1890.] RAFTER AND MALLORY—ENDEMIC OF TYPHOID FEVER. 67 
protect the water supply of the city of Rochester from possible contamination from the 
presence of cases of typhoid fever at Springwater, we would respectfully state : 
That we think all danger can be averted if the discharges from patients suffering 
from the disease in question, are received in vessels containing a solution of 20 grains of 
bi-chloride of mercury in a pint of water. After having remained in this solution from 
15 to 30 minutes, the discharges should be buried two feet below the surface of the soil, 
and at a distance of at least 50 feet from all ravines or water-courses connecting with the 
inlet to Hemlock lake. The sheets, linen, flannels, blankets, etc. used by the sick, when- 
ever changed, should be boiled for at least half an hour in a solution made by dissolving 
four ounces of sulphate of zinc and two ounces of common salt in one gallon of water. 
All loose articles, without special vaiue, im contact with the affected persons should be 
burned. 
A sufficient number of inspectors should be employed to see that the foregoing recom- 
mendations are strictly carried out in the case of every patient affected by typhoid fever, 
on, or near any stream, emptying into Hemlock lake. It may be best to have this inspec- 
tion supervised by a medical officer. Reports should be regularly made in writing to your 
Board, stating the degree to which the foregoing instructions are carried out. 
If the measures recommended are immediately adopted we deem that the interests 
of the community will be advanced by deferring, for the present, any publication of the 
existence of typhoid fever at Springwater. 
It shouldfbe borne in mind that the above solution of bi-chloride of mercury, recom- 
mended for use as a disinfectant, is highly poisonous, and every preparation containing it 
should be distinctly marked - ‘‘ Poison—For External Use Only.’’ We have the honor 
to be, Very respectfully yours, WILLIAM S. ELY. 
: E. M. MOORE. 
Acting under this advice, measures were at once taken for the 
careful inspection and disinfection of all premises occupied by the 
sick, as well as for the disinfection of the dejections of typhoid fever 
patients. These measures included the employment by the city of 
Rochester of inspectors, to act in accordance with the town Board of 
Health of Springwater. This action was taken under authority of the 
rules for the sanitary protection of the Hemlock lake drainage area, as 
formulated by the State Board of Health, by the provisions of which 
the local Boards of Health carry out the protective measures at the 
expense of the municipality protected. In the meantime the present 
writers were requested to make such studies of the case in hand as 
might be of use to the water works authorities of the city of Rochester 
in future efficient protection of the Hemlock water-shed. Such a 
study was, furthermore, justly deemed of considerable importance by 
reason of Springwater valley being an unusually healthful region, 
and the sudden appearance of twenty cases of typhoid fever, in a 
locality hitherto free from it, appeared to be of sufficient interest to 
justify the attempt to learn something definite as to its causation. 
Our first investigations were, therefore, directed toward a solution 
of the question of the origin of these cases in Springwater village. 
