The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1896-01-10

! speaking, and the power of hearing
varies with the weather. This infirm-
ty is often mistaken for mental def
cheney, and if not remedied may, in
the opioion of some authorities, actu-
ally result in weakness of intellect,
while it renders the subject unusually
susceptible to diphtheria. the well-be-
ing of both the pupil and the school
demands the earliest possible surgical
treatment. 1t is contended that the
matter is really of national Importance
to every country, and that competent
medical examiners could achieve Won
ders in the way of preventing life-fail-
ures, by giving attention not only to
the sight and hearing of pupils, but
also to anthrOpometry and general SAN
itary condition.
Not less than 80 varieties of water
microbes-sOme of them probably new
to science-have been found by M. N.
van der Sleen during an investigation
of Amsterdam's water-supply covering
more than years. No cholera bacilli
were at any time found.
X X
A report to the French Academy of
Sciences states that seven we'll equip
ped expeditions have been sent out to
gather material for magnetic map of
the earth.
An account of a strange flora of the
Caucasus has been given by two Swiss
bOtanists, Messrs. SOmmier and Sewer.
This consists of various herbaceous
plants, which at height of about
$500 feet-nearly equal to that of the
summit of Mount WashingtOn-reach
size unknown in the valleys. A cam
panula, usually growing not more than
two feet high, here attains six feet,
with an unpliabie stem; and the large,
kidney-shaped leaves of valerian can
be carried as parasOls, so rigid are their
petioles. The rocks are hidden in this
remarkable plant growth. The Obser-
vers ascribe the luxuriance of the veg
citation partly to the extraordinary fer
tility of the soil. and partly to the
character of the plants, hich are held
to be survivals of the grand flora of an
early age.
The oft mOOted idea of utilizing the
earth's internal heat for power and do
mestic purposes is assuming practica
shape in Hungary. 1t appears that for
many years the artesian wells there
existing have supplied hot water,
which has been used for public baths
and buildings, and for warming green
houses and winter gardens. The plan
is now being seriously considered, it is
stated, of sinking such wells to 1900
or Is 600 feet. 1t is thought that the
water from such a depth would have a
| temperature of about 200o G., and
should, therefore, yield steam for power
as we'll as tue heat required in build
! ings.
BARRIERS in Nordnausen, Saxony, are
required to sterilIze their instruments,
brushes, etc., after using, to avoid
spreading diseases of the skin. A sim
liar law is being sought in Spain,
where it is proposed that the instru-
ments be disinfected after each opera
ton by immersion in a solution of car
bolic acid or corrosive subiimate, and
that scissors and razOrs be heated suffi-
GENTLY to kill any germs likely to be
found on them.
One years record of electric traction
in Europe is an increase in electric
railways from 43 to 20, of the aggregate
mileage from 1S9 to 434, and of the
number of motor cars from 538 to l 1856.
Germany has % lines, aggregating 227
miles; France, IL lines, of 59.7 miles;
England, II lines, of 426 miles. The
overhead trolley is used on 55 out OF
the 20 roads.