100 MICROBES AND HEALTH. 



is found in the following: "A Quarter Century of 

 Public Health Work in Michigan," issued in July, 1898, 

 by the State Board of Health, Chief Clerk states, on 

 page 23 : "In the report for 1897 will be found such 

 a study that estimates that 149,296 cases of sickness 

 and 7,121 deaths have been saved during the seven 

 years, 1890-'96," etc., etc. 



Page 24 states, "The money values saved to the tax- 

 payers in Michigan through the work of the state and 

 local health officials is enormous. 



"As stated in the preceeding head, during the seven 

 years, 1890-'96, it is probable that there were saved 

 149,296 cases of sickness and 7,121 deaths from diph- 

 theria, scarlet fever, typhoid fever and measles four 

 infectious and preventable diseases." 



In its annual report for 1897 the State Board of 

 Health estimates that the total money value saved the 

 people of Michigan is $6,973,680, or a little less than 

 one million dollars per year. 



"In these estimates it is believed that each life saved 

 represents at least $500 less than the price of a slave 

 during war times, and each case of sickness avoided 

 represents a saving of at least $40 for funeral expenses, 

 etc.*' Some of the above quotation is under the head- 

 ing, "Life Saving in Michigan." 



The reader is cautioned not to read the title, "Life 

 Saving Machine." The words are similar, but the 

 manner of operating is altogether different. Machines 

 are generally operated by steam, .while health boards 

 are operated by theory. . 



"One hundred and forty-nine thousand two hundred 



