Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-04-27

Mr.. Woods, the chief pathologist for
Secretary Wilson. has given out some
Interesting details regarding the ne"
typhoid germicide. with which the de-
partment Of agriculture has been ex-
perimenting. His explanations support
the hope which was aroused by pre-
mature reports of the investigation,
which were made public a week or two
ago. At the same time he corrects the
various erroneous impressions pro-
duced by those earlier reports. For
instance, he points out that the use OF
the germicide is intended to supple
ment not to replace filtration. He also
makes it clear that the use Of such
chemical compound in drinking water
supply can only be entrusted to ex-
perts. and would be a source Of mis-
chief and danger If left to those not
skilled in science.
1t is certain that the proposed meth
cd Of fighting typhoid fever will have
to undergo a careful examination by
sanitary engineers and bacteriologists
before its usefulness will be agreed
upon. Unless it's harmlessness to hui
man health can be we'll established
the method will be let severely alone.
If the verdict of the high authorities IS
IA h1Q fhn,, Io,,hfloSc pnlfnfciDIl
officials will be encouraged to give 1t 4
trial. Some medical journals, guided
only by earlier reports to be sure. have
condemned the method, but these may
later see occasion to revise their opin-
ions. If the department Of agricul-
ture has succeeded in finding a fluid
and a process for removing the seeds
of disease which are so common in
many supplies of drinking water. it
will have won a most notable victory.
The Washington Star thus explains
the working of the new germicide:
Thus far the discovery seems to be
of a strictly scientific character. DEM
onstrating that a certain minute per-
centage of a solution of copper added
to water will destroy all harmful vege-
table life therein. including the germs
OF typhoid and of cholera and the sub
stances upon which the young of the
mosquito. which in adult form serves
as the medium of communication Of the
malaria principle. thrives in still wa
tiers. The question to be demonstrated
by experiments on large scale is
whether the application of this prepa-
ration is practicable to the end of pu-
rifying streams and pools. 1t is to be
ascertained whether the newly-dis-
covered agency may be made useful in
altering the water supplies of cities on
large scale. 1t may be that this pro-
cess Will take the place of the alum fill
tration method, serving as an agency
for the absolute destruction of bacteri-
al HE as well as the removal of all
grosser substances held in suspension.
1t Is OF course not to be expecte l
that the average citizen. armed with
the proper formula for the production
OF this solution. will be able to 60 forth
and himself purify the sources of his
water supply. Such work as may BIO
done by its means will have to be care
| fully supervised and intrusted to ex-
pert hands to prevent over-dosinc and
poisoning. The kerosene method of dc
lstroying mosquitoes has not proved all
| together satisfactory, even when an
piled with scientific care, although in
many instances it has demonstrated
the possibility of Kidding a community
OF the pests. The use of the oil is de-
cidedly objectionable to many people.
permeating the air with a disagreeab,e
odor and often interfering with the
animal life of still streams. 1t would
seem that the copper solution process
could be more easily applied and would
leave less unpleasant effects. with a
vastly decreased cost I'm materials.