466 Our Surroundings 



alcohol and other narcotics ; and the establishment of societies, as 

 well as the passing of laws, to encourage and enforce other desir- 

 able health reforms. 



In all of these plans, the objects are to spread knowledge of 

 the principles governing the proper care and use of the human 

 body, and to make proper provision for wholesome surroundings. 

 On these things depend the preservation of health, efficiency, and 

 the prolongation of life. 



In early times, personal hygiene and home sanitation were 

 sufficient, but with the growth of large cities, and the increase in 

 intercourse and trade between all countries, public hygiene and 

 sanitation have become necessary in order to preserve the gen- 

 eral health. 



The control of bacterial diseases is of prime importance. The 

 surest control is to quarantine those sick with communicable dis- 

 eases. Although the unwashed hand is probably the most frequent 

 means of distributing bacteria, there are other active agents, among 

 which are flies, vermin of various kinds, and house pets. Occa- 

 sionally it happens that a person, apparently well, becomes a car- 

 rier of disease. Nearly everyone has heard of Typhoid Mary. 

 She was a domestic cook and, wherever she worked, cases of 

 typhoid fever would develop in the family. On examination, it 

 was found that she was a carrier of typhoid germs although not 

 suffering from the disease. 



That the theory of infection from contact is becoming popu- 

 larly accepted is indicated by the introduction of sanitary drink- 

 ing fountains, individual towels, liquid soap and other hygienic 

 appliances into schools, hotels, and other public places. 



Information in regard to avoiding infection from animals, like 

 rats, mosquitoes, and certain parasitic worms, is quite generally 

 available. The hookworm in the south of our own country and 

 in many sections of the world, is one of the most numerous par- 

 asitic worms. It attaches itself to the small intestine, seriously 

 weakening its victim by sucking the blood from the capillaries. 

 The work of the Rockefeller Sanitary Commission for eradication 

 of the hookworm is a notable illustration of the efforts being made 

 for the cure and prevention of disease. 



