1507] MASON— ACTION OF WATER UPON METALS. Ill 



that an ordinary drink for man or beast would contain sufficient 

 to kill."^ 



Such a special instance, however, does not come within the 

 limits of the present inquiry. 



Let us consider for a moment the question of " plumbism " 

 or lead poisoning, as it is ordinarily presented under the classi- 

 fication of a water-borne disease. 



The Massachusetts State Board of Health enumerates the symp- 

 toms of lead poisoning as some or all of the following: Anaemia, 

 constipation, indigestion, loss of appetite, thirst, metallic taste, 

 abdominal pain, colic, '' drop w^rist," blue line at margin of gums, 

 lead in the urine. - 



Dr. Hunter describing the effects of the epidemic at Pudsey, says : 

 " Anaemia and debility were the most common symptoms. Patients 

 nearly always complained that they felt as if they would sink down 

 from weakness, and that the least exertion would make them sweat 

 freely. The majority had the blue gum-line so characteristic of 

 lead poisoning. Colic was a common symptom. Paralysis was not 

 common, but there were five or six cases of almost general paralysis 

 and in these cases drop-wrist was included. The amount of lead 

 found in the waters producing these effects varied from .01 to i 

 grain or more per imperial gallon (.143 to 14.3 per million)." ^ 



There is some difference of opinion among the authorities as to 

 the amount of contained lead required to condemn a water, but ail 

 are agreed that even small quantities should be narrowly watched. 

 Thus, the Massachusetts reports note that one-half part per million 

 has caused serious injury."* Haines holds that .1 grain per U. S. 

 gallon (1.71 per million) should cause a water to be rejected.'^ 



Whitelegge believes that " No water should be used for drink- 

 ing which contains more than one part of lead per million, and any 

 trace, however minute, indicates danger." (Hygiene and Public 

 Health.) 



' Utah Agr. Expt. Sta. Bull. 81, p. I99- 



== Report of Mass. State Board of Health, 1898, XXXIII. 



' Thresh, " Examination of Water," p. 88. 



*Mass. State Board of Health, 1898, XXXII. 



' /. Fk. Inst., Nov., 1890. 



