TEACHING OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HBAI/TH. 43 



to their mouths, disease results. The washing and disinfecting will do much 

 to prevent infection from this source. 



" Open water buckets and large tin cups are condemned because the 

 dipping of water with cups which are used by many introduce spittle into the 

 supply ; and, besides, open buckets catch dust and dirt. Diphtheria, 

 diarrhoea, sore mouth and other complaints have been transmitted in this 

 way. This source of disease may be avoided to a considerable degree by 

 supplying a covered tank with a large free-flowing faucet and a small cup. 

 The opening of a large faucet will furnish a strong stream, which will sud- 

 denly fill the cup and wash the saliva from the edge. Ample drainage must 

 be provided for carrying away the waste water. 



" Slates are condemned because of their uncleanliness. Writing and 

 figures being obliterated as they frequently are with spittle, and as the damp 

 slates readily collect dust, the danger of the transmission of disease in this 

 way is very great. Small children generally place pencils and pens in their 

 mouths, and if these articles are promiscuously distributed without being 

 sterilized, as the rules direct, infection may result. The collecting of pencils 

 seems necessary to always insure one to each pupil. 



"Spitting is prohibited because it is a possible source of disease, is 

 filthy and is unnecessary. 



*' It may seem shocking and unnecessary to many to exclude con- 

 sumptives from the schools, but when we stop to think that tuberculosis 

 causes one in every seven deaths, killing more people annually than cholera, 

 smallpox, diphtheria, scarlet fever and yellow fever combined, then it is time 

 to lay aside that sentiment and pity which would perpetuate disease and 

 death, and take on those qualities in that higher form which makes them 

 forces for more abundant and better life. 



" These rules may seem trifling and unnecessary to those who have not 

 given consideration to modern sanitation, but the teacher more than any other 

 public officer may secure the physical well-being of the pupils as well as their 

 intellectual advancement. 



" It is hoped that all the school authorities of the State will promptly 

 enforce these rules." 



Special lliiles. 



RULE i. All teachers of public, private and parochial schools, all 

 county, city and town health officers and all school authorities shall refuse 

 admittance to the schools under their jurisdiction of any person from any 

 household where contagious disease exists, or any person affected with any 

 evident or apparent communicable disease, or any person who may recently 

 have been affected with diphtheria, membranous croup, scarlet fever, whoop- 

 ing cough, contagious skin disease, measles or other communicable disease, 

 until first presenting a certificate signed by a reputable physician stating that 

 danger of communicating such disease is past, and said certificate is approved 

 and indorsed by the Health Officer in whose jurisdiction the person may 

 reside. 



RULE 2. School Commissioners, School Trustees in cities "and towns, 

 nd Township Trustees, and all authorities governing private or parochial 



