Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-05-21
kENNEBEc DOCTORS.
Continued from page 5.)

make it's appearance after the grouno
had become frozen and in this city pre-
vailed very extensively throughout the
winter followed by marked subsl-
dence since the spring rams nave &C
Cured and the out going of the ice.
The general statistics OF the entire
country regarding the prevalence OF
tvuhoid fever would lead to the conclu-
sion that where public water-works are
established, with corresponding and
ADEQUATE exits for the supply, there
has been a marked elimination of ty-
phoid fever and that there has been
a corresponding increase of the disease
in suburban and country towns where
they inhabitants depend entirely upon
wells and springs for their water sup
DIV and where no system of sewerage
exists. SO far as l have been able to
investigate the matter l venture the
opinion that in the aggregate the ex-
istence and continuance of any given
epidemic of typhoid fever is as plainly
due to the lack of proper drainage and
consequent exposure and accumulation
of poisonous material as to the use of
water. II l am correct, so far as this
State is concerned, the system of sew
the introduction of water. l am aware
that much is being accomplished ev-
cry year by the municipal authorities
of cities and towns in the State, es-
pecially where water has been intro
duced, in perfecting its system of
drainage. but it is evident that in many
cases much more must be done to es-
tablish such sanitary conditions as
a
all times and under all circumstances
from the introduction of all Zymotic
diseases.
1t has now become we'll demon
strated fact that the focal discharges
from typhoid cases, unless thoroughly
disinfected at once and properly cared
for, become one of the most potent ele-
ments in the propagation of disease.
The bed clothing and mattresses as
well are likely to be contaminated and
unless thoroughly cleansed and disin-
fected after occupancy are likely to
contain morbid products for long
period. sufficiently poisonous and spe
cific to infect healthy subjects With
my experience in steam disinfection.
covering a period of - years. and be
cause of its becoming a very import
=
most severe epidemic of diphtheria |
believe the Introduction of suitable
metallic steam disinfector into every
city affordng practical and available
OPPORTUNITIES where the entire bedding
occupied by patients suffering from in
fictitious diseases can be thoroughly
-disinfected would become very inn
portant agent in preventative treat
ment.
1t is reasonable to suppose that the
municipal authorities and its citizens
as well are looking to the medical
profession for advice in relation to ali
that pertains to the physical well-be-
ing of it's inhabitants. and particularly
its good offices are solicited in the di-
rcction of prescribing preventative pro-
cedures, which includes proper hygiene
and sanitation.
DR.. Harris gave an account of the re-
cent run of scarlet fever in Augusta,
with reports of several special cases.
The remarks and queries which fol
lower were evidence thatTfre had set
the members of the profession to think
ing along some new lines.
At the business meeting thre" new
members were elcted to the association:
Charles j. Lincoln and Richard II.
Stubs of Augusta and f. r. Fish OF
Sidney.
Officers were chosen as follows: Presi-
dent. l.. G.. Bunker Waterville; secre-
tary-treasurer, w. Johnson. Augusta;
standing committee, w. p. Giddings,
Gardiner. G.. r. Campbell Augusta,
Charles Mabry, North Nassalboro.
The next meeting will be the August
q held
at Waterville.