The record-union., 1898-01-09
SANITARY IMPROVEMENTS.

The layman is at decided disadvan-
tage in taking issue with the scien-
lists, but really it seems that he will
need to if we are to be left anything to
eat or drink in this age of discovery
Science has tabo0ed nearly everything
that is toothsome, and has gone so far
in its most recent assaults as to de-
clare that the oyster is the natural
home, . chief habitat Of the malarial
germ; that in no other living thing is
there stored up so much Of the seed
of maiarial disease.
We are not disposed to accept this
with any degree Of allowance Life
among oyster eaters we believe. will
not justify the conclusion that they are
more than others susceptible to mala-
rial Affections. Nay. those coast and
bay jewellers who make the oyster
chief article Of diet are so hardy and
stalwart, and are so little afflicted with
the physical woes which assail man
kind, that we have been looking upon
them as especially fine examples of
physical vigor If not by reason of their
consumption Of the oyster. yet possibly
exa1npt from many bodily ills. True,
their method OF outdoor living, their
temperate habits and the ozone Of the
seas rejuvenating atmosphere has
a good deal to do with their hardness.
But If the oyster is only one-fourth
charged with the malaria now debited
to it by science, these oyster fishermen,
coast folk and constant oyster eaters
burning with fever half the time, and
the other half be fuller Of aches and
pains than the shell Of the oyster is
full OF himself.
But on this subject of the germs and
microbes of disease and the ease of
their transmission, 1t must be admit
ted that regulations in some cities of
France and of Germany, and now part
ly in force IN England, in defense Of
the health of the patrons of barber
shops in the main, sound in reason and
ring with sense. In this instance the
decree of science is apparently most
sensible. It may be said that BARRIERS
customers, as the result of experience.
have marched in advance of the scien-
lists. For It has been of the ethics Of
high-class barberdom these MANY
years that no customer shall be lathered
from the cup Of another; that If the
patron Of the shop has not his own
shaving cup, such as those upon which
BARRIERS delight to display in gold and
black the names of their customers. the
cup from which service is given shall
be first thoroughly washed with hot
water. But against the common brush
and the razor IN common there ap-
pears TO have been established not
such strictly pr.ohibitory laws.
Now comes science, however. and
moves upon lawful authority so far.
that in several countries the most rigid
supervision IS maintained over barber
shops by agents OF the sanitary corps
OF towns and cities. Thus, it is forbidden
in such places that the barber use a
razor on any mans face, or scissors
upon bis head. until they have been
plunged into a bath of boiling water
and swiftly passed through the flame Of
an alcohol lamp. That bone and rub
Der combs shah be discarded. and those
substituted of materials which Will per-
init of similar germicidal treatment
So far as brushes are concerned, they
must be eleansed daily and disinfeeted
in the most careful manner. and so
far as possible BARRIERS urged to in
duce their customers to own their own
brushes, as they do their own cups,
razors and lather stubs.
Nay, the sanitarians under the di-
rection Of scieuce. go further than this.
and decree that the barber OF to-day
shall keep the utensils of his useful
trade berreath cover when not in use.
and as free from dust and contact
with the atmosphere Of the shop as
possible. and that before manipulating
the face or head Of any one the bar
her must, cleanse his hands In water so