CHAPTER IV 



A General Survey of the Seriousness of Insect-Borne Diseases to Armies ^ 



W. Dwight Pierce 



As this course of study is directed primarily toward obtaining a 

 thorough knowledge of the relations of insects to diseases of men and 

 the measures which must be taken to prevent these diseases, it is eminently 

 proper for us to make a survey of the insect problems which confront the 

 greatest aggregations of men, the modern army. From a study of mili- 

 tary sanitation methods we may learn much which we need to know in 

 practical municipal problems. Military methods are based on the neces- 

 sity of quick returns and emergency efficiency, from which are built up in 

 permanent establishments more perfect measures. 



The discussion of military entomology immediately falls into two very 

 distinct lines: first, the army training and concentration camps, and 

 second, the active service camps and battle conditions. 



Before the location of the average training camp, we may assume 

 that it is possible to deliberate more or less on the desirability of one or 

 more sites and that in a general way drinking water and general health 

 conditions are considered. Not infrequently some other consideration 

 will outweigh sanitation, as when it is considered essential to place a camp 

 near a certain city or on a certain waterway or railway. In such cases 

 of expediency, we are quite likely to find sanitation a serious problem 

 from the outset. 



The camp site is selected because of some important reason. 

 From an entomologist's viewpoint a number of outstanding questions 

 immediately arise as to this site. Is the ground open or wooded, level or 

 sloping and well drained.'' Are there water holes, running streams, or 

 swamps in the camp area or nearby? Are there farmhouses, stables, 

 or other buildings on the site and what is the entomological situation in 

 these buildings.'' What disease-carrying insects are naturally breeding 

 about the camp site.'' If there has been any contagious disease of man 

 or animals in the community before the camp was located, the entomolo- 

 gist's concern is the greater. He should if possible learn the focus of 



'This lecture was originally presented May 27, 1918, and distributed the same day. 

 It has been revised for the present edition. 



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