New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-05-15
PHYSICIANS AND PLUMBING.
r. CHARLES +. WINGATE IN REPLY TO DIR. HAMll-
To the Edftor Of The Tribune.

To The RAZOR OF The TrtbHhc
SIR: 1t is very gratifying to find physicians
taking much interest in household sanitation as
shown by essays and discussions before the
Academy of Medicine Such discussions calculated
to enighen both the public and the medical profession
and both need such enlightenment Physicians were the
sponsors of sanitary science, and more depends upon
their influence awakening public interest In the subject
of domestic sanitation than any other class III the com
munty 1t is however. indispensable that medical men
should master the principles Of sanitary science before
they cIitice those who make profession OF sanitary
engineering 1t is unfortunately true that the mass OF
the medical profession have not shown such mastery
of this subject and is notorious that physicians homes
are often very unsantary.
DR.. Hamton's arguments in his paper before the
Academy of Medicine the other night, unless he Is
badly reported to contradictory and inconciu
siye He admits that the profession OF sanitary
engineers doing good work. but he thinks that there
is nothing practical in their RECOMMENDATIONS 10
a certain extent the former charge is true, MS the sanl
tary engineer simply breaches The old doctrine Oh hippo
caes-pre SOIL pure air. and pure water-but as TO his
being impracticabc deny. DR.. Hamilton objected that
the engineers recommendations W il not effect wide
sweeping reforms this is simply because his advice
is not usually asked except in case OF houses aHcauy
built and which show positive defects II the engineer
could be consulted advance aud could plan houses as
they should be, following out some of the very susSe
lions which DR.. Hamilton makes 10 isolaion OF plumb
Z,
and honest workmcn TO do the work. it wonld be d1er-
cnt matter; but only lately have houseowners thought
Of taking this course and the result Is seen in the 10000
houses in NewYOrk city mostly full Of sanitary defects.
have had unusual opportunities personally to inspect
dwellings in NeW-YOrk and TO hear the evidence OF
builders architects Health officers and others to the
condition Of hOuscsn general and the result is convc
ton that such dwelling in ten is SAFE and that
the large majority tit to live in and that this
fac; is the explanation of steadily growing death
rate If il is asked why this is So the same answer
must be given as made by Dr. johnson when he
was asked to explain error I'm his dctmnary- simple
Ignorance" The pubic have been Ignorant the archi
ecs have been ignorant, the plumbers have been igno
rant and less the doctors have been Ignorant and the
question now comes up, what are you going to do
about II p The sanitary engineer alone cannot remedy
the matter the Health officer either, but the whole
community must cease long enough from the hurry and
rush Of oy-making that their homes made
heahul The Plumbing bill is proving great aidin
making houses sanitary, but the 10000 old ones
will never lie made habable until every householder
Dr. Hamilton complains that there is final tribunal
by which rival theories about plumbing may be decided.
But this no of sanitary science than of mcdi
cine sanitary codes of our Boards Of Health, III
The standard literature on the subject in the foru
lated opinions professional sanitafiaus may be- found
certain settled opinions on number OF subjects which
cannot be- gansaid For example, the weight Of santa
ran opinion viii sustain requiring the following essen
tias for every house Frt, dry site second, soa-
ton Of all plumbing fixtures third, that all pipes
should be good material and far possible exposed
to Vew fourth that the should be absolutely cut
The house by trap with an air inlet, and that
all and soil pipes should be extended full size
through the roof, that il leak occurs only diluted
drain air escape into the house, and but little Of
that fifth, separate traps every fixture and ventn-
ton for The same; sixth, abundance Of water 10 flush
wacr-co~cts and lastly properly constructed closets
instead of the cheap kinds found every where. Any
lance upon chemical agencies for purifying drains and
sewers il opposed both to experience and TO common
sense Nothing but thorough ycntla ion and good work
manship viii accomplish this object ana deeply regret
to see Or. Hamilton favor any other means. Putting
OvrrcOat on smallpox patient IL no security against
spreading gon will all the chemicals in the
world make foul water-clOset or q defective drain
sweet and clcany.
must also say word in defence of the aesthetics who
have certainly educated the public in favor of solid work
against sham constructions and To appreciate hard
finished walls, bare floors and open fires, which latter
Dr. Hamilton cOmmcnds. The pcOplJ of New-IOrk
initiate the example OF those OF Great Britain and
pay heed the warning which has there
become prOverbial, Look to your drains"
very little personal examination Of
the interior ARRANGEMENTS of the average house would
open persons eyes To their sanitary defects and
lear greatly reduce the demands medical men.
Dr. Hamilton defends the plumbers and says they do
| good work according to heir knowledge" But IL IL
Just that they deficient. and thorough exam-
Of the plumbers doing business in this city
would show extraordinary Ignorance of the elementary
principles of their calling Therefore the plan Of exam
lining applicants for registration plumbers before the
| Board OF Health is q good move. Very respectfully
CHAs. +. WLNGATE, Sanitary Engineer.
| Nc1c- York MAY 4. 1852