17 
inconveniences. He recommends 60 ° C. for twenty minutes as the 
best temperature to use in pasteurizing milk, as this degree of heat 
is sufficient to destroy the pathogenic micro-organisms without de- 
vitalizing the milk itself. While pasteurization is not the ideal to 
be sought, practically, it is forced upon us by present conditions. 
It prevents much sickness and saves many lives — facts which justify 
its use under proper conditions. It is recommended that in large 
communities at least, pasteurization should be under direct supervi- 
sion of the health authorities. 
The trend of our modern knowledge upon the important subject 
of infant feeding is stated in Doctor Schereschewsky’s article on this 
subject. The importance of breast feeding is emphasized. It is 
shown that the caloric needs of the infant must be considered in 
order to insure success in artificial feeding. Some of the errors of 
formula feeding are pointed out, and stress is properly laid upon 
the disastrous results which frequently ensue from overfeeding, espe- 
cially with excessive amounts of butter fat. Schereschewsky believes 
that there is no relation between the heating of milk and infantile 
scurvy, and shows how this disease may result from qualities in the 
milk, other than those resulting from heating. 
In the last three articles named, as well as elsewhere in this bulle- 
tin, references will be observed to the achievements of Mr. Nathan 
Straus in promoting the use of clean pasteurized milk for infants 
and the establishment of infants’ milk depots both in the United 
States and abroad, and it is proper here to give recognition to his 
philanthropic and successful efforts. 
Doctor Woodward describes the municipal regulation of the milk 
supply of the District of Columbia. He recounts the history of the 
development of the milk inspection service which consists of super- 
vision, inspection of dairies and dairy farms, and inspection of the 
milk. It is shown that these measures have resulted in the improve- 
ment of the milk supply, and that there has been a notable reduction 
of morbidity following their inauguration. 
The laws and ordinances governing the supervision of milk are 
given, and in addition copies of the forms of reports, etc., which are 
of value to those having supervision of milk supplies. 
Acknowledgments are here made to Doctor Woodward and the 
officers of the Bureaus of Animal Industry and Chemistry for their 
hearty cooperation and contributions upon this important subject. 
24907— Bull. 41—08 2 
