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observe that Servia, Turkey, and at least three of the often abused South
American States are amongst the little band of nations that lead the way in so
simple and necessary a measure of hygienic control.
However, such are the facts as deduced from the reports of our own and
foreign consular agents, to whom I am indebted for the following particulars
respecting the regulations in force in the countries referred to.
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
In the State of New York an Act is in operation to regulate the practice of
barbering, to establish a State Board of barber examiners, and to provide for
the sanitary inspection of barbers' shops.
Lancet, 3rd October, 1903.
Under this law every practising barber must register and receive a licence, and
must conform to certain rules and regulations. These rules enforce antisepticism
in a very pronounced form. Cleanliness of the hands must be secured by washing
them in an antiseptic fluid after each "shave"; razors, scissors and clippers
must be treated with boiling water; powder puffs must be dispensed with; floors
must be kept clean with antiseptic washing; and towels, sheets and chairs must
be antiseptically clean.
This law has met with little opposition, and upwards of 15,000 barbers are said
to have registered in New York State.
It is stated that one or two other States are petitioning for similar laws.
BOLIVIA.
In this country the authorities require all hairdressers and barbers to
properly disinfect their premises and articles in use in their businesses.
Beyond the fact that these places are supervised I have no further particulars.
GERMANY.
The British Consul-General at Berlin informs me that, while the control of
the business of hairdresser or barber has not hitherto been made the subject of
legislation for the whole extent of the German Empire of the Kingdom of
Prussia, certain regulations for that purpose have been promulgated, and are
in force in the Kingdom of Bavaria, and in several counties in Germany.
Among the individual Federal States who have issued such regulations
are—
The Duchy of Anhalt,
The Principality of Waldeck,
Danzic, West Prussia, and
The Free State of Hamburg.