clxii MEMOIR 



idea of an inspection by an association was due,' the lecturer con- 

 tinued, ' to Sir William Fairbairn, under whom he had the honour of 

 serving his apprenticeship.' l The steam users were thus absolutely 

 protected from danger ; and the same idea it was sought to apply to 

 the sanitary system of a house. 



To bring together a sufficient number of persons, to form such a 

 1 group ' as had been contemplated, was the first step to be taken. No 

 time was lost in taking it. The idea hitherto roughly blocked out was 

 now given a more definite form. The original sketch, as dictated by 

 Jenkin himself, is before me, and I cannot do better than transcribe 

 it, seeing it is short and simple. Several important alterations 

 were afterwards made by himself in consultation with one or two 

 of his Provisional Council ; and as experience suggested : 



' The objects of this Association are twofold. 



' 1. By taking advantage of the principle of co-operation, to 

 provide its members at moderate cost with such advice and super- 

 vision as shall ensure the proper sanitary condition of their own 

 dwellings. 



' 2. By making use of specially qualified officers to support the 

 inhabitants and local authorities in enforcing obedience to the pro- 

 visions of those laws and by-laws which affect the sanitary condition 

 of the community. 



' It is proposed that an Association with these objects be formed ; 

 and that all residents within the municipal boundaries of Edinburgh 

 be eligible as members. That each member of the Association shall 

 subscribe one guinea annually. That in return for the annual sub- 

 scription each member shall be entitled to the following advan- 

 tages : 



4 1. A report by the Engineer of the Association on the sanitary 

 condition of his dwelling, with specific recommendations as to 

 the improvement of drainage, ventilation, &c., should this be found 

 necessary. 



* 2. The supervision of any alterations in the sanitary fittings of 

 his dwelling which may be carried out by the advice, or with the 

 approval, of the officers of the Association. 



' 3. An annual inspection of his premises by the Engineer of the 

 Association, with a report as to their sanitary condition. 



' 4. The right, in consideration of a payment of five shillings, of 



1 See paper read at the Congress of the Social Science Association, Edin- 

 burgh, October 8, 1880. 



