The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-10-24


The present age is one that IL appearances
are 70 be taken "a test, has little respect fol
the customs. habits and traditions Of the past
the evidences of this iconoclastic spirit being
observable in every lranch of thought and ID
every line Of action. All the professions 10
feet it, and so does every department OF busi-
ness. Literature itself. which would be ex-
pected TO rely almost exclusively upon those
| fundamental principles which are old as
the ages. because as old AS nature and hu-
msnity, is giving a thousand indications OF
the influence which is exercised upon it by
the transforming and destructive spirit that
is abroad.
Society is undergoing the same change.
Habits and customs that had universal prev
aence fifty years ago have fallen into such
disuse that the present generation is unaware
that they ever existed. Modes of thought
have either passed away or been radically
modified. There is hardly a phase Of con-
Temporary social life that is a counterpart OF
ANYTHING that was observed even quarter
of century ago. Probably Tennyson showed
true philosophy when he declared in one OF
his poems that it IS not well even for good
custom to survive permanently, because 1t
might corrupt the world.
There were certain customs. however, which
it would have been supposed would have re-
NAMED until the last syllable OF recorded
time because intimately associated with the
most abiding characteristics ofhuman nature.
Take kissing. for instance. a custom that came
in with Adam and Eve. Who would have
thought that this performance. which lad its
first precedent at the very origin of the
human species. would at this late day for any
cause whatever be exposed to the prospect
of universal condemnation? And yet If the
dicta OF a number of leading scientists, both
European and American, are 10 be accepted
and acted upon in ordinary life the inter-
change Of kisses will soon be relegated TO that
limbo where there is to DO found so much
that was beautiful and lofty and delightful
in social life
4 distinguished physician Of Berlin an
nounces that through the instrumentality Of
kissing at least twenty different species Of
bacteria are lodged in the human mouth,
and that i the human race desires topromote
the health Of the world II would muzzle with
resp.rator every individual VINO showed the
slightest disposition TO indulge taste for
kissing
The Baltimore Sun has interviewed two
leading physicians of its city on this opin-
ion of the Berlin scientist and their views
will be found to be very interesting
Dr. Grim said that kissing was prolific cause
of the spread Of infectious and contagious
diseases, particularly such as diphtheria.
measles. whooping cough scarlet and typhoid
fevers and consumption. He produced sew
eral ponderous volumes in which the subject
was treated and in which some cold blooded
statistician had figured it out that three and
two tenths per centum OF certain diseases
were transmitted by the apparently harmless
kiss. DR.. Grim said he didn't expect that any
amount OF argument would check the habit
which has been going ON since the foundation
Of the world, but he suggested that it would
be well for those who are much given 10 the
exercise to obtain certificates Of health. which
they could show 10 each other at the begin
ming OF each performance. Any ono who
could not produce such certificate should be
ruled out Of the game.
DIR. Fannie Z. Hopes who has just re-
turned from abroad, agreed with the Berlin
physician. She said that the habit was a very
dangerous one indeed, causing the spread of
infectious diseases through entire fami-
lies. and often thr ugh whole neighborhoods. |
She also thought the habit was foolish and
senseless, and sad she was opposed to it on |
principle. She cited several cases where diph- !
iberia and typhoid fever had been spread by |
kissing. and said that many mothers have in
structed their nurses not to allow their chill
dren to be kissed when the nurses have them
out in the streets"