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to be suspended and conveyed in the atmosphere, penetrates
into houses, and is of course inspired with the air
into our lungs, or deposited about the portals thereto,
hence by the latter means much of the throat disease
which always prevails in London in the autumnal season
may be attributable to this foul condition of the atmosphere.
We have all observed the healthy contrast
presented by plants and trees under glass cases or in
houses in London, with those exposed in the open air;
in the dirtiest and dingiest streets plants so protected
and supplied with filtered air look clean and luxuriant;
the human organism is susceptible to like influences
from similar causes: smoke is of course a large contributor
to the general sum of pernicious impurities.
There is a probability of these apparently minor dangers
to the public health being somewhat overlooked in
the attractions of those of a more imposing kind, but
which may not have a corresponding or even equal influence
upon the public health. The evil is cumulative
year by year, and with the present rate of metropolitan
expansion it has become only a question of time, when
the atmosphere of London, or rather the material
compound representing it, will become irrespirable or not
respirable compatible with healthy existence. Improved
roads, footpaths and paving, with efficient means for
cleansing the surface, and preventing the dust rising
into the air, an improved system of dust and refuse
removal from houses, and general smoke consumption,
are among the principal measures towards the maintenance
of atmospheric purity. Sewer gas is a great
and at present less tractable offender, but is perhaps
not so perpetually injurious to health as its confederates
above ground; still, the offensive smells from sewer
gratings and ventilators are a constant source of complaint,
and much injury to the public health must result
therefrom.