PUBLIC HEALTH. 
181 
PUBLIC HEALTH. 
ABSTKACT OF MK, G. JACKSON's PAPER. 
(Read March 7th, 1872.) 
Having read on two previous occasions papers before this Institution 
on the cognate subjects of Air and Food, considering the interest 
now manifested in the subject of sanitary matters owing to recent 
events, the topic seemed appropriate. 
Neglect of sanitary regulations in the mansions and palaces of 
the rich, as well as the dwellings of the poor. Mr. Rawlinson, c.e., 
states that in 1844 there were 53 cess-pools under Windsor Castle, 
and its condition was such that no one should live there. The cost 
had been £750,000. 
It is satisfactory to find that the importance of the subject is 
awakening attention. The Ennis Sanitary Committee, in a 
Memorial to the Commissioners of ^^ational Education in Ireland, 
recommend the teaching of hygiene in schools. 
Preventible causes of disease : — 
1st. Impure atmosphere from overcrowding, the escape of sewage 
gases, and the diffusion of Arsenic from wall-papers. 
2nd. Impure water from the admixture of organic matter, or 
absorption of sewage gas. 
3rd. The neglect of preventive measures, such as vaccination, and 
the isolation of those who are suffering from infectious diseases. 
4th. The excessive indulgence in intoxicating liquors. 
The impurities of the Air had been dealt with in a previous 
paper, especially as regards overcrowding and vitiation from want 
of ventilation. As a point bearing on this, some remarks were 
made on the dwellings of the poor. As a rule the poor live in 
houses which were at some previous period inhabited by families 
of a superior class, one of which occupied the whole house. 
When let out in rooms there is no convenience for those living in 
the upper rooms for getting water, or carrying away refuse, but 
everything has to be dragged up and down stairs. Mr. B. Fletcher 
proposes to alter such houses by carrying up the water and having 
a shoot for ashes. Many of the model lodging-houses ai'e deficient 
