The evening world., 1890-06-23
4 London Society Which Teaches
Health to All Classes
Paupers and Royalty Are Among
its Pupils.
Nell Nelson Tells How It Would
Benefit New York.


That Ia what the National Health So
ciety, Of London, aims to do.
The organization Is twenty years old,
having been founded In 1870 by the cele-
brated DR.. 5choheld. and is under the
patronage Of the Duchess Of Albany, the
Duke and Duchess Of Westminster and
the Princess Christian.
II is an institution Of growing impor-
tance. which labors to establish sanitary
instruction for tho poor and rich alike.
Under its auspices lectures on all topics
relating TO health are given in the city
and suburbs of London, at which prince
and pauper are in attendance. Following
these lectures and oral lessons exnmina-
tions are held, and as an incentive prizes
are offered for the best set of papers.
At the last examination, which was held
on the 9th ult. in seventeen different
centres or sections of London. the Count
ess Victoria Gleichen and Lily de
Brienen, daughter of Baroness de Brie-
men, passed with distinction, while among
those who received high averages were
Lady Birkbeck, Lady Ebrington, Hon.
Mrs. Mark Napier and others. Medals
were presented to six young ladies'
These facts are given merely to show
the interest taken in the Society.
In the classroom DR.. Schofield is
ably assisted by Miss Ada s. Ballin, who,
having divided the poor parts of London
into sanitary districts. goes through the
slums-and in q hall secured for that pur-
pose endeavors to enlighten the poor
mothers and young women who go
to her. Leaflets on health are
distributed through the neighborhood,
and in times of epidemic full instructions
for prevention are sent broadcast. At the
mothers meetings lessons are given in
cooking at regular times, nursing is
taught. model dresses for babies exhibited
and to make the instruction all the more
interesting O babe is borrowed from q
poor mother, washed before the audience
and dressed from q supply Of fresh new
clothing.
Often q frightened ragamuffin Is cap-
tured on the street corner and for prom
ised farthing allows himself to be bathed,
his hair combed and cut. his famished lit
tie body made trim and tidy and his
bruised feet put in shoes that fit and
stockings selected for their wearing quail
ity. In this way practical advice is given
on the purchase and making of clothing
At the evening classes workingmen are
welcomed, and plumbers, gas-ftters,
house cleaners and janitors attracted by
the presence of men of science. skill and
popularity, who come prepared with
papers worthy of publication and pres
ervation because of their practical sugges-
tions.
Special lecture courses are given by the
Society in home nursing. houseoleaning,
dietetios, invalid cooking and domestic
economy. From these classes ladies are
graduated and subsequently, trained as
sanitary missionaries TO go through the
poor quarters and give maternity lectures
and house to house instruction in the care
of infants and young children.
Now plan has been developed for the
systematic education of young girls and
women in physical and domestic hygiene
by means of illustrated lectures. oral reci-
tations and thorough examination.
These lectures will embrace subjects
relative to the structure and functions of
the human body. with theories for the
prevention Of disease, cures for minor
ailments, the management of infants and
treatment Of MANTLE diseases, the care
of old age, sanitation of the home and the
chemistry and preparation of food stuffs.
Not only are schoolgirls eligible to
this course, but it will be made valuable
for young mothers and accessible to the
nurse maids to whose ignorance so much
physical distress is due.
Through the influence of patrons and
subscribers, the National Health Society
has been powerful organization. Dep
utations have been sent to Parliament for
the maintenance of parks, breathing
places and open squares in crowded
localities; smoke abatement committees
have been formed. health boards en-
larged, the efficiency of public inspectors
increased, the usefulness of the police
force extended, and in case of sanitary
neglect petitions have been sent TO the
House and the errors corrsctedat once.
In its present condition New York
conld very we'll utilze an organization of
this sort. There is vast amount of work
In our slums awaiting the influence Of
sanitary mission. Evangelists and tenn
perancs apostles having experimental
with the material found in the Mulligan
Marsh and on Cherry Hill. it might pay
to establish . crusade against defective
sanitation. oVererowded tenements.
swillmilk, grocery rubbish, spoiled fish
and fruit, filthy streets and the various
forms of public nuisances.
NELL NELSON.