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represent a very large proportion of the population, and as these
are daily congregating in large numbers they become the medium
through which infectious diseases rapidly spread.
In times of Epidemics of Small Pox, and Scarlet Fever
especially, a better organized system of Medical Supervision of
our Board Schools is urgently called for.
DISINFECTION.
Every precaution was exercised in the removal of infected
bedding. All infected bedding was first fumigated with sulphur,
and as a double precaution, was, upon removal, enveloped in oiled
canvas, strongly impregnated with carbolic acid; if old and filthy
it was burnt, and new was supplied by the Vestry; this was done
in 227 cases. All good flock and feather bedding was disinfected
by a process, which consists in first steaming the goods in an
atmosphere of strong carbolic acid at a temperature of 280° F.;
they are then baked, and the feathers or flock re-dressed. By this
plan the bedding is returned to its owner, in a state almost equal
to new. The advantages of this method of disinfection ns compared
with the ordinary plan of disinfecting by dry heat, are
too palpable to need comment, and although much more expensive,
it may be the most economical in the end.
Great importance was attached to the cleansing and disinfecting
of all closets and drains, and where Small Pox was known to occur
in Courts and Alleys, disinfectants were supplied to every house.
The Parochial Undertaker was specially instructed by the
Medical Officer of Health, as to the disinfection and speedy removal
of the dead to the Mortuary, where there is a place set
apart for the remains of those who died from infectious diseases,
and in all cases this was carried out without difficulty.