The Frankfort roundabout. [volume] (Frankfort, Ky.) 1882-1908, 1898-12-31
cOntssiOn and Distinction.

scarlet fever, consumption ana other
Diseases" was the title Of paper by
DIR. w. A. Boiling, read before the
Woman's Club, Monday, December
18th.
We have been told by members of
the Economic Department of the
Waman's Club that the object Of the
courses of lectures or papers, which
the doctors Of Frankfort have been
kind enough to prepare for them, is
not only to instruct the women OF
the Club but to rouse general interest
in the sanitary condition of our city
and familiarize our citizens with the
elementary laws Of hygiene neces-
sary to self-protection and all enlight-
ened charity.
We think, therefore, that we will
best meet the wishes of the women,
and of the learned men who are so
generously and ably assisting them,
by calling attention to the practical
Information given by the papers or
addresses and resisting the tempta-
ton to dwell upon their pure English
and general literary merit.
DIR. Boiling accentuated the fact
that town is as much responsible
for an epidemic as farmer who neg
lects to cut weeds is for the next
years crop.
An epidemic is simply the resultant
of disease germs sowed on favorable
soil; or, in other words, of failure to
Isolate the first victims of infectious
disease, and of unsanitary conditions,
which afford breeding ground for the
germs, and lower the vital energy of
those they attack--one or both.
SIT is never safe to assume any
part of sick room free from produc-
ing like disease, should suitable
soil be found in those who are in at
tendance or go through mere idle
curiosity; as regards consumption
this especially applies" We quote
this passage in full, partly on &C
count OF the fact that more
than half the deaths that occur in
the United States are due to con-
sumption, and partly that, judging
by the total lack of precaution in
many cases, its terrible contagious
ness has never been generally rea-
lized. We have even known OF
mothers allowing their children to
sleep in the same room with con-
sumptive patient. From the moment
this insidiOus disease is recognized,
or even suspected, as rigid, though
fortunately less burdensome, precau-
tions should be taken to protect the
rest of the family, as In case Of
smallpox. The same remarks are
also applicable TO cancer.
DIR. Boiling next discussed "mala-
ria" AS that comes through MAS
matte infection, the only practical
safeguards are to purify or abandon
the malarial region, or, where that is
impossible, to strengthen the resistive
powers Of the system by ridgid adj
herence to every law Of hygiene.
Theory, claims and experience,
notably in the masses of Italy, proves
to some extent. that the sBlue Gum
Tree, "of Australia, the Eucalyptus"
purities the atmosphere by absorbing
the malarial poison.
Some malaria is to be found through
our river bottoms and around stag
nant ponds. Would il not be an ex-
cellent idea for our Board of Health
TO learn first If the tree will grow in
this climate, and, II IL does, plant
some. The planting would be the
only expense, as the trees would be
furnished from Washington.
We are SO in the habit of consider
ing the disinfection of the sick room
a precaution to protect the well that
miy will be surprised to hear that
the doctor urged it primarily on ac-
count of the patient, saying:
"The destruction of disease germs
in the sick room is a most important
part OF the management of disease.
The comfort and safety of patient
and attendants Is enhanced by the
dimunition In the number and vi
tality Of the pathological germs. The
course OF the disease Is shorter and