END OF FILTH THEORY OF DISEASE. 239 



methods of scientific enquiry is lacking. Such evidence as we have 

 shows that those persons who are constantly exposed to the gaseous 

 products of decomposition do not suffer therefrom. 



From whatever point of view this matter is discussed, it must not 

 be forgotten that the advocates of the filth theory did much good, for 

 there was a certain amount of truth in the theory. Certain kinds of 

 filth are conveyors of specific disease, and the efforts to secure better 

 water, to build good sewers and drains, and promptly remove excreta 

 from dwellings were true sanitation. The providing of better houses 

 doubtless conduces to greater personal cleanliness and tends to higher 

 standards of living. Full credit should be given to early reformers 

 who labored earnestly according to their knowledge, and accomplished 

 much good and very little evil. It is only those who in the light of 

 more accurate knowledge still hold to the crude ideas of an earlier age 

 with whom the writer would differ. 



In abandoning the filth theory we should profit by experience and 

 not become wedded too closely to the germ theory. We do know much 

 about bacteria and protozoa and their relation to disease, but vastly 

 more remains to be learned, and it is much to be feared that too many 

 seek to enter the sphere of the unknown by hasty speculation rather 

 than by the slow path of laborious research. 



Though abandoning the time honored theory which was taught him, 

 the wTiter has not abandoned the fight against filth. Filth is a nui- 

 sance, and is usually an evidence of some one's carelessness of his neigh- 

 bor's comfort. The state or city should certainly protect its citizens 

 against such nuisances. Good sewerage, well swept streets, prompt 

 scavenging, public baths, clean tenements, are all parts, desirable and 

 essential parts, of our civilization. They would be worth what they cost 

 even if they had no relation to health; but the proper disposal of 

 excreta and cleanliness of person doubtless do have much to do with 

 the prevention of the spread of many communicable diseases. Much is 

 to be gained by promoting cleanliness, but nothing by fostering false 

 notions of the dangers of filth. 



