PROCEEDINGS FOR 1915 XXIII 



ally in burners carrying mantles of earthy material rather than in 

 open burners. These mantles become incandescent by the heat 

 of the burning gas, so that the heat qualities are of more importance 

 than candle power, and we are given to understand that the Govern- 

 ment is proposing to abandon the standard of candle power and sub- 

 stitute the calorific power as a standard. 



In the houses of the poorer classes, where the gas cooking stove is 

 very often in the sleeping room, the flame may be extinguished by a 

 draught from an open window or by various other causes; this is a 

 constant menace to human life. 



The danger of using this water gas is shown by a case which oc- 

 curred in the city of Montreal, where nine people were discovered in 

 one house unconscious by inhaling the gas which was escaping from 

 two unlighted burners. A man going into the house found the place 

 full of gas fumes, and the people insensible ; assistance was sent for, 

 consciousness restored and the people recovered. 



The danger of using this gas is also shown in a newspaper clipping 

 sent us by Dr. Mills from London, England, wherein the death of a 

 man, his wife and two children is recorded. Their deaths were due to 

 an escape of gas from the main in the street through the ground into 

 the basement of the house in which they lived. 



We have found the records in the Registry Offices both in Great 

 Britain and in Canada almost valueless for giving us the number 

 of deaths due to this gas. In Montreal we have been able to obtain 

 the following: — 



Deaths From Poisoning by Gas in Montreal. 



Reported from Health Department by Dr. C. B. Ward 



" " Morgue by Dr. Mactaggart 



" " Royal Victoria Hospital by Dr. H. B. Gushing 



" " Notre Dame Hospital by Dr. Hingston 



" " Hotel Dieu Hospital by Dr. Hingston 



" " Montreal General Hospital, .by Dr. Bourne 



Proc. 1915—3 



