The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-11-17

AOV AAO u popular snOuk4O, dnQ Ouc VI the
greatest possible importance. Other men
and ADLER ones followed him into the
field, wrote better books, scientifically
considered. and pushed forward the educa-
ton which he began. But no man can
take away the rightful honor of Calvin Cut
ter. His text books, despite q certain SUI
perhciality and lo~oseness, have surpassed all
others in making the subject fascinating
TO ths unscientifc, and by revisions and
improvements, have held their ground
against all competition, aud are to-day the
adopted authority in the schools of this
couRtry. The study of sanitary principles,
in their general effect, has probably grown
out Of this first impulse of physiology in the
schools. 1t is true that the medical profess
sion are ready enough to talk about
it now, but up to the last
quarter century it was not so.
Previous to that, the motto of the profession
was like st. Paul's on the Trinity, "Great
is the mystery of health and disease"
especially of the latter. Instead of a
mystery, the truth is, great is the stupidity
which fails to detect the causes which slay
the people like sheep and make the solemn
and "skeery" old funeral hymn literally
true:
Dangers stand thick through all the GROUND,
To hurry mortaIs home,
Or away from home where they
ought to stay to a good old
age and then die with decency and COM
posture. The joke is, if one can call it a
joke, that the dangers which stand so thick
are largely created and most reprehensibly
tolerated by the very people who lay the
blame of their dead children and friends
upon a kind and benefcent Providence,
who is fighting, as it were, continually, by
the purifying and restorative energies of
nature to counteract the mischief of man.
we are gradually getting out of
the woods. Intelligent discussions, cou-
veying to the people undoubted
information Of the causes which kill them
will By and by produce a reformation which
will be in reality, salvation. 1t will not be
found even in peverse human nature to
fight against itself long after it is truly en-
lightened. Men will complain of expense,
to be sure, because some would almost as
soon die as to pay taxes, in fact. would much
rather see their neighbors die than to do it.
But when law enlightened. takes hold,
they may squeal but can't get away.
The discussions of the Association
have taken a pretty broad range, and the
theorists ave managed probably it is inev-
itable) like every other class who see that a
good thing needs to be done, to run their
heads against the rock of the federal gov
eminent. They want the general govern
ment to nave its uniformed grandmas to
put all the children to bed and see to it that
everybody is properly cared for. This is the
streak of nonsense which ran
through the otherwise sensible deliberations
ofths association. No matter, the government
papa business will soon be exploded in so
public a manner as TO scatter its advocates.
But that boards of health properly organ
lied and clothed with necessary powers, will
be provided to enforce regulations for the
defense of the people against sweeping cpl
is not to be doubted. The work of
convention alluded to is directed to this
snd, and will hasten it.. There should be
laws, and officers to enforce them,
such as will protect society from the fatal
consequences of carelessness, ignorance and
disregard of the public sa fety.