Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-06-20
DIR. CAVERLY'S ADDRESS.

DIR. CAVERLYS ADDRESS.
Health officers, Ladies and Gentlemen:
In behalf OF the State board of health
it is a genuine pleasure to welcome you
again to this health officers school-the
ninth held in Vermont Most of you
know the history of this institution. for
euch 1t has now become; you are familiar
with its purposes.
This school was the outcome of an Ell
thuslastc revival Of interest in the pub
lie health which had given us a State
laboratory, and In which the late
DR.. J. H. Linsley was the leading spirit.
The beginning Of intelligent and practi-
cal interest here in Vermont in public
health matters dates back more than 80
years, when n little handful of public
spirited men. chiefly physicians instituted
movement for n State health board.
After several discouragng encounters with
The Legislature the movement met success
IN 1856
This date marks the first step in our
modern health movement. The first act,
passed at this time, created a board of
three persons to be known AS State
board of health. made a small appropria-
hon for its support, but gave the board
little authority. 1t was mainly an advis
DRY board. Later came the establishment
of local boards and these with the State
board have gradually been given more
and more authority From these begin
nings have come our now numerous pub
lie health laws: laws dealing with the
collection of vital statistics, the conserva-
ton of water supplies, the safeguarding
of public buildings, especially school
houses the care OF the health Of school
children, protection against contagious
diseases, including tuberculosis the regu-
lation of embalming, the protection of
food supplies. and so-called anticipating
laws.
Since Vermont entered on this crusade
against preventable disease, two decades
ago, there have been two legislative en-
actments of which every Vermonter
should be proud, viz: the creation OF
State laboratory of hygiene. and the pro-
vision for the support of this school. The
establishment of these two institutions
placed Vermont at once in the van in the
universal crusade against disease.
From small beginnings and modest aims
the laboratory has grown into an insutu-
ton weh-nigh indispensable to our peo-
pie. Its Investigations. in the words Of
State" are taken advantage of by all
classes and conditions, and the accuracy
Of its findings, l believe. inspires general
confidence. Primarily intended for
laboratory Of hygiene. 1t has developed
into a pathological and chemical labora-
tory OF prime Importance TO the Grimm Al
courts OF the State. With these later add
ed duties sadly taxing it's capacity. and
occupying much of the time of its officers
we must not forget that this laboratory
is still laboratory Of hygiene; that its
greatest usefulness to our people consists
In helping us to fight disease and not
crime.
The laboratory has placed within our
reach facilities for exact public health
work; and should give precision and eff
feet to measures intended to combat dis
ease.
Modern science has discovered certain
laws for the prevention Of disease, and
the Legislature has written these into
our statutes. The laboratory should make
these effective.
With adequate laws and laboratory
facilities Of the best, Vermont should be
a heklthy State. Our death rates should
be cut in two and general wholesomeness
should prevail.
Laws will not enforce themselves, the
most complete laboratory facilities will
avail little unless they are made use OF
by intelligent and careful officers OF
health, and they in turn, backed up by
Intelligent public opinion
This school owes Its origin to a realiza-
ton of both these facts. We must have
educated officials; and the public must be
taught 1t should accomplish both these
results.
OF the 246 health officers In Vermont
i29 are physicians. While the routine cur
riculum OF most Of our medical colleges
gives little space to the subjects most
closely allied to modern public health
work. 1t Is undoubtedly true that the
average Doctors education more nearly
fts him for practical sanitary work thar
the training received by other professions
and callings. The doctor comes in close,
touch with our health administration thar
any other person IN the community. He
first sees the contagious disease and
should be the first to recognize it.
He is the man who should most quick.
ly detect unhealthy influences In the com.
nlynity; who should be able to sugges!
prompt preventive measures He offcates
at the extremes Of life, and Is chiefly re.
sponslble for correct registration returns