4 6 4 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



tar was not so valuable in this work as the rosin. Large quanti- 

 ties of quicklime were used at Johnstown, and found to be very- 

 valuable for drying the cellars and , absorbing unpleasant odors. 

 The people were advised to whitewash their cellars and homes a 

 number of times, as the lime was believed to be very beneficial. 

 Chloride of lime was used also in sprinkling in the cellars and 

 about the houses. The Board of Health also furnished in solu- 

 tion bromine, chloride of lime, carbolic acid, and Quibbells's dis- 

 infectant. These were applied by means of sprinkling-cans. So 

 soon also as the streets were cleared of the debris, two sprinkling- 

 carts were set running. These used a solution of disinfectants, 

 which had a good effect upon the general atmosphere, and an 

 excellent moral effect, maintaining the confidence of the people. 

 At times, the workmen who are cleaning up the district will 

 imagine that they detect foul odors, and that it is dangerous for 

 them to work without a liberal use of disinfectants. In these 

 cases the presence of a laborer with a sprinkling-can, applying a 

 solution of disinfectants, produces a very reassuring effect. Dis- 

 infectants should be freely used about the morgues and in every 

 place where it can be hoped that they will do good. In this con- 

 nection it may be stated, to the credit of the manufacturers of 

 disinfectants, that, without knowing the means of the Board of 

 Health to pay them, they promptly filled all orders for their sup- 

 plies without a moment's questioning. 



12. That the district may be entirely within the control of the 

 sanitarian, it is important that, as soon as possible, a house-to- 

 house inspection or survey be made of all the houses which are oc- 

 cupied in the district. This survey should be carefully recorded 

 on blanks prepared for the purpose, and should state whether the 

 house is occupied by owner or tenant, the number of rooms, num- 

 ber of families, the adult males, the adult, females, and children 

 under five years of age. It should also state the condition of the 

 cellar, kitchen, and living-rooms. The water-supply should be 

 examined and reported upon, as to source, condition, and amount. 

 The drainage of the premises should be carefully looked into. 

 The privy or water-closet should receive a minute inspection. 

 The surveyor should examine the condition of the yard and 

 stable, and the streets and alleys about the house. Note should 

 also be made of any present sickness in the house, and of the ex- 

 istence of any contagious disease in the house during or within 

 six months preceding. If any deaths have occurred within the 

 house in a year, record should be made of them. With all 

 these points before the Board of Health, if the survey has been 

 made with care, it will not be difficult for the Board to maintain 

 good health in the devastated district — certainly not if they 

 have the confidence of the survivors. If the devastated district 



