WATER CONTAMINATION.

This important subject is ably and forcibly discussed in a paper furnished by A. H. Crosby, M. D.

The relation of water pollution to disease is too well demonstrated to admit of argument, for the evidence is voluminous and convincing; neither is it necessary to go outside of our state to find the saddest of proofs. The problem of how to maintain the original purity of our streams, ponds, and other water supplies is one which possesses a growing interest, and in localities of an increasing population the subject approaches serious proportions. The many instances on record, in this state and elsewhere, where disease and even epidemics have been produced by impure drinking water, ought to be a sufficient warning to every family to zealously guard against such insidious sources of sickness and danger to the health. Not only should the existing conditions be studied, but a watchful supervision should be inaugurated, lest in an unguarded way the evil should extend to sources that are now free even from suspicion of pollution.

Too much reliance is often placed upon the idea that water rapidly purifies itself, and that the soil filters out the dangerous properties that may have been added to the water. In the Secretary's report will be found some interesting facts upon this point. The school that once taught that a stream purified itself in a few miles' run is rapidly diminishing in numbers, as the fallacy of such a doctrine becomes more and more apparent. The methods of determination and analysis have become more accurate and delicate, thus revealing facts that were formerly obscured through the lack of sensitive tests. True it is, that oxidation, aquatic vegetation, and animal life in the water soon disposes, in most cases, of crude and visible matters of pollution; but the most dangerous products, such as the nitrates, chlorides, and albuminoid ammonia may be conveyed to a great distance,-in fact, the limit to which such compounds may be carried is as yet unknown. Then, again, certain germs of disease are not oxidized, and it is reasonable to suppose that they might be carried to an almost unlimited distance.

The theory, that filtration of contaminated water through soil always removes its impurities, is as false as the argument of self

purification of streams. Two reasons are obvious: first, because certain substances, like the lower orders of animal or vegetable nature, are not readily oxidized or otherwise changed in character, consequently vitality may remain unimpaired for an indefinite period; second, because of the minuteness of such organisms, and perhaps other elements of disease, thereby readily passing through the soil.

Many of these points are strongly brought out in Dr. Crosby's paper, and additional illustrative cases are to be found in the Secretary's report of typhoid fever.

This subject will be one of primary importance in our work, so intimately is it connected with the health of the people.

STATE MEDICINE IN GERMANY.

The paper upon this subject by Carl H. Horsch, M. D., member of the board, while interesting as a history of the subject, is somewhat pertinent to the same question in this country, and contains some pointed suggestions. The enforcement of the law, and the recognition of the fitness of persons for official positions, are worthy of the attention of legislators and statesmen. While many of the systems are inadmissible in a country like ours, the fact that education is the basis upon which such strict and efficient principles are secured and maintained is clearly evident. Special adaptation for certain duties is required, which with us is not demanded. No class of dangers to health is overlooked; and while the German system has in this department much worthy of adoption, it should be remembered that all the fruits of despotism, even if supported by science and popular education, will never take root in American soil. We commend the efficient care which is manifested in the interests of the masses to our own people.

THE APPLICATION OF COMMON LAW IN QUESTIONS OF NUISANCE.

The brief paper upon this subject, by the Secretary, is presented, that local boards and individuals may have a more general and better idea of the rights of persons and communities to good sanitary surroundings.

The general laws are explicit upon some particular conditions, but concerning a great variety of questions or cases that may arise, nothing is to be found. The remedy, then, is to be sought under the common law. Of this, most people outside of the legal profession have little or no knowledge. Even Boards of Health have decided that they had no authority to proceed in a case where the complaint was against a party whose business produced a disgusting and intolerable stench, because, according to their view of the statutes, there must be evidence of injury to health. Under the common law they would not only have found such a condition indictable, but under certain circumstances sufficient ground for action for special damages.

True it is, there are many qualifying considerations that determine the application of such law in a given case, but the general principles brought out in the paper mentioned are fundamental in character, and are sufficient to indicate the course to be followed in most cases of this class.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.

An inspection of the sanitary and hygienic conditions of the public buildings, alms-houses, reformatory institutions, etc., has been commenced, and will be continued. This seems to be one of the very important duties of the Board, especially so in institutions that constantly have in care a considerable number of inmates. Whenever or wherever the question of health is involved, there should be no distinction on account of class or condition. The most wretched criminal is as justly entitled to pure air, uncontaminated water, wholesome food, and the means of personal cleanliness, as the very men who made and enforced the law which he has violated. Our state has emphatically recognized this principle of nature's law in the erection of a new prison, which, in this respect, is a monument to the progressive ideas and knowledge of the age.

The degree of care and attention necessary to maintain good sanitary conditions varies with different institutions. In a prison where all the structural essentials have been secured in building, it is not difficult, under the systematic discipline of the place, to maintain healthy surroundings; but at alms-houses, where the

idiotic, weak-minded, crippled, sickly, and poverty-born and slovenly-reared inmates, uneducated and illiterate, even in common decency, make up a large percentage of the wards, it requires constant oversight and the most scrupulous attention to secure the desired ends. If the buildings have been constructed, as some have, without any regard to sanitary principles, then the problem becomes a more complex one;-hence each institution becomes an independent study, requiring a detailed inspection of its individual appointments and the application of a variety of methods to remedy the defects.

The work already done in this direction has been of no insignificant character, and the hearty coöperation that has been met with in carrying out suggested improvements is gratifying to the Board, and creditable to the institutions.

REGISTRATION.

The particular attention of physicians, clergymen, and town and city authorities is called to the registration report, and the remarks of the Secretary. The imperfect and uncertain returns from many towns will be apparent upon examination. That such a result is not chargeable to any one source is very evident, and though the law is not adequate to the securing of a perfect registration, a total disregard of the same admits of no excuse.

That our state has no correct data upon which to base practical or theoretical conclusions regarding the cause and effect in matters of life and death, and the multiplicity of interesting and important questions connected therewith, is a lamentable fact, which pride alone, if no other stimulus is sufficient, ought to remedy. To be obliged to borrow the labors of our more (in this respect) progressive sister states as a basis upon which to guess at results or conditions in this state, is hardly in keeping with the duties and obligations of a commonwealth.

The great value of a correct record of births, marriages, and deaths, properly tabulated, cannot be overestimated. From such a source, information of practical use to individuals, society, localities, and the state could be secured, that is attainable in no other way. No other subject bears more directly upon the welfare of the people. The knowledge which a perfect registration

would reveal, would, in an indirect manner, become a strong factor, in time, in educational and social interests, state legislation, town and municipal action in matters of health, and in the determination of certain methods of political economy. Our labors upon this very important subject will be unceasing; and while we offer no suggestions of a legislative character at this time, the question will be carefully studied, with a view to recommending some measures that will remedy the defects which are obvious to all.

GENERAL REMARKS.

It is not to be expected that in the brief time since our organization all of the varied and numerous questions that come within the province of our work have been considered, or that our exact path of labor has been marked out. The magnitude of the work of such a department is apparent only to those who are laboring in the same field.

The many conditions that directly or indirectly affect the physical welfare of the people of a community or state are almost innumerable; but while it is impossible to direct our energies to all these evils, from their multiplicity, at once, the more immediate and prominent causes of disease and other sources of injury to the public health will receive our first consideration. The labor and experience of similar boards in other states are of great value in the work.

There is no groping in the dark definite causes produce certain effects; suitable conditions produce specific diseases; the relation of cause to effect, in many diseases, epidemics, and impaired and enfeebled systems, has been positively demonstrated; the remedies are known, but can be applied only through education of the people, active interference of conditions, expensive or inexpensive alterations, legislative action, diplomacy, and law.

With a deep sense of our obligations and duties to the people of the state, and an inexpressible gratitude for the legislative wisdom that has given the citizens of New Hampshire an opportunity to avail themselves of such fruits as we may be able to offer, with the generous and hearty support that is already manifested by the people, which we trust will not be unwelcome or unappreciated, we respectfully submit our first annual report.