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Annual Report of the Medical Officer of Health—1873—4.

When we reflect concerning disease, we cannot but be amazed at the enormous sums
of money, and the great amount of care and thought expended upon it. Our towns are
supplied with Hospitals to meet it in its most varied aspects. Hospitals, Consumptive
Hospitals, Homes for the Incurables, Convalescent Homes, and others, dot the country
over. The voluntary efforts made for their maintenance have called forth the wonder and
admiration of the foreigner. In some of these places manifest deeds of skill have been
wrought; marvellous cures of the sick and maimed have been brought about, and great
eclat has rested upon all those engaged in this work. The thousands upon thousands of
pounds left by the charitable, have sustained names, and given rise to expressions of
gratitude and thankfulness. But what can be said for the prevention of disease? Comparison
seems impossible. Disease is prevented, and what remains to be shown? Neither
praise, nor glory, nor gratitude is called forth; as we cannot express these emotions upon
that which is not to be touched, nor handled, nor seen, nor felt. Great skill, much selfdenial,
and unbounded charity may have been exercised in this prevention, yet no fame
shall be called forth, and the name of the Sanitary Reformer would soon sink into oblivion,
if even it ever claimed public attention. Yet preventive medicine takes a far highor and
moro noble stand than does curative medicine. "To mend broken china is a beautiful art;
yet we should prefer the prudence which keeps the china whole." It may be likened to
the still small voice which accomplished more than the flashing lightning, or the tumultuous
earthquake. There remains for it a great future, when knowledge of it shall be increased,
and its teachings shall be adopted in College, School, and Public place, and when Government
shall deem it worthy of their profound care and attention.
Only lately have Medical Boards and Schools recognised the subject, and established
examinations upon it. Yet Hygiene is not a modern science, a hoary dignity rests upon it.
But its progress has been halting, almost has it resembled the monotonous sweep of the
pendulum, describing one unvarying arc. The precepts of Moses in some of their aspects,