384 ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY 



In case a town supply must be taken from a river, pond, 

 or lake, the science of sterilizing, softening and clearing water 

 is so highly developed there is no reason why wholesome 

 waters should not be secured. Clearness, "softness," and lack 

 of odor do not insure pure water. Its bacterial content is 

 of more significance than any other single factor; and the 

 number of bacteria is of little consequence as compared with 

 their kind. Bacteria which thrive in decomposing organic 

 material should not be present, particularly such as are found 

 in the human digestive canal. If such are found, it is obvious 

 that insanitary drainage from human dwellings is somehow 

 entering the supply, and the health of every person using this 

 water is in imminent danger. 



The temperature, except for affecting its palatableness, has 

 nothing to do with its desirableness. If ice is used in water, 

 one should be certain that it, in turn, is made from pure water, 

 and in its use one should remember the physiological fact that 

 cold temporarily slows or even stops the action of life pro- 

 cesses. 



Location and Drainage. Formerly, if the basement of a 

 house kept dry, little was thought of other drainage. The 

 water wastes were thrown on the near-by ground, and either 

 allowed to sink in, or to run into an open ditch. Solid matters 

 were allowed to collect wherever they might. 



In modern times, large amounts of water are used in washing, 

 rinsing, house-cleaning, and the like. Lavatories, bathtubs, 

 and the sanitary water-flushed toilet have become necessities 

 of civilization. Rainwater should be conducted away and 

 not be allowed to fall from the eaves, as this undermines the 

 foundations and creates a damp, unwholesome basement. 



Houses should be so located that all waste water can be 

 conducted away to a safe distance; in order to do this the 

 house should stand above the general level so this drainage 

 may be easily and surely secured. 



House Construction. A dry basement is very essential. 



