628 
This does not imply, however, that elaborate and expensive ap- 
paratus is absolutely essential. The surgeon may of necessity be 
forced to convert the kitchen into a surgical ampitheater, but his skill 
and attention to detail will insure an aseptic wound. The same in 
fact is also true of the dairyman, whose conscientious and well- 
directed efforts will yield, even with limited facilities, a product which 
may be impossible of attainment in the elaborately equipped dairy of 
the “ agriculturist.” 
Much also depends upon the zeal of the professional body under 
whose patronage the dairy operates — a fact clearly evident to one 
visiting these model establishments. 
The sanitary excellence of “ certified ” milk and the standards it 
represents may therefore be expected to improve in proportion to the 
increasing appreciation of the medical profession and the educational 
attainment of those engaged in dairying and dairy hygiene. 
THE RESULTS ACCOMPLISHED. 
Since the beginning of the movement seventeen years ago, a limited 
supply of pure milk has been rendered available for clinical purposes 
in a number of cities of the country. 
The plan which was originated by a member of the medical pro- 
fession has been the means of arousing that bod} 7 itself to the impor- 
tance of pure milk for the use of infants, invalids, and the public 
generally. In consequence there has been organized the American 
Association of Medical Milk Commissions, which has held three an- 
nual meetings, and which is organized as for a permanent agency in 
the improvement of milk supplies. 
The methods adopted have had an influence in creating a demand 
for improved conditions in the production of market milk, and in 
addition exerted a beneficial effect upon the character of the general 
supply in those localities where “ certified ” milk is produced. They 
have also emphasized anew the dangers of bovine tuberculosis and the 
necessity of preventing the use of milk from tuberculous cows. 
The standards of purity have already served as a basis for the 
formulation of measures which it is proposed to enact into law, a 
milk conference in the District of Columbia having recommended 
that “ certified ” milk be recognized by law and that it be certified by 
the health officer of the District. 
An act was passed by the general assembly of Xew Jersey and 
approved April 21, 1909, providing for the incorporation of medical 
milk commissions and the certification of milk produced under their 
supervision. 
Finally, the continued interest of the medical profession in the sani- 
tary supervision of milk from theffarm to the consumer will result in 
the adoption of new standards of purity far in advance of those in 
use at the present time. 
