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made to determine which disinfectants are best suited for this purpose,
the strengths in which they should be used, and the length of time
necessary for successful action. Agents are known which will kill the
tubercle bacillus with considerable promptness, but they are of a highly
poisonous nature, and it is essential that a disinfectant which is to be
used by the public should be as nearly non-poisonous as possible.
By-law as to Spitting.—Some time ago the County Council made a
By-law which prohibits spitting on the floor, side, or wall of any
public carriage or of any public hall, public waiting room, or place of
public entertainment, but it was not clear who could take proceedings
against offenders. The County Council have now taken legal opinion
on the subject, and are advised that, under Section 23 (5) of the
Municipal Corporations Act, 1882, any offence against the By-law
may be prosecuted summarily; and that as such offence, being an
offence against public policy, it is competent for any person to take
proceedings, and societies may instruct their officers to apply as
common informers for summons under the By-law.
Tuberculous Meat and Milk.—From the supervision which is
exercised over the slaughter-houses and markets, the amount of meat
affected with tubercle which is sold in London must be comparatively
small; but, from examination which has been made of the milk sold in
the various districts, we know that a considerable quantity of milk from
tuberculous cows is distributed. During the year 1901, one hundred
samples of milk were examined bacteriologically in this City, and in
eleven instances the tubercle bacillus was found. The whole of the
infected samples were from country farms. The dairyman, middleman,
and farmers were communicated with and steps were taken by several
large firms to have the cows examined at the inculpated farms by their
own veterinary surgeon. Without frequent examination of milk and
systematic enquiry, it is impossible to say how many persons are
infected through milk. Possibly it plays a part in infecting children
and persons in a debilitated state of health.
It was at one time suggested that tubercular milk was the chief
source of infection in children, but I believe the way in which most
children become infected is by means of infected dust in carpets and
floors of rooms which have been occupied by persons suffering from
phthisis. So soon as they are able children are allowed to play and
crawl about on the floor, and may easily convey infective materials from
the hands to the mouth.
Employment of Consumptives.—This is a question which has led to
some very extreme views being taken and to great hardships being
inflicted on persons afflicted with consumption, The experience of the
consumptive hospitals shows that under proper hygienic circumstances