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BACTERIOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS RITES.
1592
THE SANITARY CONDITION OF WINDSOR.
Windsor. In June of last year the youth in question Dr. BuLSTEODE’s report, the resignation of the town clerk, handed to representatives of the local press a report by the which was recently announced, is, from the view of sanitary medical officer of health of the borough, Dr. E. CASEY, which progress, not wholly to be regretted, notwithstanding that was to be presented and considered at the next meeting Mr. LOVEGROVE has doubtless in other respects established of the Windsor Town Council. After that meeting the press substantial claim to the gratitude of the people of Windsor. accounts, which set out Dr. CASEY’S report in full, caused Concerning the fate of the office-boy we are ignorant; but as great astonishment to certain members of the town council, a happy accident enabled him to inaugurate great benefit who learnt for the first time that the medical officer of to his fellow-citizens we should be glad to learn that he health had been calling attention to the grossly insani- has been rewarded. Readers of THE LANCET of 1885 will find in Dr. tary condition of a large group of cottages in Windsor, but that all his observations on this subject had been omitted BULSTRODE’S official report ample justification of the action when his report was read at the town council meeting. which in that year we felt it our duty to take when we Inquiries followed, from which it appeared that, failing brought before the public the backward state of sanitary specific directions from the Sanitary Committee, discretion affairs in Windsor. As a result of careful inquiries by a as to what parts of reports by the medical officer of health Special Commissioner of THE LANCET we then called should reach the town council and the public was habitually attention to a number of conditions urgently demanding exercised by the town clerk. Application was then made by remedy, which, 15 years ago, could readily have been certain residents to the Local Government Board for applied by a town council willing to exercise a reasonable amount of determination and common-sense. In particular inquiry. As a result, that Board has lately issued a report, which we we urged on the local authorities the need for careful inreview more fully elsewhere in our present issue, by Dr. vestigation of the unhealthy and degrading conditions under H. T. BULSTRODE, who has not only locally investigated the which a large portion of the people in Windsor were living current methods of sanitary administration, but has studied and for efforts to ameliorate them. The Rev. ARTHUR ROBINS, in detail the various sanitary shortcomings of the borough. then rector of Holy Trinity, Windsor, whose acquaintance This report has created, as no doubt it was intended to with the moral and social conditions of the Windsor poor create, a great stir in Windsor. The inhabitants have had was intimate, aided our efforts by the most determined
lacking in many essentials to the healthy life of a modern community which can be provided as easily for their ancient borough as for newer towns of much less importance. For example, the borough is without an isolation hospital or a disinfecting apparatus, and this notwithstanding the special need for measures to control infectious disease in a place which is at once a Royal residence, a military station, and a resort for visitors from all parts of the world, while it is also close to one of the most famous public schools of the country. In addition, Windsor has now been given officially to understand that its sanitary administration in ordinary dayto-day matters has been weak in the extreme ; that the by-laws of the place are unknown even to officials of the town council; that their town abounds in nuisances due to accumulation of refuse near to dwellings ; and brought
to their notice that their town is
that the conditions under which the poorer classes live are in many cases about as bad as they can be. Rows of houses which by reason of their dilapidation, inside and out, and of their unwholesome surroundings should long ago have been condemned as unfitfor habitation, have year after year been permitted to be occupied, notwithstanding representations more or less forcible by the officers of the sanitary department. So persistent have been the influences exerted against improvement in such matters that these officers have come to look upon reform as hopeless, and, in the words of the report, have "become disheartened"and have learnt to
adopt " apologetic attitudes." Notwithstanding much indignation which has been expressed at Dr. BULSTRODE’S indictment, there are signs that it has had effect. Already, it would seem, something has been done by way of amendment by the town council, which, we are glad to learn, has after the recent elections been reinforced by new members who have pledged themselves to comprehensive measures of reform. Having regard to the circumstances set out in
warnings, we fear, in the long run had particular, the house-to-house survey which we suggested as the first essential to sanitary progress was not adopted. The town council had learnt "how not to do it," and continued content in applying that knowledge. Their advocacy,
but
small effect.
our
In
officials at that time indeed furnished us with admirable examples of the apologetic attitude " which since has so impressed the inspector of the Local Government Board.
We recall these facts in
of
selfcomplacency, but they may people of Windsor and their representatives, now suffering from another public exposition of the shortcomings of the borough in a sanitary sense, that the best way in the long run is to face, and not to ignore, the difficulties which beset reform. We are glad to
because
learn from local
no
spirit
to remind the
serve
sources
that there is
a
prospect that in future
the ostrich-like policy from which Windsor has suffered in the past will be definitely abandoned.
Annotations. "Ne
quid nimis."
BACTERIOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS RITES. THE fact that bacteriology is quite a modern science, whereas religious rites and ceremonies date back as far as historical records will allow us to go, sufficiently explains the want of harmony between them. It would, indeed, have been a proof of marvellous prophetic intuition if those who first initiated religious ceremonies had foreseen and prepared for discoveries to be made many centuries later. Several of our correspondents have expatiated on the risk attending the promiscuous use of the communion cup. This, however, is far from being the only risk of this description. The holy water in Roman Catholic churches is quite as serious a matter. The shallow
THE PRINCE OF WALES’S HOSPITAL FUND FOR LONDON.
1593
shell-shaped receptacle is placed barely three feet or so from cost of management and collection of about 3 per cent. Of the floor, so that the dust stirred up by the feet or shaken this sum 26,000 have been given as annual grants and the off from the persons who pass by readily falls into it. remainder as donations. Deducting from the total sum 1000 Innumerable fingers, not always scrupulously clean, are which were given to convalescent homes, and the balance dipped into the water. Also, it is just at the moment of of .E41,000 compares with .631,500 of the previous year. danger and trouble that the faithful are most prone to resort The sum collected in the Diamond Jubilee year was The report of the distribution committee states to their church for prayer and consolation. Coming straight
Duchess of York, 21; Princes Albert and Edward of York, .622s.,; Princess Victoria of York, Pl1s.;the Duke and Duchess of Fife, z50 ; the Duke and Duchess of Teck, 10 ; Captain Prince Louis of Battenberg, R.N., 1 1. ;Princess Louis of Battenberg, 1is.
THE APPOINTMENT OF HONORARY MEDICAL OFFICERS TO INFIRMARIES.
THE PRINCE OF WALES’S HOSPITAL FUND FOR LONDON. - it IT is desirable that further help up to a minimum of may be given before Dec. 15th next" is the concluding sentence of a special appeal which has been issued with the third annual report of the Prince of Wales’s Hospital Fund for London. Although the report is a very satisfactory one from the point of view of work done the receipts do not reach the progressive standard which the needs of the hospitals call for. This is especially regrettable at a time when the hospitals of London are suffering from a lack of financial support by reason of the heavy drain upon the charitable purse in other directions. The total sum distributed in 1899 amounted to 42,000, with a total
25,000
1
THE LANCET, Oct.
13th, 1900, p. 1088
I
IT is much to be regretted, at a time when esprit de corps of the profession is in the ascendancy, that antiquated methods of election of honorary officers to our infirmaries should still exist. When a body of subscribers, as well as presidents, vice-presidents, and boards of management, have to be solicited for votes it is canvassing, and canvassing of a distasteful nature which might deter well-qualified We would be the candidates from entering the field. last to deprive anyone of the franchise or to remove any privileges which subscribers may enjoy, but surely these persons might depute the election of honorary officers, when occasion requires, to a body elected by themselves. At an annual meeting when the subscribers are assembled after electing president, vice-presidents, and board of management, surely an elective body could be appointed from among the subscribers to act for the following year, and such subscribers, together with the board of management, would form a body suitable for the purpose.’ In some cities and towns we believe that this has been done and that it works well; why cannot every town that is proud of its hospital do the same ? We are prompted to make these remarks in consequence of the election of an honorary medical officer to the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan, which took on Nov. 14th. Three eligible gentlemen had been nominated and provision had been made for taking a poll if necesOne of the candidates (Dr. F. Rees) who had the sary. unusual privilege of addressing the subscribers (electors), questioned the right of many of the gentlemen present as representatives from the works (because it was alleged the
place
THE SANITARY CONDITION OF WINDSOR.
Windsor. In June of last year the youth in question Dr. BuLSTEODE’s report, the resignation of the town clerk, handed to representatives of the local press a report by the which was recently announced, is, from the view of sanitary medical officer of health of the borough, Dr. E. CASEY, which progress, not wholly to be regretted, notwithstanding that was to be presented and considered at the next meeting Mr. LOVEGROVE has doubtless in other respects established of the Windsor Town Council. After that meeting the press substantial claim to the gratitude of the people of Windsor. accounts, which set out Dr. CASEY’S report in full, caused Concerning the fate of the office-boy we are ignorant; but as great astonishment to certain members of the town council, a happy accident enabled him to inaugurate great benefit who learnt for the first time that the medical officer of to his fellow-citizens we should be glad to learn that he health had been calling attention to the grossly insani- has been rewarded. Readers of THE LANCET of 1885 will find in Dr. tary condition of a large group of cottages in Windsor, but that all his observations on this subject had been omitted BULSTRODE’S official report ample justification of the action when his report was read at the town council meeting. which in that year we felt it our duty to take when we Inquiries followed, from which it appeared that, failing brought before the public the backward state of sanitary specific directions from the Sanitary Committee, discretion affairs in Windsor. As a result of careful inquiries by a as to what parts of reports by the medical officer of health Special Commissioner of THE LANCET we then called should reach the town council and the public was habitually attention to a number of conditions urgently demanding exercised by the town clerk. Application was then made by remedy, which, 15 years ago, could readily have been certain residents to the Local Government Board for applied by a town council willing to exercise a reasonable amount of determination and common-sense. In particular inquiry. As a result, that Board has lately issued a report, which we we urged on the local authorities the need for careful inreview more fully elsewhere in our present issue, by Dr. vestigation of the unhealthy and degrading conditions under H. T. BULSTRODE, who has not only locally investigated the which a large portion of the people in Windsor were living current methods of sanitary administration, but has studied and for efforts to ameliorate them. The Rev. ARTHUR ROBINS, in detail the various sanitary shortcomings of the borough. then rector of Holy Trinity, Windsor, whose acquaintance This report has created, as no doubt it was intended to with the moral and social conditions of the Windsor poor create, a great stir in Windsor. The inhabitants have had was intimate, aided our efforts by the most determined
lacking in many essentials to the healthy life of a modern community which can be provided as easily for their ancient borough as for newer towns of much less importance. For example, the borough is without an isolation hospital or a disinfecting apparatus, and this notwithstanding the special need for measures to control infectious disease in a place which is at once a Royal residence, a military station, and a resort for visitors from all parts of the world, while it is also close to one of the most famous public schools of the country. In addition, Windsor has now been given officially to understand that its sanitary administration in ordinary dayto-day matters has been weak in the extreme ; that the by-laws of the place are unknown even to officials of the town council; that their town abounds in nuisances due to accumulation of refuse near to dwellings ; and brought
to their notice that their town is
that the conditions under which the poorer classes live are in many cases about as bad as they can be. Rows of houses which by reason of their dilapidation, inside and out, and of their unwholesome surroundings should long ago have been condemned as unfitfor habitation, have year after year been permitted to be occupied, notwithstanding representations more or less forcible by the officers of the sanitary department. So persistent have been the influences exerted against improvement in such matters that these officers have come to look upon reform as hopeless, and, in the words of the report, have "become disheartened"and have learnt to
adopt " apologetic attitudes." Notwithstanding much indignation which has been expressed at Dr. BULSTRODE’S indictment, there are signs that it has had effect. Already, it would seem, something has been done by way of amendment by the town council, which, we are glad to learn, has after the recent elections been reinforced by new members who have pledged themselves to comprehensive measures of reform. Having regard to the circumstances set out in
warnings, we fear, in the long run had particular, the house-to-house survey which we suggested as the first essential to sanitary progress was not adopted. The town council had learnt "how not to do it," and continued content in applying that knowledge. Their advocacy,
but
small effect.
our
In
officials at that time indeed furnished us with admirable examples of the apologetic attitude " which since has so impressed the inspector of the Local Government Board.
We recall these facts in
of
selfcomplacency, but they may people of Windsor and their representatives, now suffering from another public exposition of the shortcomings of the borough in a sanitary sense, that the best way in the long run is to face, and not to ignore, the difficulties which beset reform. We are glad to
because
learn from local
no
spirit
to remind the
serve
sources
that there is
a
prospect that in future
the ostrich-like policy from which Windsor has suffered in the past will be definitely abandoned.
Annotations. "Ne
quid nimis."
BACTERIOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS RITES. THE fact that bacteriology is quite a modern science, whereas religious rites and ceremonies date back as far as historical records will allow us to go, sufficiently explains the want of harmony between them. It would, indeed, have been a proof of marvellous prophetic intuition if those who first initiated religious ceremonies had foreseen and prepared for discoveries to be made many centuries later. Several of our correspondents have expatiated on the risk attending the promiscuous use of the communion cup. This, however, is far from being the only risk of this description. The holy water in Roman Catholic churches is quite as serious a matter. The shallow
THE PRINCE OF WALES’S HOSPITAL FUND FOR LONDON.
1593
shell-shaped receptacle is placed barely three feet or so from cost of management and collection of about 3 per cent. Of the floor, so that the dust stirred up by the feet or shaken this sum 26,000 have been given as annual grants and the off from the persons who pass by readily falls into it. remainder as donations. Deducting from the total sum 1000 Innumerable fingers, not always scrupulously clean, are which were given to convalescent homes, and the balance dipped into the water. Also, it is just at the moment of of .E41,000 compares with .631,500 of the previous year. danger and trouble that the faithful are most prone to resort The sum collected in the Diamond Jubilee year was The report of the distribution committee states to their church for prayer and consolation. Coming straight
Duchess of York, 21; Princes Albert and Edward of York, .622s.,; Princess Victoria of York, Pl1s.;the Duke and Duchess of Fife, z50 ; the Duke and Duchess of Teck, 10 ; Captain Prince Louis of Battenberg, R.N., 1 1. ;Princess Louis of Battenberg, 1is.
THE APPOINTMENT OF HONORARY MEDICAL OFFICERS TO INFIRMARIES.
THE PRINCE OF WALES’S HOSPITAL FUND FOR LONDON. - it IT is desirable that further help up to a minimum of may be given before Dec. 15th next" is the concluding sentence of a special appeal which has been issued with the third annual report of the Prince of Wales’s Hospital Fund for London. Although the report is a very satisfactory one from the point of view of work done the receipts do not reach the progressive standard which the needs of the hospitals call for. This is especially regrettable at a time when the hospitals of London are suffering from a lack of financial support by reason of the heavy drain upon the charitable purse in other directions. The total sum distributed in 1899 amounted to 42,000, with a total
25,000
1
THE LANCET, Oct.
13th, 1900, p. 1088
I
IT is much to be regretted, at a time when esprit de corps of the profession is in the ascendancy, that antiquated methods of election of honorary officers to our infirmaries should still exist. When a body of subscribers, as well as presidents, vice-presidents, and boards of management, have to be solicited for votes it is canvassing, and canvassing of a distasteful nature which might deter well-qualified We would be the candidates from entering the field. last to deprive anyone of the franchise or to remove any privileges which subscribers may enjoy, but surely these persons might depute the election of honorary officers, when occasion requires, to a body elected by themselves. At an annual meeting when the subscribers are assembled after electing president, vice-presidents, and board of management, surely an elective body could be appointed from among the subscribers to act for the following year, and such subscribers, together with the board of management, would form a body suitable for the purpose.’ In some cities and towns we believe that this has been done and that it works well; why cannot every town that is proud of its hospital do the same ? We are prompted to make these remarks in consequence of the election of an honorary medical officer to the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan, which took on Nov. 14th. Three eligible gentlemen had been nominated and provision had been made for taking a poll if necesOne of the candidates (Dr. F. Rees) who had the sary. unusual privilege of addressing the subscribers (electors), questioned the right of many of the gentlemen present as representatives from the works (because it was alleged the
place