Translator's Preface 



THE importance of food hygiene in the protection and preser- 

 vation of public health is now generally recognized. Milk 

 constitutes one of the most important foods for the human 

 race, and since its composition and wholesomeness are entirely 

 dependent upon its proper handling, the necessity for a strict 

 supervision and control is obvious. 



The problem of milk hygiene is very complex and must embody 

 all phases of milk control from the time the milk is produced until 

 it reaches the consumer. In all stages it may be subjected to 

 wilful adulteration and to contamination with injurious and ob- 

 noxious substances. Furthermore, the danger threatens this most 

 valuable food not only from outside sources but also from internal 

 influences, as the milk may leave the animal in the condition of a 

 dangerous product, a carrier of pathogenic microbes. Various 

 kinds of infection of the udder are frequently important factors 

 in the contamination of milk, which would render it dangerous to 

 the consumers. Thus in recent years numerous outbreaks of in- 

 fectious sore throats have been caused by such conditions. It is 

 therefore apparent that in the proper control of the milk supply it 

 is necessary to be familiar with all conditions which may be re- 

 sponsible for an injurious or unwholesome product. The subject 

 is one in which every sanitarian should be thoroughly qualified. 



Although there are numerous splendid publications available 

 on this subject, they are either too voluminous to be used as text- 

 books or they fail to contain the more recent very important devel- 

 opments made in this branch of public hygiene. The excellent 

 German publication of Dr. Ernst entitled "Milk Hygiene" meets 

 the requirement of a concise, up-to-date work on that subject, and 

 it is with pleasure that in response to requests from various sources 

 we have accepted the preparation of an English edition of this 

 publication. We did not lose sight of the fact that it should meet 

 with the conditions prevailing in this country and accordingly we 



