The age-herald., 1901-09-14
Interesting Discussion of the Subject by Noted. Physicians
 Throughout the Country
GERMS BETWEEN LEAVES
Physicians Contend That the Mysteri- ous Cases of Measles and Small pox Frequently Originate In
 the Use of Old Books.

Now that the time for the opening of the public schools is drawing near the question of permitting the children to use secondhand books is being greatly dis cussed by parents and others interested in the welfare of the students. Hereto fore no child was to be seen tripping to school with old books. but of recent years the practice of endeavoring to save money by the purchase of second-handed books has greatly increased.
 These books have found their way into nearly every neighborhood and school of this uity. and in the institutions through this State. So have smallpox and other contagious diseases. Scarcely a county in the State has escaped the ravages of this contagion. and in most instances the manner of its approach is mysterious and unknow.
 Disease In Old Books.
 It is a well kown fact that contagious diseases may be communicated through secondhand clothing. or other articles of cotton or woolen goods used by patients afflicted with these diseases, unless such articles are thoroughly disinfected, nor does the disinfecting always destroy the germs of disease. This is true of second hand books. While modern ,disinfecting Is a great benefit, 1t does not always disin- feet. Especially Is this true of books. The outside may be thoroughly disin- fected, and yet germs within-between the leaves-remain unharmed, unless the leaves, one by one. be subjected to the most careful fumigation.- This process in hA ell n sh therefore expensive. that 1t would be cheaper to buy new book than to steril- ize an old one. It is as easy for disease germs once in an old book, to be retained indefinitely, and finally conn municated as readily as by an old gar ment.
 Opinion of Physicians.
 Tn support of this position the testimony of many tsome) of the most eminent physicians of Kentucky has been taken, and Is here given:
 Dr. J. N. Mccormack of Bowling Green, Ky, says. "It is easy to see how the use of secondhand books might become source of contagion in our schools, es- pecially with scarlet fever and 'diphtheria. The practice of some of our booksellers in dealing in secondhand books Is very objectionable"
 pr. A. J. Andrews of Lexington, Ky. says: "The use of secondhand books might become fruitful source of con- tagion. Pupils in our public schools should not be allowed to use second- hand books at all. especially when they do not know who used the books first, hax haap fhnrnnOhlU disinfected; even then it is possible that some books will be overlooked. Better discard the use of them altogether. One case of smallpox, scarlet fever or diph- theria may do more damage in family or community than 1t Is possible to repay by the savings on secondhand books in a life time"
 pr. J. B. Marvin, president Of Ken lucky University medical department. In Louisville. says: Experience of the med ical world is in favor of contagiousness of smallpox, measles, Itch, scarlet fever and diphtheria, and the transmission of them through clothing. books toys, etc. It is possible for these diseases to be com municated through the use of secondhand books. Pupils in our public schools should not buy and use secondhand books used by a pupil while he had any of these diseases"
 pr. F. Y. Johnson. a prominent physi- clan of Louisville, and professor of phar- macy and pharmacology in Kentucky University medical department. says: Smallpox and measles can be easily communicated through the medium of books, toys and clothing. It is e well es- tab,ished fact that the specific causes of these diseases are very tenacious of life. and will cling closely to objects such as books"'
 Pupils Should Not Use Them.
 Dr. T. c. Evans, dean of Kentucky Un- iversity medical department, says: Such diseases as smallpox, measels, itch ano scarlet fever can be communicated through stcond-handed st school books ana pupils in public schools should not be ai- lowed to use them.
 ,Under the circumstances, Is 1t wise. safe or economical to allow the indescrim. mate use of secondhand books in our schools and homes? Should we take any such risks? The costs of books Is one of the least of all the expenses of the pupil; why take such hazard when so little is to be gained? Besides. the filth of the thing Is repulsive to children and teach>' CTS of good breeding. If we could always know what child or children have used the books before us. the case would be different But as it Is, is it not almost as cleanly to wear the soied garments of an unknown (probabiy dseased) person7 What aesthetic, seif-respecting child should be forced to use such books2 It is high time that this state of affairs sbo,,id rorae tn an and"