159 
WATER AND AIR: THEIR RELATIONS TO 
HEALTH OR DISEASE. 
By WILLIAM H. WATSON, F.C.S., F.M.S., &c, 
(Read at Whitehaven. ) 
IN tracing the progress of scientific knowledge, we find that it has 
been very gradual ; that many theories have been advanced which 
the light of future discovery has shown to be incorrect, and that 
in no branch of science is this more noticeable than in regard to 
matters concerning health. It would be wrong, however, to rashly 
dispute fresh theories, or cast hasty rebukes in the paths of Science; 
but we should first carefully investigate them by experiment and 
reasoning. 
There is in scientific matters—as in any other, where from 
apparent uncertainties a difference of opinion may exist—much 
harm done by the expression of ideas without sufficient enquiry, 
and we shall also understand the erroneous impressions which 
those opinions may raise, especially when they emanate from those 
who hold official positions in the particular direction of the 
“enquiry. 
I have chosen for my remarks to-night the subject of Water 
and Air, and their Relation to Health or Disease, for three reasons: 
first, because the question of water-supply is a favourite one in 
this district at the present time; second, because I have been 
paying special attention to the question of water and air analysis ; 
and third, it is a matter connected with everyday life; and 
although I may not say it is always an interesting one, yet it is 
certainly one of great importance. 
