EDITORIAL. 
381 
inquiry, made by the English Government, gave us hope that the 
American people would now see the importance of veterinary 
science, and the benefits to be derived from the veterinarian’s 
knowledge of the contagious diseases of animals. 
Our medical papers have lately contained much in relation to 
the establishment of a General Sanitary Health Board in Wash¬ 
ington. Plans have been suggested, boards of officers indicated, 
their salaries specified, etc., etc. One of our exchanges proposes , 
that the Board be “ constituted of one medical officer from the 
Army, Navy, and Marine Hospital services of the United States, 
and of three eminent physicians from civil life, a sanitary en¬ 
gineer, and a meteorologist or scientist, each and all to be selected 
for their special knowledge of hygiene and professional eminence.” 
Now, all this is undoubtedly very well so far as it goes, and in¬ 
dicates upon the part of our physicians and sanitarians an interest 
in the matter, for which they deserve great credit; but could a 
Board so constituted answer efficiently all the requirements of the 
case ? and would it satisfy the English Government that a suffi¬ 
cient protection of her interests was thereby guaranteed ? We 
think not. 
The health of our nation cannot be properly protected by 
sanitary physicians, engineers, and meteorologists alone, for many 
of the most destructive diseases known depend upon, or originate 
in, the lower animals, and it is to those scientists versed in their 
causes, treatment, and prevention to whom we are to look for 
protection. 
For this reason we would ask that to the National Board of 
Health be added a veterinary sanitarian, and also that a Veteri¬ 
nary Sanitary Bureau be formed in Washington, to which all State 
Boards should report. 
The proposition to form State Boards is in no wise a new one, 
for it has been repeatedly urged by veterinarians in all parts of 
our country, and it is only by their aid in reporting to the Na¬ 
tional Board all local diseases and important sanitary deficiencies 
that a proper protection of our live stock interests can be secured 
and our status as exporters of cattle maintained in the markets of 
the world. 
