3 i2 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY CHAP. 



viduals must make up a healthy community. Every 

 case of sickness diminishes the public health and en- 

 dangers the entire community. Lack of general sanita- 

 tion in any community threatens the health of every 

 individual. 



Under favorable sanitary surroundings the death rate 

 is decreased and the span of human life lengthened, 

 while in a community in which the persons are ignorant 

 and careless as to their habits of living, the death rate 

 is increased and the period of life shortened. In the 

 United States the length of life (the average age at 

 death) has increased about four years during the dec- 

 ade from 1890 to 1900, as shown by the census rate of 

 1900. 



It is a hopeful sign that the death rate in our cities 

 and the rural districts is watched carefully from year to 

 year, and it should be a matter of public pride to see it 

 decrease gradually. Public sanitation will not accom- 

 plish it alone, though it will contribute its share, but 

 there must go with it more hygienic personal modes of 

 living. The important thing is for each individual to 

 form, early in life, good hygienic habits of living, and to 

 become informed on all matters pertaining to public 

 health and sanitation. 



SUMMARY OF THE MAIN POINTS 



1. There are many problems of public health and general 

 sanitation that should receive the attention of the intelligent 

 citizens in every community. 



2. Many of the problems are assigned to officers, boards, 



