Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-18

fthat the different kinds of germs which
developed could be isolated and studied
in pure culture.
The agar, referred to is a gelatine-hke
substance made from kind of japanese
seaweed 1t is used a medium In
which to grow the germs.
The result of the examination" DIR.
Stiles SAYS showed the presence OF a
number of different species of organisms
from each cup or mug, with but one ex-
'ception.''
Scientific Classification.
The report then goes into the scientific
classification of the various germs founo
in the vessels unintelligible to the lay
a,nan. but of the utmost interest to
physician or bacteriologist.
In an interesting summary of his report
Dr. Stiles has this to say:
I'VE find the presence Of twenty-three
distinct species of organisms in the debris
contained within the visible cracks and
seams in these dishes. The number OF
organisms per given area OF surface
ranged from 1876 to 14,5S0,OOO per square
inch in the final test.
Enough has been said to show that
possible dangers may arise from eating
polluted food and that every possible sani-
5tary precaution should be observed to
prevent undue contamination of the food
we eat.
! This is a question which must neces-
sarily appeal to every responsible individ-
ual who seriously considers the matter
Sof eating clean and wholesome food.
When We consider the great number and
variety of organisms studied in relation
to these cracked mugs. the question of
household sanitation becomes more i'm
perative than ever, and study of the
sanitary conditions in private and public
life would in many instances furnish
startling results.
Behind the Scenes.
Many of our hotels. public restaurants,
cafes. ETC., are particular to see that
Asplendd serving rooms are provided and
deliberately furnished, which from ex-
-teriOr appearances seem to be all that
ocould be desired for the welfare and COM
fort OF their guests. but let one go be-
hind the scenes in many places and note
the changed conditions. The picture may
be entirely different from that expected.
5 This extremely deplorable condition of
affairs is fortunately not always to be
found even In the most insanitary places.
zbut a number of public eating places
(which have visited. especially during the
4busy hours in summer. furnish SUCH
picture. In those places IL was not I'M
common TO find accumulated rubbish care
.lessly thrown in obscure corners. dangling
pieces of plaster over the stove. various
.admixtures OF grease and filth on wood
work. walls and ceiling; unnecessary col
lection OF garbage and refuse matter; old,
-cast-off articles Of clothing, cobwebs,
swarms of flies, poorly lighted and lily
ventilated kitchens or serving rooms.
Cleanliness Of Employees
;. THE proper toilet facilities for en-
apl0yes and the regulation of their per-
Hsonai cleanliness while engaged in hand
ling and preparing food for consumption
NJ @e condition of affairs which should
receive the immediate attention of the
zproprietors of all the places where food
is prepared for human consumption.
. THE sanitary aspect Of refrigerators
and ice boxes during hot weather may
develop conditions beyond human tolera-
ton Why people do not take better care
of these places OF storage is difficult to
say. However. IL Is regrettable fact
that many such places often contain high
~ Objectionable material, and IL not in
tended for immediate use 1t often con-
teammates and ruins the entire contents
of the ice box.
I'm concluding, it seems highly de-
eirable to eliminate the use of cracked
dishes for the reception of food materials
and to make an appeal for more care
= full observance of the known hygienic
measures to protect our food from un-
necessary and undesirable contamina-
ton.