182 
JOURNAL OF THE PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION. 
in several respects. The Lunsden dwellings, Glasgow, have no 
windows in the bedi'ooms. Houses let out in rooms should be 
licensed for a certain number, the same as common lodging-houses. 
The effects of sewage gas on health, whether when absorbed 
into the drinking water, or when mixed with the atmosphere, are 
not sufficiently appreciated ; there is no doubt but that it is a 
prime cause of typhoid fever, and caused the illness of H.E.H. 
the Prince of Wales. This cause costs the lives of about 20,000 
persons annually, and ill-health to 100,000 more. All drains should 
be ventilated. Dr. Carpenter, of Croydon, recommends, and the plan 
is carried out there, of carrying all the pipes connected with the 
drains to the top of the house and leaving them open. If this is 
not done, not only do the gases escape into the house, but they act 
on the pipes, and act through them, although there may not be 
any such perforation as to permit liquid to pass ; hence the plumber 
would probably attribute the bad smell to dead rats. 
Although we are very far from perfection in sanitary matters, 
yet, contrasted with former times, we are in a much more favour- 
able condition. If the mortality of London, during an epidemic, 
was to be at the same rate as during the great plague of 1665, 
half the population would be dead in a year. 
The organic matter in water should not exceed 1*5 grains per 
gallon. In the Plymouth water there is only 0-54. 
The use of cisterns, however, is very pernicious, especially 
amongst the lower classes, where there is great neglect in keeping 
them clean and free from organic impurities. A constant supply 
seems to be the only remedy. Twenty-five gallons per head is the 
least quantity that should be allowed. 
Of disinfectants, heat and charcoal are probably the best. The 
power of the latter in absorbing gases is well known. Too fre- 
quently such disinfectants as carbonic acid, &c., are used to conceal 
the consequences, the cause of the escape of gas, &c., being left 
alone. 
Sanitary Legislation. A step in the right direction has been 
taken by Mr. Stansfeld in his bill, which he has just introduced. 
He does not, however, attempt at present any consolidation of the 
numerous sanitary acts which are often contradictory and extremely 
difficult to interpret. Sanitary functions are classed and separated 
without any regard to any real affinity or dijfference. Local self- 
government should be maintained ; and direction only remain in the 
