552 Our Surroundings 



minute forms of life, learned how to combat them in the body, to 

 rid food and water of them, and to preserve food from their 

 attacks by drying, canning, refrigeration and other means. Lister 

 developed the antiseptic method in surgery, which prevented germ 

 infection after an operation. From this has developed our mod- 

 ern aseptic surgery which excludes germs before and during the 

 operation. Jenner discovered that germs of cowpox, injected into 

 the body, made one immune to smallpox. This led to the discovery 

 of vaccines and antitoxins which prevent the spread of several 

 dangerous diseases. 



By the scientific study of the necessary food nutrients present 

 in common foods, it has become possible for scientists to recom- 

 mend diets that keep the body in the best condition to resist disease 

 and to perform its work. 



Other scientific discoveries also have contributed to our better 

 physical welfare. The X-ray discloses the character of injuries 

 to the bones and locates foreign objects and abnormal growths in 

 the body. The development of safe anaesthetics reduces suffering 

 during operations and the accompanying dangers of shock and 

 fright. Even the scientific advances in building have contributed 

 by giving us more comfortable and sanitary homes. On every 

 hand, Science is working to safeguard our lives. 



Science and Our Daily Life. We are so accustomed to the 

 many comforts, pleasures, and conveniences of our daily lives 

 that we find it hard to realize the extent to which we are indebted 

 to scientists for them. 



The comfortable houses we live in are the product of scien- 

 tifically developed tools, building materials, and working methods. 

 Long scientific research in metals and manufacturing processes 

 lies back of our efficient modern and sanitary plumbing with its 

 attractive fixtures. Modern scientific methods of water supply 

 bring pure water from a distance to meet the needs of the home. 

 Modern heating plants, designed on scientific principles, keep us 

 comfortably warm regardless of winter's storms. 



Since the days of Franklin, scientists have striven to make 

 electricity useful in the home. Steadily its uses have increased. 

 Electricity now lights our homes and runs our radios, washing 



