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49
of leakage external matters that may be dangerous.
This latter fact is not recognized so generally as it
should be; and ignorance of it has probably baffled
many inquiries in cases where water services have in
truth been the means of spreading disease.
If unfortunately, the only water that can be got should be open
to suspicion of dangerous organic impurity, it ought at least to be
boiled before it is used for drinking. It should not be drunk later
than 24 hours after it has been boiled. Filtering of the ordinary
kind cannot of itself be trusted to purify water. It cannot be too
distinctly understood that dangerous qualities of water are not
obviated by the addition of wine or spirits.
6. When there appears any probable relation between the distribution
of disease and of milk supplies, the cleanliness of dairies, the
purity of the water used in them, the health of the persons employed
about them, and the health of the cows that furnish milk should always
be carefully investigated. Even apart from any apprehension of milk
being concerned in a particular outbreak of disease, it is desirable that
English people should adopt the custom, which is always followed
in some continental countries, of boiling all milk at once upon its
reception into a house, unless, indeed, such milk has been previously
sterilized.
7. The washing and lime-whiting of uncleanly premises, especially
of such as are densely occupied, should be pressed with all practicable
despatch.
8. Overcrowding should be prevented. Especially where disease
has begun, the sick-room should, as far as possible, be free from
persons who are not of use to the patient.
Ample ventilation should be enforced. It should be seen that
windows are made to open, and that they are sufficiently opened.
Especially where any kind of infective fever has begun, it is essential,
d