J. 



COMMUNICATION ON HYGIENE, FROM THE MEDICAL 

 DEPARTMENT OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE. 



The Medical Department of the National Institute, at a sitting 

 held May 1845, appointed a committee to inquire into the sanitary 

 condition of the United States, with very extensive powers. The 

 committee, when organized, consisted of: — 



Dr. James Wynne, Chairman. 



*Dr. Thomas Sewall, Prof, of Medicine in the National Medical 



College, and Chairman of the Medical Department. 

 Dr. J. M. Thomas, Prof, of Institutes of Medicine in the National 



Medical College, and Vice-Chairman of Medical Department. 

 Dr. Baile, of Washington, Surgeon U. S. Navy, and *Dr. 



Marcus Buck, Secretary. 



The committee thus appointed, from time to time issued circulars 

 to members of the medical profession, and others in different parts 

 of the United States, soliciting information on the various causes 

 supposed to exercise a prejudicial influence on health, and requested 

 aid in the development of this important inquiry. Numerous re- 

 plies have been received, and much valuable information obtained 

 by the committee; but, notwithstanding its most strenuous endea- 

 vours, it has, up to the present moment, failed to collect such a 

 minute, and at the same time, extended series of observations, as to 

 enable it to make an accurate report based on such authority as it 

 deemed due to so vital an inquiry. 



Among others, two prominent causes tended greatly at the com- 

 mencement of its labours, to retard its progress: 1st. The general 

 apathy existing even in the minds of medical men on the subject of 

 hygiene ; and 2d. The favourable opinions entertained by almost 

 every one addressed by the committee, of the healthiness of his own 

 particular locality. The committee, and the department which 



* Since deceased. 



