re Proc-edings of the 
Major D. Stewart, D.P.H., I.M.S., Director, Public 
Health Laboratori ies, Bengal, read a paper on ‘* Tube Wells in 
Bengal.’ 
Major Stewart explained that there are really two Ganges 
deltas, an er and a more modern one super-imposed. ‘Two 
methods o f boring tube wells were described, the one in which 
the tube well itself is used for boring, the ‘other in which an 
outer tube boring is first sunk, the tube well then inserted, and 
the outer cover removed by degrees, the space between the two 
being dagger be filled in with rammed sand. Experiments 
with tube wells in Bengal has shown that often an absolutely 
sterile, cool and reliable supply could be obtained at a very low 
cost, and tube wells were coming into more and more use in 
Bengal. At first the water might be contaminated, and especi- 
ally so if a contaminated water supply be used in the jet for 
loosening earth inside the bore. Even this however usually 
clears later. Occasionally iron salts constituted a difficulty im 
such supplies and might) necessitate chemical treatment. As 
to cost it could be roughly estimated at one rupee per gallon 
yield per hour. In the discussion on Major Stewart's vaper 
Dr. Bishop gave an interesting account of the use of tube wells 
on the E. B. Ry. during the building of the Sara Ghat Bridge. 
and in cholera epidemics. 
Major H. W. Acton, 1.M.S., then read a paper ‘‘ On the 
Cacautiny of the Epidemic Drops of Caleutta.’’ He described 
the close association of the disease with the consumption of a 
particular grade of rice. It had been found that this rice was 
usually brought to the rice stores in Howrah by boat. During 
the monsoon season, with conditions of great humidity and high 
pylons ak the rice became infected with certain moulds and 
e bearing wrobic bacillus. As the rice was both milled 
and "parboiled before storing, it was unprotected, and these 
hydroly sing micro-organisms produced in if poisonous amines. 
These amines had been salted out and experimentally tested. 
They produce shortened, diminished and irregular systoJa of 
the heart with arise in blood pressure and an increase in 
infected rice, and experiments were in progress to try and 
infect healthy rice and to experimentally produce these amines 
and test _— 
Major on’s paper was subsequently published in the 
Indian Medtoat Gazette, and has led to increased interest in and 
patent sea of the disease, the true etiology of which now 
appears to be established, as well as the measures needed for 
its prevention. 
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