The Washington times., 1907-04-07

OF by the patient eEiehy through the
exeretions. and If tho methods recon-
mended BY General SternberE in his
mastery essay. including the prompt
disinfection OF the dejecta, were adopt
ed, this disease would be reduced to a
minimum. and probably eradicated IN
the course OF a few years. The facts
are these recommendations have not
been generally adopted because the
knowledge gained by scientific medicine
is not sufficiently difEused. Disinfec-
ton. TO be efficient. must be thorough
and exact. The nurse must prepare
and use germieida solutions Of stan
dard strength, and unless this is done
the whole process IS a snare and de-
fusion. So for example ali vessels con-
tanning stools should be flied with
double volume Of solution of chloride
of lime IS OF. TO the GALLON or a 5 per
cent solution Of carbolic acid, ounces
10 one gallon OF boiling water or a
corrosive subiimate solution. 20 grains
OF corrosive sublimate. . teaspoonfuis
of table salt to one gallon of water, or
any of tlss standard disinfectants. and
kept In a covered vessel for AT least one
hour before emptying. Disinfection
body. clothing. and bedding, and TO the
hands OF the nurse. II this Is not done
there is danger from so-called contact
infection. Infected fingers may con-
taminate the fo9d, while a fly allghting
over a soiled part may carry the germs
on its feet to the food and drink Of the
other inmates. or even to some neigh
boring house
Campaign Bears Fruit.
The causes OF typhoid fever in the
city are complex and varied. no one
factor can alone be held responsible for
the unds.A prevalence. and IN the pre-
vention Of the disease due attention
must DO paid to the removal Of ali the
causes likely TO influence It's spread.
To one who has given some attention
10 the health problems Of the city it is
gratifying to know that the very val
liable and exhaustive report OF the Pub
lie Health Commission has emphasized
the recommendations Of members of the
local medical profession submitted over
twelve years ago. especially in reference
TO the abandonment OF wells, greater
attention TO the milk supply and to
scientific disinfection.
Among the sanitary measures which
should be urged are: The reclamation
OF the Anacostia flats. prevention OF
river pollution. abandonment OF box
privies. clean oack yards, Easements,
cellars, alleys. streets. and vacant lots,
the removal If Sums. public baths.
more small parks and Fairgrounds.
OF public and private wells,
and more stringent law regulating the
production and sale Of milk and cream
There is special need for the support OF
day-nuTserles 10 prevent the frightful
col0red fnfantile mortality. and for more
visiting nurses and other social workers
to instruct our neglected neighbors Ia
higher standards OF living. and finally
more attention should be paid in our
schools and colleges 10 hygienic and
sociological questions.
Many Of these measures have been
urged by the Commissioners and the
Health Oflcers for years, and il is the
duty OF every good citizen tc
strengthen their hands IN their well
directed efforts.
Keep City Beautiful.
Progress has crowned our past. and.
considering the mixed character OF the
population. no city where the vital sta
tistics are honestly kept can boast OF
more benefcent results