Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1899-02-27

The most important agent in natural
ventilation in closed buildings is
movement produced by variation in
the specific gravity of the air. The
air heated expands and ascends. and as
1t varies wis the outdoor air. and 4 he
heating wit hin varies there is con-
slant movement, and II is OF the ut
most importance to secure means for
the outlet of Initiated air and an influx
of fresh air. This can be best accom-
plished by furnishing each chimney
with a ventilating fiue or by dividing
them.
Value of Good Water.
For sanitary and other purposes
next to air, water is of the most i'm
portauce TO health. Filth is a. prime
factor in the propagation of disease,
and it is only through an abundant
supply of water that cleanliness can
be m aintained. An adult requires
from fifty to sixty fluid ounces of wa
ter for drinking purposes per day
and adding that necessary for
cooking and cleanliness makes
a minimum requirement Of 20
gallons per capita per day. Water
collected by roofs becomes of ques-
tionable healthfulness and n good well
for drinking water is to be preferred.
Water from artesian wells Is likely to
be free from organic matter. That
taken from shallow wells is to be re-
sorted to with reluctance, as there is
always organic or inorganic pollution,
Surface impurities may be washed in
or may be given an outlet into the
permeable stratum from which the
water supply is derived. While to all
appearances it may look clear and
pure. its contamination may lead to
serious outbreaks of Typhoid fever and
other diseases. The walls of wells
down six or seven feet from the top
should be laid in cement and plastered
to keep out surface water.
domestic filters properly con-
structed and taken care of will re-
move many of the impurities of the
water. but these filters become
dangerous if not kept scrupu-
lousy clean. The organic mat
ter retained undergoes decomposition
and these products with bacteria are
carried through with the water
When in doubt the water should be
boiled and aerated before using and
examined if suspected of impuritv
Examination should be made on the
ground if possible. for samples of
water shipped in bottles are given
time to undergo change and the test
becomes untrustworthy.
The throwing out of Stops at the
kitchen door upon the ground should
not be tolerated under any circum-
stances. If there is no other provis-
ion they should be deposited in water
tight barrels.
If typhoid fever, diphtheria or
other contagious disease prevails in
the neigh borhood the water should be
boiled and the house disinfected by
free use of chloride of lime and cop
peras solution, three pounds of cop
peras to three gallons of water
For artificial light the kerosene
lamp not only consumes a large
amount of oxygen, but gives off the
com bustion products directly to the
air in the room in which they burn.
This operates as a positive factor in
the vitiation of the air and the burn
ing of kerosene lamps at night, es-
pecially in bedrooms, should not be
allowed. The incandescent electric
light is the most perfect artificial
light and its general Introduction in
cities has done much to remove con-
slant source of vitiation of the air in
dwellings. Fresh air, sunshine, an
abundant supply of pure water,
wholesome food. cleanliness. work and
exercise are the agents that prevent
disease, promote health and prolong
life