THE PREVENTIQN OF CHOLERA. 713 



at the present time there are very few water suppUes in the laud into which more 

 or less water-closet or similar drainage does not find its way to a greater or less 

 extent. 



"The entire region drained by the supply should be gone over as though 

 with a fine-toothed comb, and every spot where human pollution could by direct 

 discharge or indirect filtration reach the drinking-water, should be at once and 

 permanently eradicated. This will in many cases arouse opposition and contu- 

 macy, for it is impossible, unless one has actually undertaken the task, to realize 

 the brutal selfishness of those who, unendangered themselves, will claim the right 

 to continue the poisoning of their neighbors. Were they to do so at close quar- 

 ters a shotgun would be a proper argument, but since their premises are beyond 

 the range of a rifle they will persist in imperiling the lives of others unless the 

 strong hand of the law be laid upon them. 



" These considerations, you will observe, apply as well to new sources of 

 supply as to those already existing. 



" It would be desirable to supplement this minute exploration of physical 

 features by analytical and microscopic investigations. While chemistry has its 

 limitations and cannot positively assign the causes of certain components of water 

 supply and totally fails to disclose the existence of diseased germs it is extremely 

 useful as a guide, and especially in confirming the results of local examinations. 

 The field of microbiology in connection with water supply is as yet hardly entered 

 upon, but its application can not fail to prove of the very highest value and 

 furnish indications beyond the possibilities of other methods. 



"It is needless to say that both chemist and microscopist should be compe- 

 tent to do their work. Nothing is more misleading and worthless than the report 

 of the ignoramus or the charlatan, and the world, even the scientific world, is 

 not at present composed of instructed and conscienscious men exclusively. 



" With the general supply thoroughly guarded, no spread of pestilence need 

 be feared. Should individual cases occur they can be strictly localized and con- 

 tagion exterminated ; but while the presence of cholera need occasion no panic, 

 it must be remembered that nothing but unremitting vigilance and thorough pre- 

 paration can avail to suppress the foul visitor or prevent his swarming and invis- 

 ble myrimidons from penetrating to our homes and fastening upon their prey." 



I think the careful perusal of the above will be a thorough vindication of the 

 senseless idea that our water supply will induce cholera. — Kansas City Times. 



PREVENTION OF CHOLERA.— THE STATE BOARDS OF HEALTH 



REPORT. 



The report of the committee of the State Boards of Health upon the " Prac- 

 tical Work Required for the Prevention of Cholera in this Country" embodies 

 the recommendations made to the United States and Canadian Governments and 

 to the country at large. The recommendations were drafted by a committee 



