-"' •"" ^--^ «^ - digestible as genninT b t eT Th! d" ' "," '"■°'"°'"=> ">°«8l. not ■'inds, wil, be indiscriln::; emXe;"eT' " '"" ''' °' "" from its use. ^n^Pioyed, and evil consequences result Discussion. an t;r:n'':hi^":f '-^' -'- -^ -« -o. attempt to talk as "medical profession fit Tb '"''''°°"'''"' ''^ ■^P'-«™tatives of the ".y^uhjittrut dt re ::tTrh?T^'°'°'''""°"'-™-™ *-' felt he was not out of Til here n t I ''°" T°"" *" ■"""^■■- ^ "' on. It should be the.f , u « ""°' '""' ?"' '" ""-at is going S7".pathy : 1 ;?: ™ tr' » "-Wy- fl. to bnng the ma Jint* bo done by givin^he Cl, t T '"" °' '"'^'*' "■" «"' - '-' y giving tne people to understand that these snhip^fc * ■large part of the whole duty o£ man Tn F„ i LT ^ '""'^ ^ yotman. In England the question of getting \ 27 enough bread to eat is the main question amonj/ the masses, and it is a good sign that in this land, where food is abundant, people should be dis- cussing the question of seeing that that food be wholesome and healthful, and free from all adulteration and contamination. In connection with the question under discussion he would like to lay particular stress on cleanliness, and in the manner of cooking food, both of which are too much neglected. It is our duty to instruct the people in the fact that plain food, well cooked, is what people want to fit them for the proper discharge of all the duties of Wax He thought at least the first principles of this subject should be taught in our schools, as well as inculcated at home. Br. Swan, Woodstock, said no other animal, except man, is suV>ject to dyspepsia and indigestion, and he wondered if our way of preparing food had not something to do with it. He doubted if our roller mill was not a curse instead of a blessing. Dr. Hoss, Embro, said he was thinking on the subject of milk-fever. Dr. McLellan said impure milk is caused by malaria, but he had an ide^i that their malaria is a sort of scapegoat with the profession. He had an idea that milk-fever is not caused by malaria, for the conditions of this disease are such that they cannot be attributed to malaria. Dr. Bryce, Toronto, said that during the last year his attention had been largely directed to the public supply of our food while on the way to market, in the slaughter houses, etc. He thought a great deal of the unhealthy meat is largely due to the bad food and air supplied to cattle while being fed in the stables. Lung diseases among cattle are becoming very common, and he doubted not it would soon be necessary for some legal steps to be taken ;;o remedy this evil. It has been estimated that twenty-five per cent, of all the cattle from which the milk supply of New York city is derived are afflicted with tuberculosis. The fact of cattle having considerable flesh upon them is by no means conclusive evidence that they are fit for food. The best veterinarians say that tuberculosis is a contagious and hereditary disease, and that no meat or milk of cattle so afflicted should ever be offered for sale, but at once destroyed. The new Act passed this session gives every town the power to have examined every cow trom which the milk supply of the town is derived, and the people should see that this inspection be made. i I )1H IVAPKJJ IV.-DANCJKHS IN DIKT. "v Dn, .1. 11. K KI M'<^«^ M.A., M,I).. n f^TATi: |!(t,\|||) OK If ATTI.K OUKKK, .Ml(|ll,i.\N, Ml MM Kit KAMII. I'lum •"'' l'>'''xi'f'»t, ittdi«s mid (,'mt/, In ftocrptlnir tli.« invit.Ui,)n of '«syouat this Convention. I H 'Jwt, " PiniKors in Din": i.ut tlio I H.ld yoiM" (-'oniniittfo of A tiosc l»<»ro to dftv and thu iii'u^Ilisront d ftH tlu» topio of ni largo iiudicncc wliidi | rraiif^iMncnfH to y rcmiirkH tho Nt'd f^'HtluM-od listonod, load nu, to l.oliovo tlrtit Mu- poop!,, of loss nopd of infonnat ISrUSS.OMS of tho ,,r.,„.rs to Whioh I hft ve W'oodHtook Stat ion upon thiH sul.jort than aio tl aro prohalily in <'8 on my side of tho line which ,Hvid North Aniorioan ( to ho tho Nunio as that of loso ill most of th(! •>s th(^ two groat conntrios of tJio ontmont. I undorstood tho naturo of ^ ... tho Conventions which thoStato IJoard your ('Onvontion i»f Hoaltli >ri!,,';:::,'° ""'• "■" """"'" *" '-'^ <- " "■"' "■■■" -.»■■ t..o .u.,. Dirt I,a8 l«.,.„ ,1,.«„,,1 ,« lH.i„B "nuuter out of nla«i>,I think u,k «orst fo „« 0, ,|,rt. there „re living „rg,„i,„„ „,||„, „,,,,„ n*.d^,,. ,.o« ,..„ts .ttri„„..„U, .0 tooi„ti„,.te eontlet wit :«!: t ,. found tocoufm „,yr,.,ds of u,i„„» ,p,ck. of life, „hid, have bel e™,ed ser„«. or rather, which are the result of the development of ge Wherever decon.position of animal or vegetable i, taking pla™ th«e Je'r ,„ .^present in eountle. nun.her. I„«„i.esin.„l in steV^ Z lU ■n. ,o„. n„„ range with unre„t„cted freedou, in the .nalle;. dro !a "r -they are yet more potent for harm to human life and healLhan . U other .ge„o,e, comhined. Undonhte,lly these are the active ln"i.! wh,chg,ve „.e to the terriWe typhoid fever which annually caZoff thousands of vrctims, to dysentery, cholera, diphtheria, yellow fev ,h! P ague. .„j . ,„„^. ,;,, „j ,,,^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ J er, the I N, MllMIIKU (PllH'lltH to iiiarkH the n gHtlii(l it'll I liav(> roltiiltly in OMt of the 'U'H of the luivcntion •f lloaltli ication of orato l(>c- i tho siih- liitk this riiero are • of tlirt, with the • which, Hlth are roscope, ve been i germs, e genus ill that P water, han all genciss ries off 'er, the lot yet 2!) Tli((r« JH HoiiKi ditlorcnoo of opinion rcHpocting tlio exact natiiro of the gt>rni8 whi«;h give risti to diHiirent UiHcaHOH, ami uh to tlio i-xact inodo of tlicnr tl(U'»'l()pni»>iit and tranHniiHHion ; but it in oorlainly Wittlfd that o of the most common sources of these deadly enemies to human life. We need not seek long for an illustration of the source from which these unseen foes sally forth to prey upon our dearest friends, ourselves. Let us picture to our- selves an av(!rage human habitation. We have a tinf^ commodious dw.el- ling, ample room, plenty of comforts of every sort, every oonveni(!nce that money can procure, or ingenuity devise. It would M(!em that the occu- pants ought to be hale and hearty, but they are not. Every now and then Death makes a visit to tlio houHehold, carrying off its lirightest members, ruth- lessly slaying father, mother, brother, sister ; the strong man, or the feeble infant. Why this sacrifice, this ruthless slaughter ? Who are the invisible monsters invading this happy circle? In olden times it would have been said, " an evil spirit hath done this ; " but tho days of witchcraft and superstition have gone by, and we must look for some more rational solu- tion of the mystery. Let us look around. We will begin our investigation at the lowest portion of the house, and proceed to examine the cellar. We must have a light, as no ray of sunlight ever enters into this subterranean store-house. We open the door to descend. Whew ! what a " smell ! " A " smell, " did we say 1 Not one, but many smells. A conglomeration of vile odors of every variety and degree. Let us descend. Take care of your nose, if it is not used to such explorations, you had better protect it a little with your handkerchief. As we grope about, the air seems thick, and the can- dle burns dimly. A suffocating sensation tells of carbonic-acid gas, and a !!i! ii - H ! •M) A peculiarly ofFensive odor attractH im fo « • , contribute their share to tZH T^ltT'T T^*" """ '""'P' of moldy bacon, a smoked haroov" i w th . ' ™'""^ ""'» codfish which has been fo Jtten T 1 *'"*" °°"' '"'' " '""^-'""o" everywhere. A stll^t^ wtrhrZ; tTrr """ """"^ The^are cellar which oontJn no vegetrso Xrde T"'™" and yet are not healthful. A cellar ^'^^''^ "^ """' ^^"fosahle u^ff, cemented at the side, or botto: pt Irl o^T'to": "" """°'' " °°' well-ventilated cellar or basemen ad s to he ZltMr'""", , '"' but a collar which is filled with damn 1 tl." a! / °""' ai^-se. Thi» is particularly true duHn/tUri' Z; .r^nt house IS hkely to have its doors and windows closed and 7 T grates or stoves. The heating of the air in The 1 Ti ^^l^TZ'hT m the floor streams of stale, dan,p, cellar air, spreading it throughthe entire bu.ld„,g. This is undoubtedly a source of nnmbeHes, sorXat rp::^d:!:rr:rer "-'"" *"- —-.-;:■ Cellar, with uncemented walls and floors are certain to be flUed with W „,r denved ,„m the soil, known to sanitary scientists as-g^unl I . Sc ent,hc mvesfgat-ons have shown that the air of the soil is always ^1 :: ^ZT' "" " ™^ '' - -""^ -"'"-'"-- - - "-me'de:;"; 31 »«lacho set- Irogen. ivre abiin- riio wiiriu, tho pecu- itl ftt least like odor, 58. Each to decay has been Ion. The ogen and 1 turnips >ry stubs ■If-rotten I mildew eciniens. ble stuff, ih is not A dry, k house ; ctive of when a ning in 9 house crevice igh the hroats, harged d with d air." 3 more ieadly We uscond to tho kitch.n. Hero we find an accunmlatiori of what everybody recognizes as kitclien-sniells. In one corner stands tho anti- (limtfld wood-box, tho niiito receptacle of a hundred things bfssidcts its daily supply of fuel. If tho witnessos were not mute, we might listen to a sur- prising tale of sanitary transgressions connected with that homely piece of furniture in tlw corner. Let us turn out upon the floor the contents, and scrutinize thorn. Rotteji bark, decomposing apple-cores, odds and ends of almost every imaginablo eiitable, tho remnants of the cozy nest in which several generations of house mice have been reared, a mouldy, putrescent conglomeration of eveiything perishable that enters a household, teeming with filth, redolent with putrefaction, and crawling with vermin— such aro the contents of the average kitchen wood-box. Not a few such have wo seen, and a still larger number, out of sight, but conveniently near, we have smelled ! In another corner is the inevitable " sink," made of wood, and satur- ated with decomposing "dish-water." Hiding in its secret corners are ancient rags in an advanced state of decay ; and the drain pipe connected with its bottom, affords an open channel for tne ingress of pestilential odours from the cess-pool just outside the door. The plastered walls, saturated with the accumulations of a quarter of a century, pour forth an odoriferous stream of gaseous filth, which is unob- served only because overpowered by the other sources of contamination. But we must not omit to take a peep into the pantry close at hand, before proceeding elsewhere with our investigations. I wonder if the god- dess of Health ever looked into a modern pantry ! If she did, it is a marvel that she did not send her emblematic serpent on a mission of punishment among the cooks, for such flagrant infractions of her laws. Our olfactories are the only guide necessary to enable us to discover the whereabouts of the precious corner where is hoarded the provisions for daily consumption by the family. An odour of sourness which betrays unmistakably the presence of decomposing Jiiilk, leads us to the doorway of the pantry, and we enter to make a closer inspection. With the ex- ception of a few pans of milk which has lost its useful properties, and acquired some which are not useful, all looks neat and orderly ; but a musty odour, not perceptible, perhaps, to those who have become accus- tomed to it, but apparent and significant to the sensitive olfactories of a sanitarian, attracts our attention to sundry drawers and corners which ;ii 32 .night otherwise have escaped notice. We will not pain the sensibilities of our hearers w.th all the possible revelations from an investigation of the h.dden recesses of the ordinary pantry. Fragments of n.ouldy bread, stale of vanous k.nds. perhaps a churn, with its souring, fermenting con- tent«awaU.ng the weekly churning-day, are but a few of the items which rr T / "• " ""'P^'''' ^""■'^'-^^- '' '^ * "-g-«-»t P'ace for germs o every description to hold high carnival. And they do. Every housewfe knows that a pan of new milk placed in a close room or pantry with a pan of sour milk, sours much sooner than if set in a perfectly fresh and wholesome place. Let us take a look into the sitting-room, the chief living-room of the house. Here again we are pretty sure to find a wood-box, nicely papered or pamted outside, but no less uninviting inside than its humble brother in the kitchen. Wo find no kitchen-sink with its unsavory odours, but that source of contamination is within easy smelling distance, and so is still able to do Its work of mischief. So, too, th6 putrescent fumes from the cellar and pantry are plainly discernible, and the walls are covered with a layer of decomposable matter conuensed from the vapours rising from the cook- ing of vegetables, boiling of soiled garments, and other culinary and domestic operations. Many other such layers have been formed and buried by the new layer of paper and paste added every two or three years, or oftener, until, as we have seen in some instances, as many as eight or ten layers may be counted. Where could a more fertile field for germs or parasitic fungi be found ? A dark spot a foot or two in diameter in one comer marks the spot where, as a housekeeper says, the paper has been stained as the result of a defective roof. A close inspection shows something more than a stain a flounshing crop of mould. Put a speck of that same mould under the microscope and we behold a forest. Every twig bears fine, large, round fruit, which consists of sacs filled with minute specks called spores. Some o the sacs are ripe and bursting, throwing the spores with which they are filled m every direction. This is what is taking place on the wall, and those same spores fill the air in every direction, getting into the dough and making the bread sour, creeping into the fruit-cans, stealing into the pantry and spoiling the labour of the housewife in a hundred ways, besides creat' mg a musty odour which is constantly inhaled by the occupants o£ the house, and possibly conveying to them the seeds of disease and death 33 A beautiful carpet upon the floor conceals beneath its delicate shades a conglomerate accumulation of contributions from every source of impurity withm the dwelling and without. Let the children romp about the room a lew mmutes, and see what a cloud of witnesses arise to testify that the Shades of death are lurking just beneath its graceful patterns. Every day m the year this Pandora's box is con>pelled. by a vigorous application of the housewife's broon,, to send out its miscellaneous store. Each sweep of the broom sends up a cloud of germs, and spores, and decomposing and decomposable fragments, garnered fro.n the kitchen, the yard, the street, the gutter,-a thousand sources.-until the air becomes almost as opaque •H the densest fog. Every living occupant of the room prudently retires --even to the household cat-except the sweeper, who plies her broon. with mdustnous activity, with head and nose enveloped in the folds of a handkerchief, to act as a protector and a strainer. When the commotion 18 ended the dusty filth settles upon the topsof book-cases, cupboards, and other articles of furniture, among the folds of lace window-curtains, upon the ceding and walls of the room, and wherever it can find a lodgment J^retty soon the housekeeper comos back, and with a duster stirs up anew the dust which has settled upon tables, chairs, window-sills, picture-frames and other articles within easy reach, driving it up to higher lodgement from which It IS destined to be constantly swept by currents of air, move- ments of windows, swinging of hanging articles, and in various other ways to be breathed, after all, by the daily occupants of the house, who thought to escape by avoiding the commotion created by the morning's sweeping Such air, like the mines of Nevada, has "millions in it," all alive and ready to develop, in a fertile soil, into disease and death. But we have not seen all yet. Here is the parlour, with its close, musty smell and its chilly dampness. An "odour of sanctity" pervades the place. It 18 sacred to use on great occasions, when its death-dealing walla are made to witness the still more deadly depredations of a fashionable testival. Upon its cold walls are condensed the steam from kitchen and wash-room, and the organic filth carried with it. " What makes the walk of my parlour sweat so ? " has been asked me many times by housekeepers who were annoyed by the dampness of their parlour walls and ceiling, often giving rise to mould and mildew. The explanation is already given. The »i.„s„„n.. ne,v. g^.^ miv uiis sacred corner ot the dwelling, or at most only a glimmer now and then. Its walls are never disinfected by the sun's full 3 34 4 wann rays H«nce its air is constantly charged with cleath-deuli„« pro- I>«rt.os. which are ready to ovhiMt their potency whenever a favourable opportunity affords. And thero is the parlour l.edroom, a veritable .nan-trap, containing all the dangers onun^Mr ted for the contiguous apartn.ents, and n.oro Let us aHoengant slirubg and evergreens, all suggest the higheHt uegree of neatness and good taste. Let us htep around to the hack yard. What a eontrast ! Close by the door stands a garbage-barrel which testities to nt least two of the senses that its history goes far back into the dim past. Once a week the milk- man comes with a cart and empties the unsavory receptacle, stirring to the bottonj its re((king contents. (Lot me whisper in parenthesis that some of the same comes back in tin cans and earthen jars.) Swill-milk is not an unknown article, even in rural districts, where hay and grain bring a good price. At all hours of the day and night this half-rotten receptacle of decomposing organic matter sends out upon the air its filthy emanations. Near by is a brown looking spot of earth, over which are crawling eagerly myriads of the first insects of the season, and from which ascends a noxious vapour, visible in the cool morning air, and not dimcult to dis- cover, if not visible, by its pungent, nauseating odour. This, the gardener explains, is the dumping-place for the dish-pan and the wash-tub since the drain pipe became clogged a few months ago. Frozen up during the win- ter; it was annoying only by its unsightly appearance ; but now that the vernal sun has come, the accumulations of months send forth a constant stream of noisome smells, which are too often experienced to need further description. A rod or two from the house wo notice a little depression in the ground. This, we learn, is the location of the cesspool. The beards which once formed its roof have rotted away and allowed the overlying earth to drop into the receptacle beneath, which originally consisted of a bottomless box or barrel, half-filled with stones, and connected with the kitchen sink by means of a long wooden box. The wood has now nearly disap- peared, a few rotten fragments only remaining. Out of this putrescent hole arises a stench which finds no counterpart elsewhere than in a similar contrivance for domestic poisoning. Horrible, nauseating, loathsome, are faint words to describe the dense vapours which ascend from this repository of liquid filth. A few feet distant is an edifice which we are at a loss to know how to describe. A correspondent was in the same predicament when he sent us a clipping for publication which he said was " rescued from a place con- signed to infamy." The edifice referred to probably ought to have been I' 36 consigned to infamy, if it had not been, and the same should be said of most others of the same class. Though carefully guarded from observation by a close lattice, covered by clambering vines, its presence is easily detected, and that without close proximity. How often, a,« we walk along the streets at night, does the air, which Heaven sends us pure, sweet, and potent with life-giving energies, come to us laden with the poisonous exhalations Irom dozens of such sources, and freighted with the agencies of death. The vault of an out-house often becomes a much more dangerous enemy to human life than a powder-magazine, or a nitro-glycerine factory ; yet the latter are by law required to be located far apart from human habitations, while the former is tolerated in the closest proximity to human dwellings, often even under the same roof with human beings. A man passing along the street in Detroit sometime ago, met a little boy selling fruit, and said to him, " Young man, what makes you put all the nice large peaches on the top of your basket, while the bottom is filled up with little green knerly onrs ? " The! little boy replied, " For the same reason, sir, that you have brown stone for the front of your house, while the back side is chiefly slop barrel, sir." There is a vast deal of this sort of sanitary hypocrisy. The flies discover it right away. This is the rea- son you see very few flies around the front door, while the back door may be swarming with them. By the way, did you ever watch a fly circling around in the air on a summer dny, apparently without any end in view*? I used to wonder why the little creature should spend its time so aimlessly. The reason is readily found. Catch and kill one, and put it under the microscope. Observe its wings. These filmy objects when magnified-'jiiie- sent a formidable array of spikes and needle points. Here and tHere among them are some of the very germs which we find in the air, in water, in decomposing matter. Now, let us dissect the insect, and examine the contents of its stomach. Here, also, we find great numbers of those same germs. Now, let us watch the little creature again. Here is one which has been soaring about and now alights, apparently to rest upon the window-pane. Watch him a moment. Now he is standing on the for- ward four of his six legs, and is brushing his wings with the hinder two. He brushes a few seconds, then rubs his feet together, then brushes again and again, rubs his feet, then passes something from one hind foot to the middle one, then to the front foot of the same side, then rubs the two front feet for an instant, brings both feet to his mouth and repeats the 37 process. Now he is brushing his head in the same way. Do you suppose he is making his toilet ? Quite a mistake. The fly is not so fastidious as to spend so muclf' fime over his appearance. He is making a meal of germs. He prefers, them raw and takes them alive. He soars around until his wings are loaded, then rests upon some object while he scrapes them together, rolls them into little balls, and makes a meal of them. Every time you see a fly going through such antics think of germs, and hunt around for the hot-bed where they are propagating. In the midst of all the sources of dangerous filth which have been mentioned, is located the well, from which is to be daily drawn one of the most essential of the necessaries of life. Is it any wonder that the cup of life is often transformed to the cup of death ? Only think of the condition of a family with death enthroned in the well, and daily dealing out his poisonous draughts to its members ! The mysterious Providence which deprives a family of its loved ones through the agency of typhoid fever may, in a majority of instances, be proved to be a mysterious connection betweeii the well and a privy-vault or cesspool. A settler in a new country generally digs two holes in the ground after erecting his humble cottage. Into one goes all the filth and ofial ; out of the other comes all the water for family use. These holes are usually so near together that the contents mingle, so that what goes into one comes out of the other. In an old settled country a man, in making a home, digs two or three holes for filth and one for water, so that the latter is often surrounded with the former. As most of the water from the well is returned to the holes for the reception of filth, a very large share of it may find its way back to its original source. A very econom- ical arrangement when the water-supply is short, so far as the water is concerned, but not to be recommended if health and long life are valuable. Each of the sources of filth mentioned, is a contributor to the well. What becomes of the slops which are deposited upon the ground ? A por- tion evaporates, but the greater part soaks into the ground. Many per- sons imagine that what goes into the ground is destroyed. Certainly this is a mistake. The filth which has disappeared from the surface is out of sight, but not out of existence. It is present in the soil, and even more active for evil than if it were still upon the surface. The water which we derive from our wells comes from the soil. If the soil is filled with filth, the water will necessarily be contaminated. Whatever filth is deposited iii upon the surface in the vicinity of a well, may sooner or later find its way into the well. Every rain washes it a little deeper down until it reaches the well itself or the underground veins of water by which it is fed. Scientific investigations have shown that typhoid fever, cholera, diph- theria, and possibly malaria and a number of other diseases may make their entrance into the system in this way. Indeed, as regards the two first named maladies, it is known that drinking water is almost the sole means of communication of the disease. So it is perfectly safe to say that if one will take care to see that his drinking-water is always pure, he will escape death from either typhoid fever or cholera. And it is also evident that if one suflfers from either of the diseases named, it is because he or some other person has been guilty of neglecting to protect his drinking water from contamination. The late Dr. Parkes, of England, once remarked, " When a man dies of typhoid fever, some one ought to be hanged." Cesspools, vaults, and other sources of filth, have no business within many rods of a well ; but the probability of something of this sott being placed near to any well is so strong, that it is much the safer way to make the well in such a manner that it will be practically safe from contamina- tion from sources of this kind under any circumstances. This may be accomplished by making what is commonly termed a bored or driven well. An iron pipe is driven into the ground until water is reached. This will prevent the surface water from getting into the well, and if the pipe is carried down until the •' second water " is reached, so that it penetrates ' some distance of dense rock or clay, the protection may be considered as practically perfect. Every housekeeper should know how to tell bad water from good, which is not always very easy to do, at least not unless one has some instructions in methods. The following rules for the examination of water are so simple that they may be followed by any person of intelligence, and they will be found to be sufScien*^ly reliable to answer a very useful purpose : — How to Examine Water. — Only a skillful chemist can make a perfectly accurate and reliable examination of water, but the following suggestions will enable any intelligent person to make such an examination of drinking water as will greatly diminish the chances of injury from this not43nt source of disease : — 39 1. Notice the colour of the water. Pure water lias no colour, is free from sediment, and does not contain suspended or floating specks or particles. 2. Observe the odour. Ture water is absolutely free from odour. Water which has a distinct odour is to be suspected. 3. Notice also the taste. Pure water is free from flavour. Remember. Ciood water is colourless, odoitrless, tasteless. If you wish to test the water further— and it is necessary to do so to be even reasonably sure that it is pure, as some waters which are free from colour, taste, or odour, are still very impure— take a few ounces of water, place it in a clean bottle, add a small lump of white sugar, and put it in a warm place for a few days. If the slightest turbidity appears within a week Oi" two, the water is unsafe to use. Here is another test : Get at a drug store a solution consisting of three grains of permanganate of potash, twelve grains of caustic potash, and an ounce of distilled water. This is a test solution by means of which organic impurities may be detected. Put some of the water to be tested in a clean glass. Add a drop of the purple test solution to the glassful of water. It will produce a faint pinkish tinge. If the water is pure, the pink colour will remain ; if the water is impure the colour will disappear. If the colour disappears within half an hour, the water is unfit to drink. The more impure the water is, the sooner the colour will disappear. The danger of using water which is suspected of being impure is greatly lessened by boiling. Filters may be relied upon for removing suspended particles and for removing the unpleasant flavour of rain waters ; but a really dangerous water is not rendered safe by filtering in the ordinary manner. I understand that you are contemplating the introduction of a city water supply and a sewerage system. It seems to me that the most super- ficial knowledge of the needs of a general supply of pure water to a city of the size of Woodstock, must be sufficient to convince any one of the pro- priety of an improvement of this sort, and I hope the enterprise will receive the cordial support which it deserves. From what your health officer has told me, I am convinced that the water supply of your city, as at present obtained from dug wells, is exposed to great and constant danger of contamination from many of the sources of filth to which I have called attention, and that the introduction of a general supply of good quality 40 will unquestionably diminish the annual mortality of your city to a very appreciable degree, and I would suggest as one of the most efficient means of rendering this enterprise popular and successful, the undertaking of a thorough sanitary survey of your city. The effect of a sanitary survey of each individual's premises in your city, would be to stir your citizens up to anxious and careful enquiry respecting sanitary matters, and would call their attention directly to causes of disease and death, which to many of them are unsuspected. From what I have heard, I believe that a very pure and abundant water supply may be secured in your city at a very reasonable outlay of money, and that an abundant supply of pure water may be thus secured to every citizen at a small annual expense. ■1 41 a very means ig of a 'vey of i up to ;ld call any of a very a very water The Conference resumed work in the evening as the first session of the Meeting of Executive Health Officers of Ontario, the Vice-President of the Association, Dr. J. Coventry, Windsor, being in the chair. An opening service of prayer was conducted by Rev. J. J. Hill, Rector of St. Paul's, after which Dr. Coventry read the President's annual address* PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL ADDRESS. By Dr. J. Coventry, Windsor, Medical Health Officer. Ladies and Members of the Association : Organized public sanitation, as you all know, is of very recent date, but there is probably no country in the world where it has been crystal- lized into law and system more perfectly and in shorter time than Ontario. This is due in a large measure to the fact that the appeal was made to a people of cosmopolitan habits and by a Board of gentlemen who had a thorough appreciation of the work entrusted to them — I refer to the Pro- vincial Board of Health— and aided by their most efficient Secretary, who, by his energy, good judgmv3nt and untiring endeavors, has won the grati- tude due to him, at home, and made Ontario a model of sanitary organiza- tion in the eyes of our sister Provinces and the neighbouring States. In 1882 the Board began by directing public attention to existing evils and pointing out their remedies, followed by judicious enactments, and by compiling and circulating authentic reports, public attention was aroused to dangers that were but lightly thought of, and many which were actually being propagated. But the task was no easy one. It lacked the great incentive to secure public adoration — it had no direct financial aspect. Show the world where money can be made and you attract everybody. Tell them that they can find gold in California, that they can get diamonds in Africa, pearls in the ocean, and there is a scramble for the coveted prizes. But tell them that health is to be had by pursuing a certain course, and it is a good while before you observe any considerable current of people travelling in that direction. The apathy regarding the nation's health would be beat shown by a comparison of the annual appropriations for commerce as compared with the grants for health. I find it most difficult to get figures for com- Hi I li 42 parison, but at a future meeting will try to demonstrate the proposition that in the fierce struggle for wealth, public health ia siiclly neglected. Let me quote half a dozen examples : The grant to the Board of Health of the State of New York is only 820,000 ; the State of Illinois is 812,000 ; Mississippi, $45,000 ; Ontario, $8,000 or 89,000. The Dominion estimates for 1886 were as follows: Quarantine, 825,906; contingency for cholera, 815,000; immigrants in Winnipeg Hospitals, $1 4,000. I do not wish to make a political point against the Government, for all parties are alike inconsiderate in matters of public health, but I ask you to note that cattle are protected by a grant of 823,000, just 82,966 less than the quarantine grant for the protection of human beings. None of the Provinces except Ontario, make any grant for public health. If the relationship between health and commerce was better under- stood it is safe to say that more money would be spent on public sanitation. Religion, politics, and commercial pursuits are the subjects which, to a very large extent, monopolize the public* mind. The clergy have not yet> as a class, become active sanitarians ; politicians have no use whatever for cleanliness, unless it is a little whitewash now and again ; and commerce only recognizes it when epidemics of contagious disease threaten to inter- fere with and blockade its channels. The Association of Executive Health Officers was formed last year for the purpose of aiding the Provincial Board of Health in its labours, to dis- cuss the practical working of sanitary laws and regulations, and to suggest such amendments or alterations as will enable the Provincial and Iiocal Boards to bring about a more salutary condition of the country at large, and to reduce the death-rate to figures that will contrast favourably with other countries. In doing this we want to secure uniformity of action in dealing with matters affecting the public health, so that one section of the country will not be exerting its ingenuity and spending its money to con- trol disease, while its neighbours are cultivating and spreading it. We want an understanding that when a contagious disease breaks out among us the health officer of the municipality will do his best to prevent other municipalities being infected with it. It is oi'.r desire to remove everything calculated to contaminate the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. We will endeavour to detect the common causes of disease aad to remo?e them. In doing so we are lookinc int-o the domestic circle, into school-houses churches, public halls, and out-buildings. We go down into cellars, drains, sewers, 48 wells and other sources of drinking water. In all of these hiding places we find disease and death lurking, waiting only for favourable surround- ings to develop into deadly pestilence. In our daily rounds we find maga- zines of disease awaiting the torches of air, light and heat, to burst into epidemics. We proclaim to the public, and we cl tllenge contradiction, that the modern slaughter-pen is a pestiferous charnel-house ; that a large propor- tion of the milk supplied to cities and towns is a mere filtration of the vilest slops and garbage. We warn the public that adulteration of food constitutes a very large proportion of its manufacture. We will aim to prevent and rectify many of the abuses practiced on the public by sewer contractors and plumbers, and in doing all this we want it fully understood that we have no wish to enact oppressive regu- lations. If any of our acts meet with the disapproval of even the most obscure citizen, we want the benefit of his suggestions, and if we cannot reason- ably combat his objections we will adopt his advice. We want to enlist the attention, sympathy and assistance of every intelligent man and woman, of every parent entrusted with the lives of children, every councillor, every school trustee, every teacher ; in short, w© want every man to become a philanthropist, and to feel that he cannot better demonstrate his right to be considered a useful member of society than by coming forward as a worker in a cause that has for its purpose the increase of health and happiness and the preservation of human life. As this is a new organization, meeting for its first time, I cannot give any results of what it has done ; I venture, however, to hope that a pro- gramme for work will be adopted before we part that will make our next meeting one of great interest to all concerned. I would suggest the formation of ten committees representing the ten Health Districts already formed, and that each committee be asked to bring in a separate report on the following subjects : — 1. House and land drainage and disposal of sewerage ; 2. Ventilation of houses, schools and public halls ; 3. Food : its adulteration, and unwholesome supply; 4. Milk supply: its sources, and contaminrtion ; 5. Water supply, and its pollution ; 6. Removal of night-soil and garbage ; 7. Control and prevention of disease : 8. Dan-orcua and unhealthy coca- pations ; 9. Statistics and printing ; 10. Sanitary legislation. I 44 The last might be under the management of the Executive Committee. If from each District a report on these subjects were forwarded to the Executive Committee a month before the next meeting, a great deal will have been accomplished that will tend to unify our efforts and extend our usefulness. I would venture the perhaps unnecessary suggestion, that the papers read should be made as short as would be consistent with the subjects dealt with, and the discussion on them be kept strictly within the scope of the papers. I am sure that I speak for you all when I express regret that our President, Dr. Sweetland, cannot bo with us, and our regrets are deepened to sorrow at the cause of his absence. With your forbearance I will do my best to discharge the duties of his chair. 45 ittee. 3 the 1 will d our apers dealt )f the A our jened oi his PAPER v.— BRAIN STUFFING AND FORCING. By Dr. Daniel Clark, Medical Superintendent of the Asylum for THE Insane, Toronto. Mr. C/uiirmcm, Ladies and Gentlemen : It is not my intention to inflict an elaborate essay on this Association My object will be attained by giving hints to enlist your attention- by summanzmg facts which are accumulating daily, and by sin.ply stating conclusions which are forcing themselves with saddening emphasis upon the sensible educator, the physician and the social reformer of to-day Much has been written on the best methods to educate children from a metaphysical and purely mental standpoint, but it is only within the last few years that the warning voice of the physiologist has been heard on behalf of suffering childhood. So far he has been as a voice crying in the wilderness, and ridicule has pointed at him its long, gaunt finger of scorn, charging him with being a mere alarmist or a hobby rider. The voice of the scorner is now being hushed. He meets an ever increasing throng of nervous invalids ; he sees a change in the physical condition of the young since his school days; as a tax-payer he spends $700,000 annually to main- tain the defective classes in this Province, and to-day one person in every 620 persons in Ontario is insane. This is a startling catalogue. Were I to add to this list the weakling, who is a chronic drunkard ; the moral imbecile, who is a chronic criminal; the habitual vagrant, with limited intellect, who is a life-long tramp ; and trace the existence of such classes to vicious conditions of society and to ignorance of Nature's laws in their operations on our social systems, my statement would be complete. Let me, however, confine myself to a consideration of the brain in rela. tion to modern education and to the results which flow therefrom. T start by making this statemnt : the more highly organized brain will bear mental strain better than wUl the more simple nervous center of the ignorant, if the building-up process have been in accordance with the laws of health. It is also a fact that the educated insane recover, as a rule, more readily and in proportionately larger numbers than do the ignorant. I do not rftrftr hftro fn mora /^nlfuwo K»«f 4-n 4-l.„f -i. i i .« j i ■, . . !.,.,.??, r!«T> i^ vuai aijtuuaru oi knowledge and wisdom which is possessed by an average all-around man, who, although intelligent and well-informed, may never have studied within the walls of a college, 46 '•I nor prided himself iu having a university degree. >rany self-nmde men are truly educated, and have more capacious brains and fertile minds than have many a graduate who has had the high opportunity of a scholastic training. I classify the educated by the standard of healthy brain work and mental scope. The operations of the mind are bounded by capacity of the organ, and we can no more elicit mental operations of a great power from a defective or limited brain than can a musician Itring eight octaves of music out of a six octave instrument. It is not, I repeat, the more highly organized brain which suffers the most in the mental struggle for mastery in the school ; it is the weak organization, which breaks down first in the abnormal effort to keep up to an unreasonable demand made upon it. There is as much difference in brains as there is l>etween iron and steel, and to attempt to manifest the elasticity of the former to the same extent as may be done with safety to the latter is only to show the weakness) of the material and its lack of spring to regain its former position. To attempt to work up a 15 horse- power engine to that of a 25 horse-power engine means ruin to the machine by extra pressure, wear and tear. Applying this principle of mechanics to the equally mechanical brain, which is only a working organ of the mind, and we are demanding of it in its chemical, vital and physical operations more than nature intended it to do. The uniformity of standard of work for every brain means the same demand on brain dynamics, irrespec- tive of capacity. You might as well expect to be able to put a quart of water into a pint measure, as to attempt to cram into or eliminate from any brain more knowledge or mentality than its capability will allow. The attempt to get out of a Clyde horse the swiftness which is in a thoroughbred racer would be extremely ridiculous. On the other hand, to put the same load upon a swift runner which is put upon a draft horse would be equally futile. Each excels according to its kind and capacity. So to expect uniformity, capacity and mental power equally in anylfwo human brains is very absurd to any one who has given the matter even ordinary consideration. There never have been, nor are there now, any two of the sons and daughters of Adam counterparts of one another in physical conformation or mental construction, and no two can bear worry, emotion and general fighting against all the untoward circumstances of life in exactly the same ratio. This is a truism which is of daily ex- perience in all our lives. Yet in the face of this appeal to ourselves we I 47 senselessly, .sinfully, unpatriotically, force the .fuvenile l.iaiu beyond its strength in our schools and colleges in order to produce automatic prodigies of learning in youth, and-too often-also produce insane patients or imbecile nonentities in adult life. At best, it means the thrusting out into the battle of life tens of thousands of young people whose life "gump- tion " has beeii used up, and to whom is left a legacy of crippled energies and curtailed possibilities. When a common standard of education is needed for all kinds and conditions of mind, then is it evident the more limited working power must sufler in the struggle towards the unattain- able. What is easy of accomplishment in one scholar may be almost im- possible in his next neighbour in the slass. Hence the benefit of options in the advanced studies. Each student can take those subjects which are in line of his aptitudes and likings. This is quite a different thing, however, from forcing a mind forward by an undue effort to keep all its powers up to their full tension in all directions. Let me repeat what I have already said in an Essay on " Health aud Education.-" "As a result, the reserves of nature are called upon at the expense of growth, brain nutrition, and the building up processes. All minds put forth energies in one direction more than another. Here our individual diff-erences come in. None of us are formed in the same mental mould l.ven our potentialities vary, but are interdependent upon one another. Thev have a community of interests and draw resources from one another This being the case, it is evident that the pushing forward of all the faculties at once, irrespective of natural bias and aptitudes, means a dwarfage of indi- vidual leaning because of the dissipation of reserve energies. Let me re peat The educator looks at the mind development alone as evidence of his skill and assiduity. The physician looks upon both body and mind as objects of care and endeavours to keep both under healthful conditions The educator thinks that the mind in each individual has possibilities and potentialities almost unlimited if pushed to the test. The physician knows that each person has powers of growth and development beyond which such cannot go, by any amount of mental training. No forcinff can ao beyond the brain capacity, and that at its weakest point. This is esneci- ally true, when hereditary tendencies are taken into account. We have «or^rirT T^/ a certain amount of energy. It is transferable to some extent, and if used m one direction it is lost in another. This law is seen m operation in animal life as well as in mind phenomena. Exhausted muscular force means to some extent mental loss; violent emotion or sudden physical shock means in some degree muscular and organic enfeeble ment. To a large extent this duality co-relates with one another This being the case, it is evident that undue forcing in any one direction affects the whole organism. -uccih " This mind organ is delicate, simple, and easily impressed. It can h« operated upon or it can be used as an instrument to envolve aU mind (:, 8, t' I K I 1 48 action. In other words, it may receive im predion s, or it may inherently manifest mental power It may n.erely be filled with easily acquired knowledge, which may be the work of others, or it may give out its own energizing creations. In the former class of impressions it is only recep- tive which 18 merely an appeal to memory; in the latter, is exercised in mental dynamics, and brings into being new ideas and native conceptions, ro imbibe as a sponge gives no energy and no strength, but to crow as a tree gives power by virtue of the exercise of its increasing activity. Not only so, but this energizing entity increases the volume and stability of the organ, as physical exercise increases muscular tone and fibre. Inertia means debility, for • Labor is life. Tis the Htill water faileth.' "On the Other hand early precocity mostly means adult enfeeblement. It IS taxing the future by unduly straining the brain, from which it seldom recovers and as a result we have a languid organ and a stunted intellect. Those who educate scout this idea, because their handiwork is best seen in forced effort and juvenile automatic memorizing. These prodigies of learn- ing astonish trustees and parents and redound to the teachers' credit, rhose who teach believe that there is' an unlimited capacity for thinking in all directions in every person. All the mental powers are pushed on all sides without respect to weak points. "It is self-evident that t merely cultivate memory is one thing and to evolve thinking is quit* another. Cramming means mere remembrance, and may be induiged in with no more originality than are the chatterings of a parrot. This system carried to extremes gives mental dyspepsia, be- cause there is not sufficient intellectual energy to assimilate the pabulum provided. Memory has its function, but to put mere recollection in the place of education is to dwarf all originality of thought for want of mental development. The good memory is the means of carrying off all the prizes at competitive examinations, yet the best average mind will eclipse such m lifes struggles for the mastery. There are, no doubt, a great many of our educated people who depend largely on remembered learning, and that many self-made men are distinguished by virtue of inherent power to originate. The great are not mere receptive machiiu-s ; they put their talents out to usury ; they are not merely recording instruments; but add to the comr.ion stock of knowledge by exploring new fields and by giving their experiences and discoveries to the world. Were it not for these pioneers we would still be floundering in the slough of barbarism. ( Vide " Education in relation to Health, by Dr. D, Clark)." We have the two extremes of danger. On the one hand the brain inertia, which means loose organization, and which is too often called " mental laziness," in which extra effort means using up the limited re- serves of such feeble intellects. On the other hand we have the active mind and brain, which need to be checked in their mettlesome ambition to go ahead. Such a constitution will go at leadlong speed in its race for 4!» I could g,v. . I„„, .,„, .^ ,,„i.., „, „^, lyZJ^t .Ue ettect, ,^ over «u,ly, .„d „( an n„d„ly forcoj e as — in this life at least- King Lear : -they are a duality for, as Shakespeare puts it in " For we are not ourselves, when Nature being overcome, Compels the mind to suffer with the body. " If this is not so, what means all th .- ; refuges in educated Christendom for the insane, the idiotic, the feeble-minded— in short, the great and ever increasing army of defectives ? The like was never known before in~the history of our race, and means its utter extinction, as the same inexorable law has done when operating among the nations of antiquity. There is great significance in the fact that nervous diseases have increased a thousand fold within the last half century. I have in my library volume upon volume, devoted solely to the study of these diseases. Under the name of neurasthenia or nerve-weakness or nerve-starvation, a legion of modern brain and general nerve troubles are indicated. They crop up from childhood to old age in all classes of the community, but especially in those to whom life has been a fierce struggle, and who gallop through the world and trot into the grave. ' ' The mill of God grinds slowly, But it grinds exceeding small." I am glad to know that in many of our schools, especially in the cities, industrial work, calesthenics and kindergarten, are being introduced dur- ing school hours into the child-life and youthful recreations of more adult age. This is a step in the right direction, thanks to the persevering efforts of our physicians and the intelligent teachers, who are educating the people in respect to their duty to the young. Other malign influences, such as bad sanitation, troubles, drunkenness, fast living, in all their phases, are among potent causes. After making all allowauoe for hered- itary possibilities based upon their existence among parents, and which lead to a downward tendency in their progeny, a large balance yet remains which is directly traceable to over-pressure of juvenile brains, and which is sapping the mentality of our people. It is a grand thing for Christen- dom that it is a law of Nature to fight against the invasion of disease, and to seek to come back to healthy conditions. Dr. Y. S. Clouston, Medical Superintendent of Morningside Asylum, Edinburgh, says in The Journal of Mental Science, April, 1882 : " I cannot help adverting to the abgurd and unphysiologieal theories of education which are sometimes tanght, and which we as medical men should combat with all our might. The old plan of attending to the 52 J! acquisitive and muen.onic faculties of brain alone in education is now fortu- nately giving way. The tl.oory of any education worth the naiue should be to brin«' the whole organism to such perfection as it is capable of and to train the brain power in accordance with its capacity, most carefully avoiding any overstraining of weak points ; and an apparently strong point in the brain capacity of a young child may in reality be its weakest point from hyperactivity of one part. 1 have known a child with an extra- ordinary memory at eight, who at fifteen could scarcely remember anything at all Then, as the age of puberty approaches, one would imagine, to hear some 'scholastic doctrinan-es talk, that it was the right thing to set ourselves bv every means to assimilate the mental faculties and acquirements of the two sexes, to fight against nature's hiws as hard as possible, and to turn out physically hermaphrodite specimens of humanity by making our young men and women alike in all respects, to make our girls pundits and doctors, and our young men mere examination passers. ,. -x j " Some educationists go on the theory that there is an unlimited capa- city in every individual brain for education to any extent in any direction vou like, and that after you have strained the power of the mental medium io Its utmost there is plenty of energy^left for growth nutrition and repro- duction. Nothing is more certain than that every brain has at starting iust a certain potentiality of education in one direction and of powt-r gener- ally and that It is far better not to exhaust that potentiality, and that it too great calls are made in any one direction it will withdraw energy Irom some other portion of the organ. These persons forget that the brain, though it has multiform functions, yet has a solidarity and interdepen- dence through which no portion of it can be injured or exhausted without in <^ome way interfering with the functions of other portions, lo say that any one man could have the biceps of a blacksmith, the reasoning powers of a Darwin, the poetic feeling of a Tennyson, the procreative power of a Solomon, and the longevity of a Parr, is simply to state a physiological absurdity. No prudent engineer sets its safety valve at the point above which the boiler will burst, and no good architect puts weight on his beam iust up to the calculation above which it will break. Nature generally provides infinitely more reserve power than the most cautious engineer or architect, but the brain in its work should not be strained up to its full capacity except on extreme emergencies. Especially do these principles apply if we have transmitted weakness in any function or part ot the organ ; and what child is born in a civilized country without inheriting brain weakness of some sort ? " Dr. Butler, late superintendent of the Hartford Retreat, says in one of his reports : •< Over three thousand cases of insanity have now come under my direct observation and care. In a large proportion of those whose histories I could obtain, I have found that the remote and predisposing causes of insanity could be traced to malign influences on childhood. The neelrct of physical training, and the imperfect physical devlopment which follows from this neglect, are strikingly evident in many ot our female patients The various causes which are reported to me as the sources of ow fortu- le should e of, and carefully ong point est point an extra- anything p, to hear ourselves [its of the d to turn )ur young d doctors, ited capa- direction ,1 medium md repro- it starting ver gener- ind that if ergy from jhe brain, iterdepen- id without say that ng powers power of a ysiological lint above 1 his beam : generally ingineer or to its full principles art of the inheriting says m one under my lose whose iredisposing hood. The ment which our female e sources of 53 disease, and which are classified in the tables under the head of " ill health," " undue mental effort," " domestic unhappiness," etc., may very frequently be traced in their primary influences to the one cause of a want of physical stamina. We press the training of the mind by all possible hours of study in and out of school, and by the 'added stimulus of emulation, while wo neglect the training of the body in disrei^'ard of that mysterious but absolute law of sympathy which compels the debility of the latter to cripple the action of the former. My own observation leads me to think this error will be found to exist more fre([uently with parents than with the more intelligent and advanced of our teachers ; and its pernicious tendencies are beginning to be better appreciated." " Prof. N. J. Bystroff has examined 7,47)-! boys and girls in the St. Peters- burg schools during the last five years, and found headache in 8G8, that is Hi per cent. He states that the percentage of headaches increases almost in a direct progression with the age of the children, as well as with the number of hours occupied by them foi mental labour ; thus, while head- ache occurred in only 5 per cent, of the children aged eight, it attacked 28 to 40 per cent, of the pupils aged from fourteen to eighteen. The author argues that an essential cause of obstinate headache in school children is the excessive ment > rain enforced by the presjent educational programme, which leaves ou* or^sideration the peculiarities of the child's nature and the elementary pm^cijiles of scientific hygiene. The over-strain brings about an increased irritability of the brain and consecutive disturb- ances in the cerebral circulation. Prof. Bystroff emphatically insists on the imperative necessity of permanently admitting medical men to con- ferences of school boards." — {British Medical Journal.) The above is a warning voice from far off Hussia V)y one of its di.stin- guished scientists. " We hide our defectives, our dements, and our pauper infirm in havens of refuge out of our sight. Had we not these retreats and all our mentally and physically afliiicted were allowed to drift about in the community as in former times, these ever-present evils and evidences of national depreciation would frighten us. AVe would study more than we do the laws of health, and how best to develop and maintain moral, intellectual and national supremacy. " Look at the ever increasing demands for hospitals, asylums for insane and imbeciles, schools for feel)le-minded, retreats for nervous complaints, almshouses for human wrecks, prisons for chronic and congenital vaga- bonds, and then say if a vicious system of sanitation, of customs, of habits, and of education has not something to do with this state of things. This IS not the Jeremiad of the pessimist : rather it is the story of a danger signal to wliich we would do well to take heed. The great restorer of brain power is profound sleep, and plenty of it to the school-going child. It stores the vital battery with mental energy. The child wants a dream- less forgetfulness to fully recuperate from its daily exhaustion. This is a physiological axiom. It is also forgotten that much depends upon the kind of exercise a scholar takes. Work of some kind is better than none, but it is not invigorating like play or some kind of amusement or enjoy- 54 ment. These are mental tonics which have no equivalents. The boy will soon tire or weary sawing wood or weeding ttower-beds ; but let him play fox and hounds, or football, and his energy is almost tireless. The girl sees no pleasure in practising on a piano at her lessons, or washing dishes in the kitchen, but let her dance from e ming till morning, or roam the woods at a picnic, or go a boating, and her endurance is a matter of astonishment. Pleasure goes with the exercise, thus it is nature s stimulant and invigorator. When such boys and girls are approaching adolescence it is well to find out their natural bent of mind, and having done so, to lead the superabundant energy in the direction of well-liked and well- directed technical, professional, or mechanical pursuits. This is the critical time when a proper choice of occupation may mean pleasure m its pursuit, or a life-long drudgery in unnatural and unpalatable employment. Brain work is needful and healthful. It is a law of nature that activity is neces- sary to health, but it must be exercised in accordance with the laws of health. We are violating rightful conditions. Over-pressure, undue anxiety, violent passion, vvorry without needful rest and fresh air, always mean a premature wearing out of the machine. A brain under such dis- advantages is heavily handicapped in the hot rac? of life. <« Education should be conducted sopiewhat as follows, viz. :— "1. No teaching beyond object lessons up to six years of age, «' 2. Object lessons with reading and writing up to nine years of age. " 3. Reading, writing and arithmetic, in its four primary divisions, and geography up to twelve years of age. " 4. The preceding, with primary arithmetic, history and grammar up to fifteen years of age. ...,.»•• j ,.• " 5. From this age such studies as will assist the girl in feminine duties and the boy to some definite employment or profession. "6= No studies in the evening until after fifteen years of age. " 7. Three hours daily of school time up to nine years of age, four hours to twelve, and six hours until fifteen years of age. " 8. After fifteen years of age studies to be intermingled with congenial and useful mechanical work. This to apply to both sexes."— (Dr. D. Clark's Heath in relation to Education.) Discussion. Theodore H. Rand, M.A., D.C.L., Principal of Woodstock College, said: The paper presented by Dr. Clarke contained very important statements calculated to direct public attention to the importance of the subject dealt with. He could not, however, help feeling that the emphatic presentation of one phase of. the subject, to the almost complete suppression of other phases, might do almost as much harm as good. It was not prac- ticable, perhaps, to group in proportionate treatment all the known causes of cerebral impairment in an hour's paper, yet, unless the " conspiracy of oo causes " at work was recognized, remedial means could not be successfully applied. If Dr. Richardson should deal with the subject before us from one point of view, he would probably tell us that alcohol, directly and through heredity, was the great agent at work in bringing about functional brain disorders and their concomitants. I submit the conditions under which brain work is performed are of great moment. The fact that the children in a given school shew symptoms of brain and nervous exhaustion calls for inquiry; but it ''.^es not seem to me that we have done much when we have made a catalogue of the studies performed, and expressed our dis- sent from the amount of work required of these children, the teacliers and school authorities. Would it not be scientific to institute an inquiry as to the nature of the food, air, and exercise to which these children are habitu- ated *? Suppose it should be found that some of them sleep in 5 x 6 . vvoms with door and window closed, or that they have food poor in quality or insufficient in quantity, or that they are irregular in their hours, and have insufficient or excessive exercise. Suppose it should be found that they have cheerless and loveless homes. Suppose careful investigation should show that the school-room in which these children spend five hours a day, is poorly ventilated, and thus poison is every moment taken into the blood. Suppose it should bo found that the teacher was harsh and unsympathetic, and that the children worked under the restraint of fear. Any and all of these conditions would contribute powerfully to the derangement of the physical, mental, and emotional nature of the children, and in many cases would result in mental collapse. It seems to me to be unscientific in such cases — and thtse are the every day cases — to say that it is over-study that is doing the mischief. Dr. Clarke would say cut oflF half the studies, but the other half might go, under the unfavourable con- ditions specified, with very bad results. It seems to me that what is wanted is to secure thoroughly healthful conditions for study — pure air and plenty of it, suitable exercise, good food, and orderly and quiet habits of life. If the profession were to address itself all along the line to the secur- ing of these conditions, I am of the opinion that we should hear little about brain troubles from over-study. Any study at all is over-study under un- propitious conditions. Little children are over-stimulated socially. They have their fine dresses, their evening parties, and thus are unconditioned for their normal duties of child life. It is no wonder that such children break down early, but is it a fair way to put it to say that their school igM I ( 1 V ■ 1 w ji ! i i 1 I 1 j 56 studies are the cause of the mischief ? It ought to be recognized by the medical profession that many teachers and educators are very much alive to the intimate relation subsisting between the mind and the body, and apply, as far as possible, the ascertained principles of mental physiology to every department of their work. Great progress has been made, and much remains to be done. I may be permitted to point out that in addition to what has been said in reference to providing suitable conditions for brain work, a great reform is possible in connection with the methods of instruc- tion. Two children of the same physical and mental endowments may be pursuing the same course of study. Owing to the natural methods em- ployed by one teacher one of these children may do his work heartily and be made stronger in very way thereby, while the other, owing to the un- philosophical methods adopted, may worry and fret and actually be harmed for life. If this be so — and it is so — it will be both scientific and wise to labour earnestly for the application of i sound psychological, as well as physiological, principles in the school-room by way of preserving the health and vigour of our children. From a daily and wide observation of schools for twenty-seven years, I am impressed with the idea that nervous and cerebral troubles seldom arise from study as the re£.l cause. Study may be, and often no doubt is, the occasion of revealing the results of other causes which have been undermining the vigour of the child. But from my observation I feel warranted in saying that vigorous study, under proper sanitary conditions, is the occasion of really less harm than inanity a d mental idleness. I have no doubt that much harm is being done by one- sided presentations of this subject of over-study. Dr. Hammond's article in the April number of the Popular Science is, I think, a cawi' in point. He presents a thin, tall, nervous, pale girl, having St. Vitus' dance, as a specimen apparently of the ten millions of American school children, and then proceeds, after a mere inspection of her satchel, to discuss the direful effects of the eight or nine studies imposed on this child. That one of these studies (the " Youth's Companion ") should be, in fact, only a pencil and ruler holder, indicates the care which should be used in really getting facts to work upon. Teachers and physicians can co-operate in bringing into application the many principles now known for the regulation of human activities in harmony with the laws of life. The coming man will not be the one who ckn do the least mental work and show the greatest physical development. He will rather be one who has so availed himself 67 of the known laws of physical, mental, moral, and social life, as to be full of an all-sided vigour in meeting the duties of our highly organized civilization. Jiev. W. T. McMuUen, Woodstock, said : I am in accord with the views advocated by Dr. Clarke in his admirable paper, and also with the conten- tion of Dr. Rand, conflicting as these may seem to be. A specialist, once giving evidence in court in a case in which the issue turned on the sanity or insanity of the prisoner, having refused to answer under cross-examination except in very cautious and qualified terms, assured the judge and jury that the question was 3ne of degree in the case of any man, for every one of us is a little off the true balance. That theory, it appears to me, is strongly sup- ported by some of the facts brought out in this discussion. If one out of every six hundred and twenty of our population is sent to the asylum, the six hundred and nineteen who remain outside are not above suspicion, if they are persisting in a method of education which is one of the principal factors in the production of such u state of things. The teachers are not, I believe, chiefly to blame. But the time has evidently come when the public voice should be lifted up in eniphatic protest against the unreason- r,ble amount of brain-work exacted in our schools, the multiplicity of sub- jvicts simultaneously taught, and the straining effort required to get over the ground within the allotted time. Yet we must educate, even as we must eat and drink, though at the peril of swallowing the germs of disease and death. Here, I am with Dr. Rand in his defence of a broad, compre- hensive education. But we must see that our method of educating is conducive to the health of both body and mind. ProJ. Wolverton, Woodstock, said : He had never in his experience known of a pupil to be injured by overwork ; if he takes eight hours of sleep, plenty of exercise, and sufficient fresh air, he can study to any extent with impunity. Dr. Griffin, Brantford, said : He occupied a position on both sides of this question, but on the whole agreed with Dr. Clarke's ideas. Dr. Burrows, Lindsay, thought that there are altogether too many subjects on our school curriculums. He thought that half of them could be advantageously erased. Dr. Kellogg, Michigan, said : He hoped that Dr. Clarke's paper would be published and widely read. But at tb'? same time he did not think / -^^ — rnrr-ri/niMmnii-fcifi-ii nm 68 educationalinta are quite so much to blame &a some seem to think. In the hospital under his charge he had yet to meet with a case in which healthy study, however severe, has broken a person down. Imbecility is as often caused by physical as by mental strain. 0. R. Pattullo, Esq,, Woodatock, agreed with Dr, Olarke in drawing attention to brain-forcing among the children. 'i i if S9 PAPER VI. -VENTILATION OF SCHOOLS, AND A NEW METHOD OF ESTIMATING THE PIlOPOliTION OF CARBON DIOXIDE IN AIR. By Dr. J. J, Oahsidy, Mkmuer Pkovincial Board of Health. Ladies and Gentlemen : That school-rooms in Ontario are l)adly ventilated, is a proposition easy to prove. In most of them, during the winter season, the air* shortly after recess becomes close, then extremely close, and, in some instances, extremely close and unpleasant. Visitors entering the rooms, after coming from the open air, are thus enabled to make an exami- nation of the contained air by the senses, which gives tolerably reliable results. The reasons for this censurable condition of the air are over- crowding and bad ventilation. In city schools overcrowding is the rule, and as natural ventilation, which is accomplished through doors and windows, is almost universal, our school-rooms may properly be said to be overcrowded and badly ventilated. But so great is the overcrowding of these city schools, that, even if artificial ventilation were adopted, it would not be possible, with the present number of occupants, to produce a result perfectly satisfactory to the sanitarian. It is true, that school-roomg are not crowded, in the sense that the occupants are closely packed together after the manner seen in large public assemblies; but they are overcrowded, because more pupils are present, on the floor of the school-room, than can be supplied with a suitable amount of fresh air. In order to make my meaning clear I shall lay before you the dimensions of an uncrowded and well-vontilated school-room. Length of room 40 feet. Width 30 feet. ' Floor space 1,200 square feet. Height of ceiling 12 feet. Cubic air space 14,400 cubic feet. Number of occupants 48 Cubic air space per head 300 cubic feet. Air of room changed seven times per hour. 2,100 cub. ft. per head. The length, width, and height of such a room would enable the teacher to observe the scholars with ease, and to speak to them without unduly i^i-iliiBiliiitiMtSL:, ili£01Miasm m»Si'l1li*!t.ft ■ ill ! I ■ i 00 raising the voice. The floor space per pupil, 25 square feet, would allow ample room for single desks, passages and the teacher's rostrum. The cubic air space, i.e., 300 cubic feet, is sufficient for the purpose of ventilation, if the air of the room is changed seven times in an hour. To accompli.sh this result, artificial ventilation is necessary. By good naturrd ventilation through doors and windows, the air of the achool-room v^onld be changed two or three times in an hour, according to tho wind. Each j.upil would, ^ therefore, by the natural method secure from 600 to 900 cubic feet of fresh air per hour, whereas, in order to dilute the air he breathes in ^uch a fashion as to keep it at a normal standard of purity, he should receive 2,000 cubic feet per hour. 1 have been thus particular in giving the dimensions and ventilation of this model .school-room, because I believe there is a crying necessity for such an improvement all over this Province. In the Toronto schools, where you would naturally expect, that the be.st results would be obtained, from a large eutlay of money by the Public School Board, over- crowding and bad ventilation are generally noticeable. As a proof of this a.ssertion I will read you some notes, which I made recently on the venti- lation of some of the largest and best conducted schools of our city. April 4th, 1887, 3 p.m., E.vamination of the ventilation of the Church Street School. Koonp, on second floor (girls), cubic measurment, 11,400 cubic feet ; usual number of occupants, pupils and teacher, 05 ; cubic air space per head, 17.5 cubic feet: present to-day, 50; test of air by the senses, extremely close and unpleasant; temperature, 79^ heating apparatus, jacketed stove with pure air inlet; outlet, door and six windows, but one window was slightly open at the top. There were outlets at the base of the room, but there was no draught in them. April 5th, 1887, 2.30 p.m. Examination of the ventilation of the Wellesley Street School. Room on the ground floor (boys) : cubic measure- ment, 10,500 cubic feet; usual number present, 51 ; cubic air space per head, 206 ; test of air by the senses, very close ; temperature, 64= ; heat- ing apparatus, hot air ; inlets, two 13 by 18 registers ; outlets, two registers near ceiling, six windows, one of which was lowered from the top. N.B.— The teacher remarked that after recess, the air soon became foul. April 18th, 2.20 p.m. Examination of the ventilation of school-rooms m De La Salle Institute. Room on ground floor (boys) : cubic space, 8,680 cubic feet ; persons usually present, 31 : cubic space per head, 280 cubic feet; heating apparatus, stove ; temperature, 66° ; hygrometer, D.B. 61 66°, W.B. bay, U.K. 54; inlets and outlot«, one door ami two windows, all closed ; test of air by the senses, close. Upper room (girls) : cubic measurement, 7,533 ; persons usually pre- sent, 28 : cubic air space per head, 269 ; heating apparatus, stove ; tem- perature, 66^ hygrometer, D.IJ. 66^ W.]J. 55^ R.H. 56; inlets and outlets, one door and two windows, the latter both lowered at top ; test of air by the senses, not very close. From these figures we can draw certain conclusions : 1. The room in the Church Street school was overcrowded (175 cubu feet per head). The heating was excessive (79^). The ventilation almost nil, one window out of six being slightly open at the top, and as u natural consequence the air of the room was extremely close and unpleasant. 2. In the Wellesley Street school, the cubic air space (206 cubic feet) is somewhat larger ; the temperature is excellent (04°) ; but the hot air apparatus does not introduce a sufficien. y of pure air, or carry away, even with the assistance of an open window, the foul air, Ijecause th.; air tested by the senses is very close, and, according to the teacher, is rapidly spoiled after recess. 3. In both the rooms at the De La Salle Institute, the temperature 66°, and the relative humidity, 56, were good. The cubic air space in the girls' room (269 cubic feet) was an improvement on that allowed in the Public Schools, and as two windows were kept open, the air was not close. In the boys' room, though the cubic measurement was larger (280 cubic feet), owing to the doors and the windows being closed, the air was close. I may here remark, that in ventilating a school-room by the natural method, much depends on the teacher, and something, also, on the pupils. If the teacher, owing to recent illness, tendency to rheumatism, poverty of the blood, or some other cause, objects to draughts, soon after recess the air of the room becomes close, and some of the pupils will complain of headache, or become listless and unfit for study. In other instances, the teacher recognizes the necessity of fresh air for himself and pupils, and lowers the windows. This causes a down draught, to avoid which, pupils near the windows have to be removed to other and more crowded portions of the room. According to my observations, girls do not complain of down draughts as much as boys, and I think, that this evidence of greater hardiness may arise from the fact, that girls being accustomed to wear their hair long, and generally wearing a lighter head-dress than boys, are not so susceptible to cold about the head and neck. f. '. ^^H' ■ !'| ^^^^^^^■1 s; ■■I }!' ^^H '■ '''. ^^^p 1 ^^^^^Bi « ■ 1 r* 62 I woul.l not have you suppose, however, that all our Toronto schools are badly ventilated. A public school recently erected on Brock Avenue is ventilated after the Hmead-Dowd system. This plan was originally invented by the Hon. Mr. liuttan, of CobourK. Ontario. In winter, the outside air heated by passing through tubes situated around a furnace, is distributed to the sevoral rooms by ample in .ts, and, after warnung then., is removed at the base lino through outleta of nearly the same capacity. Oood distri- bution IS thus secured as the iresh air passes in its downward flight by the breathing line of the pupils. On leaving the roon.s by these outlets, the foul air passes beneath the floor, which it warms, is collected in the base- ment in receiving chambers, and thence discharged into the outer air by a fluo, which is heated by the smoke stack of the furnace. I„ calm weather in summer, instead of a furnace a small heater is used, in which a few pounds of coal are burned to keep^ up a good draught of air in the exit flue. January 26th, 1887. 3.45 p.m. Examination of the ventilation of Brock Avenue School. Upper room (girl«) : cubic measurement, 10,780 feet; persons usually present, 59 cubic space per head, 183 feet • tempera- ture, 07° J hygrometer, D.B. 07^ W.B. 53^, R.H. 41 J; anemometer; size of inlet. 4 square feet ; air entering per minute, 276 linear feet • air entering per hour, 16,560.1inear feet ; cubic feet of air entering per hour 06,240 ; number of changes per hour, 6-1 ; door closed, and four windows closed ; test of air by the senses, not close. May 13th, 3 p.m. 1 again examined the ventilation of the same room, my principal object being to test the air for carbon dioxide. The door was closed ; one window was open at the top. There was no fire in the heater, but the cold air inlet in the basement being open, the fresh air flowed into the room with sufficient rapidity to change the air about twice in an hour. As long as the window remained open at the top there was a good current in the outlets ; on closins: the window the outgoing current ceased. The wind was S.E., and very light; temperature in room, 70°; persons present, 52 ; test of air by the senses, not close ; tested by Blockmann's apparatus, -800 carbon dioxide per 1,000 vols. ; average age of the pupils ten years. ' The head master, Mr. Muir, informed me that, in an experience of eighteen years in city schools, the Brock Ave. School was the only one m which he could teach with perfect satisfaction, both his pupils and 68 himself being aa bright and cheerful at 4 p.m. as Ihey wer« at 9 a.m. And this result he attributed largely to the fact that the school-rooms wore well ventilated. I do not conHi.ler the ventilation of the Brock Ave, school perfect. The rooms are overcrowded, but I feel quite satisfied, that, with an air space of 300 cubic f..et per head, and the Smea.l-Dowd system of ventilation, the air of a school-room would bo reasonably pure. The estimation of the volume of carbon dioxide gaa it contains is at present the only experimental method of judging of the o^ndition of the air in enclosed areas, and therefore it is important from a .anitar. ; oint of view, to possess an easy and rapid means of ascertaining i le ainoun. of this gas' present 'in the atmosphere. Several plars have kyt.CT^^ate.>«».-«,m;||. riUHlMiiiti 66 Cannot the defects be largely eliminated? To this question we addressed ourselves. Experience had pointed out the following as the most serious defects : (1) The air as it enters the rooms is too hot, too dry and parched. (2) It is all but impossible to lead the hot air to the wind- ward side of a large and high building. (3) We have found it very expensive and somewhat dangerous in very cold weather. While investi- gating these questions, our architects brought to our notice the Smead-Dowd system of warming and ventilating buildings. I need not describe this system, as the last speaker has ably done so. I shall, however, note some points m which I believe it is an improvement on all other systems of hot or warm air with which I am acquainted. (1) It introduces a very large supply of air, brings it into contact with furnaces of unusually great capacity, thus t«amm^, the air by bringing it into contact with a moderately heated surface. (2; This warm air is then conveyed to the rooms, where it at once displaces the cold and foul air, thus securing ample ventilation. (3) At the furnace there is a valve, regulated from the room above, by means ^l which warm air from the furnace, or cold air from outside, or partly warm and partly cold air can be brought into the room, thus regulating perfectly the degree of warmth, but never cutting off the supply of fresh Air. (4) From the rooms the foul and colder and heavier air is drawn away from the base and conducted down to the basement, a natural and ■easy process, where it is collected and carried away by a great ventilating shaft. In this ventilating shaft there is a small furnace to give an upward draft when there is no fire in the furnaces in the summer. This system is not perfect, yet it seems to us to be nearer perfection as a system of heating and ventilation than any other, and hence we have adopted it, and are now having it introduced in a building. A dry-closet system is connected with it, but that will probably come sup for discussion at a later hour. Discussion. B.A., said :— There is urgent need of directing T. J. Lennox, Esq, peoples' attention to the matter of ventilation. School houses, especially in rural sections, and in winter are notoriously ill provided with means of ventilation. The same remark applies to sleeping rooms. Man- people, to escape the imagined dangers of «« night air," shut themselves In most bedrooms There is but little Mani 67 into small sleeping rooms, and are slowly poisoned, ventilation may be had by opening the windows, danger of catching cold if a direct draught be avoided. In schools and other public buildings the difficulty is to secure good ventilation and a sufficiency of warmth. Coal stoves and hot-air furnaces permit the escape of carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide, both poisonous. A thoroughly good method of ventilation and heating is yet to be dis- covered. The Sraead-Dowd system, described by Professor V/olverton appears to fulfil most but not quite all of the requirements. Cold air has but little capacity for moisture, but the capacity rises with rise of tempera- ture. Winter air taken into our houses and heated ought to be supplied with sufficient moisture to maintain its relative humidity. Otherwise it extracts it from the lungs and air passages, and feels dry and unpleasant. No adequate provision for a supply of moisture to the air is made in the Smead-Dowd system. J. A. Fowler, C. E., said .—I was architect for Brock Avenue School, the first of the schools of Canada in which the Smead-Dowd system of heating, ventilation and dessicating closet was adopted. I had had considerable pre- vious experience in school matters, and knew that thousands of dollars had been ipent in endeavouring to obtain thorough ventilation and sufficient heating in school-rooms. From experience I find that the Smead-Dowd system fills all reasonable requirements and has stood tests well. The rooms at Brock Avenue school are U feet high, 35 feet long and 25 feet wide and contain 12,250 cubic feet of air, an allowance of 245 feet of air per pupil. This volume was changed seven times per hour, and when the thermometer outside stood below zero the temperature was easily maintained at 68° and 70°, and this by the consumption of 95 lbs. of coal per room per day— in this four-roomed school 380 lbs. of coal (soft or gas coaH per day added, to which we must credit the apparatus with having warmed two corridors each 10 feet by 45 feet, same height as rooms. The apparatus was put in whilst the building was in progress and I availed myself of the opportunity of using this heat for drying out the plaster, which it did eflTectually. Mr. Fisher, the practical man of Smead, Dowd k Co., raised the heat to 138° and 140° Fahren, or so much so that I had to cause the tires to be damped because it started wood work to shrink which had been most thoroughly kiln dried. The great success of this system appears to be the means of easUy raising a very large body of air to any desired temperature, a copious 68 'I ': I, i I supply of fresh air being needed to ensure the ventilation of any building. The peculiar form of furnace easily effects the warming. The sizes of inlet and outlet openings are matters of calculation and not hap-hazard. Another great advantage of this system is the ease with which closet arrangements can be perfected, free from unhealthy emanations. As used in our schools these are placed in the basement, and the warmed vitiated airs are collected into a fair-sized room, thence passing over the top of the excreta, absorbing any volatile matter and gas aid dessicating the solids compHtely, so that it is a matter of perfect astonishment in how short a time not only solids but liquids are conveyed away. I might mention that the draught is maintained in summer by auxiliary stoves, placed at the ijot of the upcast shafts; and these stoves can be main- tained at a trifling cost and little trouble. The cost of the apparatus at Brock Avenue School was $800 to Smead, Dowd & Co. In building a new school, structural work would not cost any more than ordinarily is the case. Setting the furnace, etc., would cost about $150 additional, so that for less than $1,000 four rooms can be not only comfortably heated but air can be supplied with so small a proportion of carbon dioxide that the headaches of teachers and pupils in school can be entirely avoided, and greater attention to the studies must result. Add to which the undoubted sanitary conditions which result from the use of the dessicating closets, and I think that I am right in pressing upon the attention of the educationalists and sanitarians the merits of the Smead-Dowd system. The meeting thereafter adjourned. 69 ANNUAL MEETING OP THE ASSOCIATION OF EXECUTIVE HEALTH OFFICERS. The third session of the Conference, set apart as the Annual Meeting of the Association of Executive Health Officers of Ontario, with the Vice- President, Dr. Coventry in the chair, was opened with a service of prayer, conducted by Rev. Robert Sherwiu, of Dundas Street Methodist Church. The chairman, Dr. Coventry, thereafter called upon the Secretary to read the minutes of the last meeting. The following is a copy of the Minutes of the first meeting, which, on motion, were confirmed : — On Tuesday, Oct. 5th^886, an informal meef "ng was held in Shaftes- bury Hall at 4 p.m. Dr. Wm. Canniflf, Medical Health Officer of Toronto, was called to the chair, after Dr. P. H. Bryce, Secretary of the Provincial Board of Health, had in a few words stated how and why the meeting had been called. The following are the gentlemen who were present : — Chairman pro tern., Wm. Canniff, M.D., Toronto, Medical Health Officer; Secretary pro tern., Peter H. Bryce, M.B., Toronto, Secretary Provincial Board of Health; James McLean, Esq., Durham, Cavan Township, Chairman Local Board of Health; Colonel Deacon, Lindsay, Mayor; P. P. Burrows, M.D., Lindsay, Medical Health Officer; J. Coventry, M.D., Windsor, Medical Health Officer ; J. P. Rutherford, M. D., Chatham, Chairman Local Board of Health; D. Marquis, M.D., Brantford Township, Medical Health Officer; S. A. King, M.D., Kingsville, Essex, Medical Health Officer ; Captain Hughes, Lindsay, Sanitary Inspector ; William Oldright, M.D., Toronto, Member Provincial Board of Health ; Geo. Carlisle, Esq., St. Catharines, Chairman Local Board of Health ; S. G. Dalson, Esq., St. Catharines, Mem- ber Local Board of Health ; S. H. Fee, M.D., Kingston Medical Health Officer; J. A. Grant, M.D., Ot.tawa; William Roy, Esq., Owen Sound ; F. Rae, M.D., Oshawa, Mayor. Copies of a proposed Constitution having been previously in the hands of delegates, its consideration was, after a few remarks from Dr. Cannifi*, commendatory of the proposed objects of the meeting, proceeded with. Motion. — It was then moved by Dr. Rae, Oshawa, and seconded by Dr. Rutherford, Chatham : " That the Association be called ' The Asso ciation of Executive Health Officers of Ontario.' " — Carried. The new Association, in Committee of the Whole, thereafter revised and amended the proposed Constitution. After considerable discussion, and the emendation of several clauses, tho Constitution as a whole was adopted on motion of Dr. Bryce, seconded by Dr. Burrows, Lindsay. On motion, the meeting then adjourned till 3.30 p.m., Wednesday, the 6th, for the election of officers and the further transaction of business. Approved as correct. WILLIAM CANNIFF, Chairman. -Mm^saamntumti 70 Second Meeting for Election of Officers. ^ro'^'n^Zf^Z^'^^^^^^ l^S^^- Br- Bryoe, the were on motion approved preliminary meeting, which The following gentlemen were present and became members - • Dr. Elliott, Orillia, Dr. Ross, Woodstock, Dr. Fee, Kingston, Dr. Mclellan, Trenton, Dr. Cameron, Owen Sound, Dr. Tracey, Belleville, Walter Clarke, Guelph, Dr. Sweetland, Ottawa, Captain Hughes, Lindsay, Dr. Powell, Toronto, S. G. Dolson, St. Catharines, Wr<> Duffus, Lindsay, Dr. '^^ irquis, Mt. Pleasant, Dr. (Jrjffin, Brantford, Dr. Burrows, Lindsay, Dr. King, Kingsville, Dr. Robillard, Ottawa, Dr. Coventry, Windsor, I Mr. Whillans, Ottawa, i Dr. Cassidy, Toronto, Dr. Eae, Oshawa, Col. I>r^uw>;;, Lindtay, T^e- C^r:i:M, Tov-onta, Mr. Deal, LJn^^sj-, Jas. McLeai,. CuvJn Tp. Dr. Rvall, iia u'lton. Dr. Howlai: ■, iluntsviile. L>r. Br>oe, Toronto, tion^^Z^ZT^ """ .'^«'«r''«-- "'■ '"""« ™» the dec. ™b,e,„e„tly. Ctheotter oLr"""""" '" *' "«'=' °' P-*"' -d, b.Uo?r- '""""^ «™"'' - «- ^l"'"! officers b, .cc,a>.atie„ or by President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, Dr. J. Sweetland, Ottawa. Dr. J. Coventry, Windsor. Dr. P. P. Burrows, Lindsay. Dr. P. H. Bryce, Toronto. Coulcihf!"^"^"-" ^^"*^^-- -- then elected, by ballot. Members of , SX'Srw'a^^^'"^- irr '''-'% ''-'^'^ Dr. Robillard, Ottawa. Cameron, Owen Sound. point, coming „p i„ executive^local helh «„?k "'"^ '"l^"""' .be ?LSrfo7c,.'iT^A:t,^-t'T^^^ """" "^ ^'^e "a • J - organized. 71 ^ Colonel Deacon then made some remarks, suggesting that each member bring nt w members to the next meeting, after which he moved the follow- Jrg reso.uciop ; — Motion. — Mf /ed by Colonel Deacon, Mayor of Lindsay, and seconded by Dr. Trac 1, Belleville, "That this meeting of Executive Sanitary Off cere .lOw ii, fission, avail themselves of such a representative meeting II om the difffi* at sections of the Province, to place on record a cordial expression of their appreciation of the prompt, kind and courteous manner in which Dr. Bryce, Secretary of the Provincial Board of Health, has invariably performed the onerous duties of the position he so worthily occupies," -Jariied. Dr. Bryco briefly thanked the meeting. Motion, — It was then moved by Dr. Rae, and seconded by Dr. Burrows, " That the Constitution as amended be adopted." Carried. Motion. — Moved by Dr. Burrows, and seconded by Dr. Cassidy, *' That the Executive be instructed to formulate such amendments to the Health Acts as may be deemed desirable ; and that copies thereof be distributed to members, and returned with such amendments to the pro- posed changes, as may be by them thought proper." Some discussion then took place regarding the place of the next meet- ing, after which the meeting adjourned on the general understanding that the Executive would fix the meeting at such time and place as would be likely to best serve the objects of the Association. Approved. J. COVENTRY, Chairman. Various communications, as from Dr. Tracey, Belleville ; Dr. King, Kingsville, were read, regretting that circumstances made it impossible for them to be present. The report of the Executive Committee was then read, and on motion of Dr. Bryce, seconded by Dr. Burrows, Lindsay, was adopted. The following is a copy of the Report of the Executive : — To the President and Members of the Ansociation : Gentlemen, — Your Executive Committee appointed to review the various Public Health Acts of the Province and to urge the introduction of such further legislative amendments thereto as they might deem necessary, beg leave to report, that the various members forwarded to the Secretary such alterations and additions as they had thought necessary and desirable, and that a number of these were incorporated in the proposed He-alth Bill, drafted by the Provincial Board of Health. 72 411 of which IS respectfully submitted. (Signed) p. H. BRYOE, Secretary. «.ou:ir.rrt„:rtrf-reit:tr»' -- The annual election was then proceedPfi wi+K +1, « n • members of Council being elected^- ' ^^""'^ ""^'''^ '''^ President, . . t\ t r. First Vir. P. -^ . " ■ • ^^^^"t'-y, Windsor. ■first Vice-President, . Dr P P u ^co^r..Pr^en,. . • ^^ l' o'; "u^r^ ' Secretary-Treasurer, . Dr P W P m •ur. f'. jj. Bryce, Toronto. Elect Members of Council :— Dr. C. McLellan, Trenton. Dr IT P v. Tty \ n ^ ^' ^- Yeomans, Mount Forest ooi.'c:::tz;t;"'eitttdr°^^''"'''*'--^' ^'«''^«- »^ n„de. the headJ; o7r ^r^ T^ or^r^tlr '""^ .mon for the fetation of Cou,u,itte» „f trisZiaton T/r'" .pec, subjecte, said special co,„u,ittee. to be lp~l I 7^ Association, situated in contiguous localities ' "'''" " ""^ cahiC--~ ^'-™' »■"-"«"-' «-- -..■■ '^ . ''"P""""^ I''""' "'« '"Homing motion was adopted. 78 Moved by Dr. Oassidy, seconded by Dr. Griffin— That the appointment of committeea for practical work, their names, duties and ext«nt, be left in the hands of the Executive. Succeeding this, the following motion was carried : — Moved by Dr. McLellan, seconded by Dr. Cassidy — That the Executive be directed to take measures for obtaining the incorporation of the Association. It was thereafter moved by Dr. Burrows, seconded by Dr. McLellan — That this meeting desires to express its appreciation of the services rendered the Association since its organization by Dr. Sweetland, its past President, and further that the Secretary be instructed to convey to Dr. Sweetland its regret at his absence, and its sympathy for him in the circumstances which have made it impossible for bim to be present. Dr. Yeomans moved, seconded by Dr. Cameron — That the thanks of the Association be tendered to the Mayor, Local Committee, and citizens of Woodstock, for their practical interest shown in public health work, and for the many courtesies extended to its members during their presence in Woodstock. The thanks of the meeting, on motion of Dr. McLellan, seconded by Dr. Ross, were expressed to the Chairman for his able and courteous dis- charge of the duties of the Chair in the absence of the President. The following members were elected during the session, or through application became members: — Dr. D. W. Clement, Dr. McKid, Dr. A. B. Welford, Dr. H. P. Yeomans, Dr. J. B. Tweedale, Mr. S. C. Martin, Dr. W. Burt, Dr. J. B. Lundy, Dr. A. McLay, - Dr. J. McWilliams, Dr. D. Clarke, - Dr. J. Mcintosh, Dr. H. M. MnKav. Dr. King, - Medical Health Officer, Innerkip. Medical Health Officer, Seaforth. Member Local Board of Health, Woodstock. Provincial Board of Health, Mount Forest. Medical Health Officer, St. Thomas. Member Local Board of Health, Beachville. Medical Health Officer, Paris. " " Gait. " " Woodstock. " " Thamesford. Superintendent Toronto Asylum, Toronto. Medical H„- iik Officer, Vankleek Hill. Member Local Board of Health. Woodstock. Medical Health Officer, Kingsville. 74 The following old members attended the meeting, of , . Dr. E. Griffin. . m«..„., x._.. "^ '' ^" ^^•**'- - Jr. E. Griffin. . Dr. 0. McLeUan, Jr. J. J. Cassidy, Dr. P. P. Burrows. ^r. Allan Cameron, iJr. J. Coventry. Dr. P. H. Bryce, Dr. G. W. A. Ross, Medical Health Officer, Bra « *) ^wen Sound. Provincial Board of HeaUh^T °''' . Member Local Boa;d':riltklTn^^^^^^^^^ Ihe business of thp A P'Pera. ^ • '"'' ""' ■■<«''">g and dJ8«u8,i„n of 75 PAPER Vlir— METHOD OF APPOINTMENT, DUTIES AND OOMl'ENSATION OF HEALTH OFFICERS. By Dr. P. Palmer Burrows, 2nd Vice-President, Medical Health Officer, Lindsay. Mr. ChairToan, Ladies and Gentlemen : It gives me grt it pleasure to be present at this, the first annual meet- ing of the Association of Executive Health Officers of Ontario, and the second sanitary convention held in the Town of Woodstock. My feelings are largely in favor of such gatherings and, although but a ' mble member, unable to add much to the general fund of information, still, I hope to carry away thoughts and ideas useful to the town in which I resido. I shall certainly return with feelings of sincere respect for the good people of Woodstock, and a full appreciation of the kindness experienced during my brief visit. The subject which I am requested to present this forenoon, "The Method of Af)pointme-' Dutie. and Compensation of Health Offix;ers," will not iiy • our patience to any severe degree, as I intend that my remarks shall be brief, h" ugh the question is of great interest and should secure a fair shan jf consi( ation and provoke discussion. To my mind no duty entirely ,3 hands of municipal councils is more important than the selection of competent Health Officers and the forma- tion of efficient Local Boartis. It is but fair to add that, taken as a whole, the trust L is not been misplaced j especially is this true with -gard to Medical Health Officers, the chief advisory officials. I am sure you will quite agree with me that those in your immediate neighborhood with •vhom you are acquainted, as well as those present from a distance whom you have had occasion to hear and see, reflect every credit on their official positions. I am pleased, indeed, to pay this deserved compliment to our municipal corporations and their appointees, the Medical Health Officers ; still I am not prepared to recede from my personal conviction, that to fully serve the wise purposes intended by the Public Health Act, HeaLh Officers should be elected by the popular vote, and directly and only res- ponsible to the peopli They should have control of n micipal . unds for such sanitary work as m their judgement is wise and proper, and in as Por.tion.Lve not U ' utr^^ i:Tr" """ ""'""'» "■" "- "tend .h.t gener„„. ,„pp;; r,.!: 't "°"°*'"°- ™»^ '"' '» the bond of Wendrtin l^ . .. f- ^^ °" """""■J' ^l". '"J ."omen. the ;,*&„ „;,„^, re,„irS^ . „ H, ,^7 '"""""'' "^ tendency .o inerti. and dec. To'', Tl . °"' '" "'"'' ' Per^ona, k„„„,ed«e, J^Z Zn^rL^^/ "^' "°- one. «ve,, individual „,e. • a!uion. .: do Kta"!" T ' '""^ men of nerve anrl am-Jf - j ^ " -»« nis duty. They were -provodehape !j. leeea'nV"™ '"'^"'' '"'«"* "" "o- » »Uch,„chdi.„^eX, ! °^7 "'°°^ '"""^'' "P°"' P-"'"»i" pro.pt .ctionT;:x;r::'d n't"' '""'°"'^- »-' "^ "•- «»"n.e fomidlell , "^ ° "' ""Phtheri. which thm..e„«l to e lormiaawe proportions was efleotuallv stamueH ™,t tu fclly considered the question at water .„„„l7 T? "°'' °"°- advised immediate aetion ,1 7 '^'^ '^ '"'' '*™'" <'™°««<'. '"'l this importantpott Then ™ f rr™""""'' •■"' "•■- ""^ "-!>«" the o„„'noil,o!s' t'taphl!;;; hM t ''"""^ '^ ^^ — ^ «unds, p^.... to consider ^therx:::, iVrZ-irt^ - they became discourairprl tJ,^;„ • a ^ °™ *""* ti^ne .^at ™m.i„sisa Te::"!': eTortoft ""'T' "" '" Itisnowamatterof^incnia ^, *''^"' S°^ intentions. '0. the t^n^ttnlr;^^^^^^^^ the common experience K.„ T ^'"" ''*™"Pt'<»' I take to be «.at if Local Boall t elt* ""y' "°'^°" ""' ">°-"8'"^ «"- -eh a position that th ^ can e p„:, !"*' " ""1 '"^ °°"^ ^''^^ '» =:rei::r£^^^^^^^^^ ^^. =on.id:r:;:-r,th:: z-ratt::!™^' " - sho^vrz: :^tr :: "^ .dr^ " hea,tho«::!rL what Indeed, on considCinrhetvel'L^riT '' 1T""'' ™"°'"="'- dorfuli. Circumscribed' cramperan"m efit^ T e "' ?';■""''= ™- the wisdom of o„r legislatn- ° .„'*"'"'; "''■ ^ '"'''""'"• "' legisiatn ., who are apt to regard with suspicion 77 advanced public meaaureB and improve by such emendations as make the law almost inoperative. I am quite sure the several Health Acta do not appear on the Statute Books as originally drafted by my friend, Dr. Bryce, the worthy Secretary of tho Provincial Board. I need not quote particulars to exemplify this, as these Acts in all their minutae are fanuliar to you. I will merely say that the authority given Boards of Health and especially the Medical Officers, is not sufficiently arbitrary, the words "or other med- ical practitioner " too often dividing tho responsibility and the little word " may " qualifying his duties and powers, as well as that of the Board ; and I am sorry to say the Act of 1887 is open to similar objections. Throughout all is the one weakness that Local Boards cannot successfully finance, even in the smallest particular. All their accou nts go before the municipal fathers and are of course passed with that cheery nonchalance so characteristic of those benevolent christians. Outside and beyond these troubles the live Health Officer will find plenty to engage his attention. It is his first duty to be vigilant and active, to anticipate the advent of epidemic and other diseases, to remove and remedy such unsanitary con- ditions as provoke disease, study the character of the locality over which he has supervision, strenuously advocate improved and effectual drainage, and insist upon a bountiful supply of pure water for domestic purposes ; see to the cleansing of wells, cellars, highways and byways, and have his inspector regularly visit every house and suspected locality, and regularly report. In his hands is placed most sacred interests, which he should properly realize and faithfully serve. He should be prepared for every emergency and should not allow the enemy to gain an entrance before he defends the citadel — he must not awake to find the plague-stricken corpse at his feet. The Local Health Officer has important, but not very onerous duties to perform. He does not require to devote very largely of his time, not certainly more than any intelligent citizen would willingly contribute, but with the Medical Health Officer it is different, lie is required to reflect and mature his views and to direct by wise counsel, anil is open to severe comment, sometimes unkind criticism ; the correctness of his suggestions questioned, and even his confreres in Medicine will not at all times extend that sympathy which is his due. For these reasons I think his position should be permanent, so long as he proves himself a qualified and efficient officer, and his services remuneratoj by stated salary. The amount need ,mitm 78 not b. princely, but it, ho„ld be commensurate with hi, dutie, and call. nominal, m cities and towns m proportion to population. ^ inere remains but one mom fJinnrrV,* *i, ™.™ion o^o^hoo. Ta::;rti\r:ror^^^^^^ evidenced in their coLLti:^ Id h Lrl'ltT 1 '*" ". "' and convenienPPH Tk , introduction of modern comforts evidence, of official carele^nesr d„!t K f ° °°' "'"'^ "^^ ^""'"f' later indelibly leave th 7 I , " '"'' ""^S'^' """o-- "' externally. x'^ITU': 171*;? t:™"'' '"T"^ "" these walls some 500 000 1,V ^'^ "°°^''"'* ^^*hin e.econtrary_a:;nr:;::Tp,!Z^^^^^^^^ '» -hether the MedirafHfa lot T^ '°*' J-Os"""'"' trusteeBoard, ^Wered, and very .eld„,„ is t Ll t:~;Lf it T. "°"- every district a Medical Health Officer should a « ■"" '" ».hools, I think that even more than ttl „ "' ^'"''"^'- °* should be a Provincial Salr T " ""°"' " '"''"'^^' There l^ievances thaT Z L! Ti h thr't ? """' "''°" ""^°'™ '""■ «'=«"S our scholars. Wsita^irn t;:hlrhthl'''^'"''r*°' or complaint- see that di.t ■ , ■ *"■" ""y ""i ""Slect alive to hygie;J . *'lt "' """"="•"■ "»" ""*<> B-'O' 're Lly enforced. Wh n Ce crsirth?,""™'""' '"' "■•* '"'^ ''^ P™'-"' that could be prevridb^tr' l"'' P'^P^-" «« 'icknessand death -e,opin.peLiri:rc::rt:r::i^^^^^^^^ , !,i.^t „r ^Ue cwentjr-iour 79 f hours six are spent in school-rooms, and that this continues ten, twelve or fifteen years; that the evil effects of our system of teaching do not stop with school hours, but follow the child with its load of books (mostly trash as far as sound useful knowledge, social position and future prospects of the child are concerned), we fully realize the importance of better supervision. Dr. Oldright, at your convention last year said : « He could not under- stand why trustees did not endeavour to bring about a better state of affairs " We need not question. The Registrar General's Report gives the reply in letters that one who runs may read. Of the three professions— Divinity Law and IVFedicine-the death rate was fifty-eight years ; teachers below fifty (males, fifty ; females, thirty-eight). There is nothing per se in the occupa^ tion of teaching that should place it equal with such callings as are recog- nized as extra hazardous. That you may be satisfied that there is some- thing very wrong, I refer to the British Registrar General's report in which clergymen are given first place, school-masters rank only fourth on the list and physicians far below either. The fact that in this Province the position is largely reversed to the disadvantage of teachers, satisfies me that your attention should be directed towards the sanitary improvement of our public schools, and that if such officer as I suggest is not thought advisable, stated authority should be given Medical Health Officers that such evils as produce these disastrous results be remedied. Let us see to it that our little men and women are developing in mind and body, and that the true equilibrium be maintained ; let us see that they grow stron<» and good, physically, morally, spiritually, ar ^ that those who, in the course of nature, will soon fill our places, shall be men and women in truth and in deed. I thank you for your considerate hearing. The consideration of the subject was continued by Dr. William Burt Paris, Medical Health Officer, reading the following paper :— PAPER IX.— By Dr. William Burt, Pakis, Medical Health Officer. Mr. President and Gentlemen : I quite approve of the present method of appointment of Health Officers. I do not know that it could be imnroved on P.«^ fu ^ fact that the method has not been changed, after a searching inquiry II li ^ 80 by our Provincial Boar. , by means of circulars to correspondents and Health Officers, goes far to show that no better alternative has been recommended-at least I know of none. In Paris the Municipal Council, in making appointments to the Board of Health, have always appointed a physician one of the members. At the first meeting of the Board of Health for the year, a report has always been drawn up recommending to the Municipal Council names for Medical Health Officer and Sanitary Inspector. In accordance with the wishes of the Local Board the physi- cian thereon has always been recommended as Medical Health Officer. Heretofore the council have always adopted the report of the Board. I have quite fallen in with this way of electing Health Officers although I am only an ex-officer. There are a good many satisfactory reasons why a physician on the Board should be appointed Medical Health Officer. Harmony is more likely to be insured, although, as a rule, I believe medical men are working every day more in harmony. In this case the Health Officer is more familiar and more in sympathy with the work of the Board. I cannot entertain the idea at pres6nt of electing Health Officers by the popular vote, the method would bring medical men into unseemly contest with each other. I believe Municipal Councils are beginning to think too much of themselves to mix up politics with the appointment of Health Officers. Their desire, I believe, is to sustain their reputation for candor by appointing officers, regardless of any political leanings, who will givesatig- faction to the majority of any municipality. The method at present in vogue is somewhat similar to the appointment of High School Trustees and the election of their chairman; and I think few will dispute that the office of chairman of High School Boards is filled by a class of men that leave little to be desired. In regard to the duties of the Medical Health Officer the first, and it is one of paramount importance, is to acquaint himself with sanitary science. The second duty, as a matter of course, is to apply his knowledge to the prevention of disease in a public way. The duties that devolve upon the Health Officer are many. It is his duty to advise the public on all matters that come under the heading of public hygiene. To use the words of another, "it is his province to enlighten the public with regard to drainage, water supply, ventilation, and sanitation generally, and in respect to measures for the prevention and mitigation of epidemic and contagious diseases." ( espondents and itive has been licipal Council, ■ys appointed a the Board of recommending r and Sanitary ard the physi- 3ealth Officer, the Board. I although I am reasons why a lealth Officer, lelieve medical se the Health £ of the Board. Officers by the ' jeemly contest g to think too ent of Health for candor by vill givesati*. esent in vogue astees and the it the office of lat leave little le first, and it ivith sanitary lis knowledge devolve upon public on all use the words ith regard to tnd in respect id contagious 81 h I can only touch upon a few of the duties in the short time at my disposal, and here I might just mention that the people are, as a rule, glad there is such a person as a Medical Health Officer, to whom they can go with their complaints regarding unsanitary conditions. The majority of the people are so much interested in sanitary work that they will compel the minority, as far as it lies in their power, to interes'. them- selves also. There is no difference of opinion among the pe-jple in regard to the aim of the sanitary scientist— that of promoting the public health. All alike wish to see disease eradicated as far as possible; all alike wish to see the public health at its best; al' alike agree that "cleanliness is next to godliness." If cleanliness does not exist it is because of either ignorance, carelessness, want of funds, or self-interest. In the first case it is the duty of the Health Officer to instruct, and where carelessness and self-interest exist to enforce, and he has the power. It is when funds are required to accomplish what is desired that the Health Officer will be often sorely tried. In some cases, it is true, sanitary work is delayed by the aggrandizement of individuals. Sanitary improvements here would interfere with the accumulation of wealth. One of the most important duties of Health Officers is the inspection of schools. Although the recent amendment to the Health La v, auent the report of contagious diseases to teachers, etc., is a considerable advance in legislation, yet I believe it is still left to the trustees to appoint the Health Officer Inspector of Schools. This matter should not be left in this permis- sive way, but should be made compulsory. There is no more effective way for the spread of contagious diseases than our public schools. The Health Officer should be required to report to the School Board semi-annually, or annually at least, which report should be included in the one senc to the Municipal Council. There should bo printed forms, for the use of schools, containing all the rules which should be enforced. Among these should bo one stating the time that should elapse before a child should return to school after having had or been exposed to one of the contagious diseases ; at present it is left to the physician in attendance, which occasionally causes a little confusion. A time should be sot so that it could be said that all reasonable precaution has been taken to protect the public health. What should be done with schools should also be done with the fac- tories. Were this matter attended to a difficulty would be goUen over which would relieve the physician in attendance \^iry much. It frequently ^ S2 II ii 1 happens that scarlet fever or diphtheria breaks out in some member of a poor family. Other members of the family desire to continue work, not wishing to have their every means of support taken away. A patient in these poor families can scarcely be isolated sufficiently, A set of rules should be made to meet the requirements of these cases, and I feel sure the families as a rule will a,bide by them. There being at present no rules the physi- cian and the families are oftentimes too lax in the matter. I feel sure that the other factory hands would willingly contribute to the support of those who have been exposed to some dire contagious disease rather than be exposed themselves. A very important duty of the Health Officer is to assist the general practitioner in checking and mitigating epidemics, and to insist on the report to the Local Board of those sick from contagious diseases by the householder or physician in attendance. The general practi- tioner, on the other hand, should do all in his power to help the officer in enforcing the rules. It has occurred to me more than once to find where I had left strict orders in reference to returning to school after recovery from scarlatina, that it was thought dtiving the prohibited time no harm to attend Sunday school. The Health Officer's attention should be especially turned towards our ff ilk supply, and that samples should be obtained at random i^om the consumers and tested at J«^8t twice a year. I shall not a —tim ie this subj*»!t further, except to state twat \k*! Health Officer should work in harsaony with the architect and the erigineer Not many practi- tioners h»v«; or can become, the saK»t«rian, the architect and the engineer combined, it is as easy, if jw>t more so, for the architect and the engineer to inbibe sanitary knowledge as it is for the sanitariiwi to become possessed of all the intricacies of a^dbiuwture and engineeria^ The sanitarian who is a master in thes^ other departments is selclom to J/*: found. He can no more d' without these otiii*;r qualified mem *Jmn the sur^on can do without th*- skilled instrument raals«r You will all dovtii^lam reiaember some instanoe in which the surgeon hm awked the in^mmmt vajiher to make an instruisent for a certain purpose, and the instrum«»* ban been torthcoming. tt^ it is with the architect and engineer -th*»y are willing to supply the wmtB of Oke SHtiiMMm, at least in that direction. lb regard m the eo«|iensation of Heaich Officers, it m aow beinnning to be generatifly aiaiftft li i ami acted upon t1ia« it is ie^ «wtiy to prevent disease timm to €»re M. h »fflim to sanitary at^ well m otb^tr matten #nt " a i^iMll m tkmm §mrm mrte." It is » food xnvestmeMt for Huf- peoirfe te tetve the Gmmmtf well tn^ifff^ mfitfc Health OlfieMtt iHbo will perform 83 member of a ue work, not A patient in f rules should '6 the families ies the physi- . I feel sure he support of e rather than h Officer is to emics, and to m contagious eneral practi- the officer in to find where fter recovery le no harm to be especially 3 obtained at I shall not 3fficer should many practi- the engineer the engineer >me possessed nitarian who He can no n do without Msmber some r to make an lorthcoming. o supply the bejrinning t» y to prevent tb«!r matten or iim peooie will psrform their duties faithfully and well. It is like a good insurance society, for money saved is money gained. Every Health Officer is an officer of the State, works directly in the interest of the State, and as such should receive State recognition — be paid by the State. The State already recognizes the indispensable services of the physician to the public by exempting him from serving as a juror, a municipal councillor, or a com- batant officer. No class of people have their time more taken up by urgent necessities than the physician. No other profession has its time so disar- ranged as the medical. The physician's time, in a great measure, is not his own. Cases of emergency come weekly if not daily, and there is no set hour of the day for them to appear. The physician in the interests of humanity responds to the call of the sick and the injured. I should say $3,000 or a large city like Toronto, is a very moderate estimate for a competent Health Officer like the one they now possess. The lowest salary given by any municipality, rural or v'llage, should not be under $50. Salaries of places between these two extremes should be in proportion to the size and the amount of work required. The medical man as a rule is not an extravagant man. His life is devoted to scientific pursuits, and this. Sir, is quite incompatible with much social or wealthy display. If wealth comes to the medical man, he of all others is safest with it, for if any enjoyment of the purse takes place it is very apt to build a hospital or go to some other beneficent purpose. To be paid for one's services by corpora- tion and private individuals who are well able to do it, is a great incentive to perform our duties. A medical man's zeal for the deserving poor never relaxes. Gratitude and a happy state of conscience are his reward. The physician feels that the poor are entitled to and will freely get his profes- sional skill as well as the rich, and much more cheerfully than to the nig- gardly wealthy or the grumbling one. A medical man's zeal is apt to lessen at all, if it ever does, when he is extending, as bountifully as he can, his services to the poor and it is asked for on the same terms by rich corpora- tion and miserly individuals. Discussiov. Dr. Burrows, Lindsay, advocated thf ^-spi' .aic education of males and females, the preser.t system in muny ca.iitia . ; ',-t;fjSsitating the erection of ladies' colleges. Dr. Ross, Emhro, said : The Medical Health Officers should have a 8u/,*;„„ __j _■__«• • ■.. . . J : ■■ ■; "^" *"" inoiiensive aismfectant for vessels and closets used by patients, and its free use during and after all infectious 87 of course, the usual precaution that it is very poisonous. Funerals after death, from any of the diseases mentioned, are r- ducted privately, and as soon after death as arrangements can be made wilh the undertaker. This official, if he is abreast with the times, is well armed with powerful dis- infectants, and should see to it that the hearse and carriages occupied by members of the family are thoroughly fumigated afterwards. We have not placarded typhoid fever, measles.nor whooping oough, fearing that too much placarding would defeat the object we have in view. It would become too common, and cease to be recognized as a danger signal. The system of reporting, without delay, the presence of a contagious disease to the Health Officer, being once thoroughly established, that officer should, if possible, ascertain the source of the contagion. Jf no other cases are known in the municipality, a searching effort should be made to find •■ ^ it came from. If it spreads, and he is well acquainted with his cons .ncy, he can generally group his cases. Does it prevail in a neighbourhood, or on the line of a sewer ? Do they use the sau.e well or 18 the milk supply the same ? Do they attend the same day or Sunday school, or church? Are they relatives ? Have they been at the same parties, picnics or excursions together? Does it prevail among visiting friends ? Has any friend visited lately from a distance ? Have new clothing or articles likely to convey disease, been lately brought to the house? These are only a few of the many hints which may be derived from a close study of the reports and other sources of information, and if the Health Officer is a good detective, he will generally be able to circumvent the disease. The reluctance on the part of an insignificent number of the medical profession, and a few "kickers," having no other means of letting the world know they are in existence than by opposing all improvements, may give but a passive approval to the systematic placarding, isolation and disinfection of contagious disease, and they may even bluster about resisting it, but their threats are easily overcome. By impartially dealing with all, we have impressed the public with the idea that we are no respecters of persons, that we have the same law for all, no matter what their station or influence m&^ be. We apply the maxim of suaviter in modo et fcrtiter in re, especially the latter part of th^ quotation, and the result is a united community and a unanimous nro- fession at our back, ready to raise the " hue and cry " if it were necessary against any one that attempts to defy or evade our humane re^'ulaUons I ■'•# 88 Such iH the experience of the town of Windsor, after five years applica- tion of the foregoing methods. A discussion, taken part in l,y various other members, brought out still further the practical points of the paper. The last subject of the programme, " Dry-Karth Disposal and .Sewerage " was discussed at some length. ' Br. K (Jriffin, lirantford, said : He regretted that the time at his dis- posal had prevented him from preparing a set paper on the subject, but spoke at some length on the practical advantages lirantford was .leriving from the daily increasing adoption of dry-earth closets. He stated that no new houses were allowed to sink privy-pits, and many householders in the busmoss centres were required to replace existing pits by dry-earth closets What IS required to complete the system i.s, in his opinion, a system of small sewers, for removing house slops and such sewage from water-closets as may have a good supply of flushing water. Dr. Thrall, Woodstock, stated : That serious illness would prevent him from doing more than show his interest in the Convr-tion and its objects He wished, however, to indicate the extreme i.-.>„i Cmce that the dry- earth disposal of excreta must be to every tov... ..,i!«.ut a public water supply or a system of sewerage. The growth, c^nt.rprise and health of Woodstock, as well as its geological conformation, aU .xlike demanded that the old-time preventive methods of a pit in the ground be at once done away with in the interests of public health and public decency. Others present discussed the subject until the hour of adjournment arrived. The lunch provided by the Local Committee, representing the citizens was a most enjoyable affair. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman, in well' chosen remarks, expressed their sense of the importance of the study of State Medicine and of the gratitude due to the promoters of the Conven- tion from the people of the town. From the financial standpoint alone the sanitary affairs of the town demand constant care and watchful super- vision, and they trusted that ere long they would see such improvements as indicated by the prominent sanitarians who had spoken, carried out by the Local Board and Town Council. The health of th. visitors was pro- posed and briefly responded to by the President of the Association and several other gentlemen, after which the final adjournment of the several most successful sessions of the Convention took place.